Kyaa Kyaff here again!

Disclaimer: MKR is not mine.

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'…' Fuu thoughts

*…* Umi thoughts

… Hikaru thoughts

"…" Dialogue

Fighting Fate

Chapter 3: Encounter with Innouva

Inside Fuu's house sat a frowning Hikaru. She looked around the bedroom she was currently occupying noting the light green carpet and dark green walls that complimented each other well. A small dresser stood to Hikaru's left. Besides the bed and dresser, the only other thing in the room was a bookcase with books that Hikaru would never dream of reading and a comfy looking chair Mokona was presently sleeping on. The books Fuu had were the kind that could put a person to sleep or confuse them beyond anything, though Hikaru did notice a few romance and fantasy novels that she herself had read. The bedroom door opened as Fuu came in with a reassuring smile on her face. Hikaru looked back to Lantis, who was unconscious on Fuu's bed.

"He seems a bit warm, but that's all."

Hikaru looked at Fuu worriedly, "I don't know who to call. I don't even know where he lives. Maybe we should have brought him to the hospital."

Fuu handed Hikaru the cold cloth, "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong, other than a fainting spell. Why don't you take care of him a little longer? He shouldn't be out that long."

Hikaru bit the inside of her cheek, "You really think so?"

"He'll be fine," Fuu assured, "I'll go make some tea."

As Fuu went to the door Hikaru spoke, "I'm sorry for being so rude. Taking over your room without even asking and all."

"It's okay. No worries. You're a friend, right? That's what friends are for."

Hikaru finally smiled as she watched Fuu close the door before turning her attention back to Lantis. She had been over for an hour now. Once the two girls managed to bring Lantis inside, Fuu had checked him over and said he would be fine. Reaching out Hikaru gently moved a piece of black hair from Lantis's face. Bringing her hand back she couldn't help but trace it along his cheek.

What is it about you? Just seeing you makes me happy. It like I've known you from sometime before.

She glanced at one of his hands lying on the bed and took it in both of hers, unable to resist. His hand was warm now, and she realized just how small her hands were in comparison to his.

"What would you say if I told you I love you, hmm?" Hikaru whispered quietly enjoying the feeling of holding his hand.

"Probably tell me you're not interested in little girls," Hikaru said answering herself, "But that won't stop me."

Lantis's hand twitched before squeezing hers. His eyes slowly opened, and he looked around confused before his gaze settled on Hikaru. She leaned eagerly forward as he cleared his throat.

"Where am I?" he asked softly watching her with such intensity that she was forced to look away.

"You passed out near my friend's house. We brought you in," Hikaru said before adding, "I was really worried. I don't know where you live or who to call…Fuu-chan said you'd be okay though and that we should wait for you to wake."

He reached a hand to his forehead slowly sitting up.

"You should stay down," Hikaru said jumping up and pressing her hands against his chest to get him to lie back down.

Lantis resisted, and one of his hands came to rest on top of hers. Hikaru blushed as she realized where her hands were and just how lean and muscular Lantis was. He was staring at her with that intense gaze again moving his face slightly closer to hers.

"Even after so long you still blush," Lantis said absently reaching his other hand up to cup her cheek.

Hikaru's eyes widened as her heart began to race.

He's going to kiss me!

Just when his lips where about to touch hers, a loud crashing noise was heard from the kitchen. Hikaru jumped back.

"Fuu-chan!" she called out.

Hikaru waited for her to reply, but instead there was another loud noise.

"I'll be right back," Hikaru said before dashing out the door giving Lantis no time to reply.

Racing to the kitchen door, Hikaru skidded to a halt. Fuu was backed against the refrigerator as an oddly dressed man with white hair approached her. Blood dripped from an unseen wound on her head.

"Fuu-chan!"

Wide frightened eyes met hers, "Hikaru-san!"

The man glanced over his shoulder before pointing a finger at her. She was hurled back, and a stinging pain raced through her body.

"What do you want?!" She heard Fuu shout.

Struggling to her feet, Hikaru made it into the kitchen in time to see the backdoor blow open. A strong gust of wind slammed into the guy making him stumble, however he quickly recovered his balance seemingly unfazed. Hikaru was thrown off her feet once again as the wind rushed past her as well, but instead of slamming into the wall, she was caught in a pair of arms. Steadying her, Lantis gazed down at her with concern.

"Stay here. I'll take care of him."

Lantis went into the kitchen before Hikaru could protest. She quickly followed right behind him, not planning on listening to him. It was her friend in their with some freak. Hikaru was having a hard time understanding what was happening. All she knew was she had to help Fuu.

"Get away from her Innouva."

The man addressed as Innouva looked surprised to see Lantis, "Lantis?"

Fuu began inching away at his momentary distraction.

"Good to see you. Zagato-san will be pleased. And since you recognize me, you must have awakened."

