Author Notes: I'm back a lot more quicker this time too ^^ . There's no Ferio and Fuu in this chapter just to warn you, taking a break from writing about those two, and I realized in the previous chapter in seemed like I had forgotten about Emeraude so she's in this chapter.
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Chapter 5
The halls were silent, water could be heard from outside. Ascot continued to patrol the halls of his castle. Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned to face the invader.
"Caldina?" The woman he knew since he was a child halted a few feet away, panting hard. Caldina like Priestess Emeraude, was like a sister to him. She was probably one of the first people to accept his friends. Took him under her wing when he would get bullied, usually by dancing for the said bullies, she was always there. "What are you doing here?" He watched as a smile unfolded.
"King Zagato sent me to you, to tell you of the information of the whereabouts of Priestess Emeraude that we have gathered so far. He wants you to gather all your advisors, and I will tell you then." He nodded.
"Very well… uh would you like me to show you to a room, you look exhausted," She considered it but shook her head.
"Actually I was hoping to see Miss. Umi."
"She's at the dock I believe.." He watched as the dancer and Lady in Waiting ran in the direction of the docks. Ascot sighed. He, like his other two brothers, were worried about Zagato. He himself was worried that Zagato would go after Emeraude himself, giving away his hidden love for her to the Queen.
Almost all the occupants of the castle knew of their relationship, it had started when they were only young children, but they both knew that they'd never be able to be together as Zagato was arranged to marry Alcyone from birth. As well as his arranged marriage, father would have never allowed his son to marry lower then himself.
Continuing on his way, he thought back to Caldina's news. He had to admit it had somehow escaped his mind since now, and now that he remembered it was the only thing on his mind. Hearing her high pitch scream, hearing his brother yell out her name. Everything was coming back now and he didn't know what to think about it all.
He closed his eyes and leaned against the closest wall. 'Why Emeraude?' He asked himself. What had she done? The thought crossed his mind that it might have to do with blackmailing the King, his brother, but he didn't know anyone who would know of there relationship who would tell.
It wasn't hard to find someone who didn't like Alcyone in the Castle of Cephiro. It was a known fact that Emeraude and Zagato loved one another. The servants, maids, handmaidens everyone knew and everyone, or at least he thought everyone, was happy with it.
Pushing himself off the wall his thoughts once more took over.
'Stop worrying, Caldina's news is probably that of good right? And besides you're back home enjoy yourself….' though his worry was still there.
"Mokona!" A female voice rang through the hall, Ascot turned to see Umi running towards him, or she was chasing the small yellow creature at his feet. Picking Mokona up, he watched as Umi slowed down, water dripping off her tunic she wore, the sapphire dragon, Sele, from the forest just as wet as her adoptive mother but a opposite reaction to its being wet.
Already was he used to the constant fights between creature and human, and already did he find it amusing that is if he wasn't stumbling over his words. Catching up to him she plucked Mokona out of his hands.
"Thank you Asco…er Prince Ascot," He still looked slightly amused.
"You may call me Ascot Miss. Umi," He blushed at her smile, though was taken aback as she began stretching Mokona's ears as hard as she could.
"That's for pushing me into the water demon creature!! Out of all the luggage carriages why MINE!" He felt himself slowly back away. Besides their infamous fights, Umi's temper too had become somewhat known, though half the time she was quite respectful.. she had her times.
Umi tore her gaze away from Mokona, to see Ascot trying to either hold back a laugh or to stop moving away from her.
"um.. sorry he's very annoying," Ascot shook his head.
"No , no need to say sorry, has um Caldina said hello yet, she wanted to see you?" Umi was quiet for a second.
"Caldina's here? Does she have news about Priestess Emeraude?" He nodded "Please may I hear the information with you?" another nod.
A awkward silence followed.
"Where did you say Caldina wanting to meet me?" Ascot snapped out of his thoughts once more.
"At the docks I believe," She muttered her thanks before turning around, both creatures following her. He sighed as he turned around. Why couldn't I be confident around her, was what he kept on asking himself. He had felt something towards her, since he first saw her but now he could barely string a sentence together in front of her. Also there was the problem of her relationship with his friend and mentor.
He sighed and walked away.
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"The preparations are almost complete, and we have made the gowns you sent descriptions for, for the ladies. Your rooms are set, and your things will be taken there soon… I believe that's about it highness," Eagle watched from behind as the advisor continued to babble on.
