A Dream Of the Heart: Part 2

(Character's thoughts: *____*)

Part Two

It was very dark, and she was having trouble seeing. Still, she knew she had to keep going. She
could hear water running somewhere nearby as she stumbled along. Suddenly, her foot slipped and
she tumbled forward with a frightened cry. Unable to stop herself, she fell down the steep hill, her
arms, legs, and face getting scratched and bruised along the way. After what seemed like several painful
moments, she found herself at the bottom of the hill, aching and stinging, but otherwise fine. She lay
where she'd landed on her stomach, her head down as she tried to catch her breath and find the strength to stand up.
"I'll heal myself with my magic later," She said to herself, slowly pulling herself up to her knees. With a soft groan, she got to her feet, and stumbled ahead weakly.
Suddenly, she realized there was something standing near her. She looked over and realized she was standing
beside a wide black river, it's deep waters rushing by in torrents. Standing waist-deep in the dark water was the giant Windam, gazing down at her with glowing eyes, dripping black water.
Ferio stood on the green Mashe's shoulder, looking at her.
"Ferio!"
Suddenly, Windam's eyes changed from glowing yellow to blazing red. Then, seemingly from nowhere,
a small, sparkling object fell toward the waters. Even though it was tiny, she could see it clearly.
Ferio's ring!

Before the ring reached the surface of the water, Ferio had already leaped from Windam's shoulder, diving after it fearlessly.
Somehow, he reached it before it touched the churning river, grasping it tightly in his hand. At that second, the rushing sound of the water suddenly grew into a deafening roar.
"Ferio!" She shouted as he broke river's inky surface, disappearing beneath the water. She ran
toward it, but before she could reach the water, it turned to solid black stone, frozen in time.
As the roar faded in her ears, she heard Windam's voice.
"Legendary Magic Knight....free your heart and save Cephiro...."
She knelt down by the river of black stone, sobbing and heartbroken. She pressed her hands against the stone shaking her head fiercely.
"Ferio!!"

Fuu sat up, breathing hard. She was still in the room she shared with Hikaru and Umi in the castle.
"A dream," She whispered to herself, relieved. It was morning, but the room was still a bit dark as the storm continued outside.
Suddenly, Fuu realized she wasn't alone. Sitting in a chair in a corner not far from her bed, was Ferio, sleeping soundly, his arms crossed over his chest and his sword leaning against the wall beside him.
Fuu instantly reddened.
*H-he watched over me while I was sleeping?*
Silently, Fuu slipped out of bed and went to the door. She stopped and looked back at Ferio thoughtfully.
Then she quietly went to the bed and pulled a blanket from it, carefully draping it over a sleeping Ferio, blushing as she did so, praying he wouldn't wake up right then.
Stepping back, Fuu looked at him. He was frowning in his sleep, as if his own dreams were troubling him as well.
Fuu suddenly felt an overwhelming ache in her heart. She left the room quietly, closing the door softly behind her.
In the empty room, Ferio opened one golden eye and half-smiled.

Fuu made her way to the throne room, pausing by the door to hastily come her fingers through her short wavy blonde hair.
Suddenly, she could hear Umi's voice from inside the room.
"So he watched over her all night?" Umi asked Hikaru, her chin resting in her hands and her elbows on the table, leaning forward in her chair.
Hikaru grinned. "Yep. He wouldn't even let me guard the door."
Caldina, who had joined them only minutes before, smiled.
"I've never seen this side of the prince before," She said thoughtfully. "Even the way he sent you two to
bed in the next room was protective of him. As if he were worried that whatever it was that happened
to Fuu would happen to you, too."
Hikaru and Umi exchanged glances. Caldina noticed this and tilted her head, puzzled.
"You don't think so?" The pretty pink-haired dancer asked.
Hikaru looked at Umi as if to ask her something. Umi nodded. Hikaru looked back at Caldina, her
deep garnet eyes troubled.
"We think we might know what happened to Fuu last night."
Caldina looked from Hikaru to Umi and back again, her eyes questioning.
Hikaru went on. "Well, Umi and I think she was summoned by Windam."
Caldina blinked, surprised. "Her Mashe, right?"
Hikaru nodded.

Behind the door, Fuu gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.


"It just makes sense," Umi spoke up. "No one but the Magic Knights can summon or be summoned by
the Mashin. And when they summon us, we disappear to their realm. Besides that, Fuu didn't seem
frightened, exactly. It was more like she was--"
Fuu chose that moment to step into the room, clearing her throat politely as she did so.
"Fuu!" Hikaru said, running up to her as Umi and Caldina glanced at each other a little uneasily.
"Are you feeling better, Fuu?" Hikaru asked, her normally cheerful face shadowed with concern.
Fuu smiled. "I'm fine, Hikaru....thank you."
Hikaru began to say something else, but was interrupted as a cheerful Mokona bounced into her arms.
Hikaru and Fuu laughed.
"Good morning, Mokona!" Hikaru grinned, hugging the little fluffy white creature.
"Good morning, Mokona-san!" Fuu smiled. "I thought you would never wake up!"
Mokona made a face. "Pu!" He protested.
Umi and Caldina joined them, giggling. Suddenly, Umi grinned mischievously.
"Fuu," She said innocently. "Is it true that Ferio watched over you all night while you were sleeping?"
Fuu immediately turned bright red. "Um....um...."
Caldina bit back a smile and shook her head, wagging a finger at Umi.
"Now, Umi," She said with a sly wink. "Leave Fuu alone. If she and Ferio are a couple, then we shouldn't interfere."
Hikaru frowned, looking at Umi and Caldina. Fuu's face was red-hot. Just then, Ferio appeared behind Fuu.
"Did I hear my name?" He asked casually, a teasing grin on his face.
Fuu nearly fell over at the sound of his voice, her face turning several shades of red.
Umi and Caldina clasped their hands over their mouths, their eyes tearing up as they tried to hold back their laughter.
Hikaru looked from them to Ferio and shrugged with a grin.

