Kyaa Kyaff here!

Disclaimer: MKR does not belong to me.

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'…' Fuu thoughts

*…* Umi thoughts

… Hikaru thoughts

----- indicates flashback

Fighting Fate

Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Memories Past

Umi blinked a few times. Sitting up slowly she looked around her room. She pressed a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart, the dream still vivid in her mind. She tried lying back down but knew without a doubt she would not be able to fall asleep so easily. Getting up she went to her closet to change into her priestess robes. Once dressed she brushed her hair, straightening the tangles from it.

Leaving her room, the sky blue robes flowed with her every motion like waves rippling outward. No particular direction was being taken. She was just walking to walk. In no time she found her feet had taken her in front of Clef's study. She knocked lightly waiting for a reply.

Several seconds later Clef opened the door, looking surprised when he saw who it was. "Umi-san?"

"Can I come in?" Umi asked.

"Yes," he said moving out of the way.

She entered, hearing the door close behind her. Clef walked back to his desk taking a seat. Umi sat across from him.

"What brings you here so late at night?"

"I'm worried about Emeraude-hime. About what could possibly happen tomorrow," Umi said softly. "I had another dream. It was strange. A different world, but everyone was there."

"You should try and relax."

Umi smiled. "That's why I'm here."

Clef smiled, his eyes softening at her words. "Well, priestess. What happens tomorrow happens. We cannot change fate."

"Do you truly believe such a thing?"

"Do you?" Clef countered.

Umi looked away. "My visions…they always come to pass in one way or another. This strange world though. That must have been just a fanciful dream."

Clef looked concerned. "Maybe."

Getting up he moved around his desk to place a comforting hand on Umi's. Lifting her head up, she allowed another small smile to reassure Clef she was fine.

"You are a strong woman. Do not ever doubt yourself."

Umi blushed lightly at his words. "Thank you. I should be going. I've disturbed you long enough."

"I always enjoy your company. You can always come here."

"Clef…I…"

Umi was stopped by a hand to her lips. She didn't know what was wrong with her, but she silently prayed for him to kiss her. She'd always been strangely attracted to him but had given it up, pushed it away. The way he was looking at her now though made her stomach flip.

*I can't…I have Ascot…*

Umi truly cared for Ascot. He made her feel wonderful, and she fondly recalled his blushing face. Clef's warm lips against hers made her forget everything else, and instead of pushing him away she leaned into it. It was something they had never allowed themselves, and now neither she nor he wanted to stop.

The door was suddenly swung open. "Master Mage Cl…"

Both with bright red faces, Umi and Clef pulled apart. The next second Umi felt her stomach drop.

"Ascot."

Ascot watched her speechless for a few minutes before his expression hardened. "High Priest Zagato has made his move."

"What!" Clef moved away, the embarrassing situation forgotten. "You must alert the others."

Ascot bowed leaving the room. Umi was still stunned and got up, running to the door.

"Ascot!"

Ascot paused looking back over his shoulder. Although she couldn't see his eyes she knew he was hurt. Instead of saying anything back, he merely began walking away again. Umi gripped the frame of the door in her hands, squeezing it with all she was worth.

"Umi. We must get Fuu-san and Hikaru-san."

Umi nodded numbly, releasing the door.

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With a groan Umi slowly opened her eyes. Looking around frantically, she realized she was in the cabin Clef and Presea had brought her to earlier. It had to be one of the rooms in the cabin due to the small size. Shifting a bit she looked up and felt her face flush red. Leaning against the wall was Ascot, head slumped forward, eyes closed. That wasn't what had Umi flushing. She was right up against him, sitting sideways between his legs. One hand was under and near her knees, the other by her back, as if he'd been carrying her.

She instantly scooted away watching for any sign that he was about to wake.

*He's the enemy…*

Just as she thought that her dream…no she couldn't call it a dream. She'd had certain visions before. Sort of like what was to happen though she never spoke of it with anyone. What she had experienced was too real to be a dream. Was it something from when she was a priestess? Clef's tale was no tale but truth. She had lived another life, somewhere else. If so…

"Did…did I betray you?"

She moved forward lifting a hand up to push his bangs out of the way.

"With…with Clef?" Umi bit her lip. "Is that why…you looked so angry and hurt? Is that why you're helping those people?"

