Arg! Chapter 11 finally up! I'm done with this darn chapter, yay! I wrote it down around 11 times. But I'm very proud of it... well, I like it, what can I do, I feel like a mother and her baby, no matter how ugly it is, I'll always see it beautiful. Nvm. Enought rambling people, sorry for being late and stuff, but I really had a hard time with this chapter. I just had to go for my tissues every time I started writting it (and re-writting it) Anyways thanks to the people who reviewed, I love you guys. Do they call this call outs?:
Graysky: I'm glad you liked it! And don't feel bad, I love the whole cast in Rayearth... I even love Alcione (I swear I do!) I just hate Primera... but that's too obvious. And just wondering, do you really think someone could knock sense into Lantis' hard head? Well, I got news for you in this chapie... No evil laught here, it's too sad...
Carmen: Thank you! No one had ever tell a thing about the size of my chapters, I'm glad to know it's apropiate. I try not to make them too short, or too long, because they can get boring. And I'm also shocked, you must be about the first person who actually likes Guru Clef with Presea... well, maybe not the first, but one of the very few. Thanks again!
Liadel: Oops... sorry, I never realized 'til now... My first F/F scene was last chapter! Sorry about that, I didn't meant to abandon them, I like them... but I guess I was saving them for the last part. Yeah, this is almost over, but not yet...
butterfly kissess: Thanks a lot. Here you go!
a n g e l . w 1 n g: Ok, thanks, I understand you. As I said, I love the whole cast (did I mentioned I also love Nova? I do!) But some people get so emotional about this Ascot/Clef thing... but it's Ok, everyone is free to do their will. I'm just giving Presea, or rather Sierra her own chance. She is a great chara!
Bunny: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Here's some more!
Miko Windam: As I said, I'll keep the TV ^_^ And Clef deserved it! Ejem, I'll just take that back before some enraged Clef fans beat the crap out of me. The old man is lovely, but he can actually be cold sometimes. Poor Presea, or Sierra, or whatever. As for Fuu and Ferio, I have good and bad news for you. The good is they have another scene in this chapter. You'll get to read the bad for youself. The ball starts on chapter 13, that's an offical announcement!!
Jusuchina: Ok, you got it! More dark and gorgeous Lantis! But I warn you, this is gonna be bad, very bad...
crazyicetenshi: Yeah, thanks, more Clef here... well, it's his chapter as a matter of fac! Let's see how he does.
Yume no Kokoro: Thanks a lot! Here's the update. Not too soon, but I know you'll understand me.
Momentum: Well, you are so right... not about the great part, that's not up for me to say. But this is SAD! I don't know what got into me when I had this idea. I'm really enjoying all this suffering. Well, you'll see by yourself... Just warn you, I think this is my worst chapter ever!
One last comment for Miemu Akari, who sent me an email when she couldn't review. Well, thanks girl, I know all that "site experiencing overload" messages. And yes, H/L in this chapter, yeah. To keep you crying... ^^' Thanks again, you rock!
As for the last part, this chapter was much longer, so I decided to split it up into two and it turned out that the two separated parts were decently long to make up for separated chapters. So Clef is a lucky guy, he got a two part chapter!
Now, on with the fic. Just remember, I don't own Rayearth. But I still love it!
Just read and enjoy!
*** Battling emotions ***
Chapter XI
Clef - Duty
Clef seated there, plunging into his own thoughts for a while, after Presea left. His heart was torturing him with feelings he didn't have the right to experience. And no matter how much he tried to ignore them, he just couldn't do so. The soul of a young woman like the artisan had always been like a crystal glass to such a powerful and old magician like he was. Therefor, what he was able to find behind her brown eyes didn't surprise him at all. He always knew it, even though he wouldn't admit it. He understood perfectly how confused she was, since everything was complicated in love affairs. He knew it too well. His heart was not the harsh rock everybody imagined. But he had treated it as such for too long, and now he didn't understand its language anymore.
He got up to stroll around the throne room. The magic knights of wind and fire wouldn't come to him for the time being. He could feel their weak presence, opaque as if they were hiding in some relatively far away place. With a small movement and a soft mumble, Clef disappeared from the spot he was standing at, to reappear a few seconds later in his own room. He mechanically leaned out to the window, to see Fuu taking a slow walk among florid hedges. The small sorcerer scowled harshly. The girl was not alone. Ferio was with her, openly defying his master mage authority. He just couldn't let it be. If Cefiro's prince was not responsible enough to think of his citizens above all, then it was all up to Guru Clef, who had always taken care of everything after the Pillar system's abolition. And this time, it wouldn't be different.
ºººººººººº
- Are you sure about that? Absolutely sure?
- Of course I am, Fuu. If Lantis has a girlfriend in Autozam, that's something I can't tell, but I'm pretty convinced that he has none in Céfiro. Yeah, I'm sure. You should know already the kind of person he is. He's always alone and silent. Nothing else seems to fit him.
As they spoke, the prince and the wind knight sat down in one of the benches populating the wide garden they were in. Without realizing, they had went from a room to another, each one enjoying the company of the other, completely absorbed in their mutual love and in the lively conversation they were having.
- Then I don't think I understand. - Fuu admitted, perplexed at the facts her beloved was narrating for her.
- I could even tell you that he always left any room every time someone accidentally mentioned the Legendary Magic Knight. Which usually happened to be Caldina. - Ferio added, while rollicking with the girl's blond curls - It's not like I've been really watching him all the time, but I realized at many different moment's that his face twitched, as if the subject particularly bothered him. No, I don't think he could be in love with other girl but Hikaru. Of course, you could never tell when it comes to Lantis, I'm aware of that. And he has indeed been acting very strange lately.
- But, Ferio, are you absolutely sure...?
The man cut off the magic knight question by pressing one of his fingers to the girl's lips. A roguish smile spread all over his face, when seeing how Fuu blushed.