All day long, Fuu did her best to avoid talking about the previous night. Hikaru seemed to want to
say something, but sensed Fuu's reluctance and left it alone. Fuu wanted to say something to put
Hikaru's mind at ease, but she knew the only thing that would satisfy her friend would be the truth, and
she couldn't tell her that.

*I'm sorry, Hikaru. As soon as this is all over, I'll tell you and Umi everything. I promise.*


Fuu gazed out over the blackened landscape from a large window in the throne room, lost in thought.
It was hard to tell now when night ended and day began, as the sky was constantly stormy. Fuu shivered.
*When I begin this journey, I'll have to go out there alone,* she thought, trying not to let her fear sink in.
*I've never done anything like this before. I wonder if I'm ready.....*
A sound behind her startled her from her thoughts. She turned and her expression became even more
troubled when she saw Ferio standing across the room, looking at her.
"F-Ferio..."
Ferio walked across the room and came to stand a few feet from her, his expression mirroring hers.
"Fuu....what happened last night?"
Fuu looked down, her cold hands clasped in front of her.
"It was Windam.....wasn't it?"
Fuu looked up at him, momentarily startled, then looked away again, biting her lip.
"Fuu." Ferio reached out and took her hand. She looked up, meeting his unwavering gaze.
"Fuu, if something's wrong, please let me help you."
Fuu's expression was pained. She dropped her gaze again.
"I--I can't tell you, Ferio," She whispered, her green eyes filling with tears. "I'm sorry...."
Ferio looked at her sadly, wishing so much to see her smile instead of her tears. Gently, he wrapped
his arms around her and held her tightly, as if he were afraid she would disappear again.
Fuu clung to him and wished she could tell him everything. He could always make her feel better, and she knew he'd have a solution.
*But I can't. I can't tell him anything....*

"Magic Knight!"


Fuu opened her eyes wide at the sound of Windam's voice in her heart.
"Free your heart and save Cephiro!"
Fuu closed her eyes for a brief moment, then gently pulled away from Ferio, fresh tears streaming down
her face as she backed away, looking into his worried eyes.
"Please forgive me....Ferio." She whispered through her tears before turning and running from the room.
"Fuu!! Fuu, wait!" He called after her.
Fuu ran blindly down the hall, sobbing.
*I'm so sorry, Ferio....*
Fuu suddenly stopped, breathless, not knowing which way to go. She could hear Ferio's voice, joined
by Hikaru's, and then Umi's. They were looking for her. She could hear them coming down the hall.
*But I can't tell them anything...I'll only make them worry more....*
If she could just begin the test now, she wouldn't have to worry them like this.....
Fuu brushed her tears away with her hands. She could hear them coming closer. She closed her eyes.
*I'll pass this test....then I'll return and tell you all everything.*
Fuu opened her eyes then, her face fiercely determined.
"Windam!" She cried out.
Ferio, Hikaru, and Umi turned the corner just in time to see Fuu vanish in a bright flash of green light.
"Fuu!" Hikaru yelled.
"Fuu!" Screamed Umi.
"Fuu!" Ferio shouted.
But it was too late....Fuu was gone.

Windam towered above Fuu, the symbol on the robot's vast metallic chest glowing a light green.
"Legendary Magic Knight of Wind," The Mashe's deep voice echoed throughout the darkness. "What do you seek?"
Fuu gazed up at her Mashe, her deep green eyes fierce behind her glasses.
"I wish to begin my journey. Please send me on my way!"
Windam's yellow eyes glowed as he gazed down at the green Knight.
"Legendary Magic Knight," Windam said again. "What do you seek?"
Fuu looked up at the Mashe, puzzled.
*I know he heard me....why is he--*
Suddenly, Fuu knew what the Mashe was asking. She bowed her head.
"I seek to end the suffering of the people of Cephiro," Se said solemnly. Then softly, she added,
"I seek to free my heart and save Cephiro."
She looked back up at Windam. The robot's eyes were glowing brighter now and suddenly a green
beam of light emitted from the Mashe's emblem, flooding over Fuu, turning her small pieces of armor
into the full Magic Knight uniform she'd worn for the first and last time during the battle with Sol
Zagato and Princess Emeraude.
Fuu looked down in surprise. "This is....."
"Magic Knight of Wind," Windam called. "Don me now and prepare your heart for battle.....for now
your true test begins."


