Ok, so here we go again! I truly hope I?m not very late this time, right? Hum, I don?t like to rush this kind of stuff, but since so many people were bashing at me for being late, well, I hurried with this one, lol. Just to show you how much I love you all!
kalen1: Well... I could take your offer of being Lantis date... but no. If things come to that, I?ll walk him in myself! Or out to his room... huh, I?ll just figure out something, so don?t worry. And thanks for the applauses, lol. I don?t really think I deserve them, but it?s always nice to get them! I wrote a full scrip for this one before starting the actual story, that?s how I planned to keep consistency. Even if this fic is almost plotless, lol. Hope the cliffie didn?t kill you though...
Graysky: Hehe, you sure make me think sometimes with your questions. However, I have to say I planned to answer all of them! Some in this chappie, some later on. And, ok, you can have Eagle (right, as if he was mine to give in the first place, lol) Here you go, so that you can keep your sanity, k?
catgirl Serenity: I just have to say one word: torture! And I?m really enjoying to be the executioner... Just don?t go insane before it?s over!
chatterbox-hikaru13 aka hikaru29: Yes, I?m cruel. But still, more cheesiness just for you! And don?t worry, I would never be THAT cruel.
jen: Huh... you didn?t miss the secret. I just want people to be miserable to the end! MUAHAHAHAHA. Ahem... anyway, just be patient, and the secret will be revealed soon!
Liadel: Perfect? Oh, god... thanks a lot - tears ? Just for that, I?m gonna make them end together! Or maybe not... just j/k!
Jusuchina: Part 2, just for you! Jeez, this is going to be longer than what I thought. Dunno know if that?s a good thing though...
Lanrete: Hi, girly! What you say is I?m getting better at cliffies? Oh, yeah, evil cliffies are good! You have been giving a few thoughts to this little ficcy of mine, ne? I think your questions should be answered lately as well. And, nope... I guess you?ll be somehow disappointed with this one chapter. Maybe. Ja ne!
Atrilial; Oh, yeah! Few people really understand how sweet he is! People like us, mmmm. Oh, and it?s not gonna work, the tickle attack, I mean. I?m not ticklish! But since I?m sooooo nice, here goes the next chapter!
Mimiluv: Ok, ok, here you go! But I bet your next review, if I ever get it, is gonna be so similar to this one... you?ll see what I mean.
Lady Ronin Tiger: The big mess...! Huh, I mean, the ball continues! But things get even messier, lol! Just can?t tell I didn?t warn you...
SeEkInGrEvEnGe: Hum... thanks? Hehehe, I really love mushy stuff, no matter how much I try to write something different, stuff always comes out this mushy, lol. However... I can?t allow you to shoot my leading male... I?D KILL YOU FIRST!!! Ahem, that said, thanks a lot! Here?s the update!
Bunny Fuu Fuu: Thanks! I?m back for good, see? Oh, and thanks for not hating me, it means a lot to me! ? huggles back -
hikarustar: Thanks! Oh, you?re right. Poor Eagle, ne? However, I do have plans for him. But don?t be afraid, I?ll give him a nice ending. I promise.
'karu-chan: I warn you, keep your foot away from his nice ass, cause as long as this fic is going, he is MINE! Other than that, you have nothing to worry about. I won?t discontinue this fic!
Syv: Hi! - waves ? Why don?t we just pass a hat so that we can buy him a very-obvious-easy-to-shove-in-his-face clue? LOL! Anyways, thanks a lot! Syv IS a lot shorter than Syvonair, lol!
cassie: Oh, thanks. I promise I?ll make them end up together, k?
Ok, people, just before you skip to the good part, thanks a lot again for reading me! I really love you all! And don?t forget I only own the almost inexistent plot in this one! If I had money enough, I?d make sure I buy a couple of bishies...or maybe a dozen...
Just read and enjoy!
Battling emotions
Chapter XIV
The ball (Part 2)
A slight smile slowly formed on Fuu's face as she listened to the chatter of Fahrem's royal princess. She was endlessly going about how happy she was for this reunion, how much she had missed her friend, how many times she feared the Magic Knight will never come back to Cefiro and other generalities that kept her listeners nodding from time to time with more or less interested expressions.
- But you're finally back! - the princess clapped AGAIN - That's more than enough to celebrate!
