Disclaimer: I don't own Magic Knights Rayearth.
Author's Note: The email system still stands for the rest of you who'd like to use it, just to remind you, my email is ladydemosthenes9@yahoo.com. Aw, it's time for another chapter, now, isn't it? Well, without further ado, the tale commences –
A figure clad in crème adornments stood in the middle of the room trying to suppress the chill traveling up and down his spine. "Forgive me, your Highness, but I can only convey regrettable news," Inouva replied softly as he bowed his head in respect. Inouva had just rushed into the throne room from the battlefield, with a look of defeat written all over his face. Zagato shifted uneasily in his seat, he did wish to be informed of another failure. He stared at Inouva with intense eyes and waited to hear what he knew to be inevitable. Inouva raised his head and scrutinized the expression on Zagato's face. Solemn and Cold. Prepared mentally to accept what was to be said. "We have still been unable to annihilate the shield the protects Cephiro, your Eminence. I beg you to pardon us for our incompetence." His whole body had frozen, as he waited for Zagato's reaction.
Zagato's lips curled into a malevolent smile, "I am not at all surprised at this outcome. Princess Emeraude has lead on a noble battle, indeed. But her tactics shall not keep Cephiro safe forever, for I have found the weapon we need." Zagato stood up from his seat; he appeared as a very elevated and well-built man. His shoulders were adorned with a long black cape that draped over his back rippling like a fast flowing river. He was not one to be trifled with.
"What of this?" Inouva interrogated, his interest sparked by the prospect of triumph.
Zagato paused for a second to build up the drama and then continued, "On the outskirts of Atlantasia, there stands a cave, twenty miles in depth and concealed by surrounding marine life." He paced about the platform on which the throne was situated as if mulling over whether or not to go on. By this time, he had Inouva's complete and devoted attention.
"There in, that cave, legend states there are three rune gods – one of wind, one of fire, and one of water. With these in our possession, no defensive magic, not even that of Princess Emeraude could hold us back from achieving our goal." Zagato closed his eyes and let the words sink in.
Inouva blinked, "If it is so easy, than why didn't we do that before?" He quickly closed his mouth after letting that slip, for he knew that challenging his master could lead to a strict punishment.
Zagato dismissed the impertinence and opened his eyes, "It's not easy. For one thing, Atlantasia is the world of the seas; to go there one must be able to find a way to travel about in the marine enviroment. That is the first impediment; the second is that the true location of this cave is unknown. Legend states that it is on the outskirts of the country, but where, and if it is hidden, then how on Paridisus are we going to find it? To complicate conditions even more, not just anyone can harness the power of the rune gods, if they even exist to begin with. As you can see, this is not a simple matter. Call it, if you will, a sort of last resort."
Inouva nodded obediently, "Then shall we start making preparations to overcome these problems?"
Zagato clapped his hands together, "Of course. I don't care how much longer it takes, Cephiro will be mine."
"Out of curiousity, sir, why are you so intent on reigning over Cephiro?"
"Have you not witnessed the power that goes to the pillar of Cephiro? With that kind of power at my hands, I would be able to keep the throne safely mine for as long as I live. Besides, it is common knowledge that Cephiro has fertile land that Antaro citizens need and other resources that would be greatly profitable for our economy. In every way, I cannot see a reason not to try and capture Cephiro," Zagato answered. The king had once again taken his seat on the onyx throne and had a leisurely look on his face.
"Sir, what shall I do to make the proper arrangements for the retrieving of the rune gods?" Inouva asked. He was clueless as to where to start with this ambitious expedition.
"Bring my brother here; with the help of his judgment, we will choose two others to go with him on the journey for them." Zagato looked extremely pleased with himself, and not wishing to test his master's patience, Inouva left to call upon Lantis.
The young maiden tossed back her fiery hair; since Zagato's forces had been trying to take over Cephiro, she had been very busy lately making sure that Cephiro would not fall into their hands. True, Princess Emeraude was executing a superb defensive campaign, but there was always a chance they might pull something she would not think of beforehand. And thus, the ruby – eyed magician found herself brushing up on Antaro tactics and keeping an eye on the shield lest the opposing forces try anything suspicious. Unfortunately, her work was more studying than action, which proved to be quite tedious. Presently, she was laying back in the emerald grass reading a blue bound book on all sorts of offensive legerdemain.
"Hikaru, the Princess would like to speak to us," a soft voice stated. It belonged to a tall girl, whose sapphire eyes seemed filled with anticipation.
