Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: The magic knights do not belong to me, though I wish Ferio did!

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'…' Fuu thoughts

… Hikaru thoughts

*…* Umi thoughts

-------- indicates flashback/dream

Fighting Fate

Chapter 4: Prelude to Confrontation

"Fuu."

Her name was spoken with such tenderness it made her heart begin to race. A pair of strong arms wrapped gently around Fuu pulling her back against the person that had spoken. The unknown person's lips traced gently against her cheek as she turned her face to try and see him. Fuu shivered slightly at the intimate contact, but no protest rose from her lips for him to stop. It was as if she knew without knowing the person behind her. He was familiar to her. His voice, his warmth. She yearned to see his face.

"I've missed you," the same breathy whisper said against her ear.

Fuu sighed softly hugging the arms around her waist. "I missed you as well."

One hand came to brush through the tangle of her hair. Fuu closed her eyes leaning her head back against his shoulder. Slowly his mouth moved from her ear to the side of her neck. Fuu shuddered as he began trailing moist kisses along her neck. His arm tightened around her. She felt she shouldn't be doing this, but also felt that she did not want it to stop.

Suddenly the arms slipped away from her. A penetrating cold rushed through her as she whirled around.

"Please! Please don't leave me!"

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Fuu's eyes snapped open as she spoke, while jumping up desperately and grabbing the person in front of her. She buried her face against his shoulder, not wanting to let him go, not wanting to lose the feeling of having him near.

"I'm not going anywhere babe," Ferio said hugging an arm around her waist.

Fuu pulled back, blinking a few times, and staring at the smiling golden eyes before her. Reality slapped her right in the face, and she shoved away from him. She would have lost her balance, but Ferio grabbed her arm at the last second, resulting in her being in his arms again. Quickly pulling away she fixed her hair, while trying to stop the red flush crossing her face. She looked around still disoriented to see Lantis looking out a window, and Hikaru sitting on the couch behind her.

"Fuu-chan, you okay?" Hikaru asked leaning forward.

Fuu put a hand to her forehead, remembering where she was. After the strange event with Innouva, Fuu had woken up filled with an urgency to see Emeraude and make sure Zagato and she were safe. Along the way Lantis had explained a few things to them from what he could remember. Fuu had a hard time digesting everything he had told her. It sounded like something that would happen in a manga, not real life. Hikaru and she were priestesses from Cephiro in charge of protecting the Pillar, who Lantis could not remember.

They had reached the house to find Emeraude not home, and a very pleased Ferio upon finding Fuu at his door. A dark look from Lantis kept him from becoming too openly flirtatious. He had invited them in saying his sister would be back soon. Fuu had a sneaking suspicion now that he had no idea when she would be back. Still drained from her earlier encounter, she must have fallen asleep on the couch.

"Hey beautiful, you still with us?" Ferio asked waving a hand in front of her face.

Startled from her thoughts, Fuu backed up hitting into the couch.

'That voice. No, it can't be…'

To ward off her confusion Fuu spoke. "I'm fine. How long was I sleeping?"

"About an hour," Hikaru said.

Fuu's eyes widened considerably. "An hour! Emeraude-san still hasn't returned."

Ferio laughed scratching the back of his head. "Well, I said I thought she'd be home soon. She is with Zagato-san."

"You don't know!" Hikaru demanded.

Ferio shrugged nonchalantly. "I figured in the meantime me and Fuu-chan could get better acquainted."

His statement was accompanied by a wink. Fuu turned a glare on him, having had enough of his empty flattery, in her opinion, and bold advances. All eyes fell on Lantis, when he took a sharp intake of breath, his eyes narrowing.

"Lantis?"

Lantis backed away from the window his eyes brooding. Hikaru, concerned, got up and walked over to him, lightly touching his arm. He seemed to snap back to reality at her touch. Fuu strained to hear his softly muttered words.

"What do you remember?" Hikaru asked having heard him.

Hikaru shook her head before letting out a startled squeak as Lantis sunk to the floor. Fuu jumped up just as Hikaru caught him. His expression was pained for a few moments before his eyes opened.

"Lantis! Are you okay? What happened?" Hikaru asked anxiously.

Lantis shook his head, gently disentangling from Hikaru's arms as he stood. Hikaru was immediately on her feet beside him.

"Lantis?"

He put a hand to his forehead. "I was remembering something."

"What was it?"

"I don't know," Lantis replied.

Just as Fuu went to speak the door opened.

"I'm home," Emeraude called.

Emeraude was taking off her coat, when she caught sight of Fuu and two other people she did not know.

"Fuu-chan?"

Fuu rushed over to her. "You're okay!"

Emeraude smiled still puzzled. "Is something the matter?"

Fuu shook her head. "I was worried about you."

"Hey sis!" Ferio said coming up beside Fuu and putting his arm around her.

Fuu politely pushed him away. Emeraude sent Ferio a disapproving glare.

"Keep your hands to yourself before I really get mad," Emeraude said separating Ferio away from Fuu completely. "Please forgive my brother."

