Editors note(lol): I apologize to the people who read this before I had the chance to fix 's evilness. Which reminds me not to use html format ever again. Hopefully, it's fixed now. Sumimasen!
Hiya, peeps! And Happy New to you all! Here I am, back at last… Hum, I just hope it didn't take me too long, ne? You know, the parties and such… my mom wouldn't let me write! Anyways, let's see what my faithful reviewers thought of last time I was around…
spacefairy269: Ok, I'm really glad you like it… but really, you are bold to say you rather see Hikaru end up with Eagle (I can see at least a dozen angry faces when reading this) Hum, dunno, I'm not decided yet. But concerning Ascot, I can definitely help you!
Mira33: Not sure if this was soon enough. Jeez, I really have to finish this! Anyway, thanks a lot for saying this is the best! Arigatou!
Agent V: Too bad, I have lots of cats… (yeah, no kidding) But don't worry; I don't really like depressing stuff. There, I even gave you a hint… Happy now?
huda: Well, that's so nice of you to think my story is not boring!! Thank you! What else can I ask for?
chatterbox-hikaru13: Ahem, I'm evil. MUHAHAHAHA! And I love evil cliffies!!! When I'm the one who does them, that is. So, I think you're going to be delighted with Ascot-Clef solution. However… I'm afraid you'll feel the same you felt the last chapter. You'll see what I mean…
Lanrete: So you don't think Eagle would snicker? Hum, gotta think about that… Ok, time up, this is not the last time you'll see someone be a BIT OOC in this fic, that's for sure. I just try to avoid the VERY OOC category. And thanks! I bet you liked that little cliché, ne? I sure tried hard to make that cliché sound the best possible. Hope I tried hard enough to make it at least nice to read. Thanks again! (hugs back)
Blacklotusblossom: You hate me? Waaaaa! I feel so hurt! Do you want me to stop writing this fic? Do you, do you, DO YOU? Hehehe, j/k. I really want to live…
LittleFlower9: Some questions will be answered, and some others… well, not just yet. Thanks a lot for your nice words! Fantastic is to say a lot… Oh, gosh, I love this reviews… sniff, sniff
Mimiluv: Tough luck, I can do whatever I want! It is after all MY story! Hehehe, don't worry, I'm not such a heartless person, you know? Oh, btw, weren't you asking about Ferio? Here's the answer too…
Jusuchina: Action, hehehe, more action here! And tears, and… well, I won't spoil! You'll have to read! As for Lantis and Hikaru… oh, well, I just want to make that guy suffer a little more. I know, I'm evil… I'm so evil!
Candyland: Awwww, thanks! I love cookies! In return, I'll give you… another cliffie! Yay! Oh, and Fuu's secret… let me check the script… hum, not yet. Too many things to work out before that, sorry. People to hook up, you know? But you'll know, eventually! Isn't that good?
kalen1: You really are in love with da man, aren't you? Too bad he's mine… I mean, Hikaru's... I almost had to study psychology to write that piece out. Ouch, my poor brain. I just can't keep this going to long, just 3 more chapters… I think.
Kaoru4: Ok, ok, you'll have to read, cause I won't spoil. Thanks for your review!
Ok, so that was it! Thank you so much, I love you all! Before I go, just to remind you that I don't own a thing! As you can see, especially in this chapter, Rayearth will be incredibly mushy if I owned anything. Not sure how bad is that though… Anyways, just read and enjoy!
Battling Emotions
Chapter XV
The dance (Part 3)
Guru Clef held his temples with urgency when receiving the anguish wave that reverberated in the air. If Presea haven't been there to hurry up and help him when she saw him stagger, he'd have probably ended up in the floor, virtually demolished by the deep feeling that had suddenly reached him.
- Clef? - the artisan watched him without hiding her concern, a light blush appearing in her cheeks when realizing how close their bodies were - What's going on? Are you alright?
The master mage didn't respond immediately, busy as he was in determining the source of that wave and in not letting it knock him down in its intensity, at the same time that one of his arms leaned shakily on Presea's bare shoulders and his other hand continued to rub his temples.
