Clef stood in the throne room looking out one of the windows at the vast blue ocean of Cephiro. Every once in a while a piece of Tokyo would appear but would vanish almost as quickly as it had emerged. He leaned against his giant staff and sighed, blowing his gray hair from his face. A doubt had been growing in his mind and heart about the current condition of Cephiro. Ever since Hikaru had destroyed the Pillar system Clef had been apprehensive. He doubted his own ability as a master mage and also the stability of Cephiro. It was not long after Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu had returned to Tokyo that strange things were beginning to occur, but the most unsettling was that the Shadow Lands still remained. No matter what magical spell he cast the area still remained.

"What am I going to do?" he whispered turning away from the window.

Suddenly there came a soft knocking at the door. It slowly opened and Umi entered with Mokona bouncing behind her. She looked around the room and saw Clef looking gloomily at the floor. Umi turned and face Mokona with a frustrated glare.

"Mokona!" she scolded. "You lied! Hikaru isn't in here! Why did you drag me all the way to the throne room if you knew Hikaru wasn't in here?!"

"Pu pu pu pu!" Mokona replied bouncing towards Clef.

"I'm so sorry to disturb you," Umi smiled. "I was looking for Hikaru and Mokona implied that he knew where she was so I followed him here. Fuu and I have been looking for her al morning."

"It's no problem really," Clef laughed walking towards Umi. "I have not seen Hikaru myself, but perhaps I could help you look for her?"

"Only if you can spare a few moments," Umi replied brushing a few strands of hair over her shoulder. "I know that you are very busy and I don't want to keep you from your work. You seemed to be in deep thought when I came in."

"It was nothing," Clef sighed looking out the window again. "I was just admiring Cephiro's oceans"

"Is there something bothering you?" Umi asked standing next to Clef. "You haven't scolded me lately."

"I have no reason to scold you," Clef smiled looking at Umi, becoming lost in her blue eyes. "But we really should start looking for Hikaru now"

Clef lead Umi out of the room with Mokona bouncing behind them with an exceptionally pleased look on his face. They walk in awkward silence, Clef leading the way. Umi watched him for several moments. She still remembered the very first time that she had meet him on the cliff when they were first summoned to Cephiro. He had seemed so mean at that time, but he had to be since she was not focussing on his words and was only concerned with going home. Yet he had always encouraged the three girls on their journey. Upon seeing him again when they returned to Cephiro, Umi felt herself being drawn to Clef. Seeing him now made her heart smile. He had changed so much. He was much taller now and much more handsome.

"Hey Clef," Umi said breaking the silence. "I've been wondering, why did you get so tall? I know that the will makes dreams a reality here in Cephiro, so why did you want to become tall? You used to come up to about my waist and now I have to look up to you!"

"Ireally don't know the answer to that question"Clef stammered, taken aback by her question. "But I must say that there are some advantages to being tall."

"True," Umi giggled.

They laughed together in the hallway enjoying each other's company. Mokona took advantage of the situation and pushed Clef into Umi. Umi knocked into the wall and Clef put his hands out to stop himself from falling not realizing that he had pinned Umi against the wall. Umi looked up only to look into Clef's blue eyes. She blushed slightly as Clef gently laid a hand on her cheek. He felt his stomach tie in knots as he looked on the blue haired girl. A warm feeling coursed through their bodies as Clef leaned towards Umi.

"Umi" Clef began but was silenced by Umi pressing her finger on his lips.

"Shhh," she giggled. "Don't say anything."

He continued to move closer to Umi, pressing his body against her, their faces only inches away from each other. Just as Clef was about to kiss Umi, a shriek came from down the hall.

"NOOOOOOOOO!" cried Primera. "How could this have happened! My poor beloved Lantis!"

Umi and Clef quickly backed away from each other.

"What's wrong Primera?" asked Umi trying to cover her flushed face.

"Oh the horror!" she shrieked banging into the wall.

Ferio and Fuu came running from the garden when they heard Primera's shrieks.

