A/N: Hey all! Here with another chapter of SPICA, and hopefully I'll end this as soon as I can because I want it to anyway. It was supposed to be a short fic, but it got longer and longer by the time I continue to type it. *Sigh* Imagination sure grows everyday doesn't it? Oh well, better get off myself of talking.

Anyway, let's continue what we have left that night…

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN MKR AND THESE SONGS! IT BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE, SO DON'T SUE ME, OKAY? I'M BEGGING YOU!

SPICA

Part 3

(Umi together with the children)

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

The song faded…


It was morning in the land of Cephiro. The sun is shining brightly, the birds chirping from outside. A rain drop drops from the trees to the flowers, making it more beautiful as the sun reflected droplets from the flower, making it shine like diamonds. It was a beautiful morning indeed after the heavy storm strode last night.

The Queen was pacing faster and faster as she walked through the hallway looking for her husband. When she reached a corridor, she spotted him and approached him with a worry face.

"Fuu, what's wrong?" her husband asked.

"Ferio, have you seen the kids? They were not in their room when I checked." she said worriedly.

"Don't worry, my love, we shall find them. Maybe we should ask Princess Hikaru if she knows about this," he said, gesturing his wife to walk with him to look for the Princess. Luckily as they turned a corridor, they spotted Princess Hikaru with the Captain and his wife.

"Oh good morning, your majesty." the Chizetan curtsied to the both of them.

"Good morning to you too, Caldina and Captain." The queen waved her hands, gesturing them to stop bowing.

"What brings you here in this fine morning, your highness?" Lafarga asked politely.

"Well uhmmm… you see. I was just hoping you have seen the kids this morning." the queen asked worriedly.

"Huh? I didn't see them this morning. Speaking of which, Nathan and Daniel didn't come to their room last night, and I thought they went to join Kayla and Keyle or even Junior for a sleepover," said Hikaru.

"Well come to think of it, I haven't seen the twins either after I asked them to give my spare clothes to Miss Umi. It was rather odd that they didn't come by our room," said Caldina.

"Hmmm…does Clef know where they may have gone?" Fuu wondered.

"Let's ask him," Ferio suggested, and all of them went to the Guru's studies where he usually is. When they got there, Clef was already outside the door like he just came out from the room. "Guru," Ferio called.

"Oh, your majesty, good morning." He slightly bowed to them.

Ferio gestured him to stop the bowing and they asked him.

"Uh… we're here to ask if you know where the kids might have gone. We can't seem to find them in their rooms. Can you trace them down with your magic?" Ferio asked politely.

"The kids? Well, I didn't see them this morning, but I can trace them with my magic," he said as he snapped his fingers, making his staff appear from his hands. He started to close his eyes and chanted some spells as he focused his concentration. It wasn't long enough that he was able to trace them and opened his eyes. "I think I know where they are and it's nearby," he said as he made his way to guide them. After passing a few corridors, Clef stopped at a door, which is the only door found on this corner. "We're here," he informed them.

"Huh? But, this is Miss Umi's room. Could it be that they all went to her room last night?" Hikaru asked, confused.

"Well maybe… But what could they've been doing?" Fuu asked worriedly.

"Well, let us find it out for ourselves, shall we?" said Ferio as he slowly opened the door, making sure that he's not making a loud noise.

As he opened the door, they all peaked in their heads and there they saw Umi sleeping on her bed with Junior, Fiona and Edmund on her arms, Nathan and Daniel slept on the couch and Kayla and Keyle on the lower side of the bed sleeping soundly. They awed adorably as they continue to look at them.

"Awww… they look so peaceful." Hikaru smiled.

"Yes, they are, and it looks like they enjoyed their sleep," Fuu cooed.

"Should we wake them up?" Ferio asked.

"No, I think we shouldn't. Let's just wait for breakfast," Fuu informed. When they started to retreat, Clef was able to eye a certain bluette who looked so angelic sleeping there with the kids in her arms. He let a small smile escape and then he resumed closing the door.


When they are out of sight, Umi opened one eye and a smile curved her lips as she shook the sleeping children from her bed.

"Rise and shine everyone! Come on, wake up." She continued to wake them up.

"Ugh… five more minutes," Junior said it unconsciously.

Umi sighed in distress. "Well, if you're not awake in 5 seconds then I'm gonna tickle you until your stomach aches," she said in a warning tone.

"Uh no! Okay I'm up, I'm up." Junior stood from the bed, but his eyelids were still closing while the others we're managing to wake up.

"Okay everyone, we should get ready for breakfast. Kayla, Keyle, Nathan and Daniel, you should go back to your rooms and clean yourselves. Junior, Edmund, Fiona, come with me. I'll help you get ready," she said as she carried Junior and Fiona in her arms while Edmund followed her from behind, and all of them exited the room.

The following morning was more on Umi helping the three children get ready. She also fixed herself as well, and then they went straight to the dining hall for breakfast since Junior kept mumbling about his stomach. When they arrived, everyone welcomed them with Nathan, Daniel and the twins already at the table while the three immediately ran to their father and mother and greeted them with a heart-warming good morning.