- Indeed, Princess Aska. - Fuu agreed kindly - it is wonderful to be here, having fun with all of you...
The Wind Knight almost bit her lips upon saying this. She regretted a lot to have to lie to the young regent of Fahrem, who she considered her friend. However, her personal problems had to be kept out of this party. Everything that was happening was for the well-being of Cefiro, and she didn't plan to intervene in any way. This certainly allowed her escape from the trouble of having to reveal the painful secret she hid in her heart to the person who was to hurt more if such thing would ever reach his ears. At least that was relieving.
Standing next to Fuu's seat, Geo threw stealthy looks to the room door. To come to the ball with one of the Magic Knights had not been his idea. Hikaru and Eagle had convinced him into it, without knowing or perhaps knowingly that he couldn't possibly show up accompanying Princess Tatra. Such a thing would have been extremely suspicious, even more keeping in mind that both Kings and Queen of Chizeta were present. The most curious thing is that Zazu, the first candidate they thought, rejected the offer alleging that he already had a date. Could that be? And where was Tatra? And who would come with her? His impatience was beginning to grow. The sad resignation his partner showed in her face was really admirable, but he didn't have the nerve, or rather the endurance to imitate her. He was not very sure of being able to show a calm face the moment he see his princess enter accompanied by another man. Too bad this will happen anyway, much to his grief. What was taking her so long?
- Fuu! - the Water Knight called out, coming closer to the group followed by Ascot and interrupting princess Aska's cheerful jabber, who took advantage to escape toward the nearest table with Sang Yung - What do you think? They did a wonderful job with this place, didn't they?
The blonde agreed with a quite natural smile.
- And did you see Clef? - Umi whispered in a much lower voice - I hardly recognized him!
- Guru Clef? I don't think I've seen him...
- He's over there, in that corner, chatting with Presea... - Ascot pointed out unwillingly when hearing the Wind Knight's question.
- That's Guru Clef? - Fuu blinked astonished - No wonder I didn't identify him... but he's not the only one who's changed... isn't that Lantis over there?
Umi turned around to the direction indicated by her friend to actually see the magic swordsman standing at the entrance of the ball room.
- I didn't know he had other than black clothes... - the Water Knight mumbled gruffly - But what I'm really curious about is that mysterious girlfriend Hikaru told us he has... I'll get a bit closer and see what I can find out. Are you coming with me, Ascot?
Before the boy could say something, Umi had already dragged him closer to the door, just on time to hear how Lantis planned to leave because he could not enter alone. This astonished both girl and her companion, for different reasons though.
- Can't we make an exception? - Lafarga murmured hesitant.
- We shouldn't... - Caldina answered of the same guise - Besides, he doesn't seem very interested...
Indeed, the lonely guest would have left not to assist the event, if a screechy voice had not stopped him dead in his tracks, in turn giving massive headache to all the poor souls gathered near enough.
- Lantis! Here you are! When did you come back from that horrid planet without trees? Why did nobody tell me? Oh, Lantis, Lantis!
The dancer and both swordsmen shared confused looks, their faces distorted as their eardrums continued to recover from the high pitch that had just hurt them. Flying above their heads was the tiny owner of that voice.
- Primera! - Caldina exclaimed - I was already wondering why you haven't showed up lately! I ended up thinking that you had left to Autozam for good...
- What are you talking about! - the small pixie made a haughty expression of disgust - I have nothing to do with that place... so all I could do was stay around and wait patiently for the return of my dear Lantis...
The magic swordsman, who hadn't spoken half a word meanwhile, attempted a retreat movement again, only to be stopped one more time by the screams of his eternal pursuer.
- Lantis! Where do you go? Isn't there a big party today?
- He cannot attend. - Caldina hurried to explain, fearing the pixie to continue screeching if she didn?t receive any answer - You can only enter the ball if you have a date, and as you can see, he's all alone.
- Alone? - Primera repeated with a grimace - Don't I count then? My Lantis will never be alone, not if I can say something about it! Let's go, Lantis! - and with no further explanation, she settled glumly on the magic swordsman's shoulder.