"Miss Primera, you mustn't make so much noise. I must advise you to calm down," Fuu encouraged.

"Don't tell me to calm down four eyes!" the fairy snapped. "After seeing such a horrible sight in my beloved Lantis' room, I have ever right to be a little upset!"

With that Primera flew off down the hallway kicking and screaming the entire way. Presea came walking out of one of the rooms just in time to see Primera fly by. She looked down the hallway and the other four.

"What was she going on about?" she asked pointing towards Primera who was still making a huge scene.

"Something has happened to Lantis," Ferio replied starting to run down the hall with Fuu at his heals.

"We'd better go take a look," Umi finished grabbing Clef's arm.

All five, plus Mokona, ran down the hall until they reached Lantis' locked bedroom door. Ferio moved to kick it open but Clef held him back and used some magic to unlock it.

"Oh fine, do it the simple way," sighed Ferio opening the door.

The door slowly creaked opened and they all peered inside. Nothing seemed to be unusual. Lantis lay peacefully asleep in his bed and a gentle breeze blew through the window. Ferio walked a little further inside and looked around. He noticed Lantis white pants on the ground and picked them up.

"The boy sure is messy," he laughed looking around the room and all the clothing that was on the floor.

Ferio inspected the room a little more but stopped when he saw a piece of clothing that he knew was not Lantis'. He picked a white bra off the floor and turned to face the others. Clef walked over and took it from Ferio and noticed that there was a nametag sown on the inside. It read "Shidou Hikaru." Ferio and Clef looked back over at the bed and noticed that there was another body lying with Lantis and they could just make out her red hair.

"Oh my!" blushed Fuu averting her eyes.

"Well, it's about time," huffed Umi. "Although I thought that I was going to be hearing about you a Ferio," she laughed poking Fuu.

"UmI think we should leave"Presea whispered.

"I must agree"Clef replied grabbing Ferio and leaving the room.

They all left the room and closed the door behind them. Lantis slowly opened his noise to the sound of the door slamming closed. He looked down and saw Hikaru still asleep, her head resting on his chest. He moved his hand up and down her back feeling the softness of her skin. He gently kissed her forehead and Hikaru began to wake up. She opened her eyes and slowly sat up. Lantis put his hands around her thin waist and pulled her close to him. He sat up and brushed his lips against Hikaru's while running his hands up her sides and resting them on her shoulders. Hikaru cooed softly and placed her fingers in his raven hair. Lantis moved his lips down her neck and lied down, bringing Hikaru to lie on top him. She looked down at him and smiled and gently kissed him.

"I love you," he whispered in her ear as he gently nibbled on it. "You have no idea how long I have hoped for your return. That day when I saw you in Tokyo, I thought that I had drifted into a dream."

"I've missed you," Hikaru whispered tracing his broad shoulders with her fingers. "I never want to be a part from you again."

Now on top of Hikaru, Lantis kissed her on the lips and slowly slide his tongue inside exploring every inch of her mouth. Hikaru pulled his face closer to her and tangled her fingers in his hair. A soft moan escaped her lips as Lantis continued to intensify the kill while his hands explored every inch of her.

"Whatever happens," Hikaru said to herself. "Whatever danger lies ahead, please please let us stay like this"

*****

Hawk stood on the balcony that over looked the lush green lands of Cephiro. He closed his eyes and a gentle breeze blew through his hair. He smiled as he felt the presence of someone behind him.

"Hello Lantis," he laughed not even turning.

"How did you know I was here?" Lantis questioned giving Hawk a strange look.

"Eagle had a sort of sixth sense when it came to you, guess you could just say that I have also acquired it as well," he replied turning to face Lantis. "I spoke with Hikaru last night. Seems that she has been having some very strange dreams as of late. What do you make of them."

"I'm not sure, but I know that nothing good will come from them"

"She is an extraordinary girl isn't she," Hawk sighed quickly changing the subject. "It is only now that I can truly understand why my brother would always talk about her."