- Umi… Ascot… - he answered after brief seconds - Something is wrong…
When she heard the Magic Knight's name, the artisan couldn't help but frown. Much to her own grief, she had fallen once again in the vicious circle of her false hopes. But not anymore, she told herself while she held the Guru with great difficulty, her decision was already made. She wasn't going to stay in Cefiro to continue living this endless agony. This one should be the last night, and only a miracle could make her change her mind.
- I'll go and see what's going on. - Clef said finally pulling himself together.
And without more hesitation he produced his magic staff out of thin air, vanishing altogether with it almost in that same instant, to materialize seconds later inside the room where Eagle and Lantis still held down the pained creature and Ascot lay in Umi's arms, both in the middle of a bloody mess.
- Clef! - the Magic Knight screamed, as she was the first one to see him - Please, do something!
When saying this, all her gestures showed the terror that provoked in her the state of the lifeless boy. The master mage didn't waste time to get closer to them and he leaned to place his fingers on the summoner's forehead. During the whole process, Umi didn't stop to watch him with visible anxiety, her turning now to one, now to other one, but her heart always in the same place.
- Is he…? - she didn't dare to finish the sentence. The mere idea was hideous enough as to silence her.
- Alive. - Guru Clef assured with a smile - A bit weak, but alive. I think I got here right on time.
The end of the staff still on his hands shone with a blinding light and before anyone around them could describe or to understand what had just happened, the ominous blood stain growing in the floor under their feet disappeared without trace.
- Ascot? - Umi mumbled when seeing that even her own dress glittered back in all its splendour, but at the same time fearful that she might not get any answer.
- Umi… are you alright?
Slowly, the boy's eyes opened up to fix a hazy look on the Water Knight. What he never expected waited was to find himself suddenly wrapped in a tight hug.
- Silly, more than silly! Of course I'm alright! - Umi cried again, this time on the summoner's shoulder - Why did you do that? You really scared me!
Guru Clef's smile grew when seeing that his healing powers had worked out perfectly one more time.
- Are you alright? - he asked turning towards Eagle and Lantis.
- We'll survive. - the magic swordsman answered with a grunt.
- In the end, Lantis turned out to be an expert… - the autozamian pointed out with a gleeful smirk.
Of course, he was talking about the small creature that writhed and kicked in the arms of his taller friend, while the new mother observed them with exhausted and attentive eyes, but without any signs of fear or distrust.
Guru Clef couldn't help but to laugh when seeing the expression on his former disciple's stern face, and how odd he looked while holding that tiny body in his long arms. On the other hand, the swordsman mumbled his displeasure with what his companions found so amusing and he hurried to place the little one beside its mother, who received it with a display of affection that seemed completely impossible in such an enormous and powerful beast.
- I think we better go back to the ball room, - the master mage suggested - since we're no longer need here and we only disturb the mother and her newborn. And not only them...
- Of course. - Eagle agreed with serene smile, immediately heading towards the door - Hikaru must be worried…
Without saying word, Lantis followed him, not before making sure with his piercing eyes that both creatures were alright, and that Ascot's wounds had been effectively healed. In the same way, Clef addressed a brief glance to the couple still in the same position, Umi sobbing silently in the boy's arms; and then he disappeared of the room, as if he had never been there.
- Can you walk? - the magic knight asked moving a bit backwards, only realizing that they were practically alone when the mage's presence vanished in the air.
- I think so… - Ascot answered as he stood up slowly.
- What you did was extremely dangerous. - Umi nagged, ready to hold him if he was to falter.
- I'm sorry… - the boy lowered his head and blushed as a kid caught in the middle of his prank - But… once I promised that I'd protect you and that's what I'll do, whenever I have the chance to…
- Even if it means to risk your own life? - tears threatened to appear once again in the turquoise colored eyes of the Water Knight.
- Even so. - Ascot nodded without a second of hesitation, a light smile brightening up his face.
No being able to hold it back, Umi hugged the summoner, who had to lean against the wall not to fall and bring down the girl with him.
- Don't you ever say that again! Never, never! If something happened to you, I… I…!