Hikaru glanced up and smiled, "I'm coming, Umi. Don't worry, I don't want to miss out on any action that *might* take place." With that, the girl pulled herself to her feet and closed the book.
"Neither do I! I hope we get to see some fighting this time!" Umi exclaimed. It was uncharacteristic to hope so, but lately, there had been so much painstaking study work to be done, that she found herself wishing for a little drama here and there.
Hikaru tossed her head back and laughed in realization that they both shared the same feelings on the matter. Her white dress flowed all about her as she walked towards the palace, and she resembled in many ways, a cherub of the flames. Behind her, her comrade Umi ensued, light blue hair gently flying in the wind.
Lantis was sleeping in a bed of flower petals under the shade of a swaying palm tree when Inouva found him. For some reason, he had always seemed uninterested at the ongoing war, since it seemed to be failing. Zagato had urged him to join the fight, and he had participated in some battles, but only reluctantly. The man always seemed to have ideas and aspirations of his own. At any rate, most everyone stayed out of Lantis's way, allowing him to have plenty of latitude in what he did. Now and then, Lantis would disappear, going on some surreptitious business, no doubt, but when he returned no one would question him. "Wake up, Lantis," Inouva stately as softly as possible.
Lantis groaned, slowly opening his eyes and wondering what on Paridisus Inouva wanted when he was trying to rest. He pulled himself into a sitting position on crimson petals and waited for an explanation on why he had been torn from his precious slumber. A gentle zephyr played with his black hair, reminding Inouva greatly of Zagato.
"Zagato wishes to speak with you," Inouva stated tersely, "It is of immediate importance." Lantis nodded his head, not wishing to argue at the moment or further interrogate the reason behind his being summoned. He figured that his brother wanted to rail him from abstaining participation in the war and so he wanted to get it over with quickly. He got up and walked in a regal fashion towards the throne room in which he knew he would find his brother. Inouva followed, ready follow any more orders Zagato might issue.
Princess Emeraude had gone to the ornate dining room with Clef to wait for her two trusted magical knights. Clef had informed her, shortly after she had strengthened the shield of Cephiro, that there was a power capable of overcoming their defenses. Beforehand, everyone had been mentally assured that Emeraude's capabilities could never be matched, but Clef's research had found contrary evidence.
Hikaru and Umi walked in chattering lightly, but as soon as they saw the anxious look on Emeraude's face, they fell silent. Clef stepped forward and addressed the two knights in a most cautious manner, "Magic Knights of Cephiro, I bear grave news. Though, Princess Emeraude's powers are potent, legend states of weapons so great, that if wielded by Antaro, our country shall fall into their hands." Hikaru and Umi threw concerned glances at each other and then nodded for Clef to continue.
"I do not know much about the location of these weapons yet because as soon as I read about them, I came to you. I will be further researching in order to get all the accurate evidence. All I know is that they are called rune gods and that they have incredible powers. We have every reason to believe that Antaro already has knowledge of these weapons."
"Do we know this for sure?" Hikaru asked gazing downwards.
"No, but it seems inevitable that they either are searching for them or will be searching for them," Clef nervously tugged at the sleeve of his robe.
"Can you find out more information about these weapons?" Umi interrogated.
Clef nodded, grasping tighter on to his staff, "I shall go take care of that now for we cannot make an informed decision without knowing more." Without said, he exited the room.
"My faithful knights," Emeraude addressed them, cerulean eyes brimming over with anguish, "when Mage Clef finds out more, you shall be among the first to be told."
"Princess Emeraude, we are prepared to go and find these weapons before Antaro does," Hikaru stated boldly. Emeraude looked up sharply at the intrepid knight with a sense of gratefulness.
She smiled weakly, "I appreciate your willingness and concern. Excuse me, for I must go reassure the citizens that everything will be ok." She picked up her skirts and strolled out of the room while Hikaru and Umi curtsied respectfully.
"Everything isn't ok," Umi stated once Emeraude had left their presence.
Hikaru gazed down at the blue tile floor shaking her head, "I would hate for all this beauty to fall into the hands of Antaro." She then pointed up to the ceiling to back up her point. The ceiling was adorned with a beautiful painting of the sky with fanciful creatures cavorting through the air without a care. Chandeliers of pristine crystal hung above them, lighting the room with a warm glow.
"You're right," Umi stated, "no matter what, we have to get those weapons before Antaro does."
And here ends chapter two! Yes, I know, all my fanfics are AU fanfics. I've actually been thinking about doing a Rayearth humor fanfic, but I'm not sure. I really hoped you've enjoyed the fanfic, and as always, please review! Thanks!