Darn! This chapie has been ready for three days and I could only update TODAY! FF.net's fault... Anyway, here it is!
Momentum: Well, thanks *^^* and don't worry about Fuu, she'll get what she deserves...
blazingIcEph0eniX: I'm glad you'll keep reading even if it ends up been an Asmi... well, I'm usually bad and I don't read any H/E story ^^' (just joking, actually I follow plots, not pairing) Hey, this chapter was so easy to guess... Are you reading too many fics? I don't think you'll get the next one...
Miemu Akari: Poor Fuu, right... Well, I'm not spoiling info about her, she's not that good, believe me... and as for Lantis, I guess you'll have to read next chapter, and especially, Chapter 8 (which happens to be my favorite!) Oops, is it right for the writer to have a fave chapter? I guess... ^^'
Fuu Hououji: It's just the royal thing, right? I just keep wondering why are they marrying him with the YOUNGER princess? Why not the other one? Have you think about that? And as I said before, Ferio and Fuu will get... what they deserve...
Cev: Don't you just love loose ends? That's the beauty of it! Don't worry, it's all planned (yeah, I'm so mean I even know the name of the next chapie, I'm evil!) So, we're having a ball, that should cheer up everybody... hopefully. ^__^
And of course, I have to say I don't own any of the charas in Rayearth, they all belong to CLAMP (I borrow Lantis sometimes though *I'm sure he won't tell*) So don't sue me, only Hikaru can do that! (IF she ever finds out...) And maybe Primera... but who cares...
Just read and enjoy!
********** Battling emotions **********
Chapter VI
Ferio - Folly
Ferio stepped forward into the hall of the palace. The two princesses of Chizeta followed him and a small escort also walked around them. On his way he seemed to watch everything around him, but he was actually sulking in stormy thoughts. Soon enough he would be uniting his life to a woman which didn't even called for his attention, and he was beginning to feel like his decision, which seemed the best at a certain moment and the only viable choice for him, well, it didn't look that good anymore.
In a couple of minutes he would be meeting Guru Clef, who didn't oppose to his decision, but didn't seemed to like it either. Cefiro's prince proved to be very sure of what he was doing, or about to do, just in order to convince the master mage. But on the time he had spent in Chizeta with his future "wife", he had just realized it wouldn't be so easy. He really feared this idea had been a nonsense, but it was too late to undo the whole thing. And Ferio resigned. It would cost him a lot to pretend everything was fine in front of his former tutor, but he didn't want to sadden Clef.
He was also going to have a hard time with Lantis, for he said not much, but the prince knew that the magic swordsman was against this union. Ferio didn't understand his reasons all too well, since Lantis was a very reserved person and he had never been interested in other's personal affairs, even hiding his own problems, whatever they might be. However, his censorship was obvious. But who could know what he was thinking about? It was almost impossible to understand someone like him, who was not friendly towards anybody and who hardly gave an example of total indifference to everything. Ferio suspected the swordsman still had hopes on the Magic Knights' return. If so, he was the only one who hasn't given up yet. The prince was already over that subject. Or so he thought.
However, Lantis had given him an advice, the same one Guru Clef had given him. To think thoroughly what he was about to commit himself to do. But was Cefiro's prince ever someone who gave things a second thought? Never, he never did so, and it wasn't different this time. Regret, if it could be called that way, came to him too late.
Finally they arrived to the end of the hall, right in front of the door leading to the throne room. Since he was used to do so, Ferio pushed the two half doors and entered. And then he was surprised enough to see a couple of people he never thought would be participating in his reception.
Guru Clef seated down in the throne, and he looked at him seriously. Presea was standing by his side, and a little further on was Caldina with her almost inseparable Lafarga and Ascot. On the other side stood Autozam's guest: Eagle, Zazu and a hardly even Geo. Lantis wasn't there, which would have been of great relief for the worried prince if his absence weren't replaced widely by the presence of other two people that did take part in the welcome committee. The Magic Knights of water and fire.
Princess Tarta forced a smile that, in the end, looked quite natural. Princess Tatra glanced all over the room, until her eyes paused on Autozam's delegation, and from then on she tried to hide her nervousness addressing expressive smiles to Umi, for it had been long time since they last saw each other. She didn't stop looking the Autozamians sideways though. Prince Ferio almost suffered a collapse when seeing the Magic Knights were there, not knowing it wouldn't be the first fainting in the castle on that day.