"Good morning, mommy and daddy!" the trio chorused.

"Good morning, children." The King opened his arms to hug them.

"How was your sleep, little ones?" The queen kissed their foreheads one by one.

"It was great, mommy. And guess what, I survived the night!" Junior said cheerfully.

"Survived?" Ferio asked.

"Well as you can see, dad, Junior here is afraid of the storm last night so he went to Umi-chan's room," Fiona told him.

"Nah ah! I'm not the only one who's scared!" Junior talked back.

"Now calm down you two, it's not the right time to be arguing. Let's have some breakfast shall we?" Ferio petted his son and his daughter hard, making their hair scatter messily.

"Okay!" they cheerfully said.

They took their seats before Umi could take hers. It seems that every time they dine together Umi always sits next to Junior and the Mage. She felt a little awkward when she finally noticed that the Mage was eyeing her the whole time and not because she minded it, but every time she glanced at him, his looks were always serious like he's a stalker or he's mad about something. 'What's his problem? Why is he staring at me like that?' she thought. Still she mentally told him to stop looking at her like that. It was quite bothering for her to be stared at like that, so she distracted herself by talking to Junior or even helping him eat. Even talking to the queen or the princess still didn't work. She became bothered and annoyed at the same time, so she sighed heavily and decided to turn her head to have a good look at him, more like returning his stares. She noticed that the Mage has an oddly lavender hair color, for she thought he had white hair. His hair was cleanly kept in two sides with his bangs that were longer on one side. His eyes were very emotionless, with crystal ice-blue eyes. His face was angular, showing that he's a growing man in his twenties? She's not sure, but she can tell that he's still young, more likely two years ahead of her. And, his lips were thinner than she thought, and his lips were in a slight curve. The two of them were unconsciously staring at each other. Noticing this, Umi snapped back to reality and started to scold herself. 'Umi, what were you thinking?' she decided to turn away from him. Seeing her look away, he also snapped back to reality and looked away. Both of their faces were tinted red, and there was an inward silence between the two of them. Umi distracted herself by turning her attention to Junior, but when she did that he threw a teaspoon of porridge into her face.

"Ha ha ha! Onee-chan, there's porridge all over your face!" he laughed out loud, and Umi twitched her eyebrows in annoyance.

"Junior, why did you do that?" his mother scolded him.

*Sigh* "Geez Junior, you don't have to do that." Umi was keeping her voice under control for she didn't want to yell at the little boy. She was annoyed and frustrated at the same time. She searched for a napkin to wipe the porridge out of her face, but instead the Mage grabbed her arm and romantically lifted her chin up.

"Here, let me," he said as he took a table napkin and removed the porridge from her face delicately.

Umi didn't make a sound for she was still in a state of shock and was blushing harder. 'Oh, this is so embarrassing,' she thought. Not knowing on what to do, she just stared at the Mage delicately whipping her face, but all of the sudden she liked it. She can feel his warm hands cupping her cheeks, and she can also feel his breath touching her face. She didn't know why but every time she looked at him, she feels strange like she has known him for so long. She can't tell. She felt like butterflies was all over her, possessing her, and her heart started to beat faster. 'It's so strange for me to feel this way…could it be? Could it be this is what they call… love at first sight?' she thought.

"There, it's done," he said and smiled at her.

"Oh uh… thank you," she said nervously and returned his smile. Once again, they caught each other's eyes and started to gaze at each other romantically. 'Oh why, why are you staring at me with those eyes of yours?' Umi thought dramatically. 'Why can't I stop staring at your eyes?' he thought. They were like that for a few moments before Umi realized what she's doing and decided to excuse herself from the room. Ferio noticed, and he looked at them in awe. He smirked at the Mage at how he looked so affectionate by just staring at the new governess.


In the east wing garden of the castle laid Umi, sitting on the railing of the fountain sighing sadly. "What is wrong with me? Why am I having this feeling? I mean, we just met and I only barely know him. I don't even know his name, for goodness's sake!"She sighed even more for she was in distress. She screamed out of her mind because she kept thinking on that earlier scene, him wiping the porridge out of her face, him cupping her cheeks, his adoring eyes… No! Her head was aching now for her mind kept playing on the same scene over and over again. She can't get him out of her mind, and she's dying because of it. "WHY?" she screamed again.

Because of the screaming noises, it alerted the children, who were just playing in the garden, and they went near her.

"What's wrong, Onee-chan?" Junior asked her.

"Errr… it's nothing really," Umi replied.

"But, you looked like you're depressed about something," Fiona asked worriedly.

"I-It's nothing to worry about. I'm fine really," she said as she stood up and smiled at them.

"Hmmm… if you say so," said Fiona.

"Nee- Onee-chan, why don't we play instead?" Junior tugged her dress.

