The first semester of tenth grade had come to pass uneventfully. The three girls had made visits when they could to their secret land but it was now during summer break that they could travel to their beloved Cephiro more consistently.

Today Hikaru was up early with a particular spring in her step; it was August eighth. Hikaru was officially sixteen. She headed straight to the family's dojo in her training clothes. She went through her warm ups and followed into her katas with Satoru who then sparred with her. It was less about points and more about skill demonstration and teaching each other. Although Satoru ran the dojo Hikaru was realistically just as skilled as her eldest brother if not more so. She also had the unfair advantage of actual combat experience. She still practiced under him but their sparring matches were educational for both parties.

After meditation and washing up, she sat down for breakfast with all her brothers and she told them about her plans for the day. She would meet up with some friends from school for shopping and later bowling. After the family dinner, (that Umi and Fuu were invited to as they were every year since their meeting) Hikaru told her family that the three of them were going to Tokyo Tower and that she would 'spend the night at Umi's, really Cephiro.

The day unfolded just as she'd planned and now the three Magic Knights were descending upon Cephiro once more. Caldina of a people scooped them up and ushered them off to a fitting room where they were measured for formal Cephirian wear. She caught Presea whispering into Fuu and Umi's ear at one point while Caldina hovered over Hikaru's tailor.

Word of Hikaru the would be Pillar and Magic Knight's birthday spread like wild fire and the people of Cephiro came from far and wide to pay their respects.

She was dressed in a white flowing dress with a sun emblem. A red sash was expertly wrapped around her hips and waist. Bead work hung off her bare shoulders and worked their way into the backing of her dress. Her hair was pulled out of its braid and cascaded down her back. Caldina contributed by adding a floral accent on her crown. They gave her red high heels that strapped over her ankles.

Once ready she was guided through the palace corridors and sat on the throne as if it were she that were Cephiro's royalty and not the Prince standing beside her. When she tried to get up, Ferio's hand clamped down on her shoulder keeping her in place. "It's your day," he assured. "Sit back and enjoy it." She looked to Umi and Fuu on her other side. They smiled and nodded.

She felt Lantis somewhere behind her scanning the crowd searching for any potential threats. She craned her neck to look but could not see him over the large royal chair. 'Lantis?'

'Happy Birthday.' He thought warmly, 'With age brings you even more beauty my love.'

She smiled and blushed and felt his eyes every time they fell back on her.

The Cephirian residents approached singularly offering thanks to the Magic Knights and the 'Pillar' with gifts of food, flowers, clothes and other wares as proof of Cephiro's prosperity.

It took sometime before the visitors cleared out of the royal chamber only to be replaced with what looked to be a small orchestra. Some palace servants brought tables and covered them in sheets, adorning them with drinks and snacks. Clef clapped his hands and the lighting in the grand room dimmed slightly. Up beat music began to play and Umi dragged Hikaru out to the dance floor. Fuu, Caldina, Presea, and a few others joined as well. She lost herself in the fun until after a few songs the music changed, slowed down. The lighting dimmed further and the ladies began to pair off with their men.

Hikaru was about to step away when she saw her man glide through the crowd. He was in a black Cephirian suit. He wore white gloves. A white sash was draped over his shoulders. The shirt he wore underneath his jacket was a deep red. She straightened instantly, her breathing more prominent and her blood thundered through her veins. Lantis was always handsome but dressed up in formal attire he was smoldering, unbelievably sexy. Her cheeks burned as the thought occurred to her.

There was a twinkle in his eyes. He held out his hand and in his deep warm voice he asked, "Dance with me?"

She flushed, "I'm not good at proper dancing..."

"Follow me love, step on my feet if you need too." He said softly into her ear. His breath sent shivers down her spine. She stepped up on his toes as he'd offered. This way she at least came up to his chest and she leaned in against it, taking in his intoxicating scent. His hands were on her petite waist occasionally drifting along her back feeling toned muscle under fabric. They swayed to the music and a spot light fell on them.

