*I've been testing all week and I'm already tired of it. Three hours of testing everyday for the next two weeks is getting me down so I didn't feel like editing this chapter so if it's really messed up I'm sorry. I just typed it and am about to throw it into fanfiction so I'm really sorry if it's a little off.*
Chapter 8 Selece
"What are you?! Who are you?!" Umi screamed into the shadows.
A glowing blue creature emerged from the darkness and pulled back bat-like wings. She screamed, and the doors slammed shut, "I am Selece, Rune-God of Water," he fell to all four, "And you are Umi, Magic Knight of Water."
For a few minutes Umi just watched as his expression changed from amused to angry to simply solemn. After the battle was over she looked at him intrigued through her fear, "What was that?" After a battle with her own mind she chose to speak and walk forward slowly.
"That would be the Son of Cephiro," he answered, and Umi could almost see him grin.
"The who?"
"Oh I see," he growled, "He's the same as always, denying his title so he can get anyone he wants…I'm not sure what he's going by with you. His birth name is Yukito."
Her jaw slacked, "What?"
"I see you've met, he's insistent that I not hurt you," the smile came back, "You must have some talent to have one on him, normally it's the other way around."
"Please explain," this creature seemed so friendly despite its malice appearance.
"Oh I'll leave that to him. I'm just going to say he's a typical male human in all ways; he normally has females falling at his feet. Typical in all ways but one that is; he could never give himself completely to anyone."
"Because he wanted me, because of some destiny, I've heard," Umi muttered miserably.
"No," his eyes were sharp, "Because he didn't want to hurt you."
Umi smiled and blushed, looking down.
"Traditionally," he pulled her out of her trance, "I would test you now, but I don't believe you need it."
"Traditionally? You've done this before?"
"A long time ago before even Guru Clef was born there was a terrible fight between Cephiro and the surrounding countries, a battle for the right of pillar. The Magic Knights were summoned, and I tested the Water knight. She passed, and the conflict was solved. Not long after that a new set of Knights were summoned. This Water Knight failed and died. I am as old as Cephiro, and you are the third Knight to fall across my path. Good luck," a beam of blue light fell across her, and her gem began to glow. She gasped and streams of Water fell across her. When she emerged her armor had changed, "Free the other two, stay with him, he is strong and is destined to protect you. Leave now and call my name when you need me," he began to shrink into the shadows once more.
"Selece?"
He nodded for her to continue.
"Arigato."
The last thing she saw was his glinting, approving eyes before he disappeared, and the doors swung open.
"You're okay?" he pulled her close examining her for injury when she emerged. He ran his hands down her arms and across her back then a few gentle fingers across her neck and face giving her shivers. He took his free hand and intertwined it in hers then brought her fingers to his lips kissing them teasingly.
She giggled, and her eyes glinted, "Come on, that's no way to act in front of the Magic Knight of Water."
He smiled at her, but she saw a hint of regret in his eyes.
"Is something wrong?" she touched his face softly.
"Nothing, I'm happy for you and wishing this moment would never end," he touched her hand.
"Don't do that," she ordered pulling herself closer.
"Why?" he mused enjoying her touch.
"You make it hard to be angry with you."
"I didn't know you were angry with me," he put a hand behind her neck making heat rush through her body, "But then," he kissed her softly, teasing her with light touches of his lips, "I didn't expect Selece to say anything good about me."
"Oh he definitely didn't like you as a person, but," she stopped for his kiss, "He couldn't deny your strength."
"That's nice," he kissed her neck, and she wrapped hands around his back.
"We should go," she whispered into his neck.
"No."
"Yes," she pulled from him, "The others."
He moaned in complaint but didn't object. They went to the doors, and Umi looked back.
"Arigato Selece," she whispered then turned back to him, "Take my hand, I don't know how I know this but when you touch me you can breathe underwater and see too. I guess I'm more like a mermaid than an angel," she took his hand.
"That's even better," he whispered in her ear, They're more sexy."
She blushed and shook her head before stepping into the water.
§§§~~~
"You better take care of her Son of Cephiro. If you don't you will pay," Selece watched from his watery depths, "Because there are others that will make you suffer including me if you don't."
§§§~~~
She was wrapped in streams of Wind blowing her hair, teasing her, calling her, telling her to come and play.
There was Fire all around her pulling her into the heat but somehow not burning her. She smiled as if she was in a peaceful sauna.