Umi felt pain well inside her chest at her own questioning. As her hand slid down his cheek, his eyes suddenly snapped open, causing her to fall back in surprise. Slowly they drifted around before landing on her. He looked startled for a moment.

"…Umi!"

Umi watched him noting how he had not used san as he always did.

"It wasn't a dream, was it?"

His eyes went from shocked while trying to assess the situation to puzzled. Her feelings for Ascot were now in turmoil, knowing without a doubt that what she had seen happened. She closed her eyes a moment.

""I'm so sorry."

Silence followed her statement. Eyes still closed Umi clasped her hands together bringing them to her chest as if trying to hide her heart. She felt his warm hand cover both of hers.

"Do…you remember?"

Umi shook her head refusing to look at him. "Only a little. I only saw a little, but it's true isn't it. It happened. It's not a figment of my imagination. Everything Clef told me was true."

"I had a hard time believing it myself," his hand moved away from hers. "What…do you…well?"

Ascot was back to being shy. "What did you remember?"

Umi felt the corners of her mouth tug down against her will. "How I hurt you? The night Zagato made his move to kidnap the Pillar. Something happened after that, didn't it? I didn't get to say anything else to you. I can't remember."

Umi spoke openly and freely. It was like watching herself speak really. She let the words flow from her, wanting to say them. She had always liked Ascot, but what she was feeling now she recognized without a doubt. The memory she had experienced rushing on her in a torrent of all the emotions she had felt then.

"Umi…" Ascot's voice became serious. "Open your eyes."

She shook her head, tears held at bay behind them.

Without thinking she leaned into his touch as he cupped her cheek. "Please."

Slowly she opened them, gazing directly into his eyes.

"I understand. I knew before…of your past feelings for him," Ascot silenced Umi. "I knew. And still I…Don't trouble yourself. No hard feelings. You should be happy with the one you choose."

"No, Ascot…you don't understand…" Umi started. "I…"

Just then the door swung open, stopping Umi from what she was about to say. It was Presea, and she looked panicked.

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Fuu turned to the next page of the book she was reading. The sound of water falling behind her was a soothing presence. She loved to come to the gardens to read. Birds called to each other, and the wonderful fragrance of flowers reached her nose. Sitting on the edge of the wide ledge of the fountain, she idly dipped one hand in swirling the water around. The water suddenly caressed her hand back, surprising her. She looked up to see a grinning Umi.

"You startled me, Umi-san."

"I was calling to you, but you were so wrapped up in what you were reading that you didn't hear me, so I resorted to plan B."

"Was there something you needed?" Fuu asked closing the book.

"Clef-san wants us to come see him in ten minutes. Emeraude-hime's brother is finally returning after so many years," Umi put a finger to her chin. "I wonder what he looks like. Anyway…entertainers and the such are all gathering here, and there's going to be a huge dinner in his honor. Completing his schooling and training…blah blah."

"Thank you Umi-san. I will be there."

"Good. Now I have to go find Hikaru," Umi said.

"You might want to check the training room," Fuu suggested.

"Good idea," Umi called over her shoulder.

Once she had left, Fuu reopened her book. Finding her place she began to read again. A twig snapped off to her right. Looking up she saw a green-haired man with the most unusual golden eyes. His garbs were those of a traveling entertainer.

"You should not be here. Are you lost?" Fuu asked.

This seemed to amuse the man, and he smiled. "No, I'm not lost."

Fuu closed her book. "No one is allowed past this point."

The man scratched his cheek where Fuu saw a visible cross-shaped scar. She also noticed one running across the bridge of his nose.

"Well, my beautiful lady. If you could kindly escort me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated."

"You said you weren't lost."

"Well, I lied. I wanted to see the palace," the man replied easily. "I would greatly appreciate your lovely assistance."

Fuu watched him suspiciously before standing. Her sage green robe swirled around her as the wind gently blew past. She came up beside him.

"Aren't you afraid I might try something?"

"No," Fuu replied.

His eyebrow lifted at the confidant reply, while they began walking the way he had come. "And may I ask who you are?"

"Hououji Fuu," she replied. "Priestess and protector of Emeraude-hime."

"Ah, I've heard of you. Priestess of wind. That explains the way you are dressed," the man smiled. "You are a stunning vision."