Ferio paced the throne room, unable to sit still. Hikaru, Umi, Clef, Caldina, Lafarga, and Ascot
were grouped in the middle of the room, as Clef tried using magic to locate Fuu. He shook his head and
sighed in frustration.
"It's no use," He said. "I can't even tell if she's still in the realm of the Mashin."
"I can summon some of my friends and send them to search outside of the castle," Ascot offered.
Umi looked at him and blinked. "Is it safe for them, Ascot?"
Ascot blushed slightly, as he always did wen Umi paid attention to him, and smiled shyly.
"They're strong and they're smart. They'd be fine."
LaFarga looked at Clef. "I can search Cephiro as well..." Caldina looked at him sharply.
"It's dangerous out there!" She scolded. LaFarga looked at her, slightly surprised. Caldina put her
hands on her hips. "If you go, I'll go with you. It would be difficult for you to navigate the land.
Cephiro is a completely different world now!"
LaFarga looked at her for a moment, then smiled slightly.
"Then one from Chizeta, as you are, can navigate this land better than one native to Cephiro?"
Caldina grinned. "What can I say?" She winked. "I'm amazing!"
Hikaru smiled a little at the two of them, her smile fading as she turned to a distraught Clef.
"Clef."
The small sorcerer looked up at her.
"Let Umi and I search for Fuu."
All talking stopped immediately. Ferio stopped pacing and looked at Hikaru.
Clef frowned. "Hikaru...."
Umi came to stand beside Hikaru, putting a hand on her shoulder. Hikaru looked up and they smiled at
each other, knowing what the other was thinking. Hikaru turned to the others.
"Umi and I can call on our Mashin. Maybe they will know where Fuu and Windam have gone....and if
not--"
"We can don them and search for Cephiro ourselves....as Magic Knights." Umi finished for her.
Clef gazed at them, both concerned and amazed.
*They've matured so much since the last battle....they are true Magic Knights.*
"Hikaru....Umi...."
Hikaru smiled at her friends. "We'll find her. Everything will be okay."
Ferio frowned and shook his head, coming up to Hikaru and Umi.
"I don't like this," He told them. "It's too dangerous."
Hikaru looked up at Ferio meaningfully.
"I don't know what's going on between you and Fuu," She began gently. Ferio blushed and looked away.
"But," Hikaru continued. "I know that you really care about her, like Umi and me, and that you'd do
anything to make sure she is safe." Hikaru looked at everyone then. "I know that we can find her and
bring her back safely, so please, let us try."
Umi smiled. "A heart that believes, right Clef?"
Clef looked at her, speechless for a moment, then he smiled.
"Yes, Umi," He took each of the girls' hands into his own and smiled warmly again.
"A heart that believes...."

Caldina, LaFarga, Ascot, and Ferio gazed at them in wonder.
"Magic Knights...." Murmured Caldina.

Even in the Mashe, Fuu could feel the cold wind whipping around her. Having only fought in the
Mashe once, Fuu still wasn't used to it. It was hard to believe she was actually inside the robot at all--it
felt as though she were flying through the air by herself. Fuu smiled a little at herself as she reached up
to adjust the glasses that were no longer there.
*It's a shame I can't use this part of the armor back in Tokyo.* She thought with a small laugh.
She jumped a little, startled by the sudden flash of lightning several yards away. Fuu shook her head at
herself. *Hikaru wouldn't be afraid,* Her mind scolded. *And if Umi was afraid, she'd turn it into
determination instead.*
Fuu tightened her hands into fists, as Windam's massive claws did the same. Fuu closed her eyes as
Clef's words echoed in her head.
*A heart that believes....*
She opened her eyes again and glared at the angry landscape.
*I will /not/ fail!*

It took a few minutes to convince everyone it was the best way, but soon Hikaru and Umi were
ready to go to the Mashin's realm. Hikaru took a deep breath, about to call her Mashe, when Ferio
suddenly put a hand on her arm, stopping her. She looked at him, startled.
"Hikaru....Umi..." He said softly, his eyes intent on them. "Please be careful."
The girls smiled. "We'll be back soon!" Hikaru promised cheerfully. She and Umi smiled at each other.
"Rayearth!" Hikaru cried out.
"Seles!" Umi shouted.
They vanished, as Fuu had, but in flashes of red and blue light. The others exchanged worried glances.
Now all they could do was wait....and pray.

Hikaru and Umi opened their eyes to find themselves standing in an immense dark cave on top of
a narrow plateau of black stone. Standing before them, were their Mashin.
Hikaru's Mashe, Rayearth, the red robot with the mane of fire, spoke first.
"Legendary Magic Knight of Fire..." The Mashe's growling voice greeted her.
"Magic Knight of Water...." Umi's Mashe, Seles, said to her.
"We know you seek the third Magic Knight," Rayearth said. "The Magic Knight of Wind and her Mashe."
Hikaru and Umi gasped and looked at each other.
"H-how do you know that?" Hikaru asked them.
"Girls from another world," Rayearth said. "We are part of you now...."
"We are connected to your hearts," Umi's blue Mashe said, his long, whiplike tail waving behind him.
"Seles...." Umi whispered.
"To our hearts?" Hikaru asked.
Rayearth's eyes glowed brightly. "We know what you know. Our spirits and your hearts hold a bond
that cannot be broken. This enables you to use our powers to their full extent in battle. It is necessary as
a Magic Knight that you are able to use all of our powers and be connected to us this strongly."
Hikaru gazed up at her Mashe. *Our hearts are connected to them....*
"Then is Fuu in danger now?" She asked urgently.
Rayearth gazed down at Hikaru silent for a moment. Then he said, "The Magic Knight of Wind must
pass a test of the heart, but that is all you can know for now."
"A test of the heart?" Hikaru repeated.
"Why?" Cried Umi. "She already proved herself when she revived Windam!"
Seles' eyes glowed blue. "Anytime a change in a Magic Knight's heart is detected by her Mashe, the
Mashe may test the heart to prove that the Knight is still able to fight for the good of Cephiro. In the
current state of the country, without it's Pillar, the strength of the heart matters more than ever."
"This test is necessary and is between the Knight of Wind and Windam. No one may interfere."
Rayearth looked directly at them. "Not even you, Magic Knights, may attempt to help her. She must
complete this task on her own."
"Can you tell us what you mean by `change of heart`?" Hikaru asked anxiously.
"Did Fuu decide she didn't want to fight anymore?" Umi asked, not believing that to be true, even as
she asked.
"Her change of heart occurred when she was concerned with something other than defending Cephiro."
Rayearth said.
Hikaru and Umi looked at each other.
Other than Cephiro?
"Magic Knights from another world," Rayearth said. "Keep your hearts strong and do not lose faith.
Please do not worry for your friend. She will return to you when she has proven herself once more."

