Ah, another chapter @_@ Magic Knight Rayearth fics are so unappreciated compared to the fame that Final Fantasy VII and Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon get.

Thank you to all of the nice people who have been reviewing this story! ^_^

Disclaimer: I don't own Magic Knight Rayearth; it's the wonderful creation of CLAMP, the best and most creative mangaka ever.

Chapter 3: Resolution

"Can't you see that I wanna be

There with open arms

It's empty tonight and I'm all alone

Get me through this one

Do you notice I'm gone?

Where do you run to, so far away

I want you to know that. . .

I miss you

I miss you so"

"Letters to You" by Finch

"Diiing dooong", sounded the buzzer as Hikaru Shidou anxiously rung it, then waited outside the gates to her friend Fuu Hououji's large home. Fuu heard the noise and glanced outside the window, seeing Hikaru standing outside of the gates, then noted as Umi rounded the corner, walking closer to her residence. Both of her friends had overnight bags clasped in their hands. Fuu smiled, happy that both of them had managed to get permission to stay overnight at her place. But she was a bit preoccupied with making last minute additions to the munchies that she prepared for them, because what kind of sleepover would this be if it were devoid of munchies?

"Kuu?" Fuu called, trying to get the attention of her elder sister. "Would you kindly let Hikaru and Umi in? I'm trying to finish something at the moment." requested Fuu.

"Anything for my little sis" Kuu called back, and then walked through the kitchen, stopping to affectionately tussle Fuu's hair before walking back out to go let in her sister's friends. Fuu grinned, then hastily smoothed her hair back down before going back to fixing the munchies. A few moments later, Umi bound into the kitchen, followed by an unusually meek Hikaru.

"Hey, Fuu! Let us help you with that, no need to do it yourself!" Umi said, running to Fuu. "Besides, and expert baker like myself could definitely come in handy!" she finished with a wink.

"Okay then, Umi, can you please whip up some cream cheese frosting for the carrot cake?" requested Fuu with a giggle. She noticed that Hikaru wasn't as animated as she normally was, and took this as a bad sign. The redhead had slunk against the wall, barely noticing what was going on around her, a hollow look in her haunted eyes. 'Oh, hopefully she'll feel better tonight. We need to figure out our true feelings and then what to do with them' Fuu thought tactfully. Umi had made herself busy around Fuu's familiar kitchen, pulling out ingredients and putting them into a large mixing bowl. "Hikaru, would you like anything to drink?" asked Fuu, playing the part of the hostess well. Hikaru looked up as she heard her name, but shook her head.

"No thanks, Fuu. But I'd love one later" replied Hikaru. 'Darn, what do I think I'm doing? Fuu and Umi are worried sick about me, and here I am making it worse. I need to get over myself, for their sake. I hate it when I make my friends worry just because I'm depressed' she thought, slightly angry with herself because of her behavior. "Actually, Fuu!" she exclaimed, attempting to be cheerful "I'd like some cream soda if you've got it."

"Of course, Hikaru! It's your favorite so I always have it here, ready in case you come over." Fuu replied with a smile. It looked like Hikaru was cheering up, but she hoped that it wasn't just a front. Back in Cephiro, Hikaru would always try to cover up her own pain just so she and Umi wouldn't worry about her. Fuu left the cookies that she was decorating and went to the refrigerator, opened it up, and pulled out a glass bottle containing the cream soda that Hikaru liked so much. She handed it to Hikaru, who gave a grateful smile before opening the bottle and taking a long sip of the cold liquid.

"Thanks Fuu. I needed that," Hikaru said with a smile.

"Hey, Hikaru! Want to lick the spoon?" asked Umi with a grin. She pulled a wooden mixing spoon out of the frosting that she had made, and it was covered with the delicious white frosting that Umi knew Hikaru liked.

"Yeah!" exclaimed Hikaru, rushing over to Umi. 'My friends are the best,' Hikaru thought 'they are trying their hardest to cheer me up.' Hikaru took the spoon that Umi offered her, licking off all the frosting, making sure not to miss even the slightest bit.

"I think we have enough munchies now," Fuu noted with a smile. "Let us go to my bedroom now, where we can indulge in these goodies and have some girl talk."

"Good idea, I can't wait to eat those cookies that you made, Fuu." Umi said, poking herself in the belly as it growled in hunger. Hikaru laughed and poked Umi's belly too, and Umi playfully swatted her hand away. This provoked laughter by all three girls and for a few brief moments it felt like all was right with the world. Fuu picked up the plate full of beautifully decorated cookies and motioned toward the door.