- Welcome to Cefiro - Guru Clef said, with solemnity - We waited for you.
Contrary to what could be expected, the cefirians received the princesses with lots of kindness, while their own prince was treated with certain coldness, not well underhanded. Such thing should have certainly amazed Ferio, wouldn't he be so busy racking his brains trying to figure out why only Hikaru and Umi were there.
- When did you return? - princess Tarta asked after the formalities were carried out, not hiding her happiness for meeting up with Umi again - No one told us a thing! You should have told us, Ferio dear!
The familiarity she used when speaking to him hurt the knights' ears, but none of them said half a word.
- I didn't know they were here... - Ferio mumbled under his breath, sending killer glances to his fiancée, and from time to time, he addressed a begging look to Guru Clef, which the mage ignored deliberately.
- And where is that other friend of yours? The other Magic Knight, the blonde one? - Tatra inquired, with the only purpose of making conversation and, of course, trying to hold down her own emotions, that were quite strong and threatened to take over her if she continued to let her eyes gone after the three of Autozam.
Umi began a wrathful movement, obviously she was about to explode and throw her crescent anger right into Ferio's face. But she managed to control herself somehow, and the ever innocent Hikaru came in her rescue, unexpectedly accurate.
- We arrived just today and Fuu was tired. - she explained with ease - To tell you the truth, we are also tired. I guess you guys must be exhausted as well...
- That's sooo true! - Tatra assured, with urgency her sister didn't overlook - It has been a long trip. I need a bath... and a cup of tea!
Tarta arched a brow. She understood perfectly well the reason why Tatra could hardly wait to leave that place. She herself also felt kind of uncomfortable there.
- I will lead you to your rooms. - Guru Clef offered - Presea, would you please take our Autozamian guest into theirs?
The artisan took a step forward with a smile, and she abandoned the room taking Eagle, Geo and Zazu with her. Guru Clef followed suit guiding the princesses, and of course Ascot could not let the chance of vanishing go by, so he also disappeared. No matter how much she had liked to stay and to witness the following scene, Caldina was taken out to the corridor by Lafarga. And Ferio was left alone in the throne room with the Magic Knights.
Both girls looked at him with mixed expressions of restrained anger and silent reproaches. He was ashamed. He was pretty convinced that Fuu's absence had something to do with his arrival.
- Did you tell the truth, Hikaru?
- Why should I lie? - the redhead dared him with both look and gesture.
- Perhaps Fuu had other reasons to wish to be absent...?
- What do you think? - a choleric Umi finally exploded, cutting him short - Do you think Fuu is hiding from you? You are such an idiot! She doesn't need you at all, and even less now than you are ENGAGED!
Hikaru held Umi, who threatened to rush against Ferio. He took a couple of steps back instinctively, deeply wounded by her words, more than what he have expected to be, much more than if the girl would have actually hit him. Once again he felt embarrassed.
- I just wanted to know...
- You have no rights here! - the blue-haired girl charged against him again - Just stick to your royal girlfriend and forget about Fuu! Don't mess around with her! Don't ask about her! Don't you even dare to speak out her name! Let's go Hikaru! We're just wasting our time here with this... guy!
Umi bolted through the door, as a furious gale would, and Hikaru followed suit, shooting a last and sad look to Ferio, who had stayed still at his spot, not knowing what to say or what to do.
Finally, after a couple of minutes, the prince reacted and looked around him. He was all alone. He went to the corridor, still undecided about which way he should take. He was still kind of stunned by the recent events. The less he would expected to happen was the Magic Knights' return after so much time! How could it be? And why? Why then?
He came to a halt in his disoriented stroll. If things hadn't changed in the castle, he was now in front of Guru Clef's room. And before he could knock, the door opened up, revealing a tall figure standing on the threshold...
- Lantis... - Ferio mumbled sadly.
He answered with an indifferent look of his dark blue eyes.
- I'm sorry I was not present in your reception, Your Highness.
The prince made an indefinite expression.
- It doesn't matter. There were more people than what I really expected... - this last sentence was let out with infinite bitterness.