Ascot's smile became wider. Of course, he understood the feeling stirring up within his beloved knight. She always seemed so strong, so arrogant. But in fact, to feel responsible again of someone's misfortune could crush her down easily. This he had known for a long time and he understood it perfectly. What didn't seem too clear for him was the reason why she was trying to explain to him something so obvious. Unless…
When the idea of guilt and fear having little or anything to do with Umi's apparent anger downed on him, an unexpected blush lit the boy's cheeks. And he could only blink his astonishment when seeing that his face was not the only one that burned in the room. No, no, that couldn't be. Or could it…?
-… I couldn't take it. - the magic knight finished letting out a long sigh, apparently more inspired than scared by her companion's silence. She always thought that the day she had to admit her feelings to someone, she'd go straight to the point and not beat around the bush. But it was not so easy after all, at least for her. Even Ascot, who had renowned fame of being shy, had managed to confess more or less straightforwardly. And all she was going to give him as an answer was that
Before any other thought could come to make her determination fade, Umi tip toed a bit and placed a fleeting kiss in the boy's lips, remembering in turn how he had done something similar a few days ago. Only she didn't plan to run away…
She didn't have to wait much for the reaction to show up. Ascot's blush grew from a light shade of pink to dark crimson, as he tried to understand the reasons behind such unexpected behaviour and he stared at the magic knight in bewilderment. She answered to this with a smile and she discovered one more time his emerald-like eyes with hands a bit unsure. Ah, yes. There it was again, that sweet and warm sensation soaring through her body, the crazed butterflies flying about on her stomach. This could be nothing but love.
- I could not take it. - the magic knight reaffirmed, while the boy's arms closed unconsciously around her waist - I… I… I think I'm in love with you… only that I almost had to lose you to realize… just look who turned out to be the silliest of us both…
It still took some time for Ascot's mind to fully register what the girl had just said. Nevertheless, that didn't prevent the turquoises shining on her lovely features from hypnotizing him once again. It was so great to have her in his arms, so unbelievable. Under their effect, his lips looked for hers and found them, soft and demanding at the same time. Not great. It was perfect. No, not quite.
It was heavenly.
Slowly, Umi's hands left the summoner's cheeks and crossed on the nape of his neck, successfully shortening the gap between their bodies, not stopping to kiss him even for a second. Never anything had seemed so good to her, so… right. Nowhere, now she finally understood it, there was no better place for her than his arms. The hat that always covered Ascot's head fell to the floor after drifting gently around the couple. And no one bothered to pick it up.
ºººººººººº
As it was common for him to do, Guru Clef's figure suddenly appeared amid the ball room, in the most unexpected place, so the concurrence didn't really seem to mind about it. His eyes scanned the crowd for a moment, until he found the person he was looking for. And he couldn't help but frown when he saw Presea talking with the princesses of Chizeta. He mentally shouted at himself for being a coward and other not so nice words. Was he going to let her go just like that, without a word?
- Presea… - he started to say once he got near enough to the group. However, she didn't give him a chance to go on, immediately turning towards him:
- Clef! We were so worried! What happened? Where are the others? Is everyone alright?
- Yes, yes, it's all settled down now. - the master mage answered, kind of stunned with such an avalanche of questions - It was only a little accident that resulted in Ascot wounded, but he's safe now.
- That's good to hear! - Tarta intervened - Seriously, we were all so worried when you disappeared all of a sudden, Guru Clef.
- Guru Clef! - Hikaru exclaimed as neared them, accompanied by Fuu - Where are the others? Eagle, Lantis…?
- Umi, Ascot? - the Wind Knight finished.
- We're here. - Eagle answered with his everlasting smile, walking towards them with Lantis right behind him - As for the Water Knight and her summoner "friend"… well, I do believe is going to take them a while to show up…
- Lantis! - Hikaru almost screamed - Are you hurt?
All the looks fell on the magic swordsman, whose white clothes sported an ugly looking red stain.
- It's not my blood… - Lantis mumbled through tight teeth, really uncomfortable with all the attention.
The Fire Knight blinked and stared at him in a daze. It was not the first time that something like this happened, right? Deja vu?