A gasp sounded and Hikaru switched her gaze over to where Fuu was looking at Innouva with wide eyes.

"Zagato-san!? What does he have to do with this? Where is he? Did you hurt him!?" Fuu demanded.

Innouva smiled, "Come with me if you'd like to find out."

"I won't let you touch her!"

"Big words. But wasn't it you that betrayed them in the end?" Innouva asked.

"Shut up!" Lantis said, "Leave or I'll make you."

Both girls watched both men not understanding everything that was being said. Hikaru watched as Fuu slowly inched over to the door before dashing outside. She hoped Fuu would be okay and didn't blame her for getting out. She was sure Fuu would go to get help. Her eyes slid over to the defiant Lantis, but would it be in time to make sure Lantis didn't get hurt. She wouldn't be able to help. She could only manipulate fire, not create it. Innouva raised his hand bringing forth a crackling black energy.

This doesn't look good.

Innouva released the blast from his hand before disappearing through the backdoor after Fuu.

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Fuu gasped as she managed to get outside, but she had no plans on leaving. She wouldn't leave Hikaru or Lantis to deal with whoever that was. The man wanted her. She just needed more space.

'I won't run away!'

As expected the man came rushing outside. He threw a hand back slamming the door shut.

"Stop resisting!"

Fuu held her ground, "What do you want from me?!"

"You'll remember soon enough priestess," Innouva replied.

The door was violently thrown open and would have hit Innouva if he had not jumped out of the way. He came straight for Fuu trying to use the momentary distraction to his advantage. Fuu's breath quickened, but she forced herself to be calm feeling the air around her. A strong gust of wind slammed into Innouva as he grabbed for her knocking him off his feet. Another blast shoved him into the ground. Fuu's hands raised as if by their own will. The wind danced around her becoming a greenish tint. Innouva struggled to his feet.

"No you don't," he muttered directing a fist at her.

Before she could think, a strong force slammed into her stomach throwing her off her feet. She slid across the grass holding her side in pain.

"Fuu-chan!" Hikaru screamed.

Innouva's shadow fell over Fuu, while she fought to regain her composure. She looked up with wide eyes too exhausted to do anything. She had never manipulated the wind like that before and it had taken its toll.

"No!"

Before Fuu could blink a rushing hot flame headed straight for Innouva. He deftly leaped out of the way. Fuu looked over to Hikaru to see where the fire had come from.

"I've never created fire before…" Fuu heard Hikaru mutter as she dropped to her knees staring at her hands.

Lantis look troubled but determined as he moved in front of Hikaru.

"Ah! I must thank you for revealing yourself!" Innouva shouted staring at Hikaru, "Now if you would both kindly come with me!"

Black energy balled in both of his hands before it was released. Fuu automatically lifted her hands up without thinking. She couldn't let this continue. She wouldn't let him hurt her friends.

"Mamori no Kaze!"

The wind began to stir before swirling around the three, encircling them in a protective shield. The black energy blasted the shield but was unable to penetrate the barrier. Sweat began to form on Fuu's brow as she held onto whatever she had done. The words had sprung unbidden from her lips. Innouva's eyes narrowed as he began to use more force. Fuu knew she was weakening. Just as she was about to fall over, she felt Hikaru's hands on her shoulder.

"Don't give up, Fuu-chan!"

Hikaru squeezed Fuu's shoulders reassuringly. A renewed strength and warmth coursed through her body.

"You can't keep that up forever," Innouva shouted.

Fuu faintly heard the sounds of police sirens in the distance. Apparently Innouva had as well.

"You win this time," Innouva growled out suddenly before disappearing just as quickly as he came.

Fuu continued to hold up the shield for fear he was still there and waiting. Lantis kneeled in front of her taking both of her upraised hands in his.

"That's enough. It is safe now."

Her eyes focused on Lantis. She nodded as he released her wrists. She felt dizzy and weak. Hikaru frantically called out her name as the darkness consumed her.

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"You actually expect me to believe that I'm some priestess that you need? Cephiro…and the Pillar…none of this makes sense!"

Clef sat patiently, his expression calm. Presea leaned over his shoulder. The highly annoyed-looking Umi tried to remain seated where she was.

"Same old Umi."

Umi glared at Presea, "I've never met you before in my life!"

Presea only smiled back at her.

"I'm sorry," Umi started, "I can't help you. I'm not the person you're…"

"You can control the element of water."

Umi sat straighter, "So what if I can? It's just a coincidence."

"They know who you are. Others that work for the same person Alcyone does will be after you."

Umi looked down where her hands were clenched in her lap, "I was perfectly fine until you grabbed me!"

"It's too late. You are who you are. You are safe here. This place is hidden from their sight."

"I don't want to stay in this dirty little cabin," Umi yelled knocking her chair back as she stood, "I just want to go home!"

Clef stood as well, "Please wait…"

Umi stalked toward the door. Clef caught her arm from behind. Her eyes widened as her surroundings melted away from her and became something else entirely.

