Yay!!! Well, I'm back! I must confess I've been lazy lately... this chapter was ready and I just didn't feel like translating it. Plus, I almost had to pull my brains out to come out with a suitable name for next chapter. Anyway, I hope you guys can forgive me. I was also reading some really good stuff around ff.net. Yeah, I have my favorites too.
Big, big, huge thanks to the people who reviewed!!! I really love you guys!! And I'm breaking my own marks, 10 reviews this time!! But it's not the amount, but what they say what make me feel so good. You guys rock!!
Cev: ^^ You sound like you really thought about this story. I'm flattered. If you think this will upset Lantis, just wait 'til you read my next fic... But what the hell am I saying??? I won't post another fic til I finish this one! Forget about that. *^^* You sure made some interesting points that had never crossed my mind til now. But you got the main thing wrong!! *EVIL LAUGH* Yeah, I'm mean, I'm cruel! You'll see what I mean in this chapie... And as for chapter 8... this really happened to me once! I think I'll keep the details for myself though. *^^* Just keep on your mind the fact that Hikaru had never been kissed... And just so you know, the engagement stands... *runs off to avoid menacing growls*
Graysky: Thanks for all your nice words *bows to the floor* (I can appreciate them even if they're coming out from randomness) I have two brothers and a sister, I'm the eldest (not old, mind you) I'm reading your stories too, is taking me some time cause I don't wanna miss important stuff. And I want to give you an opinion that really help you, I'm kind of a retailer on this. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. ^^ And there's only one thing I don't like about Eagle... he's not Lantis... just kidding ^__^
Miemu Akari: You didn't hate it? Well, I was hopping you like it... but this one is gonna be bad... so don't flame me, ok? I know I'm mean. I really expect some reactions to this chapter. Let's see.
Dark Mag: Thanks again. I have to blush. *^^**^^**^^* Your sister's shoulder? Who is your sister? Do I know her, I mean, her pen name? Well, more tension is coming. Nobody knows what will happen. (not even me, this had gone out of my hands!) ^^'
Liadel: Fuu/Ferio next chapter. I promise! Is already written after all... ^^
Momentum: Aw, I love it when I get this reviews. Are you sure you're not being too nice to me? You're making me believe I'm THAT good! I mean, didn't you know it was his room? I guess my suspense is getting somewhere. I have to warn you about more frustration! Here is what happened next... *EVIL LAUGH*
a n g e l . w 1 n g: Clef will be doing some serious stuff within the next chapters... but he's so short. Are sure you want him to be with Umi? You're so mean to Ascot...
Ok, that's it. Before I start, just remember that MKR belongs to CLAMP, not to me. I just own this story and I feel lucky enough with that. (I also own a big crush on Lantis... just don't tell anybody) So go and sue somebody else! With more money, that is...
Just read and enjoy!
********** Battling emotions **********
Chapter IX
Umi - Duality
Umi walked slowly through one of the many corridors in Cefiro's castle. The sun wasn't very high in the sky yet, and however, she had been up for a while now. To tell the truth, she couldn't even sleep well, and at the present moment she still couldn't get Ascot's sad face out of her head. That and the desperate tone on his voice when he told her that he loved her. Besides, there was also Guru Clef, but then again, he was always on her mind. It was truly torturing her, for she couldn't even tell what her heart really felt.
After wandering for a while, she decided to go to Fuu's room. She was very worried about her friend, since the Wind Knight's reaction was not the best when finding out the news on Ferio's engagement. That was unexpected, since Fuu was always so collected. But Umi couldn't deny the fact that if such thing had happened to her, she wouldn't hesitate to beat the crap out of any jerk that decided to leave her after as many promises of love as Fuu and Ferio had obviously shared. But of course she would have never fall for a brainless guy like Cefiro's prince was, at least, in her opinion. She was in love with... Guru Clef? And what about Ascot?
The Water Knight let out a short sigh. At least her friends were aware of their own feelings and they were ahead her on that. Lately though, none of them seemed to be so lucky in heart affairs.
She knocked and waited until Fuu's sweet voice authorized her to enter. After she locked the door behind her, she saw Hikaru was also there. Both were seating on the bed, one next to the other.
- Getting up early in the morning, Umi? - the Wind Knight inquired with a soft smile - You don't use to do so.