Hawk looked Lantis in the eyes and gave him a warm smile.

"Eagle was also in love with Hikaru, but he knew that his time was short. He knew of your feelings for the girl as well but was very concerned with the fact that she could become the next pillar. He didn't want to see either of you get hurt."

"I miss him," Lantis sighed looking down at the ground. "Eagle seemed to understand me on level that no one else could. It was almost like we had the same thoughtssame emotions"

"Yes, well, Eagle was very found of you," Hawk laughed. "He would always go on about you and your stubborn streak."

The two laughed for a few moments, remembering Eagle. Hikaru came walking out onto the balcony and saw the two men standing and laughing with one another. She smiled to herself and walked forward. Hawk noticed Hikaru and bowed slightly to greet her.

"Hello Hikaru," he said with a warm smile. "I hope that you got some rest last night" he said as he winked at Lantis.

"Well" Hikaru blushed noticed Lantis' discomfort as well.

"You two are the talk of the palace you know," Hawk laughed entering the castle. "I trust that I will see you two at the meeting later this afternoon. Clef has some questions to ask Hikaru."

With that Hawk enter the castle and left Hikaru and Lantis on the balcony. She walked over to the ended and leaned against the rail. Lantis came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. Hikaru smiled and looked up into his eyes.

"No matter what happens, I just want to be with you," she whispered.

Lantis leaned down and softly kissed Hikaru, wrapping his cape around her small frame and brining her closer to him.

*****

"I'm bored"sighed Astral playing with one of her arrows. "When can we get going with our part of the mission?"

"Lady Debonair has not given us the signal yet," replied Stellar in an annoyed tone. "Besides, Noon hasn't even finished his part of the deal yet. We can't act until he is finished."

"Well, he is sure taking his time," scoffed Astral throwing her arrow at a tree.

"Just a little longer," Stellar sighed. "Then we will get to play with the Magic Knights. Hey Nova, you're being awfully quiet over there, what's up?"

"Hikaru's emotions for that boy are growing stronger with each passing moment," Nova laughed. "I have discovered a new feeling in her heart for this boy. She has a fear of losing hima fear so strong that it empowers me"

"Well that is just fine and dandy," laughed Astral adjusting her glasses. "Too bad Fuu is to shy to try anything with that green haired boy. I'm not going to get any power bust from her."

"Well, I have also discovered a new feeling in Umi," Stellar giggled. "Umi is just now beginning to realize her feelings for Master Mage Clef"

"Excellent!" Nova exclaimed. "That is just what Noon was waiting for!"

"Why do you say that?" inquired Stellar. "What could Umi's emotions towards Clef possibly do for him?"

"It's not Umi's emotions that I am concerned about," laughed a voice behind them.

"Sheesh Noon, you could at least give us a warning as to when you are just going to magically show up!" snapped Astral.

"Quit your complaining," Noon demanded. "Your time will soon be at hand. You see, while Umi's feelings for Clef growhis feelings are growing as well. As are those of the young summoner, Ascot." Noon laughed.

"So you can turn those two against each other," Nova smiled.

"Perhaps, but my concern is mostly with the emotions of Clef, after allI am his reflection."

*****

"Your dream is most unsettling, Hikaru," Clef said in a very serious tone. "You are sure that you saw Debonair in your dream?"

"I am positive," Hikaru nodded. "I could never forget that voice or that face. Not after what she did. Not after all the pain that she caused"

Tears began to stream down Hikaru's face. Lantis moved to help her but Hawk was first there. He knelt down on one knee and took hold of Hikaru's hands and looked her in the eyes. Hikaru looked into his soft brown eyes.

"Please don't cry Magic Knight," he smiled softly showing great concern for Hikaru. "My brother chose his fate and wanted to die protecting those he loved. Do you know what his last words were, Hikaru?"

"No"Hikaru mumbled wiping a few tears away with her sleeve.