Suddenly, Hikaru and Umi found themselves back in the castle.
Ferio was first to greet them. The others quickly joined him...along with Presea.
"Presea!" Exclaimed Hikaru.
Presea smiled, but her eyes looked worried. She had been tending to the evacuated residents of Cephiro
in the residential quarters elsewhere in the castle. She had returned only minutes ago and Clef had filled
her in on what had happened.
"What happened?" Ferio asked anxiously.
Hikaru and Umi quickly told them what the Mashin had said. When they finished, Clef rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"This is very unusual." He said. He looked up at the girls. "I didn't realize there was a problem."
Hikaru shook her head, looking more worried than ever. "Rayearth said her heart was concerned with
something other than Cephiro....I'm not sure what he meant by that." She looked at Clef. "Do you think
he meant that Fuu doesn't want to fight anymore?"
Clef shook his head and gave Hikaru a reassuring smile. "I don't think he meant that. Fuu has been
through a lot with you and Umi. I don't think she would leave you now." He frowned and shook his
head again. "No, it must be something else....."
Ferio had stopped listening to them, lost in thought. Suddenly, he looked up at everyone.
I think I know what it is," He said quietly. They all looked at him curiously.
"She was distracted......because of me."


Lightning flashed again, casting a brief white light over the giant lizard-like creature,
catching it's red eyes, making them glow for an instant.
Fuu stood ready, breathing hard, her long sword held out in front of her. The monster's eyes
turned to the giant green robot towering above it, sword ready in the Mashe's silver claws. The beast
roared angrily, showing rows of needle-like teeth, spikes suddenly bristling from it's spine as it prepared
to attack.
Fuu ran forward with a battle cry, as the creature hissed and raced toward her. They collided, Fuu's
sword reaching the giant monster before the monster could reach her. With a piercing screech, the
monster disintegrated in a cloud of black sand.
Fuu looked back as the wind carried the remains of the monster away, trying to catch her breath.
"That went well," She said with a small smile, trying to be cheerful. That had been the third monster
she and Windam had fought in the last few hours. Each time, Fuu had fought without thinking, letting
her new reflexes take over. It was unlike her, but she had been fighting with the sorrow and fear in her
heart, turning them into a fierce determination to win. It was a little scary that way, but it helped her not
to think about Ferio.....as much.
Fuu gazed down at the rocky canyon just ahead of her, shivering slightly as she realized how dark and
dangerous it looked. Swallowing hard, she started toward it. Suddenly, a bright flash of lightning broke
the sky, brighter than the ones before. Fuu looked up, actually feeling it's heat, a cry caught in her
throat as the giant lightning bolt streaked right at her.....

Hikaru and Umi ran through the castle, covering the distance between the residential quarters and
the throne room in no time. They burst through the doors, causing Clef, Presea, and Ferio to spin
around in surprise.
"Fuu's in trouble!" Umi shouted to them.
They were instantly alarmed. Ferio ran up to Hikaru and Umi.
"How do you know?" He asked them anxiously.
Hikaru's fists were clenched tightly at her sides.
"Umi and I felt it.....just now."
Clef and Presea exchanged worried glances.
"They have such a strong bond...." Presea said softly.
Clef turned to Hikaru and Umi. "Are you able to sense where she is right now?"
Hikaru shook her head, her expression tense.
"Not from here. But if we could--"
"Magic Knights!"
Hikaru and Umi looked at each other, eyes wide.
"Did you hear---" Umi started to ask.
"Magic Knights from another world...."
"Rayearth!" Hikaru exclaimed. Ferio, Presea, and Clef exchanged nervous glances.
"Do not interfere withyour friend's test." Rayearth reminded them. "Have faith in her heart and, when
she has completed her task, she will return to you."
Hikaru gritted her teeth and Umi dropped her head, tears streaming down both girls' faces.
"But--" Hikaru began.
"You must not interfere." Rayearth repeated. "This is something she must do on her own...."

