---
It was boiling. She felt as if she were burning. All sense of mind had left her at the precise moment she