Disclaimer: I don't own Prétear.
Ancient Legend

"Kei? Where are you?" Sasame called out to him.

"Can you hear him?" Yayoi asked.

"He could've just gone back to work." Mannen suggested.

"Normally, he answers when I call." Sasame said, putting a hand to his chin.

"Do you think he's hurt?" Shin asked.

"I'm sure he's alright." Himeno smiled.

"Well, first we should all get rest. It's been a long week." Goh said.

"I've gotta go or I'll be late for work." Yayoi said.

"I'll go with you to make sure you get there safely." Mannen volunteered.

"OK. Bye guys, be safe." Himeno said.

"I hope everything works out." Yayoi and Mannen went out the door.

It was quiet. Sasame made some tea, and Hajime and Shin were whispering to each other. Hayate acted as a guard. Himeno looked at Goh, who had a concerned look on his face.

"Don't worry, Mannen will be fine. He's gotten a lot stronger." Goh looked up at Himeno. He smiled slightly.

"Yeah, but he's also gotten more arrogant, that's the part I'm worried about." They continued sipping their tea.

"I'm tired, gonna go to bed." Hajime said and went to his room. It was a surprise that Hajime did not fall asleep right where he stood, after going through all the things he just experienced, struggling with his inner demon for a long time.

"Have a good rest." Shin said and ate some crackers. His mood seemed to have been lifted, for his best friend had returned to him.

The doorknob turned and Hayate came inside.

"Well, there's no sign of danger so far. At least in Leafeania." He said and picked up a cup of tea.

"No sign of Kei, either?" Goh asked. Hayate shook his head.

"And he still isn't answering my calls."

"Maybe Himeno should become the Prétear of Sound and help find Kei." Shin suggested.

"Great idea." Goh said. Himeno nodded and took Sasame's hand.

She was now the Prétear of Sound. Himeno could hear a variety of sounds around her.

"Kei…where are you?" Sasame and Himeno called out.

No answer…All she could hear were people talking, keyboards typing and coffee being sipped.

Mannen came inside, and gave them a small greeting.

"I'm back, Yayoi's gonna be fine." He said.

"But we still don't know about Kei." Goh said.

"Why don't we just go where he works, like I said earlier?" Mannen suggested.

"I'll go." Hayate told them and they nodded.

"Come back safely." Himeno smiled.

"Don't worry, I will." Hayate smirked and winked at her.

After Hayate left, Mannen turned to Shin and asked,

"Shin, who taught you how to grow so strong?" The others looked at him curiously. He sat down on the couch comfortably and began his story. Everyone had eyes on the Knight of Plants and listened attentively.

"One day, I heard a voice asking me to go into Leafeania forest. It told my how to use my Leafe better. And helped me concentrate on my healing technique..." He replied.

"So, you've been practicing for three years? Why didn't you come by at least once to tell us you were ok?"

"I guess I lost track of time." Shin put his hand on the back of his neck and chuckled.

"Sasame, have you heard this voice before?" Himeno asked. They were not merged anymore.

"Well, no, but there is a legend about ancient Leafeania. A priestess named Amaya first protected this place. She used up all her Leafe to stop everything from dying. It is believed that her spirit still lingers here, watching." The Knight of Sound explained.

"That's awesome!" Mannen exclaimed.

They finished their tea. Hayate came back inside with Kei. He put a hand behind his back and sweatdropped.

"Er, sorry…I, uh, was at work and I couldn't answer Sasame because everyone was giving me a bunch of tasks." He told them.

Himeno fell over anime-style and Mannen had an 'I told you so' look on his face. Sasame and Shin sipped more tea. Goh looked a little confused.

"Well, now that that's been cleared up, we should help Sasame find the new Princess of Disaster." Hayate said.

Hajime slowly came from his room, with a worried look on his face.

"Guys…I can sense something evil coming..."

TBC…