"Well uhmmm… I'm not in the mood to play right now, Junior," Umi smiled coyly.

"Oh okay… Why don't you teach us how to sing then?" he said hopefully to Umi as he showed his puppy eyes.

*Giggles* "Okay, okay, Junior, you win," she said as she lift Junior to her arms.

"Yey!" they cheerfully said.

"Can we join?" Kayla and Keyle approached Umi with Nathan and Daniel behind them.

"Oh sure! The more the merrier," she said as they gathered into the garden and sat in a small circle. "But before we do that, let's properly introduce ourselves since we haven't been able to. You go first, Kayla, and also tell me more about yourselves." She gestured her to start.

"Oh okay. Uh, my name is Kayla, the twin sister of Keyle. Well, I think you already know that but I'm the eldest. I'm already 16 years old and so is she. We may look identical physically but our eyes say otherwise. I had my father's blue eyes while Keyle had red eyes from mom." She pointed their eyes to see the difference and then she continued. "I like cute clothes and accessories and love to dress up. And, I also like to dance," she said.

"Wow that sounds fascinating, Kayla. You're next, Keyle," said Umi.

"Well, I think she said most everything, so I won't repeat it. The only thing that I'm interested in is sword fighting. Nothing more, nothing less," she said with an attitude.

"Oh? What about cute boys, my dear sister?" Kayla teased her, making Keyle to blush harder.

"Shut up, sis!" she growled.

"Okay, I think that's enough girls. I don't want to see any fighting since the kids are here," she warned her and then Keyle nodded in response. "Good, you're next Nathan," she said.

"Uhmmm… my name is Nathan, I'm 12 years old, and I am the eldest son of Princess Hikaru and Kailu Lantis. Well, I don't have many interests… just like to learn sword fighting from my dad and magic from my mom, that's all," he said with an inward silence. He's a silent type of guy, probably like his father.

"Ah, so the name of the Princess is Hikaru, right? And she's married to that tall, dark guy named Lantis, right?" she giggled, just looking at Nathan who was blushing harder.

"Uh yeah… more likely," he said shyly.

"It's your turn, Daniel," she said as she holds up her giggling.

"Okay my turn! Hello guys my name is Daniel and I'm 10! I'm the youngest son of Princess Hikaru and Kailu Lantis, and unlike him, I have many interests! I like fire magic. I like sword fighting. I also love pets, and most especially I like sweets!" said the hyper-active kid.

"Oh wow, you're the complete opposite of your brother, Daniel." Umi complemented.

"Well actually, he is like our mother, very hyper and cheerful," Nathan smirked at his brother.

"Yes, yes I can see that. It's your turn now, Edmund," said Umi.

"Uh… my name is Edmund and I'm 7 years old. I'm the eldest son of King Ferio and Queen Fuu, so more likely I am the heir of the throne since I'm the eldest. My interest is more on wind magic, specifically on healing. I'm also interested in sword fighting and stuff, but I don't like to go to the wilderness because it's full of monsters out there," he said shyly and sadly. Umi comforted him and smiled at him reassuringly.

"It's alright, Edmund, I understand," she said warmly, making Edmund smile also. "Your turn, Fiona," she said.

"Well, I find it awkward but I'll just do this once. My name is Fiona, the only daughter of the King and Queen of Cephiro and I'm 6 years old. I practice wind magic, and I love books and rare stuffs. I also love to learn from the Guru, in fact I am his star pupil." she said proudly.

"Wow, I'm impressed, Fiona. You should keep it up. And finally, your turn, Junior," she tugged him.

"Uh oh… My name is Ferio but everyone calls me Junior because I look like daddy. And, I'm 4 but I will turn 5 next month. Uhm… I like sword stuff and slay monsters! But daddy won't allow me to go outside the castle. I don't know any magic, but I like to play tricks, especially to the old geezer," he said cheerfully.

"Oh, so your name is Ferio, like your father's right? I thought your name is actually Junior. I find it very ironic," she rubbed at his hair teasingly. "And, I never thought that you're almost 5! Wow, you're getting grown up now," she smiled.

"Heh heh, I know!" he replied.

"Oh yeah, who is this old geezer that you're referring to, Junior?" Umi asked jokingly.

"Who else? It's the guru!" he smiled sheepishly.

"Junior, that's not nice! You shouldn't play tricks on him or even call him names like that. It's rude!" she scolded him.

"Oh, okay…" he said sadly, but Umi tickled him to cheer him up.

"What about you, Miss Umi? Aren't you going to introduce yourself?" Kayla asked.

"Well since everyone did their part, I think I should anyway," she said as everyone turns their attention to Umi, making Umi giggle. "Well, my name is Umi, Umi Ryuuzaki to be exact. I live in a country named Japan. I finished schooling in my degree of Arts and Music, and I graduated at Harvard University in the States. I returned to Japan to work part time as a teacher, so basically, I'm a part-time teacher. I simply like to sing and draw, and I also do fencing. That's all," she said briefly.

"Huh?" they said in chorus.