Hikaru fell to her knees in tears, frustrated and worried. Umi brushed her own tears from her
cheeks and knelt down beside Hikaru, putting an arm around her friend.
Ferio knelt down in front of them. He put a hand on Hikaru's shoulder. She looked up at him.
"What did he say?" Ferio asked her, his voice soft, but his eyes full of fear and worry.
Hikaru wiped at her eyes with her fist. "He told us not to interfere," She said quietly, her head bowed.
"He said we can't help her. That she--" Hikaru shook her head fiercely, looking up suddenly. "I /can't/!
I know Fuu's in trouble! I /know/ it! I can't just let her get hurt....I /have/ to help her!!"
Umi nodded. "There has to be something we can do." She said thoughtfully. "Maybe if we went
without the Mashin--"
Clef sighed. "Hikaru. Umi." The girls looked up at him. Clef's eyes were sad as he spoke.
"I don't know what would happen if the two of you went out there without your Mashin....it would be
too dangerous. I also don't know why they warned you to stay away from Fuu. So...so it's probably
best if......"

His voice trailed off as tears streamed silently down the Knights' faces. They knew they couldn't help.
*They're just so afraid for Fuu....* Clef thought sadly.
Ferio frowned, then looked at Umi and Hikaru.
"Don't worry," He said to them gently, a warm smile brightening his worried face. "She'll be back safely."
Hikaru blinked. "Ferio...."
Ferio looked at the girls meaningfully. "Don't worry. I promise....everything is going to be alright."

Hikaru and Umi looked at each other, then back at Ferio, who just smiled again.

In only a few minutes, rain had begun pouring down relentlessly. When Fuu awoke, she found
herself lying on the muddy ground, her clothes soaked. Slowly, she got to her feet and looked around her.
"W-Windam?" She called, a sudden crash of thunder making her jump. "Windam? Windam!"
There was only the sound of the storm, nothing more.

*I'm really alone,* Fuu thought, cold fear beginning to seep through her. *Is this part of the test?*
She began looking for her sword, finding it nearby, covered in mud. She willed it back into the jewel
in her glove, watching as it seemed to melt into a green wave of magic, the jewel glowing as the sword vanished into it.
*I'm going to need my hands free to help me keep my balance in this mud,* She thought, gazing
uneasily at the canyon before her. She closed her eyes for a moment before starting on her way.
"I hope there aren't any monsters just yet," She whispered to herself. "At least, not there....."


Ferio had done his best to act as normal as possible, so no one noticed him when he slipped out
of the throne room and went to his own chambers, retrieving his sword. He leaned out of his room,
cheking the hall for signs of anyone and listening for footsteps. Then he started down the towards the
other end of the hall, running this time, his boots making almost no sound as he moved. He disappeared
into the shadows, toward a secret exit only he and Clef knew about. Before he could reach it, he
suddenly heard a familiar sound behind him.
"Pu?"
Ferio turned around, slightly surprised, then smiled.
"Take care of Hikaru and Umi, Mokona." He whispered. "I'm going to find Fuu."
With that, he turned and disappeared outside.
Mokona frowned. "Pu..." He said sadly. The jewel on his forhead, which had been green before, faded to black.....

Ferio leaped over a wall, his sword over his shoulder. He was running the second his feet touched ground.
*I hope I'm not too late,* He thought, running faster. *Hold on, Fuu. I'm on my way.*

"Ugh!" Fuu fell to the ground, holding her shoulder where it had been scratched deeply, right through her armor.
The new monster paced in front of her menacingly, screeching and hissing. It's head was that of a
strange bird, with a narrow, sharp, lethal-looking beak. It's body looked like a dog's, but with longer
hair, long, sharp claws, and it was three times the size of any normal dog. It was definitely a frightening
creature, and Fuu was running low on confidence.....and courage.
"Green Tornado!" She shouted, using her magic again for the first time since returning to Cephiro.
There was a bright green flash, another screech, and then the monster was gone. Fuu sighed and
picked up her sword. She was growing more and more exhausted.
*I'd better heal myself now* She thought, examining the wound on her shoulder. *Who knows what
else is down here?*
Suddenly, there was a horrible, high-pitched scream. Fuu looked up with a gasp. A giant black and red
batlike monster was swooping down toward her, it's great leathery wings cutting through the air.
Fuu looked back down the canyon, her mind racing.
*Maybe I can lose it in the shadows of the canyon,* She thought, already running. *At least until I can
use Winds of Healing on this wound....*
Fuu ran until the screams died down behind her, finding herself in almost complete darkness.
"I'd better find my way out of here soon," She whispered. "I'm not in a very good position."
A hissing sound behind her sent her scurrying farther into the canyon.

Ferio's chest burned as he ran on, now and then pausing as he heard the faint cry of monsters.
*She must be somewhere nearby,* Ferio thought as he followed the sound. *I can feel her....*
The monster's scream echoed again, angrier this time. Ferio picked up speed as he raced toward the screams.

After over an hour of stumbling through the darkness and the rain, Fuu found a small cave to rest
in. She entered it warily, sword in hand, ready for an attack. But it was safe, and she was grateful.
Shivering and tugging her green cape around her, Fuu found a dry spot and curled up on it, still holding
her sword tightly in one hand. She reached up and brushed tears from her eyes. She hadn't even
realized she'd been crying. She felt a sad ache in her heart as she thought of Ferio.
"I'm sorry, Ferio," She whispered, closing her eyes. "Please forgive me for failing you again. I'm
so sorry...."
She was soon asleep, one hand holding her sword, the other clutching Ferio's ring and curled against
her chest.