- The Magic Knights. - Lantis assumed, as his features hardened.
- Yes, I know what you'll tell me. That you warned me, that you knew something like this might happen... But I never had your confidence in their return...
- They should have never returned. - the swordsman interrupted , frowning and tightening his hands into fists with restrained rage.
Of course, Ferio was utterly surprised when he heard this. As much hermetic as Lantis was, no one in the castle could possibly ignore his feelings for the Magic Knight of Fire. A question was at stake, but the magic swordsman didn't give his highness the chance to ask anything, since he went swiftly by his side with the impassiveness which characterized every single of his actions and he disappeared down the corridor before the prince could actually say something.
ºººººººººº
- This situation has gone out of control, don't you think, dear?
Caldina agreed. For the first time in a while, she didn't feel like chatting. Her heart was broken just to imagine what poor Fuu should be suffering just because of that stupid Ferio. Lafarga sat down by her side.
- Perhaps the Magic Knights' timing to come back hasn't been the best. - the swordsman added.
The dancer was about to answer, when someone knocked on the door softly. So she got up and went to open. It was Ascot.
- Tension is at boiling point. - the summoner murmured.
- You can say so. - Caldina nodded - I think we won't have a party after all.
Her two companions watched her in astonishment. Was she thinking about THAT?
- Don't worry. - Lafarga consoled her - Anyway, there will be a dance to honor the engagement and the entire Cefiro and even people from the neighboring planets will be coming.
- Oh! - Caldina jumped into his arms with brilliant eyes - Is that so, honey? A dance, how exciting!
Again she received perplexed looks from her companions. The illusionist stood up and started swirling around the room, performing a happy dance.
- So I'll finally have the chance to carry on with my plans! Hehe, here goes Caldina, the goddess of love!
Lafarga looked at her, this time as if his beloved had completely lost it. Ascot didn't understand either.
- What do you have in mind, Caldina? - the swordsman asked.
- I plan to put together a couple of people around here. For instance... - in this point, the woman turned to face the beasts caretaker with a grin - You haven't told me yet what happened between you and Umi!
The poor Ascot almost falls on his back when he heard this. The swordsman started to laugh out loud, while Caldina danced about around the blushing summoner.
- Spit it up now! Unless you do prefer me to hypnotize you, just in order to make you speak?
The boy denied one and a thousand times with his head, showing an expression of utter terror. At last, he ended up telling them everything, embarrassing himself in the process and for the illusionist's great satisfaction.
- Did you kiss her?!
Even Lafarga was astonished.
- That's my boy! - Caldina yelled joyful - And after that?
- Ahem... mmm... I... - Ascot was so ashamed he could have just die right there -... I... I left...
- Did you leave? - the dancer was the astonished one now - Is that it? Nothing else happened?
- I couldn't tell her! - the summoner exclaimed with desperate accent - I was afraid she might say she only likes me as a friend, I... I couldn't take it...
Caldina came closer and looked at him, grief spreading all over her face.
- But Ascot, you can't either bear to go on like this, not telling her about your feelings. What do you prefer? To be her friend forever? Or to set things straight?
- I don't know... we are the best of friends now ... I know she cares for me... and if I tell her about this, we may never be this close again... but I don't think I can withstand this friendship anymore...
- And what do you think is the best for you? - Lafarga inquired.
- I don't know!
The illusionist patted her friend's uncovered head.
- My little Ascot... you are hopeless.
ºººººººººº
Ferio closed the door and walked towards Guru Clef. The mage looked at him with the same serious expression he had before, when they were received in the throne room.
- Why have they returned?
The Guru didn't answer.
- Guru Clef! - the young prince exclaimed with anxious accent - Why? Why now?
The magician moved his head from one side to another. He understood perfectly all the feelings debating inside Ferio, but he could do nothing to help out. He had warned him that something like this could happen and however, his warning had been disregarded. He stood up.
- I don't know. - he mumbled thoughtfully - I haven't had time to investigate yet. I believe they did it just like before, using their own wills. Although I'm almost sure of not making a mistake when supposing that something was keeping them in their world all this time, neither when thinking this time they had help from our side. And I believe I know about someone with willpower enough to do so. I will have the answer when I have a little talk with the girls.