"Uhmm… Am I making you all confused?" she asked.

"Well, only a little bit. We can't understand the Japan and the degree thingy part. Sorry." Kayla informed her.

"Oh well, you can always forget that part. But still…" she became serious. "I want to inform everyone that I'm not from this world. I'm actually from a different world called Earth," she said honestly.

"Oh… So it's true then," Fiona muttered sadly. All of them became sad for a moment, but Umi gave them a reassuring smile.

"But, don't worry, I won't go anywhere. Not until I can find a way to go home." She smiled and everyone nodded in response.

"Uhmmm… Umi, how old are you anyway?" Keyle asked, wanting to change the topic.

"Well I'm already 23 years old," she said.

"WHAT? Your sooo young! I thought you're the same age with Aunt Fuu." Daniel said in disbelief.

"Eh? So how old is the Queen anyway?" she asked, dumbfound.

"She's only 65! Very young," Kayla informed her.

"Eh? She's older than my mother!" she said surprisingly.

"That's not all, daddy is also 67!" said Edmund.

"Eh?" she said confusingly.

"Come to think of it, mother is only 64 and father is 71," said Nathan.

"Eh?" she said surprisingly.

"Ha! My mom is already 73 and dad is 79!" Keyle said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Eh?" she said shockingly.

"Ha! Those ages are nothing when it compares to the Guru!" Junior said proudly.

"Eh? What do you mean? How old is he anyway?" she asked confusingly.

"Guess it," said Fiona.

"Uhmmm… is he on the seventies?" she asked.

"…" no response.

"Eighties?" she asked again.

"…" still no response.

"N-Nineties?" she asked again.

"…" still no response.

"Come on, just tell me!" she begged.

"Ha! Those ages you mention are not even close to his real age!" Junior laughed out loud.

"Huh? What do you mean?" she asked, now curious.

"Actually, Guru-san is already 745 years old Umi-chan," said Fiona.

"…" was Umi's response.

"Now you know," they said in chorus.

Umi stood up. "EEEEEHHHHH?" she said in disbelief. 'I-I can't believe I've got a crush on a seven century year old man! So this is what they said about… age doesn't matter when you're in love. Ha ha ha.' she screamed mentally to herself.

"Umi, are you okay? Why did you take it so seriously?" said Keyle.

"T-That's because those ages you mention are so not normal on Earth! I mean, even if we reached the age of 60s or 70s we're already old for that age, unlike here. A-And most especially, no one can live in seven centuries! We're already dead by now, more likely a bag of rusted bones if you ask me. How come you guys live so long?" she asked desperately.

"Well that's because here in Cephiro, we can't die because of old age unless you want to. But, we may die in illness and death itself. Cephiro is the land of Will so it's up to you whether you want to live or not as you wish," said Nathan.

Umi sat back on the ground and sighed heavily. *sigh* "Anyway, we're not here to talk about ages. Why don't we proceed with the singing shall we?" she said.

"Ok …..ahmm how does it goes again? Edmund asked.

Umi "sigh". "Anyway I'm gonna teach you the basics first."(4th song: "Do-re-mi" from The Sound of Music)

(Umi)

Let's start at the very beginning

A very good place to start

When you read you begin with A-B-C

When you sing you begin with do-re-mi

Do-re-mi, do-re-mi

The first three notes just happen to be

Do-re-mi, do-re-mi

(Umi)

Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti

"Let's see if I can make it easy" said Umi.

(Umi)

Doe, a deer, a female deer

Ray, a drop of golden sun

Me, a name I call myself

Far, a long, long way to run

Sew, a needle pulling thread

La, a note to follow Sew

Tea, a drink with jam and bread

That will bring us back to Do (oh-oh-oh)

(Umi and Children)

[Repeat above verse twice]

(Umi)

Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do

So-do!

"Now children, do-re-mi-fa-so and so on are only the tools we use to build a song. Once you have these notes in your heads, you can sing a million different tunes by mixing them up. Like this." said Umi

(Umi)

So Do La Fa Mi Do Re

"Can you do that? " Umi asked.

(Children)

So Do La Fa Mi Do Re

(Umi)

So Do La Ti Do Re Do

(Children)

So Do La Ti Do Re Do

(Umi)

"Now, put it all together." said Umi

(Umi and Children)

So Do La Fa Mi Do Re, So Do La Ti Do Re Do

(Umi)

"Good! " said Umi

"But it doesn't mean anything." said Fiona

"So we put in words. One word for every note. Like this." said Umi

(Umi)

When you know the notes to sing

You can sing most anything

"Together!"said Umi

(Umi and Children)

When you know the notes to sing

You can sing most anything

Doe, a deer, a female deer

Ray, a drop of golden sun

Me, a name I call myself

Far, a long, long way to run

Sew, a needle pulling thread

La, a note to follow Sew

Tea, a drink with jam and bread

That will bring us back to Do

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do

Do Ti La So Fa Mi Re

(Children)

Do Mi Mi

Mi So So

Re Fa Fa

La Ti Ti

(Repeat above verse 4x as Umi sings)

(Umi)

When you know the notes to sing

You can sing most anything

(Umi and Children)

Doe, a deer, a female deer

Ray, a drop of golden sun

Me, a name I call myself

Far, a long, long way to run

Sew, a needle pulling thread

La, a note to follow Sew

Tea, a drink with jam and bread

That will bring us back to

(Umi)

(children)

Do . . . So Do

Re . . . La Fa

Mi . . . Mi Do

Fa . . . Re

So . . . So Do

La . . . La Fa

Ti . . . La So Fa Mi Re

Ti Do - oh - oh Ti Do - So Do

They were running while they sang and they had fun.