The blue haired girl marveled at her friend's calm talk. She knew for sure how serene Fuu could be, but even so it was really astonishing how she had recovered so soon.
- How are you feeling, Fuu?
- As good as it gets. - the blonde answered with resigned expression, amazing both her friends equally - There's always a way out of things.
- Are you sure you're alright, Fuu? - Hikaru asked anxiously.
The girl nodded, giving away her comforting soft smile again. And when looking at them, she realized that her friends didn't look very good that morning.
- I'm fine, but you guys don't seem to be so. - she said, inviting Umi to sit down by her right side, while she seized one of Hikaru's hands - please, don't worry about me so much... or is there something else troubling both of you?
The two girls looked each other in silence. Fuu had always been really smart and receptive, to the extent sometimes her perception was close to clairvoyance. But as they saw each other faces, they understood it was not so difficult to notice something was very wrong with them. Both had dark rings around their eyes, for they didn't sleep well the night before, and sadness was neatly drawn on their pale and gloomy features. Umi bore a grieved expression, perhaps due to the weight of some important dilemma. And as for Hikaru... betraying her cheerful and energetic nature, the redhead seemed to be about to burst into tears.
- Come on girls, that's what friends are for. - Fuu insisted - Do you think I don't realize you guys are not behaving the ways you always do? Come on, now, tell me what happened. I'm not as selfish as to think my problem is the most complicated or the most important. What is it, Umi? Could it be that you finally had a word with Ascot?
The Water Knight was startled. Her two friends and almost everybody in the castle knew she was looking for the summoner the day before. But nobody knew she had actually found him, neither what he had told her. She sighed loudly and she related everything that had happened to her the previous night, giving away the astonishment she felt when facing the boy's confession as she finished her story.
Hikaru shivered visibly when she heard Mokona had helped Umi, and she also seemed to be surprised to find out about Ascot's feelings, but Fuu moved her head understandingly.
- I knew it all the time.
- Did you know it?? - the Water Knight stirred up.
- I suspected it. - Fuu corrected shrugging - To tell you the truth, it was always quite obvious that Ascot had... has a huge crush on you.
Umi shook her head. Perhaps her friend was right, but she had always fought the idea that somebody but Guru Clef could love her. So finding out about this whole thing with the summoner had been a surprise anyway.
- I never did realize... - Hikaru mumbled.
- After so many years you're still as innocent as the first day. - Fuu smiled - And what's with you today? I can't recall seeing you so depressed before. Has that sad face anything to do with certain magic swordsman...?
To her friend's open insinuation, Hikaru reacted in the most unexpected way. She burst into a sorrowful cry! The other two Magic Knights got really scared at this and surrounded her at once, trying to console her.
- Oh, Hikaru, please, don't cry... - Fuu whispered, now really concerned - Did I say something wrong, by any chance?
- Could it be that gloomy guy did something mean to you? - Umi frowned. Both Lantis and Ferio had always been on her list of "unpleasant" people.
The redhead continued to sob for a while, until the attentions and the soft words from her friends were able to soothe her a bit, enough for her to tell them, with shaken voice, what had happened to her the previous night. Umi and Fuu listened to her in silence, until, in this particular moment, the blue haired girl couldn't held an amazed exclamation:
- Did he kiss you?? I can't believe it!!
The expression on the Wind Knight's face was also perplexed.
- Oh, well... - Hikaru said, blushing - yes, he did kiss me, and even when I didn't really know it was him then, I think my heart knew it, it foresaw it was him. And it was so... so...
The girl couldn't find a word good enough to describe even a little bit of what she felt when Lantis kissed her. However, her face was quite eloquent when exposing her emotions.
- Alright, we understand. - Fuu helped - But if that's what you wanted, ever since we came back, I don't see why are you crying.
The ineffable expression of happiness faded immediately from the redhead's features, and a great anguish took over her face.
- This, well... that was not the end of the night...
- So, something else happened? - Umi inquired, frowning again.
Hikaru stared at her own hands, twisting on her lap, and she continued her story with a voice that was hardly a whisper, as thick tears escaped from her eyes and slid down her cheeks:
- When I finally realized we were inside his room...
ººººº Flashback ººººº
Lantis looked at her seriously. He was waiting for an answer.
- I... I was chasing Mokona...