Ferio stumbled, catching his balance before he could fall. He looked up at the sky as lightning
flashed again, followed by growling thunder and sudden hail.
"Man..." Ferio muttered. Ahead, he spotted a canyon. He realized the screams he'd heard earlier had
seemed to come from that direction. He glanced at the sky again before running for the canyon....

The stormy sky had turned a reddish orange. There was something very frightening about the land.
Everything was much too quiet; the rain and thunder and lightning had suddenly stopped. There was no
wind and the air was heavy and cold, making it hard to breathe. Still, she kept her sword ready as she
moved on. Suddenly, she realized there was someone walking toward her. She gasped.

"Ferio!"
His face brightened with his familiar grin. But before he could reach her, the ground began to shake and
a roaring sound made them both cover their ears. As the shaking grew more violent and the roar grew
louder, something large struck the ground behind Fuu. She screamed and looked behind her.
Red-orange flames burned only a few feet away, so close she could feel the heat. She looked up and
gasped in horror. Comet-like balls of fire were streaking from the red sky!

"Fuu!!" Ferio shouted as the shaking grew even stronger, throwing him to the ground.
"Ferio!!" Fuu tried to run to him, but the quake suddenly caused the ground between them to split
open, a huge crevice suddenly forming right before their eyes. Fuu dodged another fireball, trying to
find a way to get to Ferio. Suddenly a familiar booming voice echoed in her ears.
"Girl from another world!"
Fuu gasped. "Windam?!" She couldn't see him anywhere.
"Cephiro is falling apart! You must reunite with the other Magic Knights and save this country!"
Fuu shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "But I can't leave Ferio!"
"You must!" Windam said. "You do not have much time....and you can't save him without risking your
own life! Cephiro needs you!"

"Fuu!" Ferio shouted to her over the broken ground. "Get out of here! You have to save Cephiro!"
"I won't leave you!" Fuu shouted back.
Suddenly, the tremors shifted again and Ferio lost his balance, hitting his head as he fell to the ground.
Fuu gasped, running to the edge of the crevice and shouting across it. "Ferio! Ferio!!!"

Fuu awoke with a start. But it hadn't been the nightmare that had woke her. She sat up, suddenly
alert. The sound was at the mouth of the cave. She leapt to her feet. Ka-ching! Her sword was ready in
her hands, her heart racing as she braced herself for another battle. Suddenly, a figure appeared,
silouhetted against the stormy sky. Fuu gasped and lowered her sword slowly, her green eyes wide.

"Ferio!"
Ferio stepped into the cave and blinked in surprise.

"Fuu!"
Her sword slipped from her hand, landing on the cave floor with a clang. They stood in silence for a
moment, gazing at each other, hardly able to believe their eyes. Then, without a word, Ferio reached
out to Fuu, taking her in his arms, embracing her warmly. Fuu threw her arms around his waist, relief
flooding her heart.
After a long moment, Ferio pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes and gently stroking her hair.

"Fuu....what are you doing here? What happened?"
Fuu lowered her head, closing her eyes, trying not to cry again. Ferio gently curled a finger under her
chin, tilting her face up toward his. She looked at him sadly.

"Ferio..."
They gazed into each other's eyes for a long time, the only sound coming from the rain outside.
Slowly, Ferio brought his face down toward Fuu's, his lips nearly touching hers. A sudden screech
outside made them both jump, breaking them apart. Ferio ran to the cave entrance and looked out.
"What is that?!" He exclaimed. "I've never seen a monster like that before....not even in the Forest
of Silence!"
Fuu joined him, recognizing the monster he pointed to immediately.
"I have." She said quietly. Ferio looked at her, eyes wide, as the bat-monster screeched again.
"Fuu---"

Suddenly, she gasped and grabbed his arm, pulling him back into the cave.
"Look!" She pointed, horrified.
Ferio looked back just in time to see the monster swooping down toward them, it's evil red eyes
glowing down at them over an open mouth full of razor fangs.
"It sees us!" Ferio cried. "I don't think it can get in here---"

Suddenly, the creature was there, it's great red and black wings flapping furiously as it tried to
reach them in the back of the cave, it's head several feet away from where Fuu and Ferio stood. Ferio
backed Fuu against the wall of the cave, shielding her with his own body as he held his sword ready.
*I can't even use my magic in such a small space without harming Ferio too,* Fuu thought, looking
at him nervously. *But I /have/ to do something!*

Ferio began slashing at the creature's face, walking forward, swinging his sword rapidly. The
monster screamed angrily, backing out of the cave.
"Ferio!" Fuu cried out in alarm.
Ferio chanced a glance over his shoulder and grinned at her.
Fuu ran forward, grabbing her sword from the ground. As the monster retreated outside, Ferio
suddenly spun around to face Fuu.

"Wait here." He told her. "I can handle this one."
"But--" Fuu began. Ferio shushed her suddenly with a gentle kiss. Fuu blinked in surprise, her cheeks
bright pink. She closed her eyes, a single tear sliding down her cheek. When their first kiss ended, Ferio
looked at her with a loving smile, slightly blushing as well. He stroked a lock of her hair with his fingers.
"I've been wanting to do that for a long time," He admitted softly. He brushed his fingers down her
cheek gently, looking into her eyes. Then he turned suddenly and raced outside to the angry monster
that awaited him.