Behind the east wing pillar was Ferio, Fuu, Hikaru, and Lantis. They were watching them the whole time, and they seem to enjoy it.

"It looks like they're enjoying themselves," said Ferio.

"It looks fun. I want to join! Queen Fuu, are you with me?" said Hikaru.

"Well I uhmmm…" said Fuu. Before she could continue, she was already dragged by Hikaru.

"Come on, let's go," she cheerfully said.

"How about you, Lantis? Don't you want to join them?" said Ferio.

"I'll pass," he said coolly.

"Oh come on, Lantis. Have some fun for a change," he said teasingly.

"Hey you guys," said Caldina as she approached them.

"Oh, Caldina, what brings you here?" said Ferio.

"Oh just stopping by. Where are Hikaru and Fuu?" she asked.

"Oh they're right there," said Ferio pointing to where the Queen and the Princess are.

"Hmmm…. They seem having fun, why don't we join them," said Caldina as she dragged the two men, going to where the Queen and the princess are.

"Hey guys, can we join you?" said Caldina.

"Oh sure," said Fuu.

"Yey! Daddy is here to join us" said Junior.


Down the hall way, Clef was walking, and he noticed that the palace was quiet, too quiet. 'Hmmm… where is everyone?' he thought. While he continues to walk, he passed by a balcony that is interconnected to the east wing of the garden. He heard laughter and cheering when he went near the balcony. He was reluctant at first to see who's making those sounds, but when he peaked on its glass door, he saw the most pleasant sight that he had ever seen. He saw the King, the Queen and the others formed into a rather large circle, and they were laughing and singing. He couldn't hear their conversation, so he used his magic to improve his hearing abilities so he can hear them from afar. Still hiding on the balcony door, he peaked one eye from the glass door and then began to listen to what they're talking about.

"Ha ha ha! Daddy, you're such a lousy singer!" Junior continued to laugh at his father.

"I already told you that I'm not good at this!" he continues to protest and he was blushing harder.

*Giggle* "Oh dear, please don't take it seriously. You tried anyway." Fuu giggled at her husband.

"Ha ha ha I bet Guru-san can sing better than you, Daddy." Junior teased at his father.

Hearing this made Clef twitched his eyebrows in annoyance, and he narrowed his eyes. 'That brat.' he thought in annoyance.

"Well, I hope he's with us right now because I know for sure that he's gonna strangle you to death Junior!" Umi tickled him and Junior was laughing uncontrollably because of it.

Hearing from afar, he could feel that he was not forgotten or being forgotten by them, and he was pleased because of it. A smile escaped from his lips and turned his attention to the bluette who was just finished tickling Junior.


After an hour or so, lunch was served. They had a delightful and a joyous lunch as they kept recalling their activity earlier, and they didn't stop teasing Ferio for being a bad singer. Ferio, as usual, kept defending himself and kept getting more embarrassed, especially when they are not the only ones here. They continued their conversation until lunch was over, and they departed to their own ways.

Umi was with Junior, Edmund and Fiona, who seem to be tired.

"Maybe you should take a nap, kids. You're all exhausted," she said.

"Okay…" they couldn't argue with her for she was right so she escorted them to their rooms, tucked them into bed and they fell asleep. Umi smiled and then she quietly exited the room.

"Okay, now that I'm on my own, what should I do for the whole afternoon…" she said to herself. "Oh I know! I'll write a song. That'll make me busy for a little while." she said as she ran to her room, grabbed her notepad and pen and went straight to the garden where she found herself some shade under a tree and began to write.


An hour passed, and the palace became quiet by the minute. Clef was busy flipping some pages of his book and writing as he continues to concentrate on his work. He was getting stressed out and his hands were shaking involuntarily. He was indeed frustrated. 'Maybe some fresh air would help me relax a little,' he thought as he made his way to the balcony door of his study and he opened it. Fresh wind blew to his face and the scent of the afternoon garden made him sigh in relief. Sun rays reflected on his face as he enjoyed the warmth on his face. It was a relaxing feeling indeed, and then he glanced at the garden that lay before him as he lazily leans on the railing of the balcony. He traces down on the flowers that were glistening beautifully as the sun rays reflected the droplets of the flower, making it shimmer like diamonds. And then he shifted his sight to a particular tree that was casting a big shade under it. Strangely, he saw something or rather someone sitting under it. He couldn't recognize who it was because he only saw a blue cloth that was on the grass. Curious at the sight, he thought of checking it out and meeting this person. He waved his hands, and he teleported himself there since he can teleport without his magic staff.