- Oh, I'm sorry about that. I was too worried about Ascot... - Guru Clef raised his staff once again. It glowed softly, and the red stain disappeared from swordsman's chest in no time. Everybody quieted down after seeing this, and it didn't escape to Eagle how the redhead let out a sigh of relief.
- Ah, but you should have seen how was it that Lantis' shirt got dirty… - the autozamian said, his smile turning innocent - He looked really cute with the newborn in his arms!
The magic swordsman gave him a warning death glare, which only contributed to make Eagle's expression even more naive-looking.
- Newborn? - Fuu repeated, not quite understanding.
- The monster population inside the castle has just increased. - Guru Clef explained - Celica, one of Ascot's friends, just gave birth to a tiny copy of herself.
- With Lantis' help and the assistance of yours truly! - Eagle added - Now I know this man won't have any problem when he has his own children.
Not really knowing why, Hikaru felt her cheeks burn when hearing this. On the other hand, the magic swordsman turned around and left the group, before his self-control gave in and he ended up choking the autozamian to death.
- There is Geo! - Eagle exclaimed without batting an eyelid after the cefirian's departure. Oh, how he loved to tease his good friend Lantis. It never ceased to amuse him - Are you coming with me, Hikaru, Fuu?
None of the girls complained and they took off with him, leaving behind them an atmosphere of embarrassment.
- Guru Clef, - princess Tatra said, trying to shake off that odd feeling and also to hide her own confusion, all the way wondering why was it that her sister was blushing - Presea was telling us that she plans to move in with us to Chizeta.
- Our planet is small and crowded - Tarta added in a rush - but even so we'd be delighted to have her with us.
- If you excuse me for an instant, princesses. - this was more than enough for the master mage to remember the reason why he had approached them in the first place. Not that he could forget about it so easily, for that matter - Presea, I need to have a word with you.
It was Guru Clef's serious tone what prevented the artisan from refusing to go with him, as it was her initial purpose. She could imagine what this whole chat thing was about. But she wasn't letting him talk her out of it. She was resolved. With that idea in mind, it didn't matter much if he dragged her to a rather lonely corner of the ball room or that he looked at her with reproachful eyes. Only a miracle could make her change her mind. A miracle that was definitely not happening.
- Presea… - the mage started to get her attention, seemingly absorbed by something beyond the wide window next to which they had stopped looking for a minimum of privacy - Do you seriously plan to leave Cefiro?
- Do you think I'm joking? - the answer came quick and almost forced, without even a glance.
- I had the hope that it was only a fleeting whim… - Guru Clef admitted coming imperceptibly closer to her.
The artisan leaned her arms on the windowsill as if the support was strictly necessary for her to stand her ground, this action allowing her to maintain the distance between them. Definitively, this was not a good idea from the very beginning. She should have listened to her good common sense and refrained from coming to this unfortunate ball. However, and after much effort, her face didn't reflect how troubled both her mind and her heart were. She only allowed herself to throw a curious glance to her companion.
- I don't think I'm a whimsical person, Clef.
The master mage cursed to his inside. Why did everything have to be so difficult? He probably had a good part of the blame, of course, since he was the one who left his feelings to the side for so long. His more than 700 years of age and his huge magic powers were good for nothing in this case. He was no different from any other man. A man in love, afraid of losing the object of his love.
- I didn't say you were. - he mumbled slightly annoyed - I just don't feel very thrilled with the whole idea of letting you go.
- You can't stop me. - the artisan shrugged without looking at him.
- Neither can I leave with you and you know it.
- I never asked you to do so.
- That's why I'm the one asking you to stay.
- Give me a good reason.
Guru Clef's mind stopped in this last sentence. Was love a good enough reason? Was he entitled to take away Presea's freedom when she was about to reach it? Perhaps it was not the best way to justify his actions, but he couldn't and he didn't want to lose this woman standing in front of him, cold and proud, seemingly unreachable. A similar attitude from his side had made her suffer day after day, without a real reason. Seeing her like that, so distant but more than anything wounded, he didn't really understand how could he hurt her so much. There were no real walls between them, only those created by his own mind. She loved him and he loved her back. Any other consideration was not really necessary and it never was.