Caldina and Lafarga looked each other once again, as wondering if that kind of couple could be really considered as such. On the other hand, Lantis battled for an instant the temptation to curse Primera for her bad timing. After all, there was a part of him that wanted to thank her. And he no longer had an alibi to avoid his promise to Guru Clef. So he strode forward into room, accompanied by a very satisfied Primera and passing without stopping to look at the place where Umi and Ascot stood. Place close enough for them to listen to the whole conversation.
- Now this is really odd... - the magic knight mumbled.
- Why? - Ascot was surprised - Ever since Lantis returned for the first time from Autozam, after the Pillar?s fall, Primera has always been with him.
- That's not what I'm talking about. - Umi shrugged - The truth is that I expected to see him come with a woman... well, someone of normal size... you know...
Unexpectedly, the boy's face reflected even more astonishment.
- I'd never thought of that... - he admitted pensive - But now that you mention it, I don't remember seeing him with any woman... Except Caldina, or Presea, or the Princesses of Chizeta, but nothing like what you call girlfriend... it's not that I usually pay attention to this kind of thing... but...
- Don't worry; it's not that important, I guess. - the magic knight smiled when seeing as Ascot was all flushed and making a mess to explain something so simple. Perhaps precisely for that reason she was so surprised when facing the question that her appeased response caused.
- I'm making a fool of myself, right?
Umi could do nothing but to blink, more confused by the hurting expression she contemplated now than by the words she had just heard. Odd enough, something inside her was rebelling against that pain. She didn't understand it very well, but just then she'd have given anything to see him smile. And his eyes... why did he hide them from her?
- Why do you say that? - she inquired trying unsuccessfully to find a breach in the brown hair that covered the summoner's boyish face.
- Because in spite of everything, I keep hanging onto you. - he answered, his sight apparently lost in the multitude that populated the ball room - Because even knowing that you only like me as a friend, my feelings for you continue to grow. Because even knowing that I should, I can't push you away.
- Ascot... - the knight gently forced him to turn his face towards her, at the same time that her hands uncovered his emerald green pupils with a delicate movement -... look at me.
And what else could he do but being slowly intoxicated with her beauty? Ah, it was not fair that she was so beautiful, it was impossible for someone as insignificant as him to be able to win her heart some day. She deserved better. She deserved all. And however, she was so nice to him, she treated him like a dear friend... and then again, she was so beautiful he could help but feeling helpless. She could black out his mind just like that; he never knew what to do when she was around. He could only stare at her... and blush like the idiot he was.
- You don't look fool to me at all. - Umi smiled again, her mind registering for the first time that the boy had gorgeous eyes and being surprised of having not noticed them before - The truth is I... all the things that I think of you are good.
But what was happening to her? She felt so light, so at ease. She couldn't remember anything like this in her past, not even in the same company. No doubt about it, there was something different in the atmosphere, something she didn't know to explain and she couldn't quite bring herself to understand. Something exciting, that made her heart beat faster and provoked a flight of butterflies within her. What was it? What was happening?
- Umi... Umi... - Ascot couldn't help but to wrap the girl in his arms, not daring to pull her to his chest like he'd have wished - It doesn't really matter if you only like me as a friend, I will never stop loving you. Whenever you need me, in any circumstance, I will always be by your side. My only ambition is that you are happy, and if it somehow depends on me that you are so, I'll do anything, even if it means that I have to let you go.
Umi stared at him dumbfounded, not hiding her amazement. She never thought Ascot could talk to her like that, so straightforward and determined. She knew very well he was not good with words due to his shy personality. Those she had just heard came straight from his heart, which made them much more meritorious in her opinion. A warm sensation traveled the girl's body and a sweet smile appeared on her lips. So this was what it felt like to be loved...
She was about to say something, when suddenly a inhuman sound pierced her hearings with such strength she had to cover them with her hands to try and silence it. The loose hug Ascot kept around her waist instinctively became more protective, while his face contorted in a pained grimace. However, and luckily enough, the strident noise didn't last much, so Umi shoot a scared look at her surroundings to discover everyone in the room bore expressions more or less altered by fear or astonishment.
- What the hell was that? - the magic knight mumbled hardly recovering from the impression, when she noticed mixed recognition and concern on her partner's face.
- Celica... - Ascot answered in the same tone, releasing her unwillingly and heading toward the door in a rush - I have to go and see what happens to her.
- But... - Umi began, only to be cut off again.
- Don't worry. - the boy assured looking at her briefly above his shoulder - Tell Guru Clef there's nothing to be afraid of. Everything will be fine. I'll just go and check my friend.