Too soon it was over, and they both felt the weight of their new armor.
"Umi has found her Rune-God," Ferio said quickly urging them on, "She will be brought safely to the palace. Let's see that we get that far in one piece too okay?" For a minute that grin was back but quickly it was doused.
"Hikaru no!" he heard Fuu shout and turned the horse around quickly. He clicked his tongue and heavy hooves broke a jaw of another creature.
"Damn you Ferio!" the voice was familiar.
"Ascot?" Ferio pulled the horse off as the boy touched the wouldn't of his, friend, gently, "What are you doing out here?"
He shook his head and instructed the creature to go back to the palace.
"And why did your friend attack Hikaru?" Ferio persisted.
"Friend?!" Hikaru squeaked.
"It doesn't' matter what they look like, they still have hearts," he glared as he stood and gave her a hand up.
"Is everyone taller than me?" Hikaru's complaint was barely heard, but Fuu giggled slightly.
Her laugh was like music, but he forced the heat and chills away and turned his attention back to Ascot.
"He didn't attack her! She turned around and fell off in fear of him. He simply caught her," Ascot protested.
Hikaru blushed and looked down, "That's true," she mumbled.
"As for why I'm out here Guru Clef sent me to look for you. Princess Emeraude felt you approach Prince and wanted you brought safely home. Umi is not with you I see," he frowned deeply.
"No she's not, why do you look like that Ascot?"
Fuu looked down at what Ferio didn't realize. He hadn't spoken that much to them, to her, in two days and this had happened in about two minutes. She had hurt him, and she hated causing pain; she had seen enough of it in her life.
"She has been tainted, taken by the enemy," he answered simply.
This brought both Fuu and Hikaru out of their dazes, "What?!"
"That's not possible, she revived the Rune-God Selece only minutes ago," Ferio informed him.
"Then hopefully it is not too late," Ascot began to lead them across a plain toward the palace.
"There's a man, Yukito, traveling with us right now; he's with Umi. He's bringing her here," Fuu told the boy.
He stopped dead in his tracks, "You left Umi alone with a strange man?!"
"He seems to be a friend," Fuu began.
"I can't believe you let this happen Ferio!" he disregarded her.
"It's not as if I had much of a choice. We were being hunted by a pack of three-eyed monsters at the time!" he argued back, "And Umi seemed to trust him."
Ascot muttered but didn't say anything; it was out of his hands now. They just headed toward the setting sun.
§§§~~~
They were riding hard through the Forest of Silence when a figure appeared before them.
"Umi don't give in to him, remember what you have on your side," he winked, and they dismounted drawing swords.
"My sweet," the Dark One pulled a finger forward, and she felt her feet struggling with her. She set her jaw and forced herself to stay with much strain. After a moment he stopped, "Ah you've gotten stronger, how cute." He closed his eyes, and the dark seemed to deepen around him.
"Umi get behind me," Yukito instructed.
She did as he said trying to stay warm near him, "I'm cold," she whispered, teeth chattering, "Really cold."
"I know, just keep fighting it okay? You have to keep fighting it, always," he put a hand behind him, and she gave him hers. He squeezed it reassuringly, and some warmth flew into her.
"Arigato," her teeth were still chattering.
He closed his eyes and drew in the power of the ground, the trees, the air, even the breath of the horses behind them. Putting both hands on the hilt of the now glowing blade he pulled it down on the Dark One's night filled blade.
Umi fell to the ground clutching her ears with the impact. As their fight raged, her body struggled with the taint.
As Yukito made a winning stroke she passed out on the ground, sweating a cold sweat and freezing cold, the cold of death.
The Dark One shrieked as his blade flew from his hands, but instead of killing him there, ending it, Yukito sheathed his sword and picked up the panting and sweating girl, putting her in the saddle of his gelding and mounting himself. He took the reins of the mare and kicked the gelding into a hard canter not daring to go faster and ran past the man trying to stand. The last words the Dark One spoke filled his mind, "Is she really worth it?! You know your fate! Is she worth it?! You could change everything!"
But one word from her, in her delirium erased any doubt, "Yukito."
He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for her.
They reached the palace gates, and two guards stopped him, "Who are you?! What is your business in the palace?!"
