Disclaimer: MKR belongs to CLAMP so don't sue me!

Author Notes: Ah sorry for the long wait for a update again, I lost the spirit to write this story for a bit but I've been rejuvenated and back with a new chapter! Thank you for the reviews, I've hit twenty and am very happy about it ! So on with the story.

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Chapter 6

Their footsteps were quiet as they continued their walk back to her room, the letter lay forgotten in the tight grip of Hikaru's hands. Maybe it was the fact that it was a thunder storm outside, or the darkness but something was frightening her. As if something waited for her at the end of the hall. She found safety near Prince Lantis's side, warmth almost.

Hikaru looked up to the stone sky, from inside it was almost transparent, you could see the rain hit the dome, lightning strike. In the distance she saw smoke billowing in the sky. She stared curiously at the smoke, she looked at him from the corner of her eye, not aware how close they were walking besides one another.

"Where's the smoke coming from?" She asked still staring at the said smoke. He turned to look where she was staring.

"A dormant Volcano lies nearby," He muttered.

"If it's dormant why does it smoke?" He turned to look at her, she caught his gaze.

"Why not?" It was a simple answer yet didn't help her at all, with a sigh she pulled her gaze away. Now that her attention was once more on nothing, she was drawn to examine the letter she held in her hand. She looked at the bottom to see who was the sender and saw the King's neat scrawl.

She smiled, she knew it was from the King just knew. They turned one last corner, before she looked up and remembered the familiar hallway.

Facing him she voiced her gratitude, looking like he was looking off into the distance then at her he bowed his head somewhat.

"Your welcome.. I should hope a dance at the masquerade Miss. Hikaru," She looked up surprised, why did he want to dance with her, Primera would do anything to dance by his side, and she was far more beautiful then she. Letting out a breath she nodded.

"I would be honored your highness." He nodded once more before turning around. "When is the festival?" She shouted after him.

"In five days." Was his reply. Hikaru headed into her dark room as he left her sight. As she neared the bed she felt herself fell onto it the letter floating down to lie beside her.

"Midnight Strolls with the Prince.. how romantic!" Came a voice from the shadows, Hikaru straightened immediately, bringing her hand behind her as if to draw a sword. When she saw the golden blonde hair of the eccentric maid, her hand slowly moved back down to her lap.

"How did you know Lina?" The girl laughed quietly.

"Quite simple really," She pointed to a door the young woman hadn't noticed before "My room's attached, I heard your door closed, worried for my charge I awaited her return like a noble knight." Hikaru felt herself blush before picking up the once again forgotten letter. Sliding to the side of her bed she tucked herself deeply into the covers. Opening the drawer beside her bed she placed the letter inside, looking back to Lina she noticed the girls attention was solely on the drawer the letter now resided in.

"um I'll be going to sleep now Lina," The maid shook her head brushing back a strand of hair as she did.

"Right… Goodnight."

"Goodnight," The fiery haired woman fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The next five days were a rush of color, Hikaru barely noticed the days go by. She was having fun, ever since Eagle had gotten mad at her, Primera wasn't so hostile towards her anymore, and the grounds and villagers of the kingdom were extremely kind and generous, answering her questions about the festival preparations with ease.

She had forgotten all about the letter hidden in her drawer since that day, though the events that lead her to receiving it were always present in her mind. It was on the evening of the day before the festival that she remembered it. Rushing into her room, expecting to see the familiar golden blonde she was surprised to see a stout woman in her thirties it looked, replacing the present smile of Lina's.

"Where is Lina?" The woman glanced up at her.

"Break," She mumbled, Hikaru stared at her.

"I don't understand?" The lady sighed turning to face her.

"You wouldn't. You nobles go about having your fun thinking the maids will be able to clean up after you every single day! We get breaks now and then to visit our families young Miss.!" Hikaru muttered a "oh" as she went to sit on her bed and the woman continued to rant on. Lazily pulling open the drawer something caught her eye.

"The letter…" She whispered, she hit the top of her brow lightly thinking how she could be so stupid as to forget it. Remembering the night it was obvious that Prince Lantis wanted her to read it, so thinking that she slowly opened the letter, and let her eyes scan over the words.

