Hi! Well, here's the next chapter, and I think this one is a bit longer. Hope you guys like it! Oh, and I'm sorry if I make Alara sound too perfect, but some of her secrets are about to be revealed...read and review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pretear.

Alara paid no heed to the thunder or the billowing clouds as she ran through Leafenia. Her mind was distracted by the proximity of Sasame's lips near hers. She touched her lips gently, a part of her wishing that she'd never broken the contact. Alara slowed to a jog, and approached a clump of weeping willows. Nonchalantly, she waved a hand and the branches parted until she passed through. The trees provided some shelter in the storm, but did nothing to block out the turmoil within her heart.

She slid down the rough bark of a tree, leaning against it. What had she been thinking; telling Sasame his love history? She had probably only brought back bad memories for him, and now he was suspicious of her. She pulled her arms around herself and tried to retain her body warmth. Memories from her past flooded her mind...

FLASHBACK...

Alara willingly accepted her love's embrace, but something was wrong. His arms around her were too tight, and she couldn't breathe. She tried to speak, but he squeezed harder. Gritting her teeth, she put her hands on his arms and squeezed. He jumped back at the jolt of lightning that buzzed through his system, and cursed. "What are you doing?" she cried. " Stupid witch. Love is something I don't feel for you. lady. My heart is taken by my All I feel for you is comtempt. You were just a pawn. Now, will you serve my beautiful lady as well, or do I have to kill you?" Alara backed up a step. "No, it can't be." she whispered. "Fine." he said ruthlessly, his black eyes that she'd once thought held love narrowing in hate.

He put his hands together and a ball of fire flourished between them, and he shot the deadly sphere at her. She put up an energy field to protect herself from the furious attack, then took a deep breath and vanished from sight.

He roared in anger, then said sinisterly, "Wherever you go, witch, I will find you. You can't escape me, Alara."

END FLASHBACK...

"Alara? Alara?" her name repeated in her head, the voice generally changing from the sinister past to a welcome present. Alara jerked her eyes open, and they met Goh's red brown ones. His eyes were full of worry, but they lightened when she responded to his call. "Are you alright?" he asked. Alara looked around; she was still underneath the willows. She must have fallen asleep again while engrossed in her memories. Goh straightened, and called, "Kei, I found her!"

The golden haired Knight of Light stepped between the branches, his face relaxing as he saw Alara. "There you are. We've been worried about you. Everyone is looking for you." For the first time, Alara noticed that both Kei and Goh were soaked. "I'm sorry." Alara said. "I didn't mean to worry you all. I was just...reliving some bad memories." Outside their shelter, the thunder crashed ominously, as if echoing her words. Goh kneeled down next to her. "Anything we can help with?" Alara shook her head, looking with gratitude from Goh to Kei. "Just being here is enough." Kei extended his hand, and she stood.

As the three walked out from under the tree, they prepared to run for it, but the clouds were already rolling away. The sky cleared, and Leafenia returned to its original brilliant coloring. "Would you look at that." Kei said, shading his eyes from the sun. The three headed back to the the portal, picking up Hayate, Mannen, Hajime, and Shin on the way.

At the Awayuki Mansion, Sasame sat at the table in the kitchen alone, his face buried between his hands. He hoped Alara was alright. He sighed heavily. He had almost kissed her. What had he been thinking? He had probably scared her off. He looked up when his Leafe Knight hearing picked up a treasured voice. Alara, Kei, Hayate, Goh, Mannen, Hajime, and Shin walked through the door. Sasame stood quickly. The group reached the table, and Alara stilled when she saw the Sound Knight's face. She had caused him to worry this much? "I'm sorry, Sasame." she began, but before the words were fully out of her mouth, Sasame had taken her hand and pulled her close.

"Princess, don't you ever scare me like that again." he whispered for her ears alone, and a strange warmth filled her. She smiled, then it faded. Her dream had been correct. She'd fallen for Sasame, the Leafe Knight of Sound. But her past would never let them be.

Well, there it is. Let me know what you think! Oh, and I will probably be changing the first chapter so that it is less confusing, so I'll let you know if and when it happens. Later!