When he was a meter away from the tree, he was astonished to see that it was rather someone that he was not expecting to meet. It was a certain governess that he knew. It was her. The blue hair popping out on the trunk of the tree proved it so he went to her side.

"What are you –" he paused for a moment as he saw the sleeping form of the bluette. She was sleeping peacefully. Her head rested properly on the trunk of the tree. Her hair glistening as some of the sun rays enters under the shade making it look more like her hair is soft enough to touch. Her eyelids were perfectly relaxed and her body was comfortably nested on the grass of the garden with one hand rested on her lap and the other was on the grass with a pen and a notepad beside it. "She fell asleep in a place like this?" he mumbled to himself. He continued to watch her and started to stare every inch of her face until he unconsciously stopped to her lips. Her lips were unbelievably shinny! Probably she wore lip gloss. Her lips curved lightly like she's enjoying her sleep. 'What am I doing?' he scolded to himself. He cleared his throat as he returned his composure on before he attempt on waking her up. He knelt down and was about to shook her but he noticed something that was on her side. "What's this?" he picked up the piece of paper that was fastened with plastic strings and a weird metal like stick that is was supposed to be a writing instrument. He noticed that there's something written on it. Astonished by the penmanship, he read the text.

Arigato ima kokoni ite korete

Kimi wa nakanai tori no you de

Mune ga nandaka kurushii...

"S-Spica." the word escaped from his lips as he read the beautiful littering of the word. "Should I wake her up?" he asked himself. He stared at her for a brief moment and then sighed heavily. "I guess I should carry to her room then." he said. He looked around to see if anyone could see him and luckily no one is nearby. He then gently placed his hand on her knees and back and delicately lifted her up to his arms. 'Wow, she's unbelievably light!' Clef gasped.

Slowly as he walked, to avoid waking her up, he went to her room as quietly as he can so that no one can see them nor does he want to be seen. He doesn't want other people to think differently about him. He, the Master Mage of Cephiro, the Madoushi, the Guru of this country, carrying a girl up to her room. He doesn't want his reputation to be ruined so; he used some invisible spell, just to make sure. Using one hand and a foot, he opened the door and then laid her gently to her bed. 'I can't believe this woman. She made me come to this trouble to carry her to her room.' he sighed heavily. He was getting tired of using the invisible spell he just cast and it really drained him. He made himself to sit down on a nearby chair and then he found himself staring at her again. It wasn't really her fault that he got drained out; it was actually his for the account. He just can't leave her sleeping outside. She might catch a cold because of her carelessness. But why did he care? He wasn't sure. But something tells him that he should be nice to her, unlike what happened to their first encounter a few days ago. He sighed again and then decided to leave to finish his work. He reached to his pocket to get her notepad and pen and then he placed it on the table. He headed to the door and glanced one more time before he closed the door quietly.


His mind was blank again after his return to his studies. He sat on his chair and began to stare blankly at his window. He began to recall the thing that happened earlier. His thoughts were occupied by a certain governess and it was driving him mad! "Why can't I get her out of my mind?" he growled in annoyance as he tried to resume reading his book that he was supposed to finish. But alas, his mind was not cooperating with him. Images of her began to appear in his mind like he's watching a sideshow. Her voice echoed into his ear as he recalled the time when she sang. Clef was literally covering his head and it was driving him crazy! He felt like he could explode at any minute if his mind would stop playing tricks on him. "Curse this!" he hissed. He had enough of this and was about to March straight to her room, asking if she casted a spell on him until a knock on the door snapped him back to reality. He cleared his throat, trying to return his composure, and said; "You may come in."

The door opened and revealed a certain artisan carrying a tray of tea. "Oh, Presea, what brings you here?" he asked.

"Well I brought you some tea, if ever you feel like drinking." she said as she placed the tea on the table. She poured a cup and lends it to him.

"Thank you." he smiled and sipped his tea.

"You're welcome. Uhm... By the way, Guru-san, can I ask you something?" said Presea.

"What is it?" he asked and continued to sip his tea.

"Before I came here, you were making curses and yelled. May I ask who you were cursing at?" she asked rather worried.

Clef almost spilled his tea as he heard that. "W-What? Oh! It was nothing really. I was just frustrated that's all." he said.

"Frustrated at what?" she asked.

"Frustrated... At my work. Yes, that's it." he said nervously.

"What? How odd of you, being frustrated at your work. I thought you loved to work?" she asked, now beginning to feel suspicious.

"Well I uh..." he trailed off into a deep thought but Presea tsked.

"You could at least tell me the truth, Guru-san. You're pretty bad at lying." she said.