- Let's just stop talking about this, please? - he suggested bearing a mischievous expression - I didn't want you back so we could spend time talking about Lantis.
- I'm very worried about Hikaru... - the wind knight mumbled - but maybe you are right. We should let them work things out by themselves.
- That's what I think.
- And... what should we talk about?
The smile grew on the prince's lips. It was always lovely to watch Fuu as she blushed. And the way her shyness showed up whenever she was all alone with him. Those little things about her would never change, no matter how obvious it was that she had grown up in those years, both physically and spiritually. Of course, he had no interest in making her change such traits. Or any other, to tell the truth.
- We could talk about what you've been doing in the Mystic World. Then I could tell you that I missed you a lot, you would assure me that you couldn't forget me a well. And then I would tell you that you have returned even more beautiful than my poor imagination could remember...
The blush in the girl's cheeks glowed even more when she heard the kind of conversation Ferio was wishing for. Not that it bothered her, as a matter of fact it was really pleasant to listen to such flatteries coming from her beloved's lips. It was rather as if her bright red face also wanted to show her feelings for Cefiro's prince.
- And lastly - he finished, only few inches away from the girl's face - to see how you look even prettier when you blush, to tell you that I love you more than ever and... to get a reward kiss.
Said and done. The man leaned on his beloved's lips and touched them smoothly with his. Fuu answered him with a shy yet happy smile. However, this didn't seem to completely satisfy Ferio, so he leaned in again, this time looking for a longer kiss, when a loud voice froze his attempt.
- What are you doing, Ferio?
The couple turned around, the fright painted in their features, and they saw the small Guru Clef standing before them, watching them with recriminatory expression. No one said a word, until the mage spoke again:
- I mean, let aside the fact that you're endangering the stability of two planets, what else do you think you're doing, PRINCE FERIO?
This sentence had the ability to take Fuu out of the lethargy she was experiencing due to her surprise. But she didn't have the time to say a thing, since Ferio took the lead before she could actually speak.
- I'm kissing the woman that I LOVE - he affirmed daringly - and no one will stop me from doing so. Not even you, Guru Clef.
The mage straightened when seeing the open way he was being challenged. In all his years as Cefiro's Guru, no one had ever dared to do such, not even princess Emeraude. The anger sparked in his blue eyes.
- Let's say you've been my student and I know you very well, and that's the only reason why I'll ignore your cheeky words. I'm not startled at them coming from someone as irresponsible as you are. But it does amaze me to see the wind knight following you in this madness.
- Guru Clef... I... - Fuu babbled.
- I don't blame you. - the mage's look was a bit softer when seeing the girl's grieved expression - I know how you feel about this hollow headed boy. - a light gesture silenced the angry protest coming from Ferio - But I have to make you see the truth. If the prince dares to slight a princess, the kings of Chizeta could declare war against our planet.
The wind knight paled visibly, not being able to avoid the expression of horror that overflowed her eyes when realizing that the situation was much more complicated of what Ferio had wanted her to believe. War! A warlike conflagration could burst at any moment... and all because of her!
- That won't happen! - she heard as the student still defended his position in front of his master - We can understand each other like civilized people do!
- Civilized people? - Clef said sarcastically - We are talking about princess Tarta here! Perhaps you could attempt a decent conversation with her sister, as long as you offer her a cup of tea. But Tarta! You're crazy... and you're jeopardizing our precious peace.
- She can't be that terrible! - Ferio shot back, now visibly concerned about the unspeakable terror taking possession of Fuu's features - Besides, I don't love her.
- You should have thought it BEFORE. Now it's too late, because she DOES love you. Or at least that's what she has shown. And I don't believe it will please her a lot to know you don't plan to be faithful to your word that should be sacred. I can almost picture her, spurring her father to declare war against us...
- No! That won't happen!
The two men stopped short in their dispute to turn to face Fuu, who looked at them with sudden resolution. This time the prince was the one who paled. He didn't like that hard expression in the girl's face. Not at all. And even less he liked the tears struggling their way out from her eyes one more time.
- I... - the magic knight forced herself to say in a weak but perfectly audible voice - I won't put so many innocent people in danger. If I have to give up my love for a prince that is already engaged to a princess... I will do so.
- Don't do it, Fuu... - Ferio pleaded - You would damn me to be unhappy for the rest of my days!
- I'm sorry, but I am a Magic Knight. And it is my duty to protect Céfiro.
- Even if such duty would forbid our love?
- If that's the way things are, so be it.
The man said no more. He couldn't believe Fuu was giving up on him so easily. After so much time of not being able to see her, after having her back for an instant, she was running away from him again, and he could do nothing to hold onto her.
Without more hesitations, the magic knight went towards the garden's exit, leaving her illusions trailing behind her reeling feet. It didn't really hurt that much to break away from Ferio, knowing that her sacrifice would save a lot of people from being involved in a senseless war. But "that much" she was indeed hurting was enough for her. Hopefully the prince will understand that both of them should resign to fulfill their duty.
Guru Clef stopped his pupil as he undoubtedly considered following the girl.
- Let her go. She knows what she's doing. Which is more than what I can say about you.
- This is all your fault! - Ferio bellowed - You convinced her that our love is impossible! How could you do this to me, Clef?
- Don't try to put your blames on my shoulders. - the mage frowned significantly - Make honor to your prince condition and behave as such. It's the less you can do now that you know Fuu is willing to sacrifice her feelings for YOUR planet's sake.
Ferio's expression remained undecipherable for an instant. He was about to strangle the small wizard with his own hands and however, his mind reflected something different very soon. Clef was right. But he was not going to lose Fuu. There had to be a way and he was going to find it. So he straightened out slowly and looked at his master with expression not less resolved than the one his beloved had shown minutes before.
- Only Fuu Hououji will be Cefiro's queen - he said with conviction - and she has just proved how worthy she is of such title. I'll take care of this, Guru Clef. There won't be a war.