Fuu ignored the compliment continuing to walk. In the distance she saw Lafarga, the captain of the knights dispatched to escort the prince, approach.

"You had me looking everywhere for you."

Fuu's brows scrunched together as she looked between the two. The man brought a hand behind his head.

"Sorry bout that Lafarga. It's just been so long. I couldn't help but wander around," he looked over at Fuu. "And look at the beauty I've found."

Fuu frowned along with Lafarga. "Prince, High Priest Zagato along with Master Mage Clef, wish to speak with you."

Fuu looked over at the man beside her, suspicions confirmed. "You are the prince."

"Name's Ferio," he replied with a wink. "I hope to see you later."

A delicate eyebrow arched up before Fuu nodded her head to Lafarga. "I am glad you have returned safely."

With that she turned and left, saying nothing to Ferio. Fuu felt him watch her the entire time until she could no longer be seen.

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As Fuu slowly came to the sound of birds reached her ears. She became aware of a heavy weight pressing down on her, and as she opened her eyes she was greeted by the sky hidden by the leafy green treetops around her. In alarm she realized Ferio was lying on top of her. She quickly scooted away her cheeks turning red. Her eyes searched the area. She was beside a small cabin.

'What happened? We were in the house and now…'

Her eyes fell on the still unmoving Ferio, recalling her dream. She shook her head becoming worried when she saw he lay unmoving. Going to his side she began to shake him slightly.

"Ferio. Ferio," Fuu grimaced at the wound on his back. "Ferio. Please. Wake up."

She would have turned him over, but his back was so torn up she didn't want to risk the damage. Blood had stained his shirt, and his face was incredibly pale. This was all her fault. He wouldn't have been hurt if not for her. A phrase fell on her tongue urging her to speak. She felt the same swell of power race through her as she had before.

"Iyashi no Kaze."

A soft sparkling green light spread from her hands. As she watched even the ripped clothes were restored to normal. In a second he was groaning, his eyes slowly opening. Rolling over he looked up to see a concerned Fuu looking over him.

"Fuu?"

"Ferio!" Fuu leaned closer. "You're okay? You're really okay?"

A genuine smile crossed Ferio's face. "I'm fine."

"Thank goodness," Fuu said in relief.

"I would feel even better if you would give me a kiss."

Fuu instantly glared moving away from him.

"It was worth a try," she heard him mutter as he stood along with her. "Where are we?"

"It seems we are no longer at your house. There was a bright light, and then nothing," Fuu sighed. "With everything that has happened it is not hard to believe we were teleported here."

"Teleported? With everything that has happened…what exactly has happened?"

"But that should mean the others are close by," Fuu continued. "Maybe if we look in the house…"

"I don't mind being all alone with you."

"You still haven't changed."

She saw the funny look Ferio gave her and began to wonder at her own words. A light blush graced her cheeks. The words had slipped naturally from her mouth, and she began to wonder at them. To save herself from explanation, she quickly spoke, switching the subject.

"Let's go look in the cabin."

Fuu quickly started toward the cabin followed by Ferio.

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Hikaru wiped a hand across her forehead. Placing the shinai away, she washed her face with a towel. She loved to practice kendo, a feeling of freedom in the act of it. A sound at the door caught her attention, and she rubbed her eyes to make sure she was seeing right.

"Eagle?"

The man at the door smiled. "I told you I would come to visit, Hikaru."

Hikaru ran over to him, halting just short of knocking him over. "I'm so happy to see you! How is Autozam?"

"Doing a lot better thanks to you," Eagle replied.

Two years ago, Hikaru had been entrusted to help Autozam, a struggling and polluted planet. While there Eagle had been in charge of her protection. They had become fast friends, Hikaru immediately liking the quiet sweet person. She had spent a year in Autozam, trying to fix the many problems it was plagued with. Upon their parting Eagle had promised to come visit one day when things were more settled down.

Hikaru was beaming with happiness. "How'd you find me? When did you arrive? How's Geo and Zazu? What have you been up to?"

Eagle held his hands up. "One question at a time. How about I let you change? Afterwards you can show me the sights. Besides I still have yet to speak with Lantis."

Hikaru's smile faltered a bit her eyes becoming distant at the mention of Lantis.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. Of course not," Hikaru shook her head, brightening up. "I better go get changed. Oh, you probably don't know where you're going."