The prince grabbed his head with both hands. Desperation was already making prey of him.
- I don't care about those insignificant details... - he stated with broken voice - ...they're here and I can't get Fuu out of my mind...
Guru Clef looked at him, now sternly.
- You are engaged. You cannot think of her. You could unleash a war between Cefiro and Chizeta if you dare to reject princess Tarta.
The young man was surprised when seeing how the magician had neatly read his thoughts. He never really quit loving the Wind Magic Knight, not even when that planned union had been a pretty nice try. But he already knew it wouldn't work the way he wanted. He knew it right after the official engagement announcement in Chizeta. Tarta was beautiful and full of virtues, but she was not Fuu, she was not the woman he loved. And now that the girls had came back from Mystic World, his position was about to become unbearable.
- Avoid any meeting with Fuu. - Guru Clef continued mercilessly - You'll only cause more suffering, even missing the fact that she might still love you... or not. Besides, you cannot ignore your duty as the future sovereign of this planet.
Ferio lowered his head slowly, in clear sign of defeat. He had brought to himself what he had to endure now.
The magician's expression had switched to a sad one. He was really sorry for the prince, since it was plain to see he wouldn't be happy. But there was nothing they could do. Ferio would have to be consequent with his decisions, since the security of many people and the stability of two planets were at stake here. Finally, the younger man raised his wet eyes and watched his teacher with gloomy calm.
- I'll bury my feelings - he said with voice meant to be strong - and I'll be a prince above all.
Guru Clef agreed. The prince's sacrifice was cruel, but there was no other way but to be true to his given word. Ferio bent swiftly towards the mage and he abandoned the room, followed by his mentor's distressed look.
Being alone in the hall, the prince wandered out of destination again, feeling himself empty and abandoned. He had to repress with all his might the wishes to run to Fuu's old room, just to rush to her feet, to beg for her love and her forgiveness. But he held himself up, and he ended up relieving all his anger and impotence hitting a punch against a poor wall which happened to cross ways with him.
- Umi is right, I'm an idiot, just a fool... I thought I would forget... but I'm not able to... I can't forget you, Fuu...
To be continued...
Next chapter: Complicity
Momentum: Well, thanks *^^* and don't worry about Fuu, she'll get what she deserves...
blazingIcEph0eniX: I'm glad you'll keep reading even if it ends up been an Asmi... well, I'm usually bad and I don't read any H/E story ^^' (just joking, actually I follow plots, not pairing) Hey, this chapter was so easy to guess... Are you reading too many fics? I don't think you'll get the next one...
Miemu Akari: Poor Fuu, right... Well, I'm not spoiling info about her, she's not that good, believe me... and as for Lantis, I guess you'll have to read next chapter, and especially, Chapter 8 (which happens to be my favorite!) Oops, is it right for the writer to have a fave chapter? I guess... ^^'
Fuu Hououji: It's just the royal thing, right? I just keep wondering why are they marrying him with the YOUNGER princess? Why not the other one? Have you think about that? And as I said before, Ferio and Fuu will get... what they deserve...
Cev: Don't you just love loose ends? That's the beauty of it! Don't worry, it's all planned (yeah, I'm so mean I even know the name of the next chapie, I'm evil!) So, we're having a ball, that should cheer up everybody... hopefully. ^__^
And of course, I have to say I don't own any of the charas in Rayearth, they all belong to CLAMP (I borrow Lantis sometimes though *I'm sure he won't tell*) So don't sue me, only Hikaru can do that! (IF she ever finds out...) And maybe Primera... but who cares...
Just read and enjoy!
********** Battling emotions **********
Chapter VI
Ferio - Folly
Ferio stepped forward into the hall of the palace. The two princesses of Chizeta followed him and a small escort also walked around them. On his way he seemed to watch everything around him, but he was actually sulking in stormy thoughts. Soon enough he would be uniting his life to a woman which didn't even called for his attention, and he was beginning to feel like his decision, which seemed the best at a certain moment and the only viable choice for him, well, it didn't look that good anymore.