The mage was tempted to point out that the younger man had made before a promise he had failed in fulfilling. Nevertheless, something in the golden eyes tranquilized him in this particular subject. This time it would be different, his experience told him so. Cefiro's future king could be very nonchalant sometimes, but in the bottom he was willing to go to any extent for those people he loved. And still, his words were actually enigmatic, since it didn't seem likely for Ferio to reject princess Tarta and to avoid the war at the same time.
- Trust me, please. - the prince added, seeing the doubt debating in his mentor's features - This time I won't let you down.
- I trust you. - Guru Clef agreed with a smile - I know that in the end, you'll do what's right.
ºººººººººº
The fire knight wandered among a small hedge of beautiful white flowers, not even imagining the events that were unfolding not too far from her. She had gone out to the garden with Fuu, but in a certain moment this the wind knight thought she heard Ferio's voice and she had run away wildly, very un-Fuu-likely, not even paying attention to her redheaded friend's call. At the end, the voices were coming from two palace guards that passed by chattering; but as a result, Hikaru was left alone, and now she admired the almost opened buds completely covering the unknown shrub. Of course, she was unaware of the several pairs of eyes that watched her from different places on the garden.
- They are beautiful... - the girl mumbled, while she sat down on the grass, leaning back to the trunk of an enormous plant.
"Not as much as you" a thought flowed down from the treetop. But, of course, Hikaru didn't realize.
Her comfortable position allowed her to see a piece of the sky, as clear as every morning in Cefiro. However, the thought and the sight that would have been enough to encourage the redhead in normal circumstances weren't enough in that particular occasion. She felt broken, hopeless. She was so in love... and it was unrequited. Guru Clef had told them about the famous dance, and she was pretty sure none of the Magic Knight would be going. She was not in the mood for parties. Besides, Fuu would not go for obvious reasons and neither Umi nor herself could ignore what happened to the wind knight. And in the very hypothetical case that she actually considered the idea of attending to the darn engagement ball... she had no date for this. There was only a person she wanted to go with, and this person was already taken...
Hikaru fought forcefully her intense wish for a good cry. She had promised she'll be strong and she would, no matter what it cost. Without realizing, she found herself seizing the locket that the magic swordsman had given her once. She couldn't hold her tears any longer. She would have to give it back, much to her grief. She was not entitled to keep it for herself, even less now that he had seemingly found someone else to give it to...
No, she couldn't take the idea. She threw herself into a disconsolate sobbing. If only with her cry she could take out the pain that tortured her heart... She didn't realize Lantis had just jumped to the floor from a high branch on the tree and he looked at her with fondness he could hardly disguise.
- Hikaru... - he called, feeling as his chest was being torn apart. To see her cry was far beyond his strength.
The girl raised her teary eyes to him, recognizing the unmistakable voice of the swordsman. She would have wanted to be able to hold her emotions in front of him, but his very presence increased the affliction flooding her heart. Her sorrow was more and more unbearable.
Meanwhile, Lantis had helped her to her feet, seizing her shoulders gently, as if he feared this light touch could break the fragile body now trembling on his also shaky hands. Not wanting to give it a second thought, Hikaru curled up against his broad chest and cried unrestrainedly. It was no time for reasoning. If she couldn't relieve all the anguish she felt somehow, it will eat her inside.
In spite of his efforts, Lantis was not able to soothe the girl's desperate cry. But what could he do, if he didn't even know the reason for so much sadness? He only knew he would have certainly preferred to be killed a hundred times before he had to see those luminous pupils shadowed by tears. He could only try to comfort her by hugging her softly against his chest, wait for her to calm down and hopefully then she would tell him what was going on.
Hikaru raised her head to look at Lantis' face and in doing so, she met his soulful, beautiful eyes. But this time they were not serious or cold. There was an ocean of concern inside of them, and - even though she found it hard to believe - a world of adoration shined through dark blue. For a look like that one, the fire knight would have given anything. There it was his love for her, and however her tears made her doubt.
"Oh, I love you so much... so much it's driving me insane" the girl's soul sobbed, shrinking painfully. Nevertheless, her lips were not able to articulate not even the smallest sound, silenced by the knot griping her throat. Her cry continued to flow, still unstoppable.
- Hush... come on... - the swordsman mumbled soothingly as he brushed her red hair, fighting all the way to prevent himself from kissing them - please... stop crying, my...
He was about to say "my love", but he never did. The words died on his lips as he realized that they were not alone. He frowned when he saw Umi and Eagle slowly making their way to them.
- Hikaru! - the water knight exclaimed, trying to hide her anger when seeing her friend with that "guy" - We were looking for you!
The redhead twitched when hearing that voice, she dried off hastily the few of her tears that had not been left in the swordsman's black clothes and she turned around to face the newly arrived with a smile, coming off from the arms of her love with intimate pain.
- Are you done with Guru Clef? - she asked lightly. She felt kind of guilty, as if Umi has surprised her doing something wrong. She shot a fleeting glance towards Lantis, who was standing immobile to her backs. It was his fault, he made her feel so weak!
- Yes, I finished that whole thing off a while ago. - the blue haired girl reddened slightly - I have been looking for you and Fuu. Eagle offered to come with me...
Of course, Umi was definitely not telling them about what she had been talking to Caldina after having seen Clef. And even less she planned to tell them how she had convinced the autozamian Commander to ask Hikaru to the dance, since, according to what she had assured him, Lantis had another date. He seemed very astonished to hear this, which she found a little strange, but anyway she managed to persuade him. He was not hard to convince though.
- Hikaru, I wanted - Eagle didn't let the chance pass him by - to ask you to go to the dance with me. That is, if you don't have a date yet. - and with this he addressed a nervous look at Lantis. Who's expression was stony, so much the autozamian had to admit that, this time, he really had no clue as to what was going on through his cefirian friend's mind.
The redhead looked at Umi questioningly, surprised by Eagle's sudden invitation. She instinctively turned around to cast a shy glance to the magic swordsman's face. What she saw there - or what she didn't see, for that matter - told her clearly which her answer should be.