He knew Lantis wasn't listening, and soon he too tuned out, continuing his observation of Hikaru, during her observation of the kingdom.
Maybe it was her kindness to Animals or her innocence, but there was something about her that astound him just like it astound Lantis. Maybe the reason was she beat him in battle? Who knew? He wished he did. She turned to face him.
"We already have gowns for the festival?" Before he could answer the advisor had heard her question and turned around.
"Yes Mi'lady, his highness sent as a letter ahead of time, and told us to make gowns for two young women, giving only a color that would suit you best and measurements for help. I hope our dressmakers work pleases both of you." The man bowed slightly.
"I'm sure Miss. Hikaru," Primera bit out through gritted teeth "and I will love the dresses made for us sir, I wonder is that why we got our measurements done before we left?" He smiled at the Princess and nodded.
"Eagle, could you show the Princess and Miss. Hikaru to their rooms?" Eagle looked to Lantis as did the women.
"Of course, this way please." The three separated from where they once stood with the Prince, Eagle's thoughts once again turned to Hikaru, while Primera walked slowly beside Hikaru.
"Lantis belongs to me! He saved me when I was trapped by some monsters in the forest by my Kingdom! He was so splendid! My beloved Lantis…" She paused to point at the redhead "Even as kind as I am, I'm not going to go easy on any romantic competition!" Primera finished with a huff, her arms crossed over her chest.
Hikaru stared at her, a confused look crossed her face.
"Competition??" Primera stared at her, thinking how the young woman in front of her couldn't see the way Lantis stared at her! 'Well then it'll be easier for me, if she doesn't notice,'
Hikaru meanwhile, was still thinking about what Primera had said. She was romantic competition to the princess? How? She had barely spoken to the prince, except for when he had helped her try and find Mokona.
Ahead of them Eagle had overheard Primera's statement and was trying his hardest not to laugh openly at the Princess's words. Not only did he know that Lantis had no interests in her but she was right when she had said Hikaru was her Romantic competition, no matter how hard he didn't want to admit it.
He saw the way his friend would stare at her when he thought none were watching. It led him to think more about what was so special about this petite redhead. She wasn't entirely feminine, and she was very naïve, and when you looked at her sisters, they both were the epitome of femininity, especially the blonde sister staying with Ferio. The other sister, Umi, was also very feminine though she had a small temper which ruined some of it.
"Here is your room Miss. Hikaru, as Lantis's advisor said, your things will be brought shortly,"
"Thank you Sir Eagle!" He once again was on the receiving end of her smile and it pleased him very much.
After leading Primera to her room, Eagle departed for a part of the Castle he was seen at most often. Making his way down floors and through doors he finally made it to his destination.
"Eagle! Here let me see the FTO!" A young man with jet black hair ran, and rather short for his age, ran to greet the blonde knight followed by another jet black haired man.
"Zazu why do you call it the FTO anyway?" The shorter man shrugged and ran to his workbench.
"He will never tells you why he calls my sword that so why do you always ask Geo?" Eagle asked. The two men that stood before him were more people part of Lantis's guard. The taller man was Geo Metro, Second in Command and Knight. The shorter one was the youngest member of the guard being sixteen, Zazu Torque was the head Blacksmith and had taken a hobby in calling the weapons he made odd names usually consisting of three letters.
"Eagle who were the two ladies you came with?" Zazu's attention was drawn back to the other two men as he remembered the women he had seen walking in with the Knight. Eagle noticed that he also had Geo's full attention as well and grinned.
"The one with the teal hair is the Faeithlon Princess Primera-" "She still is mooning over Lantis? Bet he probably wishes he never saved her now doesn't he?" Geo leaned forward to face Zazu.
"You got to admit though she isn't too bad on the eyes,"
"Well I guess, but it's not like all the women here before her were hideous Geo," Eagle hid his amusement well.
"The other was Hikaru Shidou, I don't know the entire reason as to why she is here but I know she is Lantis's guest." He finished with Zazu's and Geo's eyes on him "what?" They both smiled slyly.
"Bet you want to know though, right Eagle?" Zazu joked.
"We also saw when you arrived your eyes weren't leaving studying her anytime soon." Geo added. Eagle turned away.
"She is a interesting study subject I'll admit…" He heard sniggers behind him.