"This way please." chirped Fuu. Umi followed carrying the carrot cake, with Hikaru trailing behind. The trio exited the kitchen, and when they got back into the main entrance, Hikaru couldn't help but admire the beauty of Fuu's large, yet simple home. The wooden floors practically sparkled as rays of the late afternoon sun splashed over them from the large windows, which had billowing ivory curtains. Everything was tidy and in it's place, noted Hikaru. Fuu's home was a far cry from the rustic dojo that Hikaru's family lived in. Despite this, she smiled because she still loved her home. After all, it contained her family and her best animal friend, Hikari. After ascending the flight of stairs, they walked through a brightly lit hallway until they reached Fuu's bedroom. It wasn't the first time that Hikaru and Umi had been in Fuu's bedroom, but it was always a nice experience because Fuu's room was so cozy. Unlike the rest of her house, Fuu did not have a hardwood floor, but a fluffy Kelly green carpet. Her bed frame was a rich oak, and her bedding had a tropical print of rich green leaves and yellow blossoms on it. All of the furniture on the room was oak, so Hikaru figured that it was probably a set. Everything in Fuu's room had a place and Hikaru couldn't help but marvel at how neat Fuu managed to keep everything. The only visible signs of someone inhabiting the bedroom were a slightly messy pile of archery equipment in the corner. The walls were a pristine white color and there were no posters, but next to Fuu's bed was a photo frame that contained a picture of Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu from the day they graduated from the eighth grade. But that wasn't what Hikaru was looking for. When she spotted Fuu's Playstation 2 and neat stack of RPG's, Hikaru skipped over to them.

"Oh yeah! I want to get further in Star Ocean tonight!" she exclaimed with an excited whoop. Ever since Umi and Fuu described an RPG to her while they were in Cephiro for the first time, Hikaru had been dying to try on out. She didn't have any systems of her own, but Umi and Fuu were more than happy to give her time on theirs.

"Hikaru, let's wait until later to play games. We're here because we need to discuss something." reminded Umi. It pained her to have to be such a downer when Hikaru was clearly enjoying herself but they really did have to take care of something else at the moment. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu sat cross-legged in a triangle shape, with the warm goodies between them. Fuu delicately picked up a cookie and began to thoughtfully chew on one end of it. After a moment, she spoke, trying to remain as tactful and polite as she usually was.

"I've noticed lately that the two of you have no been yourselves. But I must confess that I've been having problems of my own. You're problems." began Fuu, "Are they related to Cephiro in any way?"

"You too, Fuu?" asked Umi sympathetically. It seemed like Fuu's observation was right-on with Hikaru as well, for the thin redhead had sat back and drawn her knees to her chest, clutching her legs. At the mention of Cephiro, a sorrowful look came into her eyes. "I don't know what's wrong with me, but ever since the day we left I've felt so unfulfilled. It's like I left a part of me back in Cephiro. I just don't feel the same anymore." Umi and Fuu heard a sniffle, and they turned their attention to Hikaru.

"Hikaru. . .?" Fuu inquired gently, "Do you feel the same?"

"Yes, I do. I feel this intense pain in my chest when I think of Cephiro and what we had back there. I do love Tokyo, but I really. . . * sniff * I really miss Lantis!" she cried out, holding back tears. At the mention of Lantis' name, Hikaru's right hand flew to her chest so that she could grasp the golden locket that he had given her.

"Oh, Miss Hikaru. . . I feel the exact same!" Fuu told her, leaning over to give Hikaru a hug. "I miss Ferio terribly." Umi looked at her two friends, the confusion that she felt turning into a dull ache in her chest. 'Who exactly do I really love?' she asked herself, 'Clef or Ascot? I'm so confused, I don't know my own feelings.'

"What are we going to do then?" Umi asked out loud. Hikaru wiped the tears from her face and Fuu drew back. Both of them looked at Umi. It was time to reach a resolution to this problem that the three of them were suffering from.

"We go back. Back to Cephiro!" Hikaru said with fierce determination. Umi and Fuu looked shocked at first, but began to smile as Hikaru's words sunk in.

"But how could we get back there?" asked Fuu worriedly.

"We can, no we will find a way." Hikaru said, her eyes flashing. "If we could make it there once without the aid of a pillar, then we can do it again."

"It's been six months," said Umi, her voice trailing off. "Time passes much quicker in Cephiro than it does here. For all we know, what we're searching for in Cephiro could already be gone." That statement was particularly depressing, and the three ex-Magic Knights frowned as they thought about that.

"Then we leave as soon as possible." Hikaru said, nodding.

"Right" agreed Umi and Fuu in unison.

* * *

Hehehe ^_^ another chapter past, and this time the Magic Knights have reached a resolution. Finally, because I was getting tired of all the depressing angsty-ness. Ah, young love =P look for chapter 4 soon and always remember to review!

- Sakura Kurosaki