Clef just sighs heavily and leaned back to his chair in distress. "Okay you got me." he surrendered.

"So tell me, what's bothering you?" she asked.

"Well... I'm not sure why but she's been bothering my mind the whole afternoon. I can't get her out of my mind." he said in distress

"Her? And who are you referring to?" she asked, now curious.

"That I can't tell you." he said sternly.

"Why not?" she asked rather confused.

"Well, I don't want to make a bad impression to you." he looked away.

"Guru-san, I could never do that to you. I don't mind. I just wanted to help you and I'll do my part as your... Former student." she had a hard time saying the last two words. "So please tell me, I can help." she pleaded.

Clef glanced at her and saw a hint of sorrow in her eyes. He frowned. "I'm sorry." was all he could say.

"Don't be. I think I can't push you to tell me then." she turned around to leave. "I'm sorry if I intrude you." she headed to the door.

"W-Wait, Presea! I-" the door shut before he could manage to continue. Clef sighs and leaned back to his chair. "I guess I'm being too cold to her." he said, rubbing his temples.


Presea leaned on the door and then slid down to the floor and started to sob. "What was I thinking being emotional and all? Admit it Presea, you can never be with him. He already had someone else." she stood up and ran away. She doesn't want him to hear her cry again. After that rejection, a year ago, there's no way she can let him see her this way again. She knew from that start that Clef will always see her as a student, nothing more, nothing less. And that's the painful reality she should accept.


An orange haze casted over the moving sea, reflecting off every wave. Half of a glowing, radiant light loomed on the water's horizon. A warm sensation was splashed onto the land from the beaming rays of the sun. The calmness flew by with the wind that can stop one's heart for a single second. You could hear the grasses rustling the field as if they were whispering one another to hush. The birds huddled with their loved ones knowing of the day's end. Finally, the sun disappears along with its shine. But the stars peek out under the black, night sky. Umi woke up from her bed and she sat up. She stretched her limbs as if she had a wonderful sleep. She looked around for her mind was still registering on the unfamiliar room. "Where am I?" she asked to herself.

She wiped her eyes and then she began to scan the room. 'This is my room. But, how did I get up here? Strange.' she thought. And then her mind drifted to the table where she saw her notepad and her pen. She went out off her bed and went near to her table. 'Why can't I remember anything?' she said. She glanced at her window and saw the sun setting. 'Oh crap! I have to wake up the kids." Umi sprinted out of the room and shut the door behind her.


After that, Umi was able to get the kids and they were able to make on dinner on time. Good thing that no one noticed her tardiness. She didn't know why she slept in the first place. But it made Umi to wander again. Her mind was occupied with questions and was now staring at her food blankly. The others were talking until the queen calls for her attention.

"Umi, do you like the idea? Umi?" the queen called to her again.

"Umi, are you even listening?" the princess called.

"W-What? Pardon?" she snapped back to reality.

"Umi, are you alright? You were spacing out." the queen said worriedly.

"Ah yes. I'm fine, your majesty. I'm so sorry about that." Umi lowered her head. "Excuse me." Umi stood up, still lowering her head and exited the dining room. Everyone began to exchange looks. They were worried.

"What happened?" the queen asked, now getting worried.

"I don't know." Hikaru frowned.

Clef glance at the door and frowned. "Umi." he said quietly.


Umi began to pace unconsciously. She didn't know where she was going until she reached into an unfamiliar place. She was mesmerized when she looked at it. It was a small garden but it's different than the other garden that she went. It was outside the palace and she felt the cool breeze of the evening night. She begin to walk unconsciously towards it. The flowers surrounded the entire area making it looked like a garden and it only had one bench, a stone bench to be exact. She went into it and then she sat. It was rather warm and comfortable. And she even had a great view of the moon that was glowing brightly. She had never seen the moon glowing like this before in her life. The moon was sitting in the twilight night with billions of stars sparkling like small diamonds. It was heartwarming and it made her to feel relaxed. She began to think about what happened earlier. "Why did I left?" she asked to herself. She didn't feel like eating dinner or feel like talking. She feels like she's being too sensitive about earlier. 'What the hell?' she slapped her mind. "Forget that." she growled in annoyance.

She inhaled and exhaled herself to relax herself. Her mind began to wander. 'Oh god, why am I still here anyway? How am I supposed to go home? I bet dad is already mad at me and then searched for me. Mom must have been worried.' Umi got saddened and then she began to cry silently. "I-I'm so worried.I-want to go home." she cried loudly this time. Tears escaped her eyes as she continued her weeping. The evening breeze continued to sway the garden as the petals of the flower danced along with the wind. The trees began to rustle quietly and clouds begin to cover the moon, giving a dark shade in the night.

Without her knowing, someone was walking from her behind until a hand touched her shoulder, making Umi startled. She looked at her back and was shock to see a certain lavender-haired Guru behind her.

Umi skipped a bit of her heart when she saw a pair of blue eyes staring right at her. She doesn't know what to do. She got caught. He caught her crying and it was getting embarrassing.