In a couple of minutes he would be meeting Guru Clef, who didn't oppose to his decision, but didn't seemed to like it either. Cefiro's prince proved to be very sure of what he was doing, or about to do, just in order to convince the master mage. But on the time he had spent in Chizeta with his future "wife", he had just realized it wouldn't be so easy. He really feared this idea had been a nonsense, but it was too late to undo the whole thing. And Ferio resigned. It would cost him a lot to pretend everything was fine in front of his former tutor, but he didn't want to sadden Clef.
He was also going to have a hard time with Lantis, for he said not much, but the prince knew that the magic swordsman was against this union. Ferio didn't understand his reasons all too well, since Lantis was a very reserved person and he had never been interested in other's personal affairs, even hiding his own problems, whatever they might be. However, his censorship was obvious. But who could know what he was thinking about? It was almost impossible to understand someone like him, who was not friendly towards anybody and who hardly gave an example of total indifference to everything. Ferio suspected the swordsman still had hopes on the Magic Knights' return. If so, he was the only one who hasn't given up yet. The prince was already over that subject. Or so he thought.
However, Lantis had given him an advice, the same one Guru Clef had given him. To think thoroughly what he was about to commit himself to do. But was Cefiro's prince ever someone who gave things a second thought? Never, he never did so, and it wasn't different this time. Regret, if it could be called that way, came to him too late.
Finally they arrived to the end of the hall, right in front of the door leading to the throne room. Since he was used to do so, Ferio pushed the two half doors and entered. And then he was surprised enough to see a couple of people he never thought would be participating in his reception.
Guru Clef seated down in the throne, and he looked at him seriously. Presea was standing by his side, and a little further on was Caldina with her almost inseparable Lafarga and Ascot. On the other side stood Autozam's guest: Eagle, Zazu and a hardly even Geo. Lantis wasn't there, which would have been of great relief for the worried prince if his absence weren't replaced widely by the presence of other two people that did take part in the welcome committee. The Magic Knights of water and fire.
Princess Tarta forced a smile that, in the end, looked quite natural. Princess Tatra glanced all over the room, until her eyes paused on Autozam's delegation, and from then on she tried to hide her nervousness addressing expressive smiles to Umi, for it had been long time since they last saw each other. She didn't stop looking the Autozamians sideways though. Prince Ferio almost suffered a collapse when seeing the Magic Knights were there, not knowing it wouldn't be the first fainting in the castle on that day.
- Welcome to Cefiro - Guru Clef said, with solemnity - We waited for you.
Contrary to what could be expected, the cefirians received the princesses with lots of kindness, while their own prince was treated with certain coldness, not well underhanded. Such thing should have certainly amazed Ferio, wouldn't he be so busy racking his brains trying to figure out why only Hikaru and Umi were there.
- When did you return? - princess Tarta asked after the formalities were carried out, not hiding her happiness for meeting up with Umi again - No one told us a thing! You should have told us, Ferio dear!
The familiarity she used when speaking to him hurt the knights' ears, but none of them said half a word.
- I didn't know they were here... - Ferio mumbled under his breath, sending killer glances to his fiancée, and from time to time, he addressed a begging look to Guru Clef, which the mage ignored deliberately.
- And where is that other friend of yours? The other Magic Knight, the blonde one? - Tatra inquired, with the only purpose of making conversation and, of course, trying to hold down her own emotions, that were quite strong and threatened to take over her if she continued to let her eyes gone after the three of Autozam.
Umi began a wrathful movement, obviously she was about to explode and throw her crescent anger right into Ferio's face. But she managed to control herself somehow, and the ever innocent Hikaru came in her rescue, unexpectedly accurate.
- We arrived just today and Fuu was tired. - she explained with ease - To tell you the truth, we are also tired. I guess you guys must be exhausted as well...
- That's sooo true! - Tatra assured, with urgency her sister didn't overlook - It has been a long trip. I need a bath... and a cup of tea!
Tarta arched a brow. She understood perfectly well the reason why Tatra could hardly wait to leave that place. She herself also felt kind of uncomfortable there.
- I will lead you to your rooms. - Guru Clef offered - Presea, would you please take our Autozamian guest into theirs?
The artisan took a step forward with a smile, and she abandoned the room taking Eagle, Geo and Zazu with her. Guru Clef followed suit guiding the princesses, and of course Ascot could not let the chance of vanishing go by, so he also disappeared. No matter how much she had liked to stay and to witness the following scene, Caldina was taken out to the corridor by Lafarga. And Ferio was left alone in the throne room with the Magic Knights.