"Oh, how rude of me. Let me introduce you to my friends," Fuu said. "This is Hikaru-san and Lantis-san."

Emeraude bow slightly. "It's nice to meet friends of Fuu-chan."

Emeraude's eyes widened when her eyes fell on Lantis.

"You look very much like my fiancé, Zagato." Emeraude laughed. "You two could be brothers."

Ferio was already sitting back on the couch bored. With his sister here he definitely didn't have a chance to get near Fuu.

"He must be really handsome then," Hikaru blurted out before realizing what she had said.

Her cheeks flushed a brilliant red as Lantis looked over at her. Seeing Hikaru's embarrassment, Emeraude quickly spoke up to divert everyone's attention.

"Why don't you all take a seat? Let me go make some tea. Then you can tell me what you were so worried about. "

"You can sit next to me," Ferio offered scooting over.

"Fuu-chan is sitting with me," Emeraude replied over her shoulder as she headed for the kitchen.

Ferio's expression became extremely annoyed before switching back to a smile. All his efforts to get close to Fuu were being thwarted. Fuu herself was sighing with relief.

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Hikaru saw Fuu sigh with relief, when Emeraude spoke. Ferio, however, looked annoyed and disappointed. Hikaru wished to thank Emeraude for saving her from something that could have potentially become even more embarrassing than it was. She liked Emeraude already. She was beautiful and seemed very kind. A hand on the small of her back made her look up with wide eyes to see the faintest of smiles crossing Lantis' face.

"Let's take a seat."

Hikaru felt her face flame red again as she nodded in agreement. Fuu was already seated on the loveseat across from the couch. Lantis sat next to Ferio on the couch, Hikaru sitting on the other side of him. She had noticed the dark look Lantis sent in Ferio's direction. Ferio did not seem to notice, however, as he watched Fuu without trying to be too obvious about it. The silence started to unsettle Hikaru so she spoke.

"Emeraude-san is very sweet!"

"I can be sweet too," Ferio said sending Fuu a dashing smile that was promptly ignored.

"We didn't ask," Lantis replied.

Ferio made a face. "You need to loosen up."

Hikaru placed a hand on Lantis' arm feeling him tense up then relax at her touch. Another silence fell over them.

"Back!" Emeraude said reappearing a few minutes later with a tray in hand. She set it on the coffee table, offering everyone some tea.

She took a seat next to Fuu. "Now what were you so worried about?"

Hikaru watched Fuu bite her lip uncertainly. She obviously didn't know where to start. Hikaru understood, since what had happened didn't even seem that believable.

"Fuu-chan was attacked by this man," Hikaru said. "But Lantis chased him off. The guy mentioned your fiancé, so Fuu-chan was worried he might go after him or you."

Close enough to the truth. Believable anyway.

Emeraude's eyes widened. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. He didn't hurt me. Luckily Lantis-san was over to scare him off."

"What's he look like?" Ferio asked seriously concerned.

"He had white hair that was short in the back, long in the front. He was a bit taller than me, and his eyes were a golden color. He wore a purplish jewel ornament right here," Fuu explained touching her forehead. "Come to think of it, his ears were slightly pointed as well."

"That's a guy that sticks out," Ferio said.

Emeraude's brows furrowed. "Maybe I should call Zagato and tell him about it just to be safe."

Hikaru nodded. "The guy was a real creep and dangerous. You shouldn't go anywhere without someone around just in case."

"Same goes for you two," Emeraude said worriedly. "Have you called the police yet?"

"Yes. We told them what we knew. Hopefully they catch him," Hikaru replied.

Not very likely though from what I saw.

Emeraude put her cup down. "I'm glad you came over. That's just terrible. I'm so glad to know you're alright. I mean where would I be without my tutor? Probably failing advanced calculus."

Hikaru smiled as Fuu laughed. As Emeraude continued to talk, Hikaru began to wonder if Mokona was okay outside all by himself. He'd been out there for a while, having hopped onto the roof, when Hikaru told him he had to stay outside. Hikaru glanced at Lantis. Maybe after they left she could invite Lantis out.

Now isn't exactly the time though. Fuu-chan wouldn't be safe by herself.

Hikaru had called out from work after the fight with Innouva, so she had nothing to do for the rest of the night. Hikari had food and water and could get outside by himself through the doggy door. He was smart and well behaved, so she didn't have to worry too much about him.

I'm just glad Fuu-chan's friend is safe.

There was something familiar about the beautiful blue-eyed woman that Hikaru couldn't place. It was as if she had met her before, but she was sure she hadn't.

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Umi sighed leaning against the parked car, frowning. Her gaze moved from spot to spot, searching. She brushed a hand through her hair, sighing again.

"I'm pretty sure it's around here. It's one of these little apartment houses. I know the number's 322."

"You said you knew where she lived," Presea replied from the open door of the driver's side.

"I've only been there once. Sorry if my memory is a little fuzzy," Umi retorted exasperated.

"It's important we find the other two as quickly as possible," Clef said.