He grimaced as he spoke, "I am the Son of Cephiro, and this," he looked at the girl who lie limp in his arms, "This is the Magic Knight of Water. She needs to get to the Guru Clef."
The guards nodded noticing his sword and her armor and gem, "This way."
They led him through many doors and hallways before they reached one large door.
"Here," they turned and almost ran in the other direction.
He grimaced noticing their actions; those were the actions of men terrified of interrupting Clef's studying.
"The one time I need him, and he's studying. Wait, that's what he always does," he smiled slightly and held his breath, kicking the door.
"Go away! I have things that need attended to!" a voice from inside shouted.
"Unless you want the Magic Knight of Water to die in my arms I suggest opening this door," he growled through the heavy door that quickly swung open.
"How did y…" his face paled when he saw who it was, "I knew I knew the voice."
"I didn't expect you to be happy to see me again," he said sourly trying not to be affected by the glare, but he knew he wore the same one.
"Bring her over here," Clef instructed ushering him to a table that, with a snap, had a heavy blanket over it, and a pillow at the top, "Is it the taint?"
"You felt it and didn't come?!"
"Unlike some people I have duties, responsibilities. Just because you left yours behind years ago doesn't mean I have," he said sharply inspecting her with eyes, hands and magic.
"I have responsibilities," Yukito said softly, "She's lying in front of you."
Clef's eyes narrowed at his hand that held hers tightly but stayed silent, "It can be fixed; you've been quick."
"Kisama! Let him go! Dad! Dad! No! Dad!" even in unconsciousness those same dreams plagued her.
"What is it?" Clef asked Yukito.
"I don't know; it is something she can hide even from me. It seems in the four months of my last…" he didn't finish, "I have missed a lifetime of scars."
"For a pretty girl you will stray even from the one thing you still remember," Clef's words were quiet and sounded calm, but they made his blood boil.
"And you could do better?!"
"Yes."
He muttered about arrogance but did not say anything else; Clef was at work.
When he finished he collapse in a chair he summoned before summoning one for Yukito.
"Will she be okay?" he kissed her fingers and put her hand on her chest; her breathing sounded stable.
"Yes," Clef's eyes were full of anger at every touch, "Are you mad?! Are you sure you are not tainted as well?! Maybe I should check because I'm sure there's a dark force at work in you."
"Why do you hate me?! Because of my destiny or because you know that I could have been far stronger than you?!" Suddenly his anger flared up inside him.
"I hate you because you are only destined to hurt her, and because you chose not to accel me. You have a gift that is being wasted, a talent that I would have given anything for, a talent that you shun and push away," Clef answered his glare turning to a cowl, "And because no one deserves the pain you will cause, least of all her."
"And you ask me to turn away now?! Forget what was said to be?! What was meant to be?! Ask it of me, and I will be gone!" he stood as if ready to leave.
"If the damage was not already done I would, but I am not as stupid as you see me as. I have seen the other two; she revived Selece and touched both you and the Dark One, the damage is already done," he looked t the girl sadly, "She will walk your path marvelously.
"And now love is damage?! Reviving one of the Legendary Rune-Gods is a curse?!"
"Selece has nothing to do with this. Your love is not just damage it is dangerous," his eyes were like ice.
"You're one to talk. You're the one who got the good deal aren't you? The one who will live out his life, happy, content? The one who will be the hero and the savior? Aren't I right Guru?" Yukito questioned fiercely.
He sighed, suddenly tired, "We are all only pawns to the will of Cephiro. You, me, the Dark One, the Magic Knights, only small pieces in the whole of this country."
"Then why fight me on this?" he seemed calmer now.
"Only because she is my responsibility too, the other two as well, but her more so. I don't want to see her hurt."
"She's strong; she'll make it," Yukito smiled weakly.
"She is strong," he nodded in agreement, "Get some sleep, old friend," he stood and left the room.
§§§~~~
"She is safe, and I removed the taint. The Son of Cephiro is with her," Clef assured them walking out into the dining room. Word of their arrival had spread quickly.
"Who?" Fuu asked softly.
Ferio's jaw dropped, "He's the Son of Cephiro?! You're kidding me!"
"Ferio!" Emeraude scolded.
"Thanks so much Clef," Yukito said sarcastically walking into the room.
"Shouldn't you be resting?" Clef demanded.
"I can't sleep on an empty stomach. Why? Don't you want me to be present while you speak of me? I'm sure everyone in the palace hates me already anyway," he said it casually and with a smile, but it angered him.