"He said Thank you, Hikaru, thank you.' He was happy Hikaru, he had finally found something he thought was worth dying for."

Hikaru tried to force smile, anything to make those sad eyes of Eagle'sno, Hawksto vanish. When he saw the pain in her eyes, Hawk pulled Hikaru close and embraced her, her tears falling on his shoulder. Lantis looked at the two and then back to Clef, Hawk was falling for Hikaru–just like Eagle had.

"But I thought that the Magic Knight defeated Debonair in the last battle," Lafarga said trying change the focus since he could sense the discomfort of Lantis.

"This is true," Clef replied. "However, much like Nova has vanished, she is still a part of Hikaru. The same goes for Debonair. She is a manifestation of the fears of people's hearts in Cephiro. She will never vanish as long as people have fears and doubts."

"No way! We have to fight her again!? That so isn't fair!" Umi shrieked stamping her feet. "Whoever came up with the bright idea to create a world like this should be hung!"

"Miss Umi please calm down," giggled Fuu placing her hand on Umi's shoulder.

"I know you Magic Knights have gone through much turmoil the past times you have been summoned to Cephiro. I am afraid that this time will be no different. I do not know who summoned you but there is a great need for your assistance, Magic Knights."

"We know the dangers, Clef," Umi smiled putting a hand on his shoulder. "We are not going to back down, we are going to fight for the people we love here in Cephiro."

"I know," Clef replied putting one of his hands over Umi's. "Just make sure that you first protect yourselves. If anything were to happen to you" he paused. "You three, I don't know what I would do."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Well, with that said I think we should all go to our respective chambers and come up with a game plan tomorrow."

Everyone left the throne room, everyone except Umi who remained by Clef's side. She looked down at the ground before looking back into Clef's blue eyes.

"Umabout this morningyou knowin the hallway" She stammered. "What were you going to say?"

"I"Clef replied trying to find the right words. "Perhaps this would be better discussed in your chambers a little later. I just have some business I need to attend to, but I will be there shortly."

"Alright," Umi smiled walking out of the room. She stopped at the doorway and looked back at Clef. "I'll see you later."

Umi walked down the long hallway to her room where she put on her pale blue nightgown and climbed into bed. She lied there for what seemed like hours until she heard a knock at the door. She jumped to her feet and ran to open it.

"Clef" she smiled opening the door but she was quickly silenced.

Strong hands grabbed her and pushed her against the wall, covering her mouth so that she could not scream. Umi tried to make out the face of her attacker but the room was too dimly lighted to see. He used his free hand and made the door close by magic. She could just make out the silver color of his hair. The man released Umi, throwing her to the ground. She climbed to her feet and saw him emerge from the shadows.

"Noon!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here? I was expecting Clefwhat do you want?"

"Clef is here," he laughed. "You are looking right at him."

"What the hell are you talking about!" Umi snapped getting ready to use her magic.

"Just try it," Noon taunted. "Use your water magic on me."

"You asked for it! WATER DRAGON!"

Umi's attack threw itself at Noon who easily erected a barrier, which deflected her magic. Umi stood dumbfounded.

"My magicwhy didn't it work?" she whispered in horror. "What do you want Noon!?"

"I am here to see you, after all I am the same person as Clef. You said that you were expecting him, were you not?" Noon laughed.

"You are half the man that Clef is!" Umi snapped.

"Exactly," Noon replied pointing towards Umi, putting her under a spell. "I am half of Clef."

"What?" Umi gasped as she was pushed against the wall by Noon's magic. "What do you mean?"

"Just as Nova is the shadow of Hikaru's heart, I am the shadow of Clef's," Noon snickered. "Now, I am about to have a little fun with you"

Noon slowly began to approach Umi, an evil grin spread across his face. Umi closed her eyes as tears began to fall down her face. She slowly opened them again to see that Noon was now face to face with her. He stroked her hair with his fingers and brought his face closer to Umi.

"Why are you doing this?" Umi cried trying to push him away. "C-L-E-F!"