- Yes, of course I'll go with you! - Hikaru cheered with a superhuman effort - What ever made you think I would go with somebody else?
Eagle and Umi smiled thoroughly, both very pleased with that answer. On the other hand, Lantis withstood the blow the best he could, and the deep pain reflected in his eyes didn't last long enough to let someone else notice.
- Really? Perfect! - the Autozamian Commander could not hide his happiness - It will be great, I promise you! Now, if you excuse me, I'll be going to the NSX now. I will authorize holidays for all my crew. I want them to be as happy as I am... they won't have it so easy though. - he finished with a bright smile and he left whistling happily.
- I still have to find Fuu. - Umi cleared the throat, only to break the tense silence settled among them upon Eagle's departure - Would you come with me, Hikaru?
Just then, the redhead seemed to wake up suddenly from the deep trance she had fallen into by denying reality. She looked at her friend, still a bit stunned, realizing that she had just gotten a date for the infamous dance. The ball that, a couple of minutes before, she didn't actually plan to go to because she had no one to go with. Because the one she wanted to go with was not inviting her in any way. To this thought, chills run down the fire knight's spine. Lantis was still standing at her back, she could almost feel him. And he had seen and heard the whole thing. The brave look coming from the water knight helped her to partially handle the panic threatening to take over her. Maybe it was better to end it all this way.
- Hikaru? - Umi insisted haughtily - Are coming or not?
- You go ahead. - the redhead answered - I have two words I need to speak with Lantis.
The water knight scowled, but she didn't want to object. It was better that her friend she cleared up her situation with the swordsman. To put things to good rest once and for all. So she shrugged and walked away taking the same path she had previously came from.
Once again Hikaru and Lantis were left alone, each one staring at the other fixedly. His blue eyes were empty of all emotion, and yet the girl wouldn't mind to stay an eternity submerged in those deep oceans. It was a pity that the swordsman preferred to see his own reflection upon other pupils, not hers. The fire knight was quite far from guessing the storm of jealousy and despair roaring behind his frozen look.
- Huh... Lantis... - the redhead hesitated - I...
The magic swordsman arched a eyebrow. He was not able to discern what could this be about. He only wanted to get through with it, whatever it was. Hopefully what she had to tell him wouldn't be another salt grain to add up to the bloody wound of his sadness. However, he realized very soon that his pain could get even deeper, when seeing the girl fidgeting a necklace with trembling fingers.
"No!" his dying soul screamed "Not that!"
- I have... - Hikaru sighed, looking at the locket she had treasured for so long like a sleepwalker - I have something that belongs to you.
Not being able to help it, Lantis took a step back, fighting with all his might to hide the horror he felt just to guess what was about to happen. To his eyes, in those small hands was palpitating his bleeding heart.
- Please, - the magic knight pleaded offering the jewel to the swordsman - it's yours... Give it to someone who deserves it more than I do.
"Take it, please, help me" the girl thought frantically "This is so hard to me!"
Crying threatened to run her over once again. This locket had been the receiver of her love for so many years, so many times she had kissed it or just held it, so many times she had poured burning tears onto its polished surface. To get rid of it was like throwing away a part of her own being. Like tearing her love out of her soul.
- I can't take it. - Lantis said with voice as firm as possible - I gave it to you...
- But I don't want it! - Hikaru screamed, cutting him off - I don't want it!
Saying this, she threw the beloved locket away, as if it very touch burned her. And she run away, unable to keep herself from falling apart. She didn't want to show the magic swordsman the sad sight of her deep affliction. He was not to blame on this. She had been silly, she had fallen in love and she dared to dream that he would love her back. The blurred images of Zagato and princess Emeraude popped in her mind, it's been a long time since she thought about them. She killed them. And her punishment was to fall in love with her victim's brother. She should have never forgotten them. Now they came to take revenge.
Lantis made no effort to hold back the girl neither he tried to go after her. He needed no further explanations. She didn't want his gift, she didn't feel worthy of such a present. He already knew she didn't love him, she loved someone else. But to face the hard truth had been much harder of what he had though in the beginning.
A solitary tear slipped slowly down his impassive cheek. He would have wanted to scream, to hit somebody or something, any thing that helped him to relieve so much suffering. But he just couldn't. The same as that other time, when he knew about his brother's death, the cry consumed all his energy, he couldn't even move. He could only stare at the floor, while other tears quietly followed the first one. To his feet lay the locket that had belonged to his mother. It was broken. Like his heart.
ºººººººººº
Guru Clef plumped heavily into his seat. He had too many problems inside his mind. The next arrival of the invited coming from all the planets, the habitual affairs concerning the Kingdom, the mysterious return of the Magic Knight and now Ferio was also giving him trouble. How will all that end up? He was really worried. Since Hikaru, Umi and Fuu were here, everything was upside down. To make things worse, Presea had conceived that crazy idea of abandoning Cefiro. And this made the mage feel quite unhappy. All the other dilemmas disappeared before the thought of losing the artisan. Even the threat of a possible war diminished in the face of the fear that had assaulted him suddenly.
A soft knock at the door came to aid him, taking him momentarily out of the unwanted anguish currently hunting him down.
- Come in. - he answered distracted.
One of the wooden halves opened up to reveal the slender figure of the wind knight. Guru Clef watched her thoroughly and he was surprised when he didn't find any prints of tears on her eyes. However, her expression was sorely blank, as if she was making a great effort to keep it this way.
- Oh, Fuu. Sit down. What can I do for you?
The girl hesitated, probably meditating if she should sit down or not, or maybe evaluating some deeper thoughts. She finally sat down, thinking that it would be better this way, since what she was about to say was not easy at all. And just in case she'd fall apart, so be it, she would be seated.
- You asked us to come to see you. - she started - I know Umi was already here. So you can go on with me.