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"No! You can't! Umi, you'll be killed!"

Not turning Umi swallowed, "I have to do something. Hikaru-chan and Fuu-chan are doing everything they can. I won't sit around doing nothing. I'm sorry Clef-san."

"What happened to Ascot was not your fault!"

Umi froze keeping her tears at bay, "I have to do this. To protect my friends and Cephiro!"

Umi pulled her arm from Clef's grip. The distraught mage watched her easily pass through the barrier.

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"Umi! Umi!"

Umi blinked a couple of times before focusing on Clef, who was now standing in front of her.

*What was that!? Ascot? Fuu? Hikaru even? Am I going crazy?*

"Are you alright?"

Umi moved away from Clef and sat down numbly, "I'm really ready to listen now."

Clef sat back down as well. Presea was leaning against the wall watching Clef intently as he looked at Umi. Her hand clenched at the expression on Clef's face before he composed himself.

"Presea and I are from Cephiro…"

"Yeah, you explained that part," Umi interrupted softly.

"Our Pillar was going to be kidnapped by the head priest in charge of her protection. We found out about his plan from an inside source. I confronted him directly. In case anything happened I had a backup plan to keep the Pillar safe. It backfired. The head priest came for her. Something happened and all that were in the room either helping the head priest or trying to stop him were transported here with no memory. I still have no idea why. I awoke to my true identity one day, and have been searching for you and the other two priestesses since. It's our only chance to get back to Cephiro. You're also from Cephiro. Along with the head priest, you and two others were in charge of taking care the Pillar," Clef paused, "I need you and the two other priestesses, so that we may return the Pillar to Cephiro. You do not have to return yourself. You can stay here and lead a normal life afterward, since you were originally born her to begin with. It is crucial we get back to Cephiro. I have no idea how long we've been gone."

Umi closed her eyes taking in all the information, "So how do we find these other priestesses?"

"I don't know."

Her eyes snapped open, "But you found me! And you said we were from Cephiro! Wouldn't you just recognize us?"

"No," Clef shook his head, "Something prevents us from actually recognizing each other. Sometimes one can be recognized immediately. Other times it has to be triggered by something."

"So how did you find me?"

"I saw you use your magic on Alcyone the other day," Clef sighed, "It was then I realized who you were. With Presea I knew instantly. Unfortunately, I haven't had the same luck with anyone else."

Umi frowned before she was hit with a sudden thought.

*It couldn't be, could it?*

"I know…I know who they are."

Clef gave her a questioning look.

"I know who the other two priestesses are."

"Then there is no time to waste," Clef said standing quickly.

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Zagato frowned.

"You disappoint me as Alcyone has done."

Innouva kneeled down lowering his head further, "Forgive me. Your brother has awoken and interfered."

Zagato smiled faintly looking a little sad, "So he has chosen to help them. I wonder though…if he will betray them to me once again."

Innouva looked up, "The priestess of fire was there as well."

Zagato's eyebrow raised, "I'll give you another chance. Bring them to me before the mage gets to them. Lafarga will assist you this time, and I don't care what you have to do to get the job done."

Innouva bowed one more time before vanishing from sight. Zagato sat staring at nothing for a while until there was a tentative knock on the door. Walking over he slowly opened it up. Emeraude stood there with a faint blush on her cheeks. A genuine smile crossed Zagato's face.

"What are you doing here?"

Emeraude smiled up at him, "I don't know. I just got this feeling that I had to see you. Am I allowed in?"

"Yes, of course," Zagato said moving out of her way, "Always."

Closing the door he suddenly surprised her by pulling her into his arms. She responded immediately cuddling closer to him. She sensed a desperation in that hug.

"What's the matter?" she asked softly as he moved back, still holding her close, to stare into her eyes.

"I always want to be able to hold you," Zagato whispered softly cupping her cheek in his hand, "I don't want to lose you."

"You won't lose me," Emeraude replied closing her eyes and leaning into his touch for a moment before looking at him with concern, "Is everything okay? Did something happen?"

"No," Zagato replied, "Will you stay here tonight with me?"

He watched Emeraude's face flush a brilliant red as she tried to say something in reply.

Zagato laughed, "Silly. We won't do anything. I promised not until we are married, as you wanted. I just want to hold you and wake up to see you next to me is all."

"I would like that," came Emeraude's gentle reply.

Emeraude put her head against his chest hugging him tight. Zagato enveloped her in his arms soaking in every moment of her loving warmth as he felt his fears of losing her dissipate to the back of his mind.

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Ack! I took forever to get this chapter out. I'm sorry! I just wasn't satisfied with it until now. I'll try to get the next one out a little quicker. *sigh*

Thanks goes out to Spellcastre, Momentum, and Shirinami for taking the time to read my fic! Thanks for the encouragement!

Kyaa Kyaff saying til next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!