The girl was perfectly aware of how silly this excuse should sound, but it wasn't an excuse, it has happened that way and she couldn't think of anything better to say. Besides, it didn't make any sense that it was him the one who was interrogating her, for if somebody had just done something wrong in that room, it wasn't her.
The man looked around him, as to be sure that Mokona wasn't there. Of course, he was unable to find even the slightest trace of the small animal anywhere, so he turned to stare into Hikaru's face, who blushed a deep shade of red under his piercing eyes which seemed to be shooting darts through her heart.
- He must have escaped somehow - the girl insisted - I saw him entering here... and believe me I didn't know it was your room... it was an accident...
Lantis shrugged, and the redhead could almost swear she saw a shade of disillusion go by the masculine features. However, his words resonated in the room, colder than ever:
- It doesn't matter...
As every time he behaved that way, the girl was left out not knowing what to say. And although her astonishment was already big when facing such strange attitude, her bewilderment increased even more when she heard the conclusion to his statement:
- Go to sleep, it's too late for this. You can always find Mokona tomorrow.
Hikaru felt all her being rebelling against these last words. He was treating her like a child and it had been long time since she grew up! Go to sleep, he said? No way! She wasn't leaving that room 'til everything was perfectly clarified!
- Wait a second! - she exclaimed exalted - Don't you think you owe me an explanation?
The girl was really angry. He crossed his arms against his chest, calmly. The indifference mask covering his face didn't alter a bit. However, his eyes flashed and the redhead shuddered in fear. Was he mad at her? But why?
- Explanation? - his voice was deep and cold as always.
- Yeah, explanation! - Hikaru almost yelled - Or do you really think you can go around just kissing people and be so calm afterward?
Lantis arched an eyebrow. Apparently, this scene wasn't waking up the slightest emotion within him. However, the question the girl has just made was the one he had been expecting from the very beginning. And he had had plenty of time to think of an answer to that one.
- Oh, is that it? - he said with cruel disdain, unaware of how deeply he was hurting her - I'm sorry, I just thought you were somebody else. You brought the whole thing to yourself when you entered without warning.
Hikaru took two steps behind, not being able to give credit to what she had just heard. Her exalted brain, speeding through all her thoughts, quickly gave her a devastating conclusion out of his words. If Lantis thought she was somebody else, it's because he was expecting SOMEBODY ELSE. And whoever it might be, it was someone he could kiss. She remembered all his love wrapping her, as he thought she was some other person... He was in love!
ººººº End of Flashback ººººº
- I can't remember how did I leave the room. - the redhead ended up with broken voice - I don't know how did I get to my own room. All I know is I cried my eyes out the whole night... and my heart still hurts inside my chest...
She covered her face with both hands and sobbed again. Fuu hugged her softly, while Umi rose in utter rage:
- So I was right when I never liked those two guys! But they'll pay for this! I swear I'll make them pay!
The blonde moved her head to both sides, in negative gesture. Revenge was not going to help them anyway.
- No, Umi. You won't do such thing. Five years went by since the last time we came here. We never returned, so they had to go on with their lives. It's hard to admit it, but Ferio owes me nothing. And as far as I can tell, Lantis owes nothing to Hikaru as well. There was no commitment, so no reclamation should be made. And no revenge should be taken.
- I'm sure Lantis cared for me, but... - the redhead sighed sadly - there was nothing between us but a good friendship... if you want to call it that way...
- We have to be strong, Hikaru and me, while you solve your problems. When you're done, we'll go back home. I don't think it would be convenient for us to stay here any longer.
- But... - the Water Knight tried to protest.
- Fuu is right. - Hikaru rose up from her sitting position, energetic determination back on her features - We'll be strong and we'll hide our sadness. I'll go wash my face and then we'll go downstairs for breakfast.
The three girls hugged each other. Their friendship would help them to go ahead against all odds. Umi watched the other two girls with a smile.
- I'm very proud of you gals. Those guys don't know what they're missing. But they shall know before we leave - here the girl's smile became mischievous - I promise you, they'll know and they'll be sorry for making you suffer.