- Mmm... - the master mage was even more surprised at the girl's integrity, he just couldn't stop thinking how she had just given up the love of her life - Well, there are some questions I need...
- It won't be necessary. - Fuu interrupted him in a sudden impulse - You see, Guru Clef, I have to tell my terrible secret...
To be continued...
Next chapter: Duty (Part 2)
Graysky: I'm glad you liked it! And don't feel bad, I love the whole cast in Rayearth... I even love Alcione (I swear I do!) I just hate Primera... but that's too obvious. And just wondering, do you really think someone could knock sense into Lantis' hard head? Well, I got news for you in this chapie... No evil laught here, it's too sad...
Carmen: Thank you! No one had ever tell a thing about the size of my chapters, I'm glad to know it's apropiate. I try not to make them too short, or too long, because they can get boring. And I'm also shocked, you must be about the first person who actually likes Guru Clef with Presea... well, maybe not the first, but one of the very few. Thanks again!
Liadel: Oops... sorry, I never realized 'til now... My first F/F scene was last chapter! Sorry about that, I didn't meant to abandon them, I like them... but I guess I was saving them for the last part. Yeah, this is almost over, but not yet...
butterfly kissess: Thanks a lot. Here you go!
a n g e l . w 1 n g: Ok, thanks, I understand you. As I said, I love the whole cast (did I mentioned I also love Nova? I do!) But some people get so emotional about this Ascot/Clef thing... but it's Ok, everyone is free to do their will. I'm just giving Presea, or rather Sierra her own chance. She is a great chara!
Bunny: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Here's some more!
Miko Windam: As I said, I'll keep the TV ^_^ And Clef deserved it! Ejem, I'll just take that back before some enraged Clef fans beat the crap out of me. The old man is lovely, but he can actually be cold sometimes. Poor Presea, or Sierra, or whatever. As for Fuu and Ferio, I have good and bad news for you. The good is they have another scene in this chapter. You'll get to read the bad for youself. The ball starts on chapter 13, that's an offical announcement!!
Jusuchina: Ok, you got it! More dark and gorgeous Lantis! But I warn you, this is gonna be bad, very bad...
crazyicetenshi: Yeah, thanks, more Clef here... well, it's his chapter as a matter of fac! Let's see how he does.
Yume no Kokoro: Thanks a lot! Here's the update. Not too soon, but I know you'll understand me.
Momentum: Well, you are so right... not about the great part, that's not up for me to say. But this is SAD! I don't know what got into me when I had this idea. I'm really enjoying all this suffering. Well, you'll see by yourself... Just warn you, I think this is my worst chapter ever!
One last comment for Miemu Akari, who sent me an email when she couldn't review. Well, thanks girl, I know all that "site experiencing overload" messages. And yes, H/L in this chapter, yeah. To keep you crying... ^^' Thanks again, you rock!
As for the last part, this chapter was much longer, so I decided to split it up into two and it turned out that the two separated parts were decently long to make up for separated chapters. So Clef is a lucky guy, he got a two part chapter!
Now, on with the fic. Just remember, I don't own Rayearth. But I still love it!
Just read and enjoy!
*** Battling emotions ***
Chapter XI
Clef - Duty
Clef seated there, plunging into his own thoughts for a while, after Presea left. His heart was torturing him with feelings he didn't have the right to experience. And no matter how much he tried to ignore them, he just couldn't do so. The soul of a young woman like the artisan had always been like a crystal glass to such a powerful and old magician like he was. Therefor, what he was able to find behind her brown eyes didn't surprise him at all. He always knew it, even though he wouldn't admit it. He understood perfectly how confused she was, since everything was complicated in love affairs. He knew it too well. His heart was not the harsh rock everybody imagined. But he had treated it as such for too long, and now he didn't understand its language anymore.
He got up to stroll around the throne room. The magic knights of wind and fire wouldn't come to him for the time being. He could feel their weak presence, opaque as if they were hiding in some relatively far away place. With a small movement and a soft mumble, Clef disappeared from the spot he was standing at, to reappear a few seconds later in his own room. He mechanically leaned out to the window, to see Fuu taking a slow walk among florid hedges. The small sorcerer scowled harshly. The girl was not alone. Ferio was with her, openly defying his master mage authority. He just couldn't let it be. If Cefiro's prince was not responsible enough to think of his citizens above all, then it was all up to Guru Clef, who had always taken care of everything after the Pillar system's abolition. And this time, it wouldn't be different.
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- Are you sure about that? Absolutely sure?
- Of course I am, Fuu. If Lantis has a girlfriend in Autozam, that's something I can't tell, but I'm pretty convinced that he has none in Céfiro. Yeah, I'm sure. You should know already the kind of person he is. He's always alone and silent. Nothing else seems to fit him.
As they spoke, the prince and the wind knight sat down in one of the benches populating the wide garden they were in. Without realizing, they had went from a room to another, each one enjoying the company of the other, completely absorbed in their mutual love and in the lively conversation they were having.
- Then I don't think I understand. - Fuu admitted, perplexed at the facts her beloved was narrating for her.
- I could even tell you that he always left any room every time someone accidentally mentioned the Legendary Magic Knight. Which usually happened to be Caldina. - Ferio added, while rollicking with the girl's blond curls - It's not like I've been really watching him all the time, but I realized at many different moment's that his face twitched, as if the subject particularly bothered him. No, I don't think he could be in love with other girl but Hikaru. Of course, you could never tell when it comes to Lantis, I'm aware of that. And he has indeed been acting very strange lately.
- But, Ferio, are you absolutely sure...?
The man cut off the magic knight question by pressing one of his fingers to the girl's lips. A roguish smile spread all over his face, when seeing how Fuu blushed.
- Let's just stop talking about this, please? - he suggested bearing a mischievous expression - I didn't want you back so we could spend time talking about Lantis.
- I'm very worried about Hikaru... - the wind knight mumbled - but maybe you are right. We should let them work things out by themselves.
- That's what I think.
- And... what should we talk about?
