Ok, right before I start, I'm terribly sorry for not updating in so long. I have a couple of accidents with my PC and Internet account. But I'm back!! My dear reviewers:
Caffeinated Ginger Ale: Thanks a lot!! I'm working my head off with those descriptions... I'm glad you like them!!!
blazingIcEph0eniX: As I said, you got it! Eagle?? Well, Eagle it is!! Wanna try on next?
Well, just before I start, you know the usual, I don't own Rayearth and I'm not making money out of this, so don't sue me.
Just read and enjoy!
********** Battling emotions **********
Chapter III
Eagle - Rivalry
Eagle watched the ceiling lamps, leaning on a wall in the control room of the NSX, when Geo called for his attention with an astonishment exclamation:
- It's a magic creature!
Running, Zazu leaned out to the screen pointed out by his tall partner. It showed an enormous winged fish flying at full speed. It should be somehow far from the aircraft, but Geo just adapted the external cameras to their top enhancement, so that they could observe the creature as if it flew only a few meters away. Eagle also came closer.
- It is one of Guru Clef's pets. - he said smiling - I just wonder what could have happened.
Both Geo and Zazu looked at him interrogatively, demanding an explanation.
- Guru Clef summons his creatures only when they are strictly necessary.
For a moment they only watched the air evolutions of the beautiful animal, flying in the same direction that the NSX, that is to say, towards the castle. And they were this way until another exclamation came to perturb the peacefully booth, this time coming from Zazu.
- It's Hikaru!
- What? - Eagle threw himself towards the controls, coming as close as he could to the screen - Are you sure?
Geo tried to adjust the image further, achieving his purpose partially.
- I think so too, they are the Magic Knights - he said as he examined the fish's huge back - Do you want me to try to catch up with them?
Eagle moved his head negatively, still staring at the screen.
- No. Machinery can't fight magic. I did learn that some time ago. - he made an indefinite expression - Thanks to the very same Hikaru and to Lantis... he will regret rejecting our offer to come with us...
Zazu and Geo exchanged an intelligence look. The Cefirian swordsman's feelings were not a secret at all for the NSX crew, especially for their Commander. Eagle had seen Lantis suffer for the absence of the young girl he loved, and he had tried to support the magic user in everything inside his possibilities, helped by all his country. Autozamians really appreciated the serious and severe character of the man who never laughed. However, it had been extremely difficult to satisfy Lantis's strong demand for work, fighting in his longing to forget his sorrow. His endurance was awesome.
- Wait up, Geo - Eagle had just changed his mind - increase our speed. I know we won't get them, but we will surely arrive before Lantis does.
The Sub-Commander did as he was requested to. After all, he also had a strong desire to put his feet on safe ground. He left to Zazu the love for the robots, aircraft and all those frets full with engines and grease. The tall Autozamian had some nicer things to think about.
- It will be good to see Hikaru again... - the mechanic insinuated timidly.
One more time, a smile crept on Eagle's face.
- What I really want to see is "somebody's" face when he sees her. Just make sure we get there on time for the show.
His two companions looked each other again and they mirrored his mischievous expression.
ºººººººººº
Fiura slowed down its pace, allowing the girls to admire Cefiro's castle magnificence again after so many years of absence. The three remained closely hugging each other on the creature's back, not daring to make even the slightest movement fearing they could be thrown away by the air's violence. Or perhaps they only feared the illusion they were living in could break up and that they will wake up each one in her bed. They had gone through so much pain for this to happen, just to let it go now with a single movement. Finally, Fuu decided to speak:
- It is Fiura, isn't it? Are we really in Cefiro?
- Isn't that obvious? - Umi made a sufficiency expression, her voice didn't sound very convinced though. - Besides, the castle is over there. Right, Hikaru?
The redhead made no comment, for she was only able to watch the landscape surrounding them in awe, as if she wanted to fill her eyes with Cefiro's beauty. She had never doubted about the place they were in, not even for a second. Her heart bumping on her chest was more than enough to reassure her they were back into the Magic Land of their dreams. But she didn't say anything. She was still impressed by what had happened and for what she was seen.