For an instant, the magic knight hesitated between her wish of following him and the obligation of informing and calming everyone. However, she didn't have to give it too much thought, since Guru Clef himself approached her hurriedly, along with Presea, Lantis and Primera.
- Where did Ascot go? - the master mage inquired - That high-pitched screech right now sounded like one of his creatures.
- And what a horrible sound! - Presea added - It gives me the goose bumps just to think about it...
- He told me he was going to check. - Umi mumbled an answer attempt, her eyes still fixed on the door the boy had recently crossed. Then, shaking herself off her distracted daze, the magic knight straightened up a bit and indulged on a better explanation - Ascot went to see what's wrong with his friend. He asked me to tell you that there'd be no danger, Clef. Please, go and calm down everybody, tell them we're taking care of that problem. And now, if you excuse me...
She didn't say more. Ascot had asked her not to worry, but she couldn't help it. There was something oppressing her heart, like an ill omen. And she didn't plan to stay there to wait and see what happened, so she left to follow his trail and headed towards the highest spot of the tower where she knew she would find him.
- I hope there's really no problem... - Presea mumbled worriedly, now her eyes glued to the door the couple had used to exit the room.
Guru Clef was about to answer, when he was interrupted by Fuu and Geo's arrival.
- Is there something wrong, Guru Clef? - the magic knight asked - Everyone in the room were scared with that screech. If there's any danger...
- It's only one of Ascot's friends. - the mage assured her - He will take care of that. He had always been very skillful with those creatures.
- Celica... - Lantis said, talking to no one in particular - Wasn't that the creature that was pregnant?
- Can you recognize it by its voice? - Presea asked in surprise - I thought only Ascot was that familiarized with them...
- By its aura. - the magic swordsman answered curtly.
- By its aura? - Fuu repeated not really understanding.
- Lantis' mental powers exceed those of most of the cefirians. - Guru Clef explained, certain pride seeping from his voice while talking about his former pupil - Even in this mass of people, he is able to identify each one of them separately with his eyes closed, thanks to the vital essence that surrounds them. Am I right?
The magic swordsman nodded for all answer.
- Isn't that great? - Primera boasted, still seating on his shoulder.
- It's very interesting... - the wind knight muttered, leaving the rest of the group not quite understanding what she meant.
However, nobody asked her for an explanation, whether because they didn't plan to do so, or because they were interrupted by Eagle and Hikaru.
- Lantis! - the Autozamian Commander exclaimed, visibly upset - What was that? Was it a monster? Are we under attack?
The magic swordsman prepared to answer in the shorter way possible that there was not threat or anything to worry about, but his senses played a trick on him. Before his lips could articulate the first word, his eyes, much quicker, stopped in the figure of the fire knight. And every word was forgotten, replaced by an image that was worth more than thousands of sentences.
As strange as it might seem, Hikaru's dress had turned out to be immaculately white. Caldina had made big efforts, and each time it had emerged impeccable, different in design but the same in color. The final option covered the girl as petals, making her resemble the most exquisite and innocent flower. As if this was not enough, Umi had also taken great pains in making out the best of the beautiful and amazingly long red hair that flowed like a river down her half covered back, barely held by a tiny crown of snowy flowers.
- It's just one of Ascot's creatures. - Lantis answered without batting an eyelid, the instant he had lacked words too short to be noticed by the rest. - Guru Clef, I'll see if he needs help.
The mage nodded and the swordsman retreated with underhanded hurry. His self control was still strong and he had just tested it, but he didn't plan to tempt his luck any further. Or rather, his heart.
- I'm coming with you! - Eagle said all of a sudden - Would you wait for me here, Hikaru? I'm sure it won't take us long.
- I... - the redhead began to say, but she trailed off when a very significant sign from Fuu told her that it was better if the guys left, so that they could speak about something apparently very urgent and private.
- I'll have a chat with the guests then. - Guru Clef announced - It's not convenient to let them worry for no reason.
And saying this he left accompanied by Presea, whose hand never left the mage's arm even for an instant, leaving the two magic knights alone.
- What did you want to tell me? - Hikaru asked with no little curiosity - What did Ferio do when he saw you? And where's Geo?