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Hikaru studied her room in awe. The colors that surround her were a deep maroon, a color she would never have guessed to go with the Prince who lived there but none the less she found it suited the place very well. When she had first entered the first thing that had caught her eye was the wine red gown awaiting her onto the four poster bed.
She wasn't exactly the one to get all excited over fashion but the gown in front of her almost made her feel giddy. Rushing over to it she ran her fingers over the silky material. The gown was bengaline layered over silk, with jacquard tape trim. The skirts flowed neatly down onto the ground a deep red bodice tied up neatly in the front, with a lace closure on the back. She noticed that laying beside the gown was a optional train the same deep red as the bodice.
She let out another gasp as she saw a elaborate painted mask of wine red, a decorative wide trim of gold surrounded the mask adorned with tiny red rhinestones, and beads. Decorative red and gold ties hung from beneath. She reached down to pick the mask up.
Startled by it's weight but none the less amazed by it's beauty, she tried it on and walked to the full length mirror at the side of her room.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Came a voice from the door, a sigh followed. Hikaru quickly took off the mask a slight blush on her cheeks. She turned to face the intruder and saw a golden haired woman who appeared to be her age, staring at her from the doorframe.
"Yes it is beautiful…" The girl smiled and walked into the room seating herself on the bed.
"I'm Lina, your maid for the duration of your stay, and I can already see the heads turned as you enter the festival. Maybe even the Prince or Sir Eagle? If so you are very lucky!" Hikaru's blushed deepened.
"Princess Primera will stay by the Prince's side so I will dance with Sir Eagle again." Lina stood up and took the mask from Hikaru placing it gently against the wall on a hook she hadn't noticed.
"I wouldn't be too sure, I mean it is a masquerade after all, Now come here and let me brush your hair out." Hikaru turned to face the outgoing maid.
"But it doesn't need brushing.." Lina closed her eyes.
"I know but I want to see what your hair looks like down, and if I like it be prepared to have it down for the masquerade!" Hikaru protested but Lina heard nothing of it, she had made up her mind and there was no way she would change it.
Hikaru could no longer say no to the other young woman so she sat down on the floor, in front of her. They had been doing this for a while in silence when Lina began to ask questions.
"Is it true that Priestess Emeraude was kidnapped?"
"Yes, I believe all of the King's brothers are worried for him." Lina nodded.
"Especially our Prince considering he is the eldest out of the three younger ones. Zagato and Emeraude were only thirteen I believe when they first went from friendship to more. His highness would've been nine years old and the other two would've been seven… do you remember your childhood Miss. Hikaru?"
Hikaru frowned. She did and she didn't remember her childhood. When she and her sisters had been six they all had had the same dream of something dark, chasing them in their sleep. Never stopping even when they grew weary. They had never told their parents or brothers it was their little secret.
"Yes.. my childhood was very happy. I had my sisters and brothers, and my mother and father…" She felt a tear begin to form in her eye.
"You must miss your family, especially your sisters. I can see that you have a special bond with them, a bond even you are not quite sure of," Hikaru turned in her spot to only see Lina smiling sweetly yet mysteriously at her.
"I better be going, I come back around dinner time for you okay?" Hikaru nodded.
She tossed and turned in her sleep. She could hear thunder from outside the kingdom walls like a distant drum. It woke her or that's what she thought had woken her.
Lina's words rang in her head. She had seemed so nice but now she was very confusing. Hikaru sighed and got out of bed, her hair falling limply down her back. Walking to the door she grabbed a light robe and walked out of the room, into the empty hallway.
She began to walk with no destination, only listening to the soft footfalls her feet were making. Her mind leading her somewhere she didn't know. Turning right at the next corner she continued to walk straight. Worry that she wasn't going to be able to find her way back to her room entered her mind. But she kept on walking.
She wondered absentmindedly where Hikari and Terren were, she remembered seeing them run off as they entered the dome like kingdom and hadn't seen them yet. Another right. She stopped and stared at the scene before her. A fountain made of gray stone stood in the middle of the open space. Birds flew in and out, some stopping to bathe in the cold water. Tropical trees loomed above her.
She noticed something black sitting on the far edge of the fountain. Facing another entryway to this sanctuary. Taking a closer look she blushed to find the person was the Prince.
She studied him from afar remembering Primera's words to her earlier that day. Though upon seeing his expression her thoughts were pulled away from anything the Faeithlon Princess had said.