- But how? - Fuu asked - Could it be something terrible happened? A new danger perhaps?
- I don't know, but we'll find out soon. - Umi answered. - We are almost at the doors now.
Indeed, the huge fish, after giving a couple of round turns descending, settled smoothly on the grass of one of the so many gardens inside the castle. Not wanting to spend neither a minute more on top of the animal, Umi jumped to the ground, and her friends followed suit. The creature disappeared at once, and two very well known figures took a few steps forward to greet the girls.
- Magic Knights from Mystic World...
- Guru Clef! - Umi exclaimed, being more thrilled than what she had wanted to show and less than what she had expected to be - I'm so happy!
- Yes, we are delighted to be back. - Fuu affirmed, leaning politely, with a soft smile on her lips.
- Presea! - Hikaru could not repress her feelings anymore and ran into the arms of the artisan, who received her cheerfully. - I can't believe I'm here!
Guru Clef moved his head understandingly. He also felt very pleased that the Magic Knights had returned, since he had really taken great appreciation to those valiant children... children? The magician looked at the girls thoroughly. No children at all. Their bodies, young though, had abandoned their childish forms some time ago, to acquire more rounded and mature shapes. They had become three women, and very beautiful women, by the way. Especially Umi... what kind of clothes was she wearing?
Umi met the magician's curious glance.
- What? Do I have something on my face?
Presea giggled. They had all gotten used to see the Magic Knights dressed with school uniforms, and the change was a bit strange for them.
- They have probably never seen a dress like that. - Fuu suggested.
- It's silk! - Umi said, deeply offended - This is the finest thing you can get with some money!
Right at that moment, Caldina entered the scene.
- Did someone just say "money"?
Everybody laughed, including the dancer who began to twirl around to show her happiness for "her girls" return.
- We have to celebrate this! Let's throw a party!
All looked at Caldina, but nobody seemed to dislike her suggestion, since all commented the idea to be really good, until the general rejoicing was interrupted by Hikaru.
- And... - the redhead hesitated for an instant, her face flushed a bit and then she decided to ask - Where are the others? Ferio, Ascot, Lafarga... Lantis?
Fuu thanked that she had asked about the prince, but Umi, while also thanking her to have asked about Ascot, could not help a malicious smile. Her friend had left the best for last. Guru Clef and Presea ignored the Water Knight's expression, but Caldina could not let such an opportunity of having fun go by:
- Hey? Lantis after everybody else? Why weren't you guys "very" close?
Hikaru's cheeks got even redder, but luckily enough, Guru Clef answered to her questions before she could speak.
- Ferio is in Chizeta, Ascot should be taking a stroll somewhere around with some of his creatures and Lantis, well, we expect his return from Autozam since yesterday.
- And Lafarga is at the castle's armory. - Caldina added - I'll get him out of all those metallic stuff so that he can help me out with our party.
And with this she left laughing, leaving dissimilar expressions in her companions. Must of them were amused.
- And what is Ferio doing in Chizeta? - Fuu inquired, a shy tone trembling on her voice.
Apparently, such a question generated certain uneasiness among Cefiro's natives, since by a moment neither the artisan nor the magician answered and they only looked each other in perceptible confusion. However, the question was left in the air, since a slight tremor shook the land of the garden, catching everyone's attention immediately.
- What was that? - Umi asked.
Guru Clef closed his eyes and then opened them back a second later.
- The flagship of Autozam's fleet has just arrived.
- The NSX? - Hikaru shivered, somehow nervous.
- Right, - the magician nodded - it's the embassy from Autozam we have been waiting for.
- Lantis. - the Fire Knight mumbled, ready to run towards the place from where the tremor had come.