"I got it," Umi replied straightening. "I'm going to look around. I'll come get you if I find it."

Umi went walking away feeling a bit angry.

*She could be a little nicer to me. I am helping them after all. I don't need to. I choose to.*

Umi continued her silent little rant turning a corner and stopping short.

"No way."

Ascot was walking toward her, but his gaze was directed elsewhere, his face blushing red. A dark-skinned woman with the weirdest shade of pink hair, and skimpy clothes was hanging all over Ascot laughing.

*Who's that!?*

"Aw darlin, whatcha blushin for?" Umi heard the woman ask.

Just then he looked forward and caught sight of the gaping Umi. She quickly recovered herself and started walking by as if she hadn't even noticed him. Her anger, which was starting to deflate, quickly jumped right back up.

*I'm not jealous! I'm not.*

"…Umi-san…" Ascot said in surprise.

The woman next to him leaned over, while Umi came to a stop.

"Ascot," Umi said in acknowledgement.

"It's ah lucky day," the woman replied releasing Ascot. "If you could come with us, darlin…"

Umi gave the woman a funny look. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Well, ya see priestess, ya don't have a choice."

Umi's eyes widened before falling on Ascot. He was looking away, unwilling to face her.

"You're with them?" Umi asked losing her composure.

Ascot was still looking away as he began to stutter out an answer. "It's not…I…"

"Umi! Get away from there now!"

Umi saw Ascot's eyes jerk behind her before narrowing on the person that had spoke. Umi whirled around.

"Clef!" Umi called out.

Umi went to move away but was yanked back.

"No ya don't," the woman said keeping a firm grip on Umi's arm.

"Let go of me!" Umi cried out hitting into her.

Released from the woman's hold she took off straight for Clef. The anger she had glimpsed in the timid Ascot's eyes amazed her. It was pure without hesitation all directed at Clef. It had scared Umi to no end, and she hoped to never have that gaze directed at her.

Clef moved in front of her his eyes falling on the two ahead. "Wouldn't want to make a scene now, would you?"

A crowd was beginning to form.

The pink-haired woman smiled. "Oh…Guess we'll have ta let ya go this time."

She caught hold of Ascot's arm again. "Come on, honey, let's go."

With that the two walked away. Umi wasn't feeling too good as she watched Ascot disappear into the crowd with that woman.

"Who were they?" Umi asked wanting to hear what Clef knew.

"Caldina and Ascot…Ascot was a former student of mine. Caldina is a dancer and illusionist. Both work for the head priest."

Umi noted the way he said Ascot's name. There was some emotion behind it Umi could not name. Presea came up behind them.

"Why is Asc…?" Presea started.

"We have to hurry," Clef interrupted giving a significant look to Presea that was not lost to Umi. "The head priest has more people awakened then I suspected."

Umi looked around before starting in surprise. "Hey, that's it. Fuu-san's place is right over there."

Umi let that thought distract her from Ascot and Caldina. Ascot was the enemy. Flashes of all the times she had talked to him, which wasn't much, made her wonder if he had known that she was the priestess. Wouldn't he have attacked her then? What was he trying to say to her back there? Why was that woman hanging all over him? Who did she think she was? Umi didn't care. It wasn't like Ascot was important to her. Even so, her eyes misted a bit as she continued to torment herself with unanswered questions.

"Umi…?"

Umi started shaking her head. "What?"

"The sign's changed. We can walk across now."

"Oh…yeah. I knew that!" Umi huffed out going across the street.

"Do you think it's wise to go here suspecting what we do? They might be watching us," Presea said looking over her shoulder.

"They might already know as it is," Clef replied.

"True."

Umi reached what was hopefully Fuu's door. She knocked waiting for a reply.

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Zagato stood outside Emeraude's house, having returned. He had seen his brother looking out the window. The instant their eyes met he knew Lantis had recognized him. A tall blond-haired man stood to his left, while Alcyone stood at his right.

"Innouva."

From thin air Innouva appeared before Zagato, bowing.

"Tell Caldina to bring the priestess of water here at any cost."

"It will be done," Innouva replied disappearing from sight.

"Lafarga, guard the backdoor. Do not alert those inside to your presence."

Lafarga bowed moving away to do as he was instructed.

"Alcyone."

"Yes, Zagato-san,"

"Stay here. I will be going inside to detain our guests a little longer. When Caldina arrives tell her to cast her illusion on Ferio and Emeraude."

"Yes," Alcyone replied.

Zagato made his way to the front door. He hesitated a moment before knocking. Today was the day he would rid himself of the only threat to his happiness and hers. The priestesses would be taken care of.

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Ack! Oh man…It's been almost a month since I've updated. *starts crying* Can you forgive me? I've been in a bit of a writer's slump, but I'm back! This time I do promise an update before a month passes. ^^;; *sigh* And if you noticed I'm not good with accents, so Caldina doesn't have her accent, only a little bit…ah well.

Thanks goes out to Malathyne, Shiranami, Iarly, Sissi, and Amber for your encouraging reviews!

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