The indifferent expression was gone and was replaced with a look of utter worry. He held in his hand a letter, a bird perched on his shoulder. Sensing someone else's presence he looked up, to lock eyes with her. Wine red met midnight black. Hikaru found that she couldn't look away, though she didn't need to because just as quickly as he looked at her he broke the gaze.
She felt her feet moving her toward the fountain and she sat down. Eyes closed and thinking.
"Your worried about your brother.. am I right?" Silence followed her question. She turned in her spot to see that he still sat there, not moving, his mask of indifference back in it's place. She turned back, mad at herself for her curiosity, it probably made him worry more if she was right. She felt something under her hands and looked up in time to see him leaving, picking up the letter, she ran after him.
"Wait!" She called, he paused.
"Yes." She looked down at the ground, before chuckling softly. Looking back up at him she smiled.
"I don't know the way back to my room,"
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Umi ran down the hall, she was still soaking wet and was quite aware that wherever she went more water fell to the floor, meaning more work for the maids. She didn't like having to give them more work but she was somewhat anxious to see Caldina.
Why? It wasn't really since the two of them were friends, they had only spoken to one another maybe once or twice. No the real reason, though she doubted it, was she was anxious to see if she had any mail.
"Caldina!" She shouted as the tanned woman came into view. Turning around Caldina saw Umi and waved, her eyes trailed down to Mokona.
"So that's where you got off to Mokona, I was wondering, it was quite quiet lately in the castle!" Umi chuckled quietly to herself.
"Yes he sneak into our luggage cart when no one was looking.." She knew she was lying and she had lied to Ascot too but she thought it might sound odd if she had said that the Master Mage had secretly put Mokona into their luggage so he could watch over her for him. She blushed for no reason.
"um so do you bring any news, some oh say letters maybe?" Caldina frowned and shook her head, Umi felt her spirits somewhat get crushed.
"No letters, but I bring news," Umi noticed the woman's frown was still in place.
"Bad news?"
"Well… I'm afraid so, you'll be coming to the meeting I suppose so you'll find out soon enough.." Caldina trailed off a worried yet serious expression present. She looked up surprised when she felt the younger woman's hand rest atop her own. She looked up into Umi's reassuring smile.
"I'm sure whatever it is we'll be okay!" Caldina matched her smile.
"I can see why Ascot likes you-" "What!!" Caldina laughed.
"Did he say that?" Another laugh.
"Of course not but when you've known him for as long as me you know those things," Umi blushed a deep red.
"What do you think of our Ascot Miss. Umi?" Umi stared dumbfounded at her causing another laugh.
She thought about it. She wasn't exactly sure what she felt, maybe nothing? For all she knew, though when she closed her eyes to think about it, she couldn't she kept on hearing Clef's letter repeat itself in her head. Confused she gave her head a shake.
"I don't know…" She said finally. Caldina patted her on the shoulder.
"Fair enough." A awkward silence fell for a minute but Caldina bounced back to life and stood up.
"I have to prepare my speech. I'll see you then Miss. Umi!" Umi muttered a small goodbye more to herself. She too stood up prepared to leave when she turned around to see Caldina right in front of her feet, surprised she jumped back.
"And who is this?" She asked smiling at Sele, scratching the dragon's snout.
"That's Sele, I found her on our way here and claimed that I be her adoptive mother!" Caldina smiled and pointed at Mokona.
"Taking in strays just like the Master Mage," She blushed "Well this time I'm actually leaving alright?" Umi returned Caldina's ever present smile.
Once more she found herself alone by the docks, staring into the water she saw the ruins Clef had told her about 'Wonder what's in there?' she thought. Letting out a sigh she dipped her still wet feet into the water and closed her eyes.
When she opened them again she saw a blue light come from Mokona, she suddenly thought back to the night of Emeraude's kidnap and how a light had surrounded her sisters. She felt something tug at her leg. Letting out a small scream Umi felt herself being pulled under the water, kicking at the invisible attacker she tried to breathe and found she could! A face appeared before her. She knew what he had meant in his letter, standing there in front of her almost transparent was…
"Clef?!"
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Author Notes: Had to have Geo and Zazu in there don't know why --_-- Oh and what does the letter that Lantis gave Hikaru say?? Let's just say for now that it's connected to Caldina's news and also poor Ferio and Fuu are left in the dark…
Please R&R ^.^