But it was not necessary. In a stairway, leading to the garden where they were, the forenamed embassy appeared, composed by Commander Eagle Vision, Sub-Commander Geo Metro and Boss Mechanic Zazu Torque. They were dressed with Autozam's typical clothes, finding themselves a little rare, as they were not wearing mental amplifiers outdoors, since such thing was not necessary in Cefiro. They hadn't changed a bit, except maybe for the fact that Eagle looked much less flimsy than before. All his movements transmitted a sensation of firmness, his physique had developed with years and in general he seemed to be much healthier.
He searched among the presents with his amber eyes, looking for the person he was more interested in. Hikaru was between her two friends, the other Magic Knights. The young Commander was surprised to see her. She was so grown up, still not as tall as he was though; she had changed almost to the point of being practically unrecognizable. And at the same time, she was still the same girl from the past, with the same decision in her face and the same innocence shining in her pupils. Unfortunately, Eagle Vision had never wanted to fall in a delusion with this girl. He knew Lantis loved her, he had known so before the swordsman could realize himself, and for that reason he had tried not to get too involved with her and to keep his feelings in check. But he also knew there was something lurking in his soul, something he could neither to deny nor to hide. Perhaps, if he would have just let it grow, it could have ended up evolving to love. But even when he hadn't done such thing, the feeling was still there, causing him that immense happiness when seeing her. And he couldn't help it.
They all greeted courteously; but Hikaru didn't find the person she was desperately looking for, so she let all her emotion and joyfulness out, using the leader of the visitors as a catalyst.
- Eagle! You are fine! I'm so glad!
The last time they had been in Cefiro, Eagle was still in bed, convalescent from the illness he had acquired as a consequence of his planet way of using mental energy, and of course, the efforts he made to save Cefiro and the Magic Knights. And there he was, she could see him, so strong and full of life! Hikaru hugged him, in a sincere rapture of joy and he hugged her back, right in front of everybody's eloquent looks. The young man's heart became inflamed, filled with fondness, seeing she hadn't forgotten him after such a long time. He felt kind of guilty though, when remembering Lantis's suffering, but he said to himself that this moment was his own, and nobody in the world would have been able to take it away from him.
They were all so happy they missed a couple of eyes. A pair of dark blue eyes contemplating the scene from another of the many entrances leading to the garden.
Lantis' steed was able to gallop through the air, so nobody had seen him or heard him come... literally. Standing beside the arc entrance, he had arrived together with the Autozam's cortege, and there he had remained, watching all the events as they unfolded. To be precise, he was staring at Hikaru. Thinking she was more beautiful than ever and still doubting she was really there. Wouldn't he be the ever-stoic man he was, and he had already run to her and hold her in his arms. Love... was just a very little word.
When it came to the point when the girl he loved and his best friend hugged each other, he could not help a sudden movement of surprise. Eagle... a long time ago, she had told him she loved them both... Eagle and him... would it be possible that she had already made up her mind and that the favored one had been the Autozamian Commander? Lantis felt himself invaded by sudden anger. He would not allow such thing! No way! But in the end... what could he do? He wasn't going to have a fight with his best friend; after all it was not his fault if she had preferred him. It was nobody faults. With a hand on his broad chest, the swordsman silenced the wild beats of his heart. Who was he to destroy the happiness of the two people he cared for the most in the world? Only he knew how much will it take for him to act indifferently, when the owner of his entire being had chosen somebody to love... somebody but him. Jealousy was indeed a merciless monster. He closed his eyes tightly, and when opening them, he inhaled the air he clearly lacked of and he walked into the garden.
However, it was not quite certain that his presence had gone unnoticed everybody. Quietly, Cefiro's greatest magician had observed as his former pupil's generally inexpressive features went from anxiety to astonishment, from astonishment to anger, from anger to pain and at last back to his usual indifference, stepping by short intervals when he only stared admiring the young redhead. Clef saw all this, but he made no comment.
It was Presea the one who received Lantis with a smile and a question:
- Welcome home, Lantis. Why didn't you come in Autozam's flagship?
When hearing the swordsman's name, Hikaru turned around swiftly as lightning, breaking off from Eagle, who still hugged her. A thick silence hung among all, as the newly arrived advanced towards them.