The smile grew on the prince's lips. It was always lovely to watch Fuu as she blushed. And the way her shyness showed up whenever she was all alone with him. Those little things about her would never change, no matter how obvious it was that she had grown up in those years, both physically and spiritually. Of course, he had no interest in making her change such traits. Or any other, to tell the truth.
- We could talk about what you've been doing in the Mystic World. Then I could tell you that I missed you a lot, you would assure me that you couldn't forget me a well. And then I would tell you that you have returned even more beautiful than my poor imagination could remember...
The blush in the girl's cheeks glowed even more when she heard the kind of conversation Ferio was wishing for. Not that it bothered her, as a matter of fact it was really pleasant to listen to such flatteries coming from her beloved's lips. It was rather as if her bright red face also wanted to show her feelings for Cefiro's prince.
- And lastly - he finished, only few inches away from the girl's face - to see how you look even prettier when you blush, to tell you that I love you more than ever and... to get a reward kiss.
Said and done. The man leaned on his beloved's lips and touched them smoothly with his. Fuu answered him with a shy yet happy smile. However, this didn't seem to completely satisfy Ferio, so he leaned in again, this time looking for a longer kiss, when a loud voice froze his attempt.
- What are you doing, Ferio?
The couple turned around, the fright painted in their features, and they saw the small Guru Clef standing before them, watching them with recriminatory expression. No one said a word, until the mage spoke again:
- I mean, let aside the fact that you're endangering the stability of two planets, what else do you think you're doing, PRINCE FERIO?
This sentence had the ability to take Fuu out of the lethargy she was experiencing due to her surprise. But she didn't have the time to say a thing, since Ferio took the lead before she could actually speak.
- I'm kissing the woman that I LOVE - he affirmed daringly - and no one will stop me from doing so. Not even you, Guru Clef.
The mage straightened when seeing the open way he was being challenged. In all his years as Cefiro's Guru, no one had ever dared to do such, not even princess Emeraude. The anger sparked in his blue eyes.
- Let's say you've been my student and I know you very well, and that's the only reason why I'll ignore your cheeky words. I'm not startled at them coming from someone as irresponsible as you are. But it does amaze me to see the wind knight following you in this madness.
- Guru Clef... I... - Fuu babbled.
- I don't blame you. - the mage's look was a bit softer when seeing the girl's grieved expression - I know how you feel about this hollow headed boy. - a light gesture silenced the angry protest coming from Ferio - But I have to make you see the truth. If the prince dares to slight a princess, the kings of Chizeta could declare war against our planet.
The wind knight paled visibly, not being able to avoid the expression of horror that overflowed her eyes when realizing that the situation was much more complicated of what Ferio had wanted her to believe. War! A warlike conflagration could burst at any moment... and all because of her!
- That won't happen! - she heard as the student still defended his position in front of his master - We can understand each other like civilized people do!
- Civilized people? - Clef said sarcastically - We are talking about princess Tarta here! Perhaps you could attempt a decent conversation with her sister, as long as you offer her a cup of tea. But Tarta! You're crazy... and you're jeopardizing our precious peace.
- She can't be that terrible! - Ferio shot back, now visibly concerned about the unspeakable terror taking possession of Fuu's features - Besides, I don't love her.
- You should have thought it BEFORE. Now it's too late, because she DOES love you. Or at least that's what she has shown. And I don't believe it will please her a lot to know you don't plan to be faithful to your word that should be sacred. I can almost picture her, spurring her father to declare war against us...
- No! That won't happen!
The two men stopped short in their dispute to turn to face Fuu, who looked at them with sudden resolution. This time the prince was the one who paled. He didn't like that hard expression in the girl's face. Not at all. And even less he liked the tears struggling their way out from her eyes one more time.
- I... - the magic knight forced herself to say in a weak but perfectly audible voice - I won't put so many innocent people in danger. If I have to give up my love for a prince that is already engaged to a princess... I will do so.
- Don't do it, Fuu... - Ferio pleaded - You would damn me to be unhappy for the rest of my days!
- I'm sorry, but I am a Magic Knight. And it is my duty to protect Céfiro.
- Even if such duty would forbid our love?
- If that's the way things are, so be it.
The man said no more. He couldn't believe Fuu was giving up on him so easily. After so much time of not being able to see her, after having her back for an instant, she was running away from him again, and he could do nothing to hold onto her.
Without more hesitations, the magic knight went towards the garden's exit, leaving her illusions trailing behind her reeling feet. It didn't really hurt that much to break away from Ferio, knowing that her sacrifice would save a lot of people from being involved in a senseless war. But "that much" she was indeed hurting was enough for her. Hopefully the prince will understand that both of them should resign to fulfill their duty.
Guru Clef stopped his pupil as he undoubtedly considered following the girl.
- Let her go. She knows what she's doing. Which is more than what I can say about you.
- This is all your fault! - Ferio bellowed - You convinced her that our love is impossible! How could you do this to me, Clef?
- Don't try to put your blames on my shoulders. - the mage frowned significantly - Make honor to your prince condition and behave as such. It's the less you can do now that you know Fuu is willing to sacrifice her feelings for YOUR planet's sake.
Ferio's expression remained undecipherable for an instant. He was about to strangle the small wizard with his own hands and however, his mind reflected something different very soon. Clef was right. But he was not going to lose Fuu. There had to be a way and he was going to find it. So he straightened out slowly and looked at his master with expression not less resolved than the one his beloved had shown minutes before.
- Only Fuu Hououji will be Cefiro's queen - he said with conviction - and she has just proved how worthy she is of such title. I'll take care of this, Guru Clef. There won't be a war.
The mage was tempted to point out that the younger man had made before a promise he had failed in fulfilling. Nevertheless, something in the golden eyes tranquilized him in this particular subject. This time it would be different, his experience told him so. Cefiro's future king could be very nonchalant sometimes, but in the bottom he was willing to go to any extent for those people he loved. And still, his words were actually enigmatic, since it didn't seem likely for Ferio to reject princess Tarta and to avoid the war at the same time.