"We know only what the prophecies say, but it seems," Lantis was watching them with curiosity, "That there is more to this story than we know. Hidden information maybe?"
"Guru Clef? Is this true?" Persea inquired softly.
He sighed, "Yes."
Yukito's eyes widened, "You mean you didn't take this opportunity to turn them against me?! But it would have been such a good chance!"
"Just because you would take that opportunity doesn't' mean I would sink to your level," Clef retorted.
"Bravo," Yukito said dryly.
"Can't anyone get any sleep here?" Umi demanded irritably rubbing her head and walking into the room.
"Umi," everyone in the room sighed.
"Hi," she smiled at him softly as he stood, pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
"I'm glad you're okay," he told her nosing her neck and making her laugh.
"I knew you'd take care of me."
Fuu observed it all; the surprised look on Hikaru's face, the romantic eyes with Emeraude and Zagato, Caldina and Lafarga. The helpless sigh that escaped Persea; the blush that Ascot looked down from. She cringed at the wistful look she felt Ferio give her, but more than anything she saw the Master Mage of Cephiro's narrowed eyes glowing with pure uncontained fury and hatred.
The moment ended when Umi whispered, "I'm hungry."
He grinned and took her hand. They took seats next to each other, and only then did Clef's scowl lighten, but still he glanced at their interwoven hands and glared.
"The Darkness grows stronger," Yukito said out of the blue.
"What do you mean by that?" Clef was suddenly very interested, and the scowl almost but vanished.
"It is still weak, but he was able to wield the Dark Blade."
"What?!" all the people from Cephiro roared.
"Huh?" the other three looked up at the sudden outburst.
"Yes, he used it against me."
"So the battle has already begun," Clef was in deep thought.
"Yes," Yukito answered.
"Did you yourself wild the Blade of Cephiro?" Clef persisted, and everyone watched as the two battled some kind of battle.
"What did you want me to do?! Let her be taken by the Dark One?!"
"No," Clef sighed, "But so many pawns are at work now. This will be a war of millenniums, never before has anyone seen what is to come."
"When they came here why did you not send them straight to me?! Maybe things would be in our favor now!" Yukito argued, "You told tem you didn't know what it was when you very well did."
"I thought, hoped that it wasn't him. You know that even if I had told them to find you they couldn't have found you and neither could I," Clef's voice always stayed mild, and it drove Yukito insane.
"We both know that you could," his voice was low. Clef looked down as he continued, "You just didn't want me to find them."
"Maybe," Clef's voice held hidden venom, "But I'm surprised you found them all the same. Your last lover was very beautiful. Don't ask how I know; you know I keep an eye on you. She was one of my old students you know. She was only one of several I'm sure."
"Shut up Clef!" his eyes flared up when Umi dropped his hand.
Everyone in the room gasped; no one spoke to the Guru like that.
"Don't you want her to know the truth?" Clef asked mildly.
"I don't want you to give it to her."
"I have to because you won't," Clef lashed back.
"What is this about?" Umi demanded looking from one to the other.
"Maybe there is a better time and place though," Clef's scowl turned into a thoughtful expression as he looked at the girl.
The rest of the meal was spent in silence.
They were sitting in a large room with scattered couches and chairs spread throughout enjoying the company of the palace inhabitants, and the girls from another world. Umi was laying on a couch smiling peacefully with Yukito's arms around her. Fuu and Hikaru were fighting with wooden practice swords while Lantis watched and instructed. Ascot was speaking in hushed voices with Ferio. Persea, Caldina and Lafarga were watching Fuu and Hikaru's fight, and Emeraude and Zagato were nowhere to be found. They had disappeared with Clef at the end of the awkward meal and hadn't been seen since. Umi and Yukito had arrived early in the morning and now it was late at night.
"You two come with me," the Master Mage ordered walking into the room.
Umi jumped up, and Yukito sighed slowly rising to his feet.
"Oh," Clef looked over his shoulder at the others in the room, "Mind you stay out of the gardens."
"Persea and Caldina giggled impishly, "Oh we will!" they called in unison then burst into a fit of giggles.
"What?" Hikaru looked around blinking hard.
"Hikaru, let me explain this to you…" Lantis was saying as they left the room.
Umi giggled slightly and hook her head.