ºººººººººº
The breakfast table was set for all the inhabitants and guests currently on the castle. They were already gathered there and ate quietly, exchanging looks loaded with the most diverse feelings among them. It was not strange that a tension similar to that of the previous night reigned again in the room, nobody was missing this time though. The spirits were heating up. The one who seemed to be more altered was Umi, as she debated between her love problems and the anger she felt against the two " fellows " that had hurt her friends. The princesses of Chizeta talked with the Autozamians and Guru Clef. Presea looked sad and distant. Caldina and Lafarga whispered in their particular conversation. Ascot ate slowly not daring to rise his look from the table. Ferio hopelessly tried to meet Fuu's gaze, while she avoided his eyes by all possible means. Lantis seemed oblivious to his surroundings and lastly, Hikaru seemed to be lost in deep thought when in fact she didn't miss a movement of the magic swordsman. They continued this way, until Guru Clef rose from his chair:
- I'll retire to the throne room. I hope you all have high expectations for the great ball that we announced. I also hope you all have dates for that day. - he smiled - Our guests are free to make their will and to feel like in their own houses. I only want the Magic Knights come to see me one at a time. Maybe this way we can elucidate the mystery from your so delayed return to Cefiro.
- Can we go right away, Guru Clef? - Umi asked, standing up, and her friends followed suit.
- Of course. As long as I can talk to each one of you alone. So I can compare your stories and figure out the whole thing.
- Very well then, we'll go later. - Hikaru agreed, at the same time Fuu nodded, not very firmly.
The four came out, followed by the looks of all the present, especially by a very sad one, reflected in Ascot's green eyes. Ferio would have wanted to follow them, but how to justify such an inopportune exit amid the breakfast, with his fiancée sitting by his side? So he resigned to let Fuu go... for the time being. However, Lantis didn't hesitate to get up and to leave through another door not saying half a word.
In the corridor, Fuu pulled Hikaru towards one of the many gardens, with the hidden purpose of leaving Umi alone with Guru Clef. After all, she had avoided Ferio, which had become her main priority. And the innocent redhead didn't understand her intentions completely, but she let the Wind Knight take her out.
After a brief and silent walk, the magician and the Water Knight finally stopped in front of the enormous door that gave access to the throne room, where the most important matters in Cefiro's life had been discussed.
- I... - Umi mumbled, now a bit hesitant - I don't really think I have much to say.
- I want to hear you anyway. Any detail could give me the key on this mystery. - Guru Clef said, as he made a light movement with his staff to set the doors wide open. He stepped to a side, to allow the Water Knight to enter, and then he followed her into the room, with what the doors closed slowly behind him.
Already inside the room, Guru Clef walked towards his usual place and made a chair appear. Umi ignored his gesture and remained on her feet. She was visibly nervous. To be alone with him was causing such side effects. And she had so many things to tell him... so many things...
- Won't you sit down? - the magician's voice resonated, echoing oddly around the room.
- I'm fine this way. - Umi mumbled, shivering slightly - I told you, my version of the facts is short.
- Then, let us begin.
For some minutes, Clef interrogated the girl, trying to discover in her answers something that could possibly lead him to undo the mystery surrounding their unexpected and so delayed return to Cefiro. After a while, the magician knew all he needed to know.
- Very well, Umi. You can go now.
The Magic Knight hesitated one more time. It was now or never. Either she confessed her feelings to him, or she would certainly explode.
- Guru Clef... I... I wanted to talk to you...
Two pairs of blue eyes clashed through the distance spread between them. A resolved look on Umi's. A questioningly look on Clef's. The girl was so drawn to that look... and at the same time, she couldn't help but remembering other eyes, emerald green eyes that looked suppliants at her in an open love confession. She was no longer sure of anything. She didn't know what to do. The words that were about to come out of her mouth died in her very lips, as she just stood in front of the one whose memory she had treasured for so long. She had met so many men in her model career and none of them had helped her to take the thought to Cefiro's short master mage away from her. And now that she was so close, it was torturing her just to think about Ascot. What was that that she felt for the summoner? Her friend, the person who had risked his own life for her? Why, why did her heart remain silent?
- Don't say something you could regret later. - Clef looked at her understandingly, as if he had been able to cleanly break through the girl's soul, and he already knew the answer that escaped to her - I'll always be here for you.
The Magic Knight flinched hesitant. She couldn't say a word. She needed time, just a little more time, and the mage was letting her have it. Still silent she headed towards the exit, feeling dizzy and very confused. Only an idea prevailing on her mind. Whatever her final decision would be, she had to take confusion out of her head before. If she wanted to find the truth, her truth, one more time she had to talk to Ascot.