As she got deeper into the letter, her surprise grew with every new word, she wondered how the King had kept the contents of the letter secret for so long. As she finished the letter, she remembered the intense way Lina had stared at her drawer that night.

She pushed away the thoughts. Tucking the letter away she placed it back in it's hiding spot making sure the elderly maid's eyes were on her work before doing so.

Before long Hikaru heard barks coming from out in the courtyard. She ran to the door soon enough to see Terren and Hikari running towards her. She smiled and bent down to welcome the two animals.

"Where have you two been? You've missed everything!" She looked at the Fire wolf, as she had heard the gossip going around the villagers about the red and white wolf calling him just that, and noticed a pale pendent hanging around it's neck. A wolf much like Terren lay lying on something, the something was missing.

"For me?" She asked him. Terren nodded tail waving happily, giving the animal a hug despite the burning feel, she smiled against it's fur "Thank you."

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Ferio stared out of the window, down into the garden a letter clenched in his hand. His eyes glowed with hatred. Why had his brother kept this hidden from them all for so many years. His unwanted tears began to fall. Brushing them back with his sleeve the young prince stood up from his place on the window sill and strode out of the room.

It had been six days since they arrived and if his mind was correct it was around the time his eldest brother had his kingdom's yearly Harvest Festival. He remembered the festival with ease mainly because he himself had often attended looking for a good time. This year though he found he was having a excellent time as it was and Zagato just had to ruin it all.

Fuming Ferio made his way to armory. He needed to calm down and the only way he felt able to do so was to practice the art of the sword.

As he made his way to the hall that was the armory a light laugh was brought to his ear Fuu… . What was it about the girl that drove him so insanely. She was beautiful in her own way and very intelligent. Her short golden hair always tempted him to run his hands through it but then he would be amazed by his own thoughts wondering where they had come from.

With a sigh the young man continued on his way. Finding the armory and having a weapon in hand he began swiping at invisible foes. Sweat began to slowly drip off his forehead. His anger unleashed on the air. A sound from his right made him turn sharply to the sound. His blade stopped mere inches from the young woman's face the very same woman who invaded his thoughts.

Fuu stood there staring at the blade. If it had gone only a few inches closer it would have caused her face to have been slashed right down the middle. Fuu's face was that of sympathy and horror.

"I heard you practicing and then Resias told me you only practice when angered or saddened so I came to see you." Her eyes flicked upward so they met his. He let out a breath he never knew he was holding. How could his woman be so calm and caring? He asked himself but no matter how many reasons he thought of none seemed worthy enough for her. His sword lay limp against his side, his breathing rigid.

Ferio felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up into Fuu's emerald green eyes.

"Would you like to talk about it?" She asked gently. Ferio's breathing started to slowly calm down. He nodded. The two walked through one of the many archways that led to outside and into one of the many gardens of the forest like kingdom. Ferio saw Fuu's eyes darting back and forth and looked up to see the four winged bird Winni flying overhead. The bird slowly flew down and perched onto Fuu's shoulder and nipped at Fuu's ear affectionately. Upon seating themselves on a stone carved bench, Ferio caught Fuu taking in her surroundings.

"It's beautiful here Ferio. I don't want to seem too forward but I wouldn't mind staying forever." His heart leapt for some reason. He grabbed her hand causing her to blush.

"I wouldn't mind that either…" Her blush deepened. His hand let go of hers and he looked forward the moment gone. He could see that Fuu's head was tilted slightly looking at him in a curious way.

"Ferio what has angered or saddened you so much?" He ran his hand through his hair before digging into his pocket. Finding the letter that had made his tears fall earlier that morning he handed it to her. Her eyes scanned over the contents of the letter, getting wider as they went on. "Oh my!"

"It isn't true is it?" Ferio buried his face into his hands.

"I don't know! My brother wouldn't lie about her I know that with all my heart but… that idea in the letter seems impossible. How can one perso-" Fuu placed her finger over his lips to quiet him.

"I'm sure he doesn't want everyone knowing Ferio." He looked up at her and for the first time the confident person Fuu knew was gone and was replaced with a frightened young boy.