- Huh? He was here right now... - Fuu looked around to check that, indeed, they were as alone as one could be in a room full of people - Well... Ferio... it's wrong of me to say this, but I do believe he was impressed. But that doesn't really matter now. What I meant to tell you is that I've just heard something really interesting about Lantis...
The very name was enough to make the redhead shiver from head to toe. She had gone through great pains to act naturally in his presence. She was lucky she didn't have to speak though, and his choice of clothing was not helpful at all. She would die in utter embarrassment if she had to admit it, but her eyes were inexorably going after him, glued to his handsome form whenever he was near enough or even in sight range.
- What did you hear about him? - she asked trying to get the image of her beloved magic swordsman out of her head, and an alarming idea assaulted her at once - Is something wrong with him? Does he have any problem?
- No, no, not at all, not that I know of. - Fuu smiled sweetly seeing her friend worry about the man she loved even if he was to love someone else. Not that she herself was very different, for that matter... She sighed slightly to this thought and explained to Hikaru what she had just heard about mental powers and vital essences.
- Oh, that's right. - the redhead agreed with pensive expression - Lantis can do that kind of things with that mind of his. It's quite impressive.
- Yes, indeed. - the wind knight granted - But if that's the way it is, then there's something very odd in all this...
- What do you mean, Fuu?
- You see, you told us how Lantis declared to have kissed you while mistaking you for some other person, is that it?
Hikaru reddened at the memory and only nodded her head affirmatively.
- And how could that be, if he is able to identify people by their auras? - Fuu continued to reason - Guru Clef did say "with his eyes closed". Isn't that the same thing as in the dark? How could he ignore your aura, if being the last Pillar of this planet, your vital essence and your magic is so strong that sometimes even I am able to sense it?
- That's right! - the redhead exclaimed, possessed by sudden excitement - But then... why? Perhaps he made a mistake?
- It is possible... but I don't think it's very probable. We are talking about a person with great magic powers; I'm not sure how wide they are though. - the wind knight shrugged - So there's only a possible explanation I can think of...
- And that is...? - Hikaru urged her to continue.
- Lantis lied. - Fuu declared without hesitation - He knew it was you, and he hid that fact deliberately.
- But... why? - the fire knight mumbled, her face reflecting her confusion - Why would Lantis lie? Why...?
ºººººººººº
- What are you running away from?
The magic swordsman looked sideways at Eagle. As if what he had to endure was not enough, he was now pursued with indiscreet questions. If he asked was because he knew, and if he knew, then why the hell was he asking for? A busybody as always.
- Don't tell me that a pretty and innocent girl such as Hikaru frightens you... - the autozamian suggested with a snicker.
Lantis frowned and pressed his fists into balls strongly, but still he didn't reply to the open provocations. He was not in the mood to play these games.
- Come on, Lantis; don't tell me you didn't notice her. Come on, admit it. You don't win anything trying to hide that fact!
- You should know by now I'm not interested in that kind of stuff. - the magic swordsman stopped and turned around to look at Eagle with reproachful eyes. Have the entire Cefiro plotted to torment him? So it seemed...
- Right! - Primera supported, now threateningly hovering in front of the autozamian's face - Why would Lantis be interested in that magic knight?
Before some of them could answer, they heard another screech, which scared the tiny pixie to the utmost. So she quickly decided that it was the best for her to hide in some safe place ?til danger was gone.
- It's getting worse. - the magic swordsman muttered starting towards the tower stairs again.
- And we're closer too... - Eagle added - Man, and I didn't bring any of my toys to the ball, thinking that they wouldn't be necessary...
- They won't be necessary - Lantis shrugged - unless you have something useful for a birth.
- Birth? - the autozamian blinked with a smile - No, I don't think I have something for that. And I didn't know you to be a specialist in this subject, by the way.
- Don't talk nonsense.
- Nonsense? - Eagle arched an eyebrow with malicious expression - It seems that all I say is nonsense or things of little importance for all you care. Really, honestly, can you tell me that Hikaru is one of those things to you? Can you really keep your eyes off her?
- I know her by heart. - Lantis answered, understanding the full extent of his own words after having spoken them out.
- Excuse me? - the smile in the autozamian's face grew. Finally, the slip he had been waiting and working for.
However, the swordsman didn't try to mend his own mistake.