To be continued...
Next chapter: Liberty
Big, big, huge thanks to the people who reviewed!!! I really love you guys!! And I'm breaking my own marks, 10 reviews this time!! But it's not the amount, but what they say what make me feel so good. You guys rock!!
Cev: ^^ You sound like you really thought about this story. I'm flattered. If you think this will upset Lantis, just wait 'til you read my next fic... But what the hell am I saying??? I won't post another fic til I finish this one! Forget about that. *^^* You sure made some interesting points that had never crossed my mind til now. But you got the main thing wrong!! *EVIL LAUGH* Yeah, I'm mean, I'm cruel! You'll see what I mean in this chapie... And as for chapter 8... this really happened to me once! I think I'll keep the details for myself though. *^^* Just keep on your mind the fact that Hikaru had never been kissed... And just so you know, the engagement stands... *runs off to avoid menacing growls*
Graysky: Thanks for all your nice words *bows to the floor* (I can appreciate them even if they're coming out from randomness) I have two brothers and a sister, I'm the eldest (not old, mind you) I'm reading your stories too, is taking me some time cause I don't wanna miss important stuff. And I want to give you an opinion that really help you, I'm kind of a retailer on this. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. ^^ And there's only one thing I don't like about Eagle... he's not Lantis... just kidding ^__^
Miemu Akari: You didn't hate it? Well, I was hopping you like it... but this one is gonna be bad... so don't flame me, ok? I know I'm mean. I really expect some reactions to this chapter. Let's see.
Dark Mag: Thanks again. I have to blush. *^^**^^**^^* Your sister's shoulder? Who is your sister? Do I know her, I mean, her pen name? Well, more tension is coming. Nobody knows what will happen. (not even me, this had gone out of my hands!) ^^'
Liadel: Fuu/Ferio next chapter. I promise! Is already written after all... ^^
Momentum: Aw, I love it when I get this reviews. Are you sure you're not being too nice to me? You're making me believe I'm THAT good! I mean, didn't you know it was his room? I guess my suspense is getting somewhere. I have to warn you about more frustration! Here is what happened next... *EVIL LAUGH*
a n g e l . w 1 n g: Clef will be doing some serious stuff within the next chapters... but he's so short. Are sure you want him to be with Umi? You're so mean to Ascot...
Ok, that's it. Before I start, just remember that MKR belongs to CLAMP, not to me. I just own this story and I feel lucky enough with that. (I also own a big crush on Lantis... just don't tell anybody) So go and sue somebody else! With more money, that is...
Just read and enjoy!
********** Battling emotions **********
Chapter IX
Umi - Duality
Umi walked slowly through one of the many corridors in Cefiro's castle. The sun wasn't very high in the sky yet, and however, she had been up for a while now. To tell the truth, she couldn't even sleep well, and at the present moment she still couldn't get Ascot's sad face out of her head. That and the desperate tone on his voice when he told her that he loved her. Besides, there was also Guru Clef, but then again, he was always on her mind. It was truly torturing her, for she couldn't even tell what her heart really felt.
After wandering for a while, she decided to go to Fuu's room. She was very worried about her friend, since the Wind Knight's reaction was not the best when finding out the news on Ferio's engagement. That was unexpected, since Fuu was always so collected. But Umi couldn't deny the fact that if such thing had happened to her, she wouldn't hesitate to beat the crap out of any jerk that decided to leave her after as many promises of love as Fuu and Ferio had obviously shared. But of course she would have never fall for a brainless guy like Cefiro's prince was, at least, in her opinion. She was in love with... Guru Clef? And what about Ascot?
The Water Knight let out a short sigh. At least her friends were aware of their own feelings and they were ahead her on that. Lately though, none of them seemed to be so lucky in heart affairs.
She knocked and waited until Fuu's sweet voice authorized her to enter. After she locked the door behind her, she saw Hikaru was also there. Both were seating on the bed, one next to the other.
- Getting up early in the morning, Umi? - the Wind Knight inquired with a soft smile - You don't use to do so.
The blue haired girl marveled at her friend's calm talk. She knew for sure how serene Fuu could be, but even so it was really astonishing how she had recovered so soon.
- How are you feeling, Fuu?