- Lantis... - Hikaru mumbled with trembling voice, looking like she could almost faint of happiness. Her heart skipped a beat, and it would be hard to put down in words what she was feeling. But her face was like an open book. Only then, she understood how much she had really missed him.
Much to his grief, Eagle felt a bit diminished, when realizing that the joyfulness Hikaru had shown when seeing him was barely quotable compared with the radiant expression now shining on her face, while she observed Lantis. It was pretty obvious for the Autozamian this girl's heart was already taken. So he called for all his might to keep his undeveloped feelings in check one more time.
Nevertheless, the magic swordsman was scornful enough not to give a single sidelong glance to the shaken redhead. Practically ignoring her. When he was at a prudential distance from the group, he leaned with dry courtesy, and he said, with even drier voice:
- Welcome to Cefiro, Magic Knights.
Fuu and Umi looked each other, confused by the warrior's attitude, excessively cold even for such a reserved person as he was. Amazed, the artisan wondered what was happening. Guru Clef remained in silence. Hikaru began a movement towards Lantis, but then their eyes meet for the first time in years, and the blue glance was so gelid that the girl stood petrified, not knowing what to do next. Eagle arched an eyebrow. He couldn't make out anything of all this. Geo and Zazu also looked at each other, not understanding what was going on.
- Well, well, here we are. We have a party to plan!
Caldina had returned, grabbing Lafarga's hand and pulling him after her. He moved his head smiling, but still let her lead the way. All stayed looking at her dumbly, except for Lantis who frowned harshly. So they were even going to throw a party?
- Do we "maybe" arrive in a bad moment? - the illusionist asked, capturing in a flight the tension floating in the air.
The only magic swordsman of all Cefiro went by her side not dedicating more attention to anybody. While he abandoned the garden in the same direction Caldina and Lafarga had just came in, he turned around slightly, perhaps believing some people did deserve an explanation.
- Guru Clef, I'm going to my room. I'm tired.
And he left, no more words, leaving after him some astonishment expressions, an enormous interrogation on Eagle's face and a great disillusion inside the heart of a very sad Hikaru.
To be continued...
Next chapter: Insecurity
Caffeinated Ginger Ale: Thanks a lot!! I'm working my head off with those descriptions... I'm glad you like them!!!
blazingIcEph0eniX: As I said, you got it! Eagle?? Well, Eagle it is!! Wanna try on next?
Well, just before I start, you know the usual, I don't own Rayearth and I'm not making money out of this, so don't sue me.
Just read and enjoy!
********** Battling emotions **********
Chapter III
Eagle - Rivalry
Eagle watched the ceiling lamps, leaning on a wall in the control room of the NSX, when Geo called for his attention with an astonishment exclamation:
- It's a magic creature!
Running, Zazu leaned out to the screen pointed out by his tall partner. It showed an enormous winged fish flying at full speed. It should be somehow far from the aircraft, but Geo just adapted the external cameras to their top enhancement, so that they could observe the creature as if it flew only a few meters away. Eagle also came closer.
- It is one of Guru Clef's pets. - he said smiling - I just wonder what could have happened.
Both Geo and Zazu looked at him interrogatively, demanding an explanation.
- Guru Clef summons his creatures only when they are strictly necessary.
For a moment they only watched the air evolutions of the beautiful animal, flying in the same direction that the NSX, that is to say, towards the castle. And they were this way until another exclamation came to perturb the peacefully booth, this time coming from Zazu.
- It's Hikaru!
- What? - Eagle threw himself towards the controls, coming as close as he could to the screen - Are you sure?
Geo tried to adjust the image further, achieving his purpose partially.
- I think so too, they are the Magic Knights - he said as he examined the fish's huge back - Do you want me to try to catch up with them?
Eagle moved his head negatively, still staring at the screen.
- No. Machinery can't fight magic. I did learn that some time ago. - he made an indefinite expression - Thanks to the very same Hikaru and to Lantis... he will regret rejecting our offer to come with us...