Clef, on the other hand, was shock to see a pair of blue eyes pooled with tears, staring right back at him. He got breathless at a moment there and then he frowned.

Umi wiped her tears very quickly and then looked away from his gaze. "What are you doing here?" she said rather coldly.

"I'm here to find you." he said calmly. Umi turned her head to him very quickly. "Why?" she asked, shocked.

"The Queen was worried about your well-being so, she asked me to find you." he said.

"Oh... I'm sorry. I made the queen worried." she said sadly.

"She's not the only one who's worried. We all did." he said now cupping her cheeks and wiped the remaining tears away.

Umi's eye widened by his sudden touching of her cheeks and it made her blush. Clef was gazing at her deep pools of blue eyes while he took her other hand to entwine it with his own. And then they started to gaze at each other's eyes. None of them made a move to break their gazing. Until such time that Umi turned and looked away from his gaze.

"I... I'm sorry." she blushed but sad.

"Umi, please tell me the reason of your weeping. I-I want to help." he said and sounded nervous.

"Please, I don't want to be a bother to all of you. You helped me enough." she said.

"No, I insist. Please, tell me." he pleaded. He grabbed her shoulder and made her to look at him.

Umi hissed. "Why would you care anyway? It's not that you cared. I-It's none of your business!" she shouted but she gasped and covered both of her mouth. She lowered her head in shame. "I-I'm sorry for raising my voice." she was about to turn away from him but his hands gripped her shoulder to stay.

"I-I'm the one who should be sorry." he lowered his head to look at her. "I'm sorry for my actions the other day. I-I didn't mean to yell at you. I'm also sorry for not caring in your situation. I really understand that you wanted to go home but, there's nothing that we can do, for now." he eyed her seriously. "But I promise you that we will find a way to take you home. Mark my word on that." he tightened his grip on Umi.

Umi's eyes widened. "Really?" she asked.

"Yes. Trust me." he said firmly.

Umi lowered her head and begin to cry again. She whimpered like a frightening child but Clef hugged her to soothe her feeling. At first, he felt weird hugging her but his mind right now is to make her feel better. He was not used to hug another person or to be hugged. It felt awkward for him.

He comforted her by rubbing her back and he let her sit down on the stone bench. After awhile Umi stopped her crying. It was now embarrassing enough crying in front of him. She forced herself to wiped her tears away and she done it all by herself, not wanted to be helped by him. Clef just watched her clearing her tears away, not sure on what to do next.

"Feeling better?" he asked softly.

Umi nodded in response and looked away. "I'm sorry for raising my voice earlier. I didn't mean to –" Clef hushed her by placing one finger into her lip.

"Apology accepted." he smiled at her.

'He smiled?' thought Umi. It was the first time he saw him smiling. And it was not just a happy smile but a genuine one. Umi looked down, feeling nervous all of the sudden. Clef noticed this so he asked.

"Is something the matter?" he asked calmly.

"Uhm… I know this is awkward but." Umi looked at him in the eye. "Can I ask for your name?" she said shyly.

"My name?" he repeated.

"W-Well it's okay if you don't. I mean I could always call you uhm… you know what I mean but I really –"

"It's Clef." he cut her off. "My name is Clef, Guru Clef." he said.

"C-Clef…" Umi's voice was soft when she said his name. "That's a really nice name." she complemented.

"Well, thank you." he said and smiled again to her.

Umi blushed so she looked away and stare at the moon. "The moon looked so pretty today." she said.

He nodded. "Well it is indeed a beautiful night." he joined her.

"I'm very sorry about my behavior earlier. I wasn't expecting to cry like that. I mean I'm really not a type of person who is used to cry." she apologies.

"No, that was nothing really. Everyone needs to cry sometimes. Even though you're strong, you still need to release that pain in you. That's how feelings works, Umi." he said now looking at her.

"Somehow you made me smile." she smiled genuinely this time.

"Well, I hope I could see you smile from here and on." he smiled back.

"Guru-san, Umi-chan, there you are! I've been looking the two off you." Caldina came in and was now gasping for air.

"Oh, Caldina." Clef turned around to see her.

"Come on you two, the Queen has been looking for you." she scolded.

"Oh uh s-sorry." Umi walked towards her rather shy.

"Now come on, missy!" Caldina hugged and tickled her so that Umi would cheer up and she did. She can't stop laughing for she was trapped in Caldina's arms. The two girls started to walk while Clef trailed behind. A smile escaped from his lip as he saw Umi smiling and laughing again. It was pleasant.


End of Chapter 3


A/N: I'm so sorry if I updated so long. I've been very busy with school and stuffs. I hope for your sincere apology for the delay. But at least I could get to finish this chapter. I hope it's deserving for your wait because I really made it sure that it's longer than the previous chapters.

Anyway, what do you think? Any reaction? A review would be appreciated. Thank you so much for those who are waiting. I hope I could update for the next chapter soon.

Once again, thank you! :D