- As good as it gets. - the blonde answered with resigned expression, amazing both her friends equally - There's always a way out of things.
- Are you sure you're alright, Fuu? - Hikaru asked anxiously.
The girl nodded, giving away her comforting soft smile again. And when looking at them, she realized that her friends didn't look very good that morning.
- I'm fine, but you guys don't seem to be so. - she said, inviting Umi to sit down by her right side, while she seized one of Hikaru's hands - please, don't worry about me so much... or is there something else troubling both of you?
The two girls looked each other in silence. Fuu had always been really smart and receptive, to the extent sometimes her perception was close to clairvoyance. But as they saw each other faces, they understood it was not so difficult to notice something was very wrong with them. Both had dark rings around their eyes, for they didn't sleep well the night before, and sadness was neatly drawn on their pale and gloomy features. Umi bore a grieved expression, perhaps due to the weight of some important dilemma. And as for Hikaru... betraying her cheerful and energetic nature, the redhead seemed to be about to burst into tears.
- Come on girls, that's what friends are for. - Fuu insisted - Do you think I don't realize you guys are not behaving the ways you always do? Come on, now, tell me what happened. I'm not as selfish as to think my problem is the most complicated or the most important. What is it, Umi? Could it be that you finally had a word with Ascot?
The Water Knight was startled. Her two friends and almost everybody in the castle knew she was looking for the summoner the day before. But nobody knew she had actually found him, neither what he had told her. She sighed loudly and she related everything that had happened to her the previous night, giving away the astonishment she felt when facing the boy's confession as she finished her story.
Hikaru shivered visibly when she heard Mokona had helped Umi, and she also seemed to be surprised to find out about Ascot's feelings, but Fuu moved her head understandingly.
- I knew it all the time.
- Did you know it?? - the Water Knight stirred up.
- I suspected it. - Fuu corrected shrugging - To tell you the truth, it was always quite obvious that Ascot had... has a huge crush on you.
Umi shook her head. Perhaps her friend was right, but she had always fought the idea that somebody but Guru Clef could love her. So finding out about this whole thing with the summoner had been a surprise anyway.
- I never did realize... - Hikaru mumbled.
- After so many years you're still as innocent as the first day. - Fuu smiled - And what's with you today? I can't recall seeing you so depressed before. Has that sad face anything to do with certain magic swordsman...?
To her friend's open insinuation, Hikaru reacted in the most unexpected way. She burst into a sorrowful cry! The other two Magic Knights got really scared at this and surrounded her at once, trying to console her.
- Oh, Hikaru, please, don't cry... - Fuu whispered, now really concerned - Did I say something wrong, by any chance?
- Could it be that gloomy guy did something mean to you? - Umi frowned. Both Lantis and Ferio had always been on her list of "unpleasant" people.
The redhead continued to sob for a while, until the attentions and the soft words from her friends were able to soothe her a bit, enough for her to tell them, with shaken voice, what had happened to her the previous night. Umi and Fuu listened to her in silence, until, in this particular moment, the blue haired girl couldn't held an amazed exclamation:
- Did he kiss you?? I can't believe it!!
The expression on the Wind Knight's face was also perplexed.
- Oh, well... - Hikaru said, blushing - yes, he did kiss me, and even when I didn't really know it was him then, I think my heart knew it, it foresaw it was him. And it was so... so...
The girl couldn't find a word good enough to describe even a little bit of what she felt when Lantis kissed her. However, her face was quite eloquent when exposing her emotions.
- Alright, we understand. - Fuu helped - But if that's what you wanted, ever since we came back, I don't see why are you crying.
The ineffable expression of happiness faded immediately from the redhead's features, and a great anguish took over her face.
- This, well... that was not the end of the night...
- So, something else happened? - Umi inquired, frowning again.
Hikaru stared at her own hands, twisting on her lap, and she continued her story with a voice that was hardly a whisper, as thick tears escaped from her eyes and slid down her cheeks:
- When I finally realized we were inside his room...
ººººº Flashback ººººº
Lantis looked at her seriously. He was waiting for an answer.
- I... I was chasing Mokona...
The girl was perfectly aware of how silly this excuse should sound, but it wasn't an excuse, it has happened that way and she couldn't think of anything better to say. Besides, it didn't make any sense that it was him the one who was interrogating her, for if somebody had just done something wrong in that room, it wasn't her.