She peeked out from his chest. 'I'm sorry.' She thought with a twinge of embarrassment. She knew how little Lantis cared for being the center of attention, 'everyone's looking at us.'

He cupped her face and drew her eyes up to his. They were deep and dark with restrained desire. 'They are looking at you beloved. It is your night.'

Hikaru was certain he could feel her tremble. She broke eye contact and buried her face back in his chest trying to calm the twisting heat of her loins.

Lantis walked slowly with Hikaru an arm around her shoulders escorting her back to her room. A sudden hiss from her, a break in contact brought his attention to her bending over to rub her ankle. "Hikaru? Are you alright?"

She glanced up at him still rosy. "Heh, yeah... I don't wear heels often." In one fluid motion he scooped her up into his arms. She gasped. "I can make it-"

Lantis offered her a slightly mischievous smile. "Or for once, I can carry you to your room conscious." He kissed her forehead and her arms wrapped around his neck.

His normal stride much faster than hers, he made it to her room rather quickly. He shuffled her weight against him and opened her door. He walked to her bed and carefully set her down. He took a seat at the end of her bed and guided her feet into his lap. He took his gloves off and pocketed them. Delicately he undid the straps of her shoes tracing his fingers over the red of her skin before messaging them. She sighed melting under his touch and he couldn't help sliding his hand over her ankle and then her calf.

Hikaru froze under his touch. She stared at him and he stared at her as he lowered his lips onto the fair skin of her shin. Just a quick peck but it was enough to make her moan.

Lantis shuddered and closed his eyes. "Don't do that. I won't behave if you do that."

"Then don't kiss me there," she rasped her voice barely above a whisper.

He looked at her through slitted eyes. And motioned to kiss her again. This time on her knee. She gasped and he pulled her into his lap. His lips were on hers hot and demanding. Lantis penetrated her mouth with his tongue.

Hikaru had heard about deep kissing from girls at school but their descriptions didn't compare. The heat inside her rose. New to the sensation she moaned again, threaded her fingers through his hair and mimicked his actions needing more.

Lantis shifted their position. He dipped her back until she sank into the mattress and his hands ran along her thighs, eliciting more cries from her. He loomed over but did not press into her. He nipped at her lips before trailing his kisses down her neck settling on suckling her collarbone.

Her hands linked around the nape of his neck and it was a good few minutes before either of them were capable out coherent thought. Their lips swelled from that bit of love play.

Lantis sighed laying beside her, his clothing ruffled but still intact. One hand rested on her hip feeling the cool of the dresses' fabric. He studied her straight faced but she could see it in his eyes; the fire, the hunger, the passion that flowed through one so hopelessly enamored. The Fire Knight was just as hopeless. She was lost wanting more of him and yet afraid to venture further, her inexperience not helping.

'Not yet.' she felt him in her mind.

"I love you." She whispered still breathy. "More and more everyday."

The Magic Swordsman held her gaze. His left hand roamed carefully up her body until he reached her face. He held her cheek marveling at her softness. He leaned over and lightly kissed her again. "More and more everyday," He affirmed.

Hesitantly he sat up smoothed his suit somewhat and leaned over his knees. He clasped his hands together and she could feel the he was fighting to restrain himself.

Hikaru sat up with him, "Lantis..."

He shuddered hearing his name on her lips. He cleared his throat and faced her, "I should go. It's late."

"Are..." she licked her lips nervous and trembling. "are you really okay with that?"

She made it hard to be decent. He shook his head and looked at her in a way that made her feel naked. "When I take you to bed, there will be no hesitation. No reservation. You will hold nothing back from me and I will give you all that I am."

They eyed each but did not move, did not speak. Finally she caught his robes in her hands and drew him to her and kissed him silently promising more. Not tonight but one night she knew she would give into him completely if not outright beg for him to make love to her.

TBC