Fuu gazed after him, her heart thumping. "Ferio..." She said under her breath. She could hear his
shouts and the monster's screams outside as they fought. Fuu closed her eyes tightly and clasped her
hands to her chest. Then she heard words in her heart....
"A heart that believes...."

Fuu's expression suddenly changed.
".....can change the world." She said aloud. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Then she noticed something
glinting from the ground. She knelt down, picking it up. Ferio's ring. She gazed at it for a second
before slipping it on her finger.
"I believe," She said firmly. "And I will not fail."

Her sword glowed bright green in her hand, as she ran out into the battle.........

Hikaru watched as the rain pelted the window, never seeming to let up, even for a moment.
*Fuu and Ferio are out there, somewhere,* She thought, shivering. *And I can't even look for them!*
Her thoughts were interrupted as someone gently placed a soft blanket over her shoulders. Hikaru
looked up, surprised. Umi smiled and sat down next to her friend.

"You look so tired, Hikaru." She said gently.
Hikaru smiled half-heartedly. "I'm okay. I'm just worried about them."
Umi sighed. "Me, too." She frowned. "I can't believe Ferio took off like that!" She exclaimed. She
seemed a bit angry. "If /we/ can't go after her, why should he?"

"Because he doesn't have a Mashe to answer to....or a world to save." A voice behind them spoke.
The girls turned. "Presea!"
Presea smiled and came over to join them.
"But what about his safety?" Umi asked. "Doesn't it matter to him that he doesn't have his own
Mashe, or even good armor?"
Presea sat down in front of them. "I don't think any of that matters to him," She said thoughtfully.
"When someone's in love, they'll do anything for that other person. Even if it means their life."
Hikaru tilted her head, looking slightly confused. "Ferio's in love?"
Presea leaned back in her chair, sitting up straight. "What? You don't know??" She asked incredulously.
"Know what?" Umi asked, exchanging glances with Hikaru.
Presea laughed. "That Ferio's in love with Fuu!"
Hikaru and Umi looked at each other, shocked.
Presea looked at them. "You really didn't know?"
Umi shrugged. "I just thought they really liked each other....you know, a crush."
Hikaru flushed, her eyes wide. "Wow...."
"And even though it's hard for her to show it," Presea said with a gentle smile. "I believe Fuu feels the
same about him."
Umi grinned, her eyes dreamy. "Our little Fuu! How romantic!" She said. Presea laughed.
As they talked, Hikaru gazed out the window again.

*Fuu....Ferio....please be okay.*

"No, Fuu! Get back!"
Ferio was having trouble fighting the bat-monster, discovering the thing's sharply-tipped, whiplike tail
as it sliced through the air toward him. He jumped over it just in time, swinging his sword at the
creature's neck as he did so. But this monster was fast, and was dodging all of Ferio's attacks.

*I've never seen anything like this!* Ferio thought, running the opposite direction of the cave to
lure the monster away from Fuu. *It's so fast and agressive!*
Ferio cried out suddenly as the monster surprised him with an attck from behind, whipping it's tail into
his back. Ferio tumbled to the ground, somersaulting to his feet almost as soon as he hit the ground. He
staggered slightly as he began running again.

"Emerald Typhoon!!!"
A painful scream erupted from the monster as it tried to dodge Fuu's magical attack. Ferio turned in
time to see the swirling green winds tearing at one of the monster's huge wings. It screamed again, then
rushed toward Fuu, Ferio forgotten behind it, it's fury completely focused on her.

"Fuu!!!" Ferio shouted. "Fuu, run!"
Fuu did run, but not back to the cave. She bgan leading the monster away from Ferio.
*What is she doing?!* Ferio wondered frantically, racing after them. *She'll get herself killed!*
Fuu looked behind her. Beyond the bat-monster that was quickly gaining on her, she saw Ferio trying to
catch up. She knew he would.
With only seconds to spare, Fuu suddenly stopped running and turned around, moving slightly to one
side so that she had a clear view of Ferio. He was coming closer to the monster, which was moving
toward her, dragging it's torn wing. Ferio raised his sword......

"Winds of Admonishment!!!"
Ferio gasped as he was suddenly lifted into the air by swirling light green winds.
*What is she---I can't move!*
Ferio struggled against the magic spell as it held him captive above ground....and away from danger.
"Fuu!!!" He screamed. "Fuu!!"
Fuu closed her eyes briefly. *I'm sorry, Ferio...* She raised her sword as the monster reached her. *But
this was the only way....*
She leaped into the air, slicing at the monster's face with her sword. It couldn't move as quickly now
with it's injured wing and screamed in pain as blood ran into it's eye. Fuu ran forward, her sword aimed
at the thing's heart, but it suddenly dodged to the left and swiped at her, it's sharp talons catching her
side. Fuu shrieked and fell to the ground.
"Fuu! Please stop! Fuu!!!" Ferio begged her, struggling even harder at his bonds.
Fuu glared over her shoulder at the creature, which was shaking it's head, dazed.
"Aaagh!" She cried, getting to her feet and rushing it again. This time, the monster's head swiveled to
look at her with it's one good eye as it lashed out with it's sharp tail, slicing into her leg. Fuu cried out
and fell to one knee, supporting herself with her sword, digging it into the ground.
"Ungh!" Ferio had somehow managed to free one arm....he was still grasping his sword. Glaring in
concentration and anger as the creature hovered over an injured Fuu, Ferio lunged the sword with all
his strength at it. The large sword flipped through the air, lodging itself with a sickening sound in the
monster's shoulder. It let out a pained, angry roar, turning back towards Ferio, beginning to drag itself
in his direction.