- Trust me, please. - the prince added, seeing the doubt debating in his mentor's features - This time I won't let you down.
- I trust you. - Guru Clef agreed with a smile - I know that in the end, you'll do what's right.
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The fire knight wandered among a small hedge of beautiful white flowers, not even imagining the events that were unfolding not too far from her. She had gone out to the garden with Fuu, but in a certain moment this the wind knight thought she heard Ferio's voice and she had run away wildly, very un-Fuu-likely, not even paying attention to her redheaded friend's call. At the end, the voices were coming from two palace guards that passed by chattering; but as a result, Hikaru was left alone, and now she admired the almost opened buds completely covering the unknown shrub. Of course, she was unaware of the several pairs of eyes that watched her from different places on the garden.
- They are beautiful... - the girl mumbled, while she sat down on the grass, leaning back to the trunk of an enormous plant.
"Not as much as you" a thought flowed down from the treetop. But, of course, Hikaru didn't realize.
Her comfortable position allowed her to see a piece of the sky, as clear as every morning in Cefiro. However, the thought and the sight that would have been enough to encourage the redhead in normal circumstances weren't enough in that particular occasion. She felt broken, hopeless. She was so in love... and it was unrequited. Guru Clef had told them about the famous dance, and she was pretty sure none of the Magic Knight would be going. She was not in the mood for parties. Besides, Fuu would not go for obvious reasons and neither Umi nor herself could ignore what happened to the wind knight. And in the very hypothetical case that she actually considered the idea of attending to the darn engagement ball... she had no date for this. There was only a person she wanted to go with, and this person was already taken...
Hikaru fought forcefully her intense wish for a good cry. She had promised she'll be strong and she would, no matter what it cost. Without realizing, she found herself seizing the locket that the magic swordsman had given her once. She couldn't hold her tears any longer. She would have to give it back, much to her grief. She was not entitled to keep it for herself, even less now that he had seemingly found someone else to give it to...
No, she couldn't take the idea. She threw herself into a disconsolate sobbing. If only with her cry she could take out the pain that tortured her heart... She didn't realize Lantis had just jumped to the floor from a high branch on the tree and he looked at her with fondness he could hardly disguise.
- Hikaru... - he called, feeling as his chest was being torn apart. To see her cry was far beyond his strength.
The girl raised her teary eyes to him, recognizing the unmistakable voice of the swordsman. She would have wanted to be able to hold her emotions in front of him, but his very presence increased the affliction flooding her heart. Her sorrow was more and more unbearable.
Meanwhile, Lantis had helped her to her feet, seizing her shoulders gently, as if he feared this light touch could break the fragile body now trembling on his also shaky hands. Not wanting to give it a second thought, Hikaru curled up against his broad chest and cried unrestrainedly. It was no time for reasoning. If she couldn't relieve all the anguish she felt somehow, it will eat her inside.
In spite of his efforts, Lantis was not able to soothe the girl's desperate cry. But what could he do, if he didn't even know the reason for so much sadness? He only knew he would have certainly preferred to be killed a hundred times before he had to see those luminous pupils shadowed by tears. He could only try to comfort her by hugging her softly against his chest, wait for her to calm down and hopefully then she would tell him what was going on.
Hikaru raised her head to look at Lantis' face and in doing so, she met his soulful, beautiful eyes. But this time they were not serious or cold. There was an ocean of concern inside of them, and - even though she found it hard to believe - a world of adoration shined through dark blue. For a look like that one, the fire knight would have given anything. There it was his love for her, and however her tears made her doubt.
"Oh, I love you so much... so much it's driving me insane" the girl's soul sobbed, shrinking painfully. Nevertheless, her lips were not able to articulate not even the smallest sound, silenced by the knot griping her throat. Her cry continued to flow, still unstoppable.
- Hush... come on... - the swordsman mumbled soothingly as he brushed her red hair, fighting all the way to prevent himself from kissing them - please... stop crying, my...
He was about to say "my love", but he never did. The words died on his lips as he realized that they were not alone. He frowned when he saw Umi and Eagle slowly making their way to them.
- Hikaru! - the water knight exclaimed, trying to hide her anger when seeing her friend with that "guy" - We were looking for you!
The redhead twitched when hearing that voice, she dried off hastily the few of her tears that had not been left in the swordsman's black clothes and she turned around to face the newly arrived with a smile, coming off from the arms of her love with intimate pain.
- Are you done with Guru Clef? - she asked lightly. She felt kind of guilty, as if Umi has surprised her doing something wrong. She shot a fleeting glance towards Lantis, who was standing immobile to her backs. It was his fault, he made her feel so weak!
- Yes, I finished that whole thing off a while ago. - the blue haired girl reddened slightly - I have been looking for you and Fuu. Eagle offered to come with me...
Of course, Umi was definitely not telling them about what she had been talking to Caldina after having seen Clef. And even less she planned to tell them how she had convinced the autozamian Commander to ask Hikaru to the dance, since, according to what she had assured him, Lantis had another date. He seemed very astonished to hear this, which she found a little strange, but anyway she managed to persuade him. He was not hard to convince though.
- Hikaru, I wanted - Eagle didn't let the chance pass him by - to ask you to go to the dance with me. That is, if you don't have a date yet. - and with this he addressed a nervous look at Lantis. Who's expression was stony, so much the autozamian had to admit that, this time, he really had no clue as to what was going on through his cefirian friend's mind.
The redhead looked at Umi questioningly, surprised by Eagle's sudden invitation. She instinctively turned around to cast a shy glance to the magic swordsman's face. What she saw there - or what she didn't see, for that matter - told her clearly which her answer should be.
- Yes, of course I'll go with you! - Hikaru cheered with a superhuman effort - What ever made you think I would go with somebody else?