Zazu and Geo exchanged an intelligence look. The Cefirian swordsman's feelings were not a secret at all for the NSX crew, especially for their Commander. Eagle had seen Lantis suffer for the absence of the young girl he loved, and he had tried to support the magic user in everything inside his possibilities, helped by all his country. Autozamians really appreciated the serious and severe character of the man who never laughed. However, it had been extremely difficult to satisfy Lantis's strong demand for work, fighting in his longing to forget his sorrow. His endurance was awesome.
- Wait up, Geo - Eagle had just changed his mind - increase our speed. I know we won't get them, but we will surely arrive before Lantis does.
The Sub-Commander did as he was requested to. After all, he also had a strong desire to put his feet on safe ground. He left to Zazu the love for the robots, aircraft and all those frets full with engines and grease. The tall Autozamian had some nicer things to think about.
- It will be good to see Hikaru again... - the mechanic insinuated timidly.
One more time, a smile crept on Eagle's face.
- What I really want to see is "somebody's" face when he sees her. Just make sure we get there on time for the show.
His two companions looked each other again and they mirrored his mischievous expression.
ºººººººººº
Fiura slowed down its pace, allowing the girls to admire Cefiro's castle magnificence again after so many years of absence. The three remained closely hugging each other on the creature's back, not daring to make even the slightest movement fearing they could be thrown away by the air's violence. Or perhaps they only feared the illusion they were living in could break up and that they will wake up each one in her bed. They had gone through so much pain for this to happen, just to let it go now with a single movement. Finally, Fuu decided to speak:
- It is Fiura, isn't it? Are we really in Cefiro?
- Isn't that obvious? - Umi made a sufficiency expression, her voice didn't sound very convinced though. - Besides, the castle is over there. Right, Hikaru?
The redhead made no comment, for she was only able to watch the landscape surrounding them in awe, as if she wanted to fill her eyes with Cefiro's beauty. She had never doubted about the place they were in, not even for a second. Her heart bumping on her chest was more than enough to reassure her they were back into the Magic Land of their dreams. But she didn't say anything. She was still impressed by what had happened and for what she was seen.
- But how? - Fuu asked - Could it be something terrible happened? A new danger perhaps?
- I don't know, but we'll find out soon. - Umi answered. - We are almost at the doors now.
Indeed, the huge fish, after giving a couple of round turns descending, settled smoothly on the grass of one of the so many gardens inside the castle. Not wanting to spend neither a minute more on top of the animal, Umi jumped to the ground, and her friends followed suit. The creature disappeared at once, and two very well known figures took a few steps forward to greet the girls.
- Magic Knights from Mystic World...
- Guru Clef! - Umi exclaimed, being more thrilled than what she had wanted to show and less than what she had expected to be - I'm so happy!
- Yes, we are delighted to be back. - Fuu affirmed, leaning politely, with a soft smile on her lips.
- Presea! - Hikaru could not repress her feelings anymore and ran into the arms of the artisan, who received her cheerfully. - I can't believe I'm here!
Guru Clef moved his head understandingly. He also felt very pleased that the Magic Knights had returned, since he had really taken great appreciation to those valiant children... children? The magician looked at the girls thoroughly. No children at all. Their bodies, young though, had abandoned their childish forms some time ago, to acquire more rounded and mature shapes. They had become three women, and very beautiful women, by the way. Especially Umi... what kind of clothes was she wearing?
Umi met the magician's curious glance.
- What? Do I have something on my face?
Presea giggled. They had all gotten used to see the Magic Knights dressed with school uniforms, and the change was a bit strange for them.
- They have probably never seen a dress like that. - Fuu suggested.
- It's silk! - Umi said, deeply offended - This is the finest thing you can get with some money!
Right at that moment, Caldina entered the scene.
- Did someone just say "money"?
Everybody laughed, including the dancer who began to twirl around to show her happiness for "her girls" return.
- We have to celebrate this! Let's throw a party!
All looked at Caldina, but nobody seemed to dislike her suggestion, since all commented the idea to be really good, until the general rejoicing was interrupted by Hikaru.