The man looked around him, as to be sure that Mokona wasn't there. Of course, he was unable to find even the slightest trace of the small animal anywhere, so he turned to stare into Hikaru's face, who blushed a deep shade of red under his piercing eyes which seemed to be shooting darts through her heart.
- He must have escaped somehow - the girl insisted - I saw him entering here... and believe me I didn't know it was your room... it was an accident...
Lantis shrugged, and the redhead could almost swear she saw a shade of disillusion go by the masculine features. However, his words resonated in the room, colder than ever:
- It doesn't matter...
As every time he behaved that way, the girl was left out not knowing what to say. And although her astonishment was already big when facing such strange attitude, her bewilderment increased even more when she heard the conclusion to his statement:
- Go to sleep, it's too late for this. You can always find Mokona tomorrow.
Hikaru felt all her being rebelling against these last words. He was treating her like a child and it had been long time since she grew up! Go to sleep, he said? No way! She wasn't leaving that room 'til everything was perfectly clarified!
- Wait a second! - she exclaimed exalted - Don't you think you owe me an explanation?
The girl was really angry. He crossed his arms against his chest, calmly. The indifference mask covering his face didn't alter a bit. However, his eyes flashed and the redhead shuddered in fear. Was he mad at her? But why?
- Explanation? - his voice was deep and cold as always.
- Yeah, explanation! - Hikaru almost yelled - Or do you really think you can go around just kissing people and be so calm afterward?
Lantis arched an eyebrow. Apparently, this scene wasn't waking up the slightest emotion within him. However, the question the girl has just made was the one he had been expecting from the very beginning. And he had had plenty of time to think of an answer to that one.
- Oh, is that it? - he said with cruel disdain, unaware of how deeply he was hurting her - I'm sorry, I just thought you were somebody else. You brought the whole thing to yourself when you entered without warning.
Hikaru took two steps behind, not being able to give credit to what she had just heard. Her exalted brain, speeding through all her thoughts, quickly gave her a devastating conclusion out of his words. If Lantis thought she was somebody else, it's because he was expecting SOMEBODY ELSE. And whoever it might be, it was someone he could kiss. She remembered all his love wrapping her, as he thought she was some other person... He was in love!
ººººº End of Flashback ººººº
- I can't remember how did I leave the room. - the redhead ended up with broken voice - I don't know how did I get to my own room. All I know is I cried my eyes out the whole night... and my heart still hurts inside my chest...
She covered her face with both hands and sobbed again. Fuu hugged her softly, while Umi rose in utter rage:
- So I was right when I never liked those two guys! But they'll pay for this! I swear I'll make them pay!
The blonde moved her head to both sides, in negative gesture. Revenge was not going to help them anyway.
- No, Umi. You won't do such thing. Five years went by since the last time we came here. We never returned, so they had to go on with their lives. It's hard to admit it, but Ferio owes me nothing. And as far as I can tell, Lantis owes nothing to Hikaru as well. There was no commitment, so no reclamation should be made. And no revenge should be taken.
- I'm sure Lantis cared for me, but... - the redhead sighed sadly - there was nothing between us but a good friendship... if you want to call it that way...
- We have to be strong, Hikaru and me, while you solve your problems. When you're done, we'll go back home. I don't think it would be convenient for us to stay here any longer.
- But... - the Water Knight tried to protest.
- Fuu is right. - Hikaru rose up from her sitting position, energetic determination back on her features - We'll be strong and we'll hide our sadness. I'll go wash my face and then we'll go downstairs for breakfast.
The three girls hugged each other. Their friendship would help them to go ahead against all odds. Umi watched the other two girls with a smile.
- I'm very proud of you gals. Those guys don't know what they're missing. But they shall know before we leave - here the girl's smile became mischievous - I promise you, they'll know and they'll be sorry for making you suffer.