"I wouldn't know what to do if it was true." Fuu embraced the young man her own tears falling for him.

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Umi stared at the transparent form of Clef. What first began as just his head soon became his entire body and the mage started pacing. Umi just watched on in horror, wondering how he was doing what he was doing. Was it the same thing that happened to Hikaru and Fuu at the ball? Clef stopped his pacing and turned to face her.

"I'm assuming that Caldina hasn't told you yet and neither will I. I'm here through Mokona and I have something to tell you." Umi wanted to speak but she didn't know if it was wise to open her mouth. Seeing this Clef chuckled.

"You can speak Umi." She opened her mouth but no water came in.

"What are you doing here?" She yelled. Not only was it unnerving to see the transparent form of the master mage but just seeing him felt odd.

"Time is short. I'm changing plans. I'll be coming to Ascot's kingdom first and because of this news I'll be there by tomorrow." Umi suddenly felt all warm inside upon hearing that Clef would be coming sooner this only seemed to confuse her more though. "Do you know how to swim?" Umi only nodded. Clef said good and then went back to pacing.

"Even if you couldn't we could still get there…" He glanced over his shoulder, apparently someone had just come into the room he was communicating to her in and this person needed to speak to him.

"Umi I need to go. Till tomorrow!" She waved feeling slightly silly. Just as suddenly as he appeared Clef was gone and Umi was fighting for her breath. Kicking upwards she made it up just in time. Pushing herself up onto the dock the first thing she saw was Sele staring down into the water as if nothing had happened. She watched the small dragon for a few minutes before shaking her head. A snapping sound resonated throughout the sea breeze.

Umi looked behind her. In Sele's mouth was a pendent of some sort. A dragon lay resting over something but what she couldn't tell for that part was missing. Making her way over to her Sele pointed her snout upwards, telling her to take it. She did and weighed it in her hands.

It wasn't that heavy at all for the material used to make it actually it was as light as a feather. Gently placing it around her neck she fidgeted with the clasp. With the clasp done she stood up and Sele was back to her normal self once more.

"Odd," Umi said as she held the pendent up to the light "but beautiful.."

Umi sat down in the closest chair by the window. She wanted to be able to see the water yet still hear what Caldina had to say. She wanted time to think by herself about what Clef had said. Sele sat by her ankles enjoying the stroking it received now and then without the person doing the stroking not even noticing. Mokona lay restfully on her lap making the occasional 'puu!'

Clef had seemed really worried and therefore she felt even more worried about the news Caldina had yet to tell. Umi breathed in the salty sea air wishing she was out there instead of in the building but she had to find out the news.

Caldina slowly walked into the room a letter in her hand. She walked to the head of the table smiling at Umi as she did so. Umi looked over at Ascot and saw that his features had paled considerably. She also worried for him. He had said so himself that Emeraude was like a sister and Umi knew what it was like to lose a family member.

"Thank you everyone who came here today. First let me start off with the fact that Zagato meant to mail the letter in my hand to Ascot but I offered to come instead. Now the contents of the letter, because I was the one delivering it so I was able to read it, do not concern good news sadly." She paused, Umi noticed that Caldina was avoided Ascot's eyes. "I will now read the letter." Umi straightened up not wanting to miss a word.

It started out like a normal letter but as it got deeper into it Umi realized that indeed this wasn't good news. She held her breath the entire time, afraid that if she didn't the glass world they lived in would shatter. Everyone in the room seemed to pay absolute attention to what was being said. Even Sele and Mokona seemed to be listening intently.

When she was done Caldina placed the letter down on the table for the other occupants of the room to read if they so wished to. Ascot abruptly stood and stormed out of the room, Caldina following him. The young girl with blue hair just stayed rooted to the spot her head fell.

Tears were threatening to fall but she wouldn't allow it.

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Lina, back from her break, helped Hikaru get ready for the masquerade. She had gotten her way and Hikaru had her fiery red hair trailing down her back instead of in it's usual braid. At the time the maid was applying a red substance onto her charge's lips something that Hikaru was not quite used to. It took many long hours but at last Lina was finished with every detail Hikaru looked at herself in the mirror. She looked different, lovely she guessed.