"That's why I'm here!" Primera declared flying over Eagle's shoulder. "I would rather be at Lantis' side, but he asked me especially to escort Eagle-san around!"

Hikaru laughed. "Thanks Primera. I'll go get changed and then we can have some tea."

Hikaru left the room feeling even lighter than before. Eagle was here. It was so unexpected. Just as Hikaru was about to reach her room, she saw a familiar figure passing by. Her steps slowed as she caught sight of Lantis. The last time they had talked he had seemed mad at her. Hikaru wasn't sure what she had done, but she wished she knew so she could apologize. Having sensed her presence, Lantis turned around. Their eyes met neither speaking.

"Uh…Eagle's here!" Hikaru bit her lip. "But you knew that already."

His eyes remained brooding.

"Would you like to join us for tea?"

"No. I am busy," Lantis replied turning back around and walking away.

"Lantis!" Hikaru cried out unable to stop herself.

He stopped but did not turn.

"Did I do something to offend you? You always seem so mad," Hikaru brought her hands together. "If I did something wrong tell me, so I can apologize. You've been avoiding me lately, and I don't know why. You always say you're busy. I'm sorry. I truly am."

Lantis paused for a moment before speaking. "You did nothing wrong. Do not let it weigh your conscious."

Hikaru didn't know what to say as she watched Lantis walk away from her.

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Hikaru sat up rubbing her head. A lump was already starting to form where she must of hit it. Hands came up to circle her waist followed by a groan. It was then she realized she was sitting on top of Lantis. As he sat up, he moved her in front of him as if she weighed nothing. Hikaru's face was a flaming red once again.

"What happened? Where are we?"

Hikaru quickly looked around, scooting a bit away. She had dreamed of being close to him, but actually being close to him was a different thing. He didn't seemed disturbed at all by her nearness. It was as if he was used to it.

"I have no idea. There was a bright light than nothing…" Hikaru trailed off.

"Are you hurt?"

Hikaru looked up at Lantis' concerned face. "I'm fine."

Lantis smiled briefly before looking around some more his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of something. "There's a cabin over there."

Hikaru squinted her eyes seeing what Lantis was talking about hidden among the trees. She saw a flash of green, and as she continued to stare she realized it was Fuu.

"That's Fuu-chan!" Hikaru jumped to her feet. "Let's go."

Lantis stood his face scrunching in pain, his arm immediately going to his side. Hikaru also saw a bleeding gash on his upper leg.

"Lantis!"

He held a hand up. "It is not as bad as it appears."

"You're bleeding," Hikaru went over to him. "Let me help you. Maybe there's something in the cabin, and Fuu-chan's there. Maybe she knows what happened, and we can get you fixed up in the meantime."

Anyone seeing the two might of thought the sight of the small red headed girl helping the tall man beside her comical. Her arms came around his waist, his hand resting on her shoulder. She came just barely below his shoulders. That didn't stop her from helping him, while calling out to Fuu.

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Zagato stood outside of his apartment.

"There is no sign of them. The mage has concealed their whereabouts," Innouva reported.

Zagato's facial expression did not change. Alcyone stepped forward with an overjoyed smile.

"Maybe I can be of more assistance. I may know where they are hiding."

"Find them and take care of them for good. Do not fail me again," Zagato turned. "I will not tolerate it."

Both bowed to Zagato, fading back into the darkness. Standing in front of the door he braced himself. He hated to see Emeraude cry, but he had to make her realize that Cephiro was not any of his or her concern. Turning the knob he entered to find Emeraude curled up on the couch sleeping, looking very much like a small child. Kneeling beside her he kissed each tearstained cheek.

"I only make you cry," Zagato ran his hand through a long curling strand of her hair. "Soon…soon you can dry those tears and smile for me once again."

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The flashbacks/memories…whatever, weren't in any particular order. They were just remembering a part of some time that happened before. Hmm…I will try to update as soon as I can. Although I am inspired to write I am really really busy. So I will try my best to not take forever. Please have patience with me! ^_^

Thanks goes out to CurlsofSerenity, Momentum, twin-ascot, krylancelo, Former Anime Goddess6, Willow, Elisel, Amber, and Iarly. Hope to hear from everyone again!

Til next time,

Kyaa ^o^