Both girls looked at him with mixed expressions of restrained anger and silent reproaches. He was ashamed. He was pretty convinced that Fuu's absence had something to do with his arrival.
- Did you tell the truth, Hikaru?
- Why should I lie? - the redhead dared him with both look and gesture.
- Perhaps Fuu had other reasons to wish to be absent...?
- What do you think? - a choleric Umi finally exploded, cutting him short - Do you think Fuu is hiding from you? You are such an idiot! She doesn't need you at all, and even less now than you are ENGAGED!
Hikaru held Umi, who threatened to rush against Ferio. He took a couple of steps back instinctively, deeply wounded by her words, more than what he have expected to be, much more than if the girl would have actually hit him. Once again he felt embarrassed.
- I just wanted to know...
- You have no rights here! - the blue-haired girl charged against him again - Just stick to your royal girlfriend and forget about Fuu! Don't mess around with her! Don't ask about her! Don't you even dare to speak out her name! Let's go Hikaru! We're just wasting our time here with this... guy!
Umi bolted through the door, as a furious gale would, and Hikaru followed suit, shooting a last and sad look to Ferio, who had stayed still at his spot, not knowing what to say or what to do.
Finally, after a couple of minutes, the prince reacted and looked around him. He was all alone. He went to the corridor, still undecided about which way he should take. He was still kind of stunned by the recent events. The less he would expected to happen was the Magic Knights' return after so much time! How could it be? And why? Why then?
He came to a halt in his disoriented stroll. If things hadn't changed in the castle, he was now in front of Guru Clef's room. And before he could knock, the door opened up, revealing a tall figure standing on the threshold...
- Lantis... - Ferio mumbled sadly.
He answered with an indifferent look of his dark blue eyes.
- I'm sorry I was not present in your reception, Your Highness.
The prince made an indefinite expression.
- It doesn't matter. There were more people than what I really expected... - this last sentence was let out with infinite bitterness.
- The Magic Knights. - Lantis assumed, as his features hardened.
- Yes, I know what you'll tell me. That you warned me, that you knew something like this might happen... But I never had your confidence in their return...
- They should have never returned. - the swordsman interrupted , frowning and tightening his hands into fists with restrained rage.
Of course, Ferio was utterly surprised when he heard this. As much hermetic as Lantis was, no one in the castle could possibly ignore his feelings for the Magic Knight of Fire. A question was at stake, but the magic swordsman didn't give his highness the chance to ask anything, since he went swiftly by his side with the impassiveness which characterized every single of his actions and he disappeared down the corridor before the prince could actually say something.
ºººººººººº
- This situation has gone out of control, don't you think, dear?
Caldina agreed. For the first time in a while, she didn't feel like chatting. Her heart was broken just to imagine what poor Fuu should be suffering just because of that stupid Ferio. Lafarga sat down by her side.
- Perhaps the Magic Knights' timing to come back hasn't been the best. - the swordsman added.
The dancer was about to answer, when someone knocked on the door softly. So she got up and went to open. It was Ascot.
- Tension is at boiling point. - the summoner murmured.
- You can say so. - Caldina nodded - I think we won't have a party after all.
Her two companions watched her in astonishment. Was she thinking about THAT?
- Don't worry. - Lafarga consoled her - Anyway, there will be a dance to honor the engagement and the entire Cefiro and even people from the neighboring planets will be coming.
- Oh! - Caldina jumped into his arms with brilliant eyes - Is that so, honey? A dance, how exciting!
Again she received perplexed looks from her companions. The illusionist stood up and started swirling around the room, performing a happy dance.
- So I'll finally have the chance to carry on with my plans! Hehe, here goes Caldina, the goddess of love!
Lafarga looked at her, this time as if his beloved had completely lost it. Ascot didn't understand either.
- What do you have in mind, Caldina? - the swordsman asked.
- I plan to put together a couple of people around here. For instance... - in this point, the woman turned to face the beasts caretaker with a grin - You haven't told me yet what happened between you and Umi!
The poor Ascot almost falls on his back when he heard this. The swordsman started to laugh out loud, while Caldina danced about around the blushing summoner.