- Maybe this doesn't sound to you like a reason good enough, but I can't think of anything else right now. - the mage said coming even closer to Presea and surrounding her waist with one of his arms, while he used the other one to lean as well against the window - I don't want you to leave.
The first reaction of the artisan was to try and move away from the unexpected contact, but Guru Clef's arm didn't move from its grasp on her waist in spite of her rather weak attempt of escape. It was so convenient that the mage had grown for this occasion; he was not playing fair…
- You are selfish to the very end, Clef. - she mumbled unwillingly, bewildered by the guru's possessive attitude and once again blushing due to the closeness of their bodies. Why did these things happen to her? Honestly, it was not fair.
The magician smiled, his stare fixed on her. He couldn't understand how he could have not noticed Presea for so long. Or pretend he didn't. Probably his child-like body was much less prone to this type of attraction. Yes, that could be it. Because the one he had now was not able to ignore the beauty and sensuality of this woman who shivered lightly with every single touch.
- You're right. - as he spoke, his free hand grabbed the artisan's chin and forced her to turn her brown eyes towards him - If you say that because I want you only for myself, then yes, I'm selfish.
The artisan could have never guessed that Guru Clef was going to kiss her after admitting his supposed selfishness with words that rather sounded like a confession. The idea that maybe he was drunk, just like that other time, appeared on her mind like a dark cloud. But no. His lips didn't taste like alcohol or any other odd substance. As a matter of fact, it was too good to be true! How was she to guess that the master mage had such influence over her that he could make her cry with a single kiss? Oh, but a kiss from him... she had to be a dreaming...
- Please, forgive me. - Clef said suddenly breaking away when he noticed her tears sliding down his own cheeks - I have made you suffer all this years and now I expect for you to forget everything in an instant...
Presea would have gladly said many things, perhaps recriminate him or at least tell him that he had indeed hurt her so deeply with his indifference or maybe that nothing he did could ever make her love for him fade. But words wouldn't come out. There was this huge knot stuck up on her throat and the only thing she could do to try and make it go away was to cry like an idiot.
- Just say you forgive me, please? - the mage mumbled holding her gently to his chest - I promise you I won't ask for more, at least for the time being. Damn, - he cursed, seeing that she didn't stop crying - you don't even have to forgive me if you think I don't deserve it. Just stay, that'll be more than enough.
This time, the tears seemed to give in a bit and the artisan raised her eyes to look at the Guru's face, who looked back at her with evident concern.
- That's better; - he nodded with a small smile - and the other think I'll ask of you is your real name.
The brown orbs reflected astonishment, but once again, Presea pulled herself together even if only a bit after so many emotions.
- I haven't told you I'm staying yet… - she finally articulated, her eyes wandering back beyond the window again, as far as possible from the mage's anxious face - and why do you want to know my name?
Guru Clef's smile grew visibly. He was almost convinced that she would not leave. He only had to press on a little more.
- I refuse to say that I love you using a name that's not yours. - he answered without hesitating, at the same time he gently forced her to turn her face towards him again.
And he immediately congratulated himself for it. The artisan's expression in that moment didn't resemble anything he had seen ever before. She was beautiful, truly beautiful, and the love overflowing her features only helped to increase her beauty. He had been so blind…
- This has to be a joke… - the false Presea muttered, still not wanting to give credit to her own ears, the euphoria that invaded her giving in before the doubt.
- No, it's not. - the mage assured brushing her chin with his thumb - And I'm really sorry that now you have that impression caused by my stubbornness and my stupidity. Just tell me what can I do to make you believe me.
- Sierra… - she whispered with trembling voice. Well, of course she believed in him. It was just too good to be true! - My name is Sierra…
- Sierra… - Guru Clef repeated in the same tone - Very well, Sierra, right now I'll go to that stage over there and I'll tell everyone that we are together and we love each other.
Much to his bewilderment, the artisan's brown eyes filled with tears again, which impelled the mage to crush her to his heart and hug her like there was no tomorrow.