Eagle and Umi smiled thoroughly, both very pleased with that answer. On the other hand, Lantis withstood the blow the best he could, and the deep pain reflected in his eyes didn't last long enough to let someone else notice.
- Really? Perfect! - the Autozamian Commander could not hide his happiness - It will be great, I promise you! Now, if you excuse me, I'll be going to the NSX now. I will authorize holidays for all my crew. I want them to be as happy as I am... they won't have it so easy though. - he finished with a bright smile and he left whistling happily.
- I still have to find Fuu. - Umi cleared the throat, only to break the tense silence settled among them upon Eagle's departure - Would you come with me, Hikaru?
Just then, the redhead seemed to wake up suddenly from the deep trance she had fallen into by denying reality. She looked at her friend, still a bit stunned, realizing that she had just gotten a date for the infamous dance. The ball that, a couple of minutes before, she didn't actually plan to go to because she had no one to go with. Because the one she wanted to go with was not inviting her in any way. To this thought, chills run down the fire knight's spine. Lantis was still standing at her back, she could almost feel him. And he had seen and heard the whole thing. The brave look coming from the water knight helped her to partially handle the panic threatening to take over her. Maybe it was better to end it all this way.
- Hikaru? - Umi insisted haughtily - Are coming or not?
- You go ahead. - the redhead answered - I have two words I need to speak with Lantis.
The water knight scowled, but she didn't want to object. It was better that her friend she cleared up her situation with the swordsman. To put things to good rest once and for all. So she shrugged and walked away taking the same path she had previously came from.
Once again Hikaru and Lantis were left alone, each one staring at the other fixedly. His blue eyes were empty of all emotion, and yet the girl wouldn't mind to stay an eternity submerged in those deep oceans. It was a pity that the swordsman preferred to see his own reflection upon other pupils, not hers. The fire knight was quite far from guessing the storm of jealousy and despair roaring behind his frozen look.
- Huh... Lantis... - the redhead hesitated - I...
The magic swordsman arched a eyebrow. He was not able to discern what could this be about. He only wanted to get through with it, whatever it was. Hopefully what she had to tell him wouldn't be another salt grain to add up to the bloody wound of his sadness. However, he realized very soon that his pain could get even deeper, when seeing the girl fidgeting a necklace with trembling fingers.
"No!" his dying soul screamed "Not that!"
- I have... - Hikaru sighed, looking at the locket she had treasured for so long like a sleepwalker - I have something that belongs to you.
Not being able to help it, Lantis took a step back, fighting with all his might to hide the horror he felt just to guess what was about to happen. To his eyes, in those small hands was palpitating his bleeding heart.
- Please, - the magic knight pleaded offering the jewel to the swordsman - it's yours... Give it to someone who deserves it more than I do.
"Take it, please, help me" the girl thought frantically "This is so hard to me!"
Crying threatened to run her over once again. This locket had been the receiver of her love for so many years, so many times she had kissed it or just held it, so many times she had poured burning tears onto its polished surface. To get rid of it was like throwing away a part of her own being. Like tearing her love out of her soul.
- I can't take it. - Lantis said with voice as firm as possible - I gave it to you...
- But I don't want it! - Hikaru screamed, cutting him off - I don't want it!
Saying this, she threw the beloved locket away, as if it very touch burned her. And she run away, unable to keep herself from falling apart. She didn't want to show the magic swordsman the sad sight of her deep affliction. He was not to blame on this. She had been silly, she had fallen in love and she dared to dream that he would love her back. The blurred images of Zagato and princess Emeraude popped in her mind, it's been a long time since she thought about them. She killed them. And her punishment was to fall in love with her victim's brother. She should have never forgotten them. Now they came to take revenge.
Lantis made no effort to hold back the girl neither he tried to go after her. He needed no further explanations. She didn't want his gift, she didn't feel worthy of such a present. He already knew she didn't love him, she loved someone else. But to face the hard truth had been much harder of what he had though in the beginning.
A solitary tear slipped slowly down his impassive cheek. He would have wanted to scream, to hit somebody or something, any thing that helped him to relieve so much suffering. But he just couldn't. The same as that other time, when he knew about his brother's death, the cry consumed all his energy, he couldn't even move. He could only stare at the floor, while other tears quietly followed the first one. To his feet lay the locket that had belonged to his mother. It was broken. Like his heart.
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Guru Clef plumped heavily into his seat. He had too many problems inside his mind. The next arrival of the invited coming from all the planets, the habitual affairs concerning the Kingdom, the mysterious return of the Magic Knight and now Ferio was also giving him trouble. How will all that end up? He was really worried. Since Hikaru, Umi and Fuu were here, everything was upside down. To make things worse, Presea had conceived that crazy idea of abandoning Cefiro. And this made the mage feel quite unhappy. All the other dilemmas disappeared before the thought of losing the artisan. Even the threat of a possible war diminished in the face of the fear that had assaulted him suddenly.
A soft knock at the door came to aid him, taking him momentarily out of the unwanted anguish currently hunting him down.
- Come in. - he answered distracted.
One of the wooden halves opened up to reveal the slender figure of the wind knight. Guru Clef watched her thoroughly and he was surprised when he didn't find any prints of tears on her eyes. However, her expression was sorely blank, as if she was making a great effort to keep it this way.
- Oh, Fuu. Sit down. What can I do for you?
The girl hesitated, probably meditating if she should sit down or not, or maybe evaluating some deeper thoughts. She finally sat down, thinking that it would be better this way, since what she was about to say was not easy at all. And just in case she'd fall apart, so be it, she would be seated.
- You asked us to come to see you. - she started - I know Umi was already here. So you can go on with me.
- Mmm... - the master mage was even more surprised at the girl's integrity, he just couldn't stop thinking how she had just given up the love of her life - Well, there are some questions I need...
- It won't be necessary. - Fuu interrupted him in a sudden impulse - You see, Guru Clef, I have to tell my terrible secret...
To be continued...
Next chapter: Duty (Part 2)