- To answer to your questions and to finish once and for all with this silly interrogation. No, Hikaru doesn't scare me. What scares me is to love her too much knowing that she's not mine. That's what I run away from, that and myself. And yes, I did notice her, but as I previously told you, the kind of things you refer to doesn't have the slightest importance to me, because they don't influence the person or the feeling. It's like dressing up a flower to increase its perfume. A futile effort.
Astonishment stopped Eagle dead in his tracks, while he watched the white cape fade away in the darkness of the corridor. The last thing he expected from a person that serious and cold was such a speech. Did the cefirian realize the implicit romanticism in what he had just said? He always knew it, Lantis was a romantic fool! Nevertheless, in the whole time they've known each other, he had never been able to provoke him to this extent. Such was Hikaru's rule over him.
- Hey! Wait for me! - he run after the now barely visible shade of white, not wanting to let the occasion to bother his friend go by - Is it that hard to admit she's really pretty tonight?
The magic swordsman moved his head resignedly, but he didn't say anything. It was plain to see, there was no way to get rid of Eagle's meddling. But he didn't plan to continue this conversation, he had already said more than what he should. No one had to find out about the many times he had dreamt of Hikaru's hair just as he had seen it today or with a dress like that one or... other equally futile things he should better not even think about.
- When are you going back to Autozam? - he asked to change the topic.
- In about two or three days. - the autozamian granted him the switch, understanding that he wasn't going to get more from Lantis than what he had already told him. - Why?
- If that's so, then we won't travel together this time.
- Huh? - Eagle thought he had just heard wrong - Are you leaving Cefiro?
- Tomorrow.
- Where to?
- Where the road takes me.
- Why?
Both looked at each other for an instant, their eyes meeting, each attempting to penetrate the intentions of the other. But this time Lantis didn't have to answer either. Another howl was thrown to the wind, this time accompanied by Umi's anguished scream. Both run the space that separated them from the small room after whose door they could hear muffled fight noises. So they opened it without calling.
In the floor, Ascot tried to contain the creature that twisted and kicked in pain fits, throwing wags all over the place. On the other hand, Umi was hardly able to escape the kicks of the enormous beast in such a reduced space.
- Eagle! Lantis! - the magic knight screamed while avoiding an enormous paw - She's gone mad! Ascot can't hold her down or calm her. She?s gonna hurt him or her own baby!
None of the recently arrived needed further explanations, so they both rushed to hold the creature down. However, their presence caused a distraction on Umi's side so that she didn't see the animal's gigantic tail swing towards her until it was already too late for her to avoid the blow. Panicked, she could only close her eyes...
But the blow she waited never came. Afraid of having lost the notion of time or something else, the girl opened her blue eyes cautiously, to see that Eagle and Lantis had been able to calm the creature a bit, or at least to contain her. And Ascot? Where was Ascot? She didn't have to investigate much further to discover him lying at her feet. So that was the reason why she was never hit. He had intervened, protecting her with his own body. She leaned on his immobile figure to try to help him up, thinking he was just stunned. And that was when she discovered a puddle of blood beginning to form in the floor.
- Ascot? - Umi called softly, not getting any answer - Ascot!
She shook him a little harder, but the boy didn't react. Terrified, not really stopping to think twice, the magic knight knelt down to his side and hugged him to her chest, not really caring about the stains that immediately began to cover her lovely blue dress, of blood spilled because of her.
- Ascot? - she tried to wake him up again, with no result.
Without her actually noticing it or wanting it, tears began to spring from her eyes, while ideas and flashbacks paraded on her mind. The times when he had helped her, whenever he had protected her, even the moments when they had fought. And above all, that warm feeling of knowing he loved her.
- Ascot?
He didn't reply. And she'd have given anything to see those emerald eyes open up, those eyes she had just though of as gorgeous. Right then, a single look would have been enough to relieve the anguish currently invading her, the impotence of seeing him lifeless in her arms and not to be able to do anything. Could this be love? If that's what it was... then she loved him with all her heart, never before the perspective of losing someone had scared her this much, not even with Guru Clef, who she had a crush on for such a long time. This was completely different. Stronger. Deeper, more desperate. And what if Ascot didn't open his eyes again? What if she never got to talk to him about this newly found feeling of hers? What if she could never see him smile or blush again? Never again? No!
- Ascot!!
To be continued...