- I must be very stupid if I only know how to make you cry…
-… miracle… - Sierra uttered, her face hidden among Guru Clef's clothes - it's a miracle…
The master mage could only smile for all answer. In the light of the recent events, he couldn't even remember what was it that he was afraid of all those years was. For this love was truly a miracle.
- Alright, Clef. - the artisan told him raising her head and wrapping him in a look that clearly expressed her most intimate feelings - I'll stay here… with you.
The mage would have gladly kissed her then and there, if chance hadn't been against him, bringing Lantis closer to them, again chased by his inseparable Primera, who had appeared once the supposed danger was gone.
- They are waiting for you for Prince Ferio's speech. - the swordsman explained flatly, while noticing the artisan's blush and Guru Clef's sudden annoyance.
- Already? - Sierra clapped, all her being shinning as if it was the best day of her life - I bet everyone should be waiting for his words with anxiety. You go ahead, Clef. I'll take this chance to speak a few minutes with Lantis.
The master mage was taken aback by this, and so he looked at them with suspicion. But not wanting to delay more the most expected moment of the night, he decided to forget his jealousy for the time being and he left to meet Ferio, who waited amid a circle recently formed by the expectant multitude. To his side, princess Tarta and a little behind, both King and Queen of Chizeta, richly dressed.
- Is it starting? - Ascot whispered entering back in the ball room with Umi in that same instant. His question was addressed to Caldina, who was the one nearer to the door, lazily reclined in Lafarga's arms.
When she heard him, the dancer turned around with joyful expression that grew even more when her eyes settled in the intertwined hands of the newly arrived.
- Didn't I tell you, hon? - Caldina purred curling up in the swordmaster's arms, still looking playfully at the couple - Here they are, my little turtledoves!
Lafarga watched them for an instant and then he nodded with a light smile. Once again, the illusionist put her hands in a matter and everything turned out exactly the way she wanted. Those blushing faces were proof enough.
- What happened to your hat, Ascot? - Caldina continued with malicious indiscretion - And what about Umi's make-up? What have you two been doing?
- NOTHING! - the Water Knight exploded, her face red as Hikaru's hair - At least, not what you're thinking!
- Really? - the dancer winked at Ascot who answered her with a shy smile - And what is it that you think that I'm thinking?
- Knowing you, nothing good!
Both men laughed, while the dancer came momentarily off the arms of the swordsman and she walked to Umi with affected coquetry.
- Don't worry. - she smiled hugging the surprised girl - Now we're almost like sisters! As for the thoughts inside this beautiful head… well, I'm sure you guys were doing something veeeeeeeeeery good… otherwise, it wouldn't had taken you so long!
- What! - the Water Knight reddened again - We were only kissing!
- Nice, huh? - this time Caldina was the one who laughed.
Oddly enough, the blush on Umi's cheeks grew even more as she realized she had just said what the dancer wanted to get out of her from the very beginning. And the best thing she could think of to hide it was to bury her burning face in the shoulder of an equally blushing but visibly pleased Ascot. The dancer resumed her comfortable position on Lafarga's arms, still staring at the "little turtledoves".
- They are so cute… - she sighed dreamily.
- Shhhh… - the swordsman hissed - There's Guru Clef. And here goes nothing.
As if everyone had actually listened to him, an absolute silence took over the entire ball room, general attention fixed in the master mage as he introduced their illustrious guests and the next speaker, Cefiro's prince.
- This is a very special occasion. - Ferio began immediately after, with seriousness and moderation rarely seen in him - For this reason, and because I know that my speech has been one of the most expected events in the night, I'd like to start thanking you for being here tonight for this celebration.
The prince made a pause during which his eyes wandered around the enormous ball room; stopping briefly in Guru Clef's questioning look, in Umi's irate expression and in the veiled but obvious censorship of Lantis' frown. Lastly, his eyes lingered in Fuu's delicate figure. And it was the sight of her that gave him all the inspiration he needed to go on:
- I have an announcement to make and I want you all to be my witnesses. - Ferio rose solemnly - I want to break my engagement to princess Tarta of Chizeta.
To be continued…