- And... - the redhead hesitated for an instant, her face flushed a bit and then she decided to ask - Where are the others? Ferio, Ascot, Lafarga... Lantis?
Fuu thanked that she had asked about the prince, but Umi, while also thanking her to have asked about Ascot, could not help a malicious smile. Her friend had left the best for last. Guru Clef and Presea ignored the Water Knight's expression, but Caldina could not let such an opportunity of having fun go by:
- Hey? Lantis after everybody else? Why weren't you guys "very" close?
Hikaru's cheeks got even redder, but luckily enough, Guru Clef answered to her questions before she could speak.
- Ferio is in Chizeta, Ascot should be taking a stroll somewhere around with some of his creatures and Lantis, well, we expect his return from Autozam since yesterday.
- And Lafarga is at the castle's armory. - Caldina added - I'll get him out of all those metallic stuff so that he can help me out with our party.
And with this she left laughing, leaving dissimilar expressions in her companions. Must of them were amused.
- And what is Ferio doing in Chizeta? - Fuu inquired, a shy tone trembling on her voice.
Apparently, such a question generated certain uneasiness among Cefiro's natives, since by a moment neither the artisan nor the magician answered and they only looked each other in perceptible confusion. However, the question was left in the air, since a slight tremor shook the land of the garden, catching everyone's attention immediately.
- What was that? - Umi asked.
Guru Clef closed his eyes and then opened them back a second later.
- The flagship of Autozam's fleet has just arrived.
- The NSX? - Hikaru shivered, somehow nervous.
- Right, - the magician nodded - it's the embassy from Autozam we have been waiting for.
- Lantis. - the Fire Knight mumbled, ready to run towards the place from where the tremor had come.
But it was not necessary. In a stairway, leading to the garden where they were, the forenamed embassy appeared, composed by Commander Eagle Vision, Sub-Commander Geo Metro and Boss Mechanic Zazu Torque. They were dressed with Autozam's typical clothes, finding themselves a little rare, as they were not wearing mental amplifiers outdoors, since such thing was not necessary in Cefiro. They hadn't changed a bit, except maybe for the fact that Eagle looked much less flimsy than before. All his movements transmitted a sensation of firmness, his physique had developed with years and in general he seemed to be much healthier.
He searched among the presents with his amber eyes, looking for the person he was more interested in. Hikaru was between her two friends, the other Magic Knights. The young Commander was surprised to see her. She was so grown up, still not as tall as he was though; she had changed almost to the point of being practically unrecognizable. And at the same time, she was still the same girl from the past, with the same decision in her face and the same innocence shining in her pupils. Unfortunately, Eagle Vision had never wanted to fall in a delusion with this girl. He knew Lantis loved her, he had known so before the swordsman could realize himself, and for that reason he had tried not to get too involved with her and to keep his feelings in check. But he also knew there was something lurking in his soul, something he could neither to deny nor to hide. Perhaps, if he would have just let it grow, it could have ended up evolving to love. But even when he hadn't done such thing, the feeling was still there, causing him that immense happiness when seeing her. And he couldn't help it.
They all greeted courteously; but Hikaru didn't find the person she was desperately looking for, so she let all her emotion and joyfulness out, using the leader of the visitors as a catalyst.
- Eagle! You are fine! I'm so glad!
The last time they had been in Cefiro, Eagle was still in bed, convalescent from the illness he had acquired as a consequence of his planet way of using mental energy, and of course, the efforts he made to save Cefiro and the Magic Knights. And there he was, she could see him, so strong and full of life! Hikaru hugged him, in a sincere rapture of joy and he hugged her back, right in front of everybody's eloquent looks. The young man's heart became inflamed, filled with fondness, seeing she hadn't forgotten him after such a long time. He felt kind of guilty though, when remembering Lantis's suffering, but he said to himself that this moment was his own, and nobody in the world would have been able to take it away from him.
They were all so happy they missed a couple of eyes. A pair of dark blue eyes contemplating the scene from another of the many entrances leading to the garden.