- Spit it up now! Unless you do prefer me to hypnotize you, just in order to make you speak?
The boy denied one and a thousand times with his head, showing an expression of utter terror. At last, he ended up telling them everything, embarrassing himself in the process and for the illusionist's great satisfaction.
- Did you kiss her?!
Even Lafarga was astonished.
- That's my boy! - Caldina yelled joyful - And after that?
- Ahem... mmm... I... - Ascot was so ashamed he could have just die right there -... I... I left...
- Did you leave? - the dancer was the astonished one now - Is that it? Nothing else happened?
- I couldn't tell her! - the summoner exclaimed with desperate accent - I was afraid she might say she only likes me as a friend, I... I couldn't take it...
Caldina came closer and looked at him, grief spreading all over her face.
- But Ascot, you can't either bear to go on like this, not telling her about your feelings. What do you prefer? To be her friend forever? Or to set things straight?
- I don't know... we are the best of friends now ... I know she cares for me... and if I tell her about this, we may never be this close again... but I don't think I can withstand this friendship anymore...
- And what do you think is the best for you? - Lafarga inquired.
- I don't know!
The illusionist patted her friend's uncovered head.
- My little Ascot... you are hopeless.
ºººººººººº
Ferio closed the door and walked towards Guru Clef. The mage looked at him with the same serious expression he had before, when they were received in the throne room.
- Why have they returned?
The Guru didn't answer.
- Guru Clef! - the young prince exclaimed with anxious accent - Why? Why now?
The magician moved his head from one side to another. He understood perfectly all the feelings debating inside Ferio, but he could do nothing to help out. He had warned him that something like this could happen and however, his warning had been disregarded. He stood up.
- I don't know. - he mumbled thoughtfully - I haven't had time to investigate yet. I believe they did it just like before, using their own wills. Although I'm almost sure of not making a mistake when supposing that something was keeping them in their world all this time, neither when thinking this time they had help from our side. And I believe I know about someone with willpower enough to do so. I will have the answer when I have a little talk with the girls.
The prince grabbed his head with both hands. Desperation was already making prey of him.
- I don't care about those insignificant details... - he stated with broken voice - ...they're here and I can't get Fuu out of my mind...
Guru Clef looked at him, now sternly.
- You are engaged. You cannot think of her. You could unleash a war between Cefiro and Chizeta if you dare to reject princess Tarta.
The young man was surprised when seeing how the magician had neatly read his thoughts. He never really quit loving the Wind Magic Knight, not even when that planned union had been a pretty nice try. But he already knew it wouldn't work the way he wanted. He knew it right after the official engagement announcement in Chizeta. Tarta was beautiful and full of virtues, but she was not Fuu, she was not the woman he loved. And now that the girls had came back from Mystic World, his position was about to become unbearable.
- Avoid any meeting with Fuu. - Guru Clef continued mercilessly - You'll only cause more suffering, even missing the fact that she might still love you... or not. Besides, you cannot ignore your duty as the future sovereign of this planet.
Ferio lowered his head slowly, in clear sign of defeat. He had brought to himself what he had to endure now.
The magician's expression had switched to a sad one. He was really sorry for the prince, since it was plain to see he wouldn't be happy. But there was nothing they could do. Ferio would have to be consequent with his decisions, since the security of many people and the stability of two planets were at stake here. Finally, the younger man raised his wet eyes and watched his teacher with gloomy calm.
- I'll bury my feelings - he said with voice meant to be strong - and I'll be a prince above all.
Guru Clef agreed. The prince's sacrifice was cruel, but there was no other way but to be true to his given word. Ferio bent swiftly towards the mage and he abandoned the room, followed by his mentor's distressed look.
Being alone in the hall, the prince wandered out of destination again, feeling himself empty and abandoned. He had to repress with all his might the wishes to run to Fuu's old room, just to rush to her feet, to beg for her love and her forgiveness. But he held himself up, and he ended up relieving all his anger and impotence hitting a punch against a poor wall which happened to cross ways with him.
- Umi is right, I'm an idiot, just a fool... I thought I would forget... but I'm not able to... I can't forget you, Fuu...
To be continued...
Next chapter: Complicity