"No...Ferio!!!" Fuu shouted, trying to stand. She collapsed to the ground again. /No.../ She was
desperately trying to reach him before the monster did.
"Ferio!"
Ferio struggled as the creature came closer. Fuu shoved her sword deeper into the ground, pulling
herself up painfully. *I won't make it in time....* Suddenly, she noticed the gold ring on her finger. She
remembered the day he'd given it to her....he'd saved her life that day. Now the ring was covered in
blood. She closed her eyes, concentrating.

*A heart that believes.....can change the world....*
Fuu opened her eyes, a strange feeling coming over her, her eyes set with determination.

"I'll save Ferio.../and/ Cephiro!"
Suddenly, her heart gave her a new spell.

"Emerald Windstorm!"
Brilliant green windsraced toward the bat-monster, engulfing it, drowning out it's screams. With a
bright flash, the monster was gone, nothing left but a pile of black sand.
Fuu collapsed, unconcious, the winds holding Ferio vanishing as she fainted. He dropped to the ground
and ran to Fuu, stumbling. "Fuu!"
He reached her, kneeling by her and pulling her into his arms. "Fuu...."

"She is alive," A deep voice said. Ferio gasped and looked up. A giant green robot towered above
him, yellow eyes gazing down at him, it's great wings extended out on either side.
"She is alive, but exhausted. I will return you both to the castle."
Ferio's eyes widened as the Mashe knelt before him, lowering one massive claw to the ground. Ferio
swallowed hard, then gently lifted Fuu and carried her to their ride home....

Fuu blinked, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness.
"Young lady from another world...."
"Windam!" She said, surprised. Windam was standing before her, his vast wings unfolded, looking very impressive.
"Magic Knight, you have done well." The Mashe intoned. "You have proven the strength of your heart,
and your desire to save Cephiro."
Fuu gazed up at the robot. "But....how?"
Windam's eyes glowed. "You have demonstrated strong faith and have risked your own life for the
well-being of another. Even when faced with a dilemma, you fought with your heart. The heart decides
all in Cephiro, and yours is exceptionally strong."

Fuu absently touched Ferio's ring on her finger. "But what about the other concerns of my heart?"
She couldn't help but ask. She had to know.
"I needed to besure your heart was strong and that your determination and courage would not waver."
Windam knelt in front of her.

"Magic Knight of Wind. The battles ahead will determine the ultimate fate of Cephiro. Do not fear
and, above all, do not doubt in your heart. The creature you faced in your journey was the incarnation
of the fear and doubt in your heart."
Fuu gasped. *That monster was from me? It could have killed---*

"However," Windam continued. "You were able to overcome that creature by your faith and by
your love for the prince." (Fuu blushed at this.)
"There will be many more creatures such as this that come from Cephiro's fear...but you have already
defeated the most challenging. Your own."
Windam stood. "Love for your family, friends, and this land, and the faith that you hold in your heart
are your greatest weapons. Use them well..."


Fuu opened her eyes slowly, feeling sore and stiff, but otherwise fine. She sat up, realizing she was
back in the castle, in the room she shared with Hikaru and Umi. Fuu looked around her. Umi was
curled up in a chair, sound asleep. Hikaru was sleeping in the windowseat, Mokona snoring in her arms.
Fuu smiled, then saw Ferio. He was sleeping sitting up, on the floor, his back against the wall and his
sword across his lap. Fuu slipped out of bed and went over to him.

"Healing winds...." Fuu whispered.
A gentle soft green wind swirled around Ferio's body, healing his wounds. Ferio awoke as the winds
vanished, their healing properties restoring his energy. He blinked, surprised, at Fuu, who stood over
him, smiling. He grinned back and stood up.
"I really missed that smile." He said softly.
Fuu blushed but kept smiling. She couldn't help herself.
He gently stroked her cheek. "I'm glad you're okay. I was really worried about you."
Suddenly,. His face flushed. "And...there's something I want to say to you."
Fuu looked at him, curious.
"After you disappeared, I was afraid I'd lost you," He began quietly. "And when that monster was
attacking you, I--" He paused, then looked into her eyes.
"Fuu....what I want to say is that I've fallen in love with you." He smiled warmly.
"I love you, Fuu."
Fuu turned bright red, her eyes wide. Then she smiled back at him.
"That rhymes, silly." She took his hand in both of hers, looking into his eyes tenderly.
"I love you, too, Ferio." She said softly.
Ferio smiled and leaned toward her. Behind them, Hikaru and Umi were awake, and had witnessed the
whole scene. They looked at each other and smiled, both blushing a little, as Mokona slept on, the jewel
on his forhead turning bright green once again.
Ferio kissed Fuu gently, all the emotion he felt for her expressed in that single kiss. Fuu returned those
feelings as she kissed him back. Then Ferio wrapped her in his arms and held her tightly for the longest
time......