Lantis' steed was able to gallop through the air, so nobody had seen him or heard him come... literally. Standing beside the arc entrance, he had arrived together with the Autozam's cortege, and there he had remained, watching all the events as they unfolded. To be precise, he was staring at Hikaru. Thinking she was more beautiful than ever and still doubting she was really there. Wouldn't he be the ever-stoic man he was, and he had already run to her and hold her in his arms. Love... was just a very little word.
When it came to the point when the girl he loved and his best friend hugged each other, he could not help a sudden movement of surprise. Eagle... a long time ago, she had told him she loved them both... Eagle and him... would it be possible that she had already made up her mind and that the favored one had been the Autozamian Commander? Lantis felt himself invaded by sudden anger. He would not allow such thing! No way! But in the end... what could he do? He wasn't going to have a fight with his best friend; after all it was not his fault if she had preferred him. It was nobody faults. With a hand on his broad chest, the swordsman silenced the wild beats of his heart. Who was he to destroy the happiness of the two people he cared for the most in the world? Only he knew how much will it take for him to act indifferently, when the owner of his entire being had chosen somebody to love... somebody but him. Jealousy was indeed a merciless monster. He closed his eyes tightly, and when opening them, he inhaled the air he clearly lacked of and he walked into the garden.
However, it was not quite certain that his presence had gone unnoticed everybody. Quietly, Cefiro's greatest magician had observed as his former pupil's generally inexpressive features went from anxiety to astonishment, from astonishment to anger, from anger to pain and at last back to his usual indifference, stepping by short intervals when he only stared admiring the young redhead. Clef saw all this, but he made no comment.
It was Presea the one who received Lantis with a smile and a question:
- Welcome home, Lantis. Why didn't you come in Autozam's flagship?
When hearing the swordsman's name, Hikaru turned around swiftly as lightning, breaking off from Eagle, who still hugged her. A thick silence hung among all, as the newly arrived advanced towards them.
- Lantis... - Hikaru mumbled with trembling voice, looking like she could almost faint of happiness. Her heart skipped a beat, and it would be hard to put down in words what she was feeling. But her face was like an open book. Only then, she understood how much she had really missed him.
Much to his grief, Eagle felt a bit diminished, when realizing that the joyfulness Hikaru had shown when seeing him was barely quotable compared with the radiant expression now shining on her face, while she observed Lantis. It was pretty obvious for the Autozamian this girl's heart was already taken. So he called for all his might to keep his undeveloped feelings in check one more time.
Nevertheless, the magic swordsman was scornful enough not to give a single sidelong glance to the shaken redhead. Practically ignoring her. When he was at a prudential distance from the group, he leaned with dry courtesy, and he said, with even drier voice:
- Welcome to Cefiro, Magic Knights.
Fuu and Umi looked each other, confused by the warrior's attitude, excessively cold even for such a reserved person as he was. Amazed, the artisan wondered what was happening. Guru Clef remained in silence. Hikaru began a movement towards Lantis, but then their eyes meet for the first time in years, and the blue glance was so gelid that the girl stood petrified, not knowing what to do next. Eagle arched an eyebrow. He couldn't make out anything of all this. Geo and Zazu also looked at each other, not understanding what was going on.
- Well, well, here we are. We have a party to plan!
Caldina had returned, grabbing Lafarga's hand and pulling him after her. He moved his head smiling, but still let her lead the way. All stayed looking at her dumbly, except for Lantis who frowned harshly. So they were even going to throw a party?
- Do we "maybe" arrive in a bad moment? - the illusionist asked, capturing in a flight the tension floating in the air.
The only magic swordsman of all Cefiro went by her side not dedicating more attention to anybody. While he abandoned the garden in the same direction Caldina and Lafarga had just came in, he turned around slightly, perhaps believing some people did deserve an explanation.
- Guru Clef, I'm going to my room. I'm tired.
And he left, no more words, leaving after him some astonishment expressions, an enormous interrogation on Eagle's face and a great disillusion inside the heart of a very sad Hikaru.
To be continued...
Next chapter: Insecurity