Lina walked to her and began putting the elegant red and gold sun mask over Hikaru's face.

"You look lovely Hikaru.." Lina sighed admiring her work. Hikaru looked over her shoulder to meet Lina's eyes.

"Do you really think so?" Lina nodded.

"Yes very lovely! I knew you'd be a head turner but now seeing you like this! You'll break hearts I dare say." Hikaru's face turned red as the gown she wore.

"You.. you flatter me too much Lina surely you can't be serious." Lina smiled a coy smile.

"I mean it. Your beauty isn't exotic but your innocence that always follows you is what makes you shine!" Before Hikaru could speak a light knock was heard on the door. Being the maid, Lina went to open the door. Standing just outside was a man garbed in a mixtures of blues, whites, and grays a Moon mask lay covering half his face.

The man held his hand out to Hikaru. Accepting the silent invitation Hikaru sent one last t glance at Lina only to see the girl was gone.

Hikaru eyed the man from her place next to him. He had yet to say anything to her and the silence was killing her. She eyed the decorations of the palace as they closed in on their destination. What Hikaru saw made her let out a gasp of awe.

The whole village square was decorated in golds, reds, and any other color that you could match with harvesting. Active music could be heard and upon looking down you could see hundreds of dancing couples. Some men and women were in a corner near the drinks even from where she stood Hikaru could tell they were drunk. What amazed her the most was the array of color everywhere. It was utterly amazing! She turned to her escort still having no idea who he was. He lead her to the dance floor and bowed, his eyes on her though hidden by the mask.

The redhead could see soulful cobalt eyes behind the mask as she curtsied. Then they danced. They spun around numerous amounts of times. Hikaru enjoyed being in her mystery person's arms. The dance was nothing specific and that was being made known as the dance continued. Hikaru was being tossed partner by partner but always ended up with the man with cobalt eyes.

She stared at those eyes, her heart beating fast. There was something familiar about them 'Why does he seem so familiar to me?' she wondered Why can I not stop looking into his eyes?' The song nearly ended, ending her time with this man.

As if sensing the end was near, the man slowed down and held the young woman in his arms. He leaned in and kissed her chastely. She starred out into the crowd then up at him. He stood their just staring at her. Then he disappeared into the crowd.

It took Hikaru a moment to register what just happened and when she did she pushed her way through the crowd trying to find the mystery man. All the while her hand lay limp against her lips. A single thought going through her mind.

'Who are you?'

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Lantis

It is time I tell you more of the importance of the High Priestess and why it is a dire need for us to find her once more. The priestess… Emeraude isn't just a High Priestess. First of all let me state some things. Our land has never been plagued with disease, our lands have never had any natural destruction, our land has never had a problem in so many years. Never has anything happened since Emeraude was given life. This is because Emeraude is different then us.

Mage Clef has told me that she is what legends call a 'Pillar' . A being who controls everything in the land they are born in with their prayers. This is why most of them become priests.

Emeraude is one of these beings. She has been ever since she turned sixteen. She has been protected ever since we found out about her power but somehow are security was able to be passed by when the kidnap took place.

If we do not rescue Emeraude soon the land we call home will be destroyed. No sun will shine, no trees and plants will grow, the mountains will crumble, the volcanoes will erupt, lakes will drain, and disease will spread until all of Cephiro will crumble. The only way that Cephiro will not crumble with the absence of it's pillar is if the pillar dies a natural death.

Clef has a plan though and he will be communicating with you over the course of the week.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this event has happened and I am mad at myself for not preventing it and protecting the woman I love.

Zagato; King of Cephiro

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Author Notes: I made you wait till the very end to find out what the letter said! I wonder if any of you were curious? Once more I apologizes for the long wait.
I'm trying to follow the story line a bit that's why I added the fact that Emeraude was still the pillar but add a few of my own touches coughmysterymanandkisscough .
I don't think I did to well at the masquerade but then again I'm continuing it in the next chapter as well. Also in the last chapter I said that Hikau's mask was just a red and gold mask but now it's a mask featuring the sun that is red and gold okay?

I believe it's safe to say that the next update will be sooner then this one but don't hold me to it.

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