ºººººººººº
The breakfast table was set for all the inhabitants and guests currently on the castle. They were already gathered there and ate quietly, exchanging looks loaded with the most diverse feelings among them. It was not strange that a tension similar to that of the previous night reigned again in the room, nobody was missing this time though. The spirits were heating up. The one who seemed to be more altered was Umi, as she debated between her love problems and the anger she felt against the two " fellows " that had hurt her friends. The princesses of Chizeta talked with the Autozamians and Guru Clef. Presea looked sad and distant. Caldina and Lafarga whispered in their particular conversation. Ascot ate slowly not daring to rise his look from the table. Ferio hopelessly tried to meet Fuu's gaze, while she avoided his eyes by all possible means. Lantis seemed oblivious to his surroundings and lastly, Hikaru seemed to be lost in deep thought when in fact she didn't miss a movement of the magic swordsman. They continued this way, until Guru Clef rose from his chair:
- I'll retire to the throne room. I hope you all have high expectations for the great ball that we announced. I also hope you all have dates for that day. - he smiled - Our guests are free to make their will and to feel like in their own houses. I only want the Magic Knights come to see me one at a time. Maybe this way we can elucidate the mystery from your so delayed return to Cefiro.
- Can we go right away, Guru Clef? - Umi asked, standing up, and her friends followed suit.
- Of course. As long as I can talk to each one of you alone. So I can compare your stories and figure out the whole thing.
- Very well then, we'll go later. - Hikaru agreed, at the same time Fuu nodded, not very firmly.
The four came out, followed by the looks of all the present, especially by a very sad one, reflected in Ascot's green eyes. Ferio would have wanted to follow them, but how to justify such an inopportune exit amid the breakfast, with his fiancée sitting by his side? So he resigned to let Fuu go... for the time being. However, Lantis didn't hesitate to get up and to leave through another door not saying half a word.
In the corridor, Fuu pulled Hikaru towards one of the many gardens, with the hidden purpose of leaving Umi alone with Guru Clef. After all, she had avoided Ferio, which had become her main priority. And the innocent redhead didn't understand her intentions completely, but she let the Wind Knight take her out.
After a brief and silent walk, the magician and the Water Knight finally stopped in front of the enormous door that gave access to the throne room, where the most important matters in Cefiro's life had been discussed.
- I... - Umi mumbled, now a bit hesitant - I don't really think I have much to say.
- I want to hear you anyway. Any detail could give me the key on this mystery. - Guru Clef said, as he made a light movement with his staff to set the doors wide open. He stepped to a side, to allow the Water Knight to enter, and then he followed her into the room, with what the doors closed slowly behind him.
Already inside the room, Guru Clef walked towards his usual place and made a chair appear. Umi ignored his gesture and remained on her feet. She was visibly nervous. To be alone with him was causing such side effects. And she had so many things to tell him... so many things...
- Won't you sit down? - the magician's voice resonated, echoing oddly around the room.
- I'm fine this way. - Umi mumbled, shivering slightly - I told you, my version of the facts is short.
- Then, let us begin.
For some minutes, Clef interrogated the girl, trying to discover in her answers something that could possibly lead him to undo the mystery surrounding their unexpected and so delayed return to Cefiro. After a while, the magician knew all he needed to know.
- Very well, Umi. You can go now.
The Magic Knight hesitated one more time. It was now or never. Either she confessed her feelings to him, or she would certainly explode.
- Guru Clef... I... I wanted to talk to you...
Two pairs of blue eyes clashed through the distance spread between them. A resolved look on Umi's. A questioningly look on Clef's. The girl was so drawn to that look... and at the same time, she couldn't help but remembering other eyes, emerald green eyes that looked suppliants at her in an open love confession. She was no longer sure of anything. She didn't know what to do. The words that were about to come out of her mouth died in her very lips, as she just stood in front of the one whose memory she had treasured for so long. She had met so many men in her model career and none of them had helped her to take the thought to Cefiro's short master mage away from her. And now that she was so close, it was torturing her just to think about Ascot. What was that that she felt for the summoner? Her friend, the person who had risked his own life for her? Why, why did her heart remain silent?
- Don't say something you could regret later. - Clef looked at her understandingly, as if he had been able to cleanly break through the girl's soul, and he already knew the answer that escaped to her - I'll always be here for you.
The Magic Knight flinched hesitant. She couldn't say a word. She needed time, just a little more time, and the mage was letting her have it. Still silent she headed towards the exit, feeling dizzy and very confused. Only an idea prevailing on her mind. Whatever her final decision would be, she had to take confusion out of her head before. If she wanted to find the truth, her truth, one more time she had to talk to Ascot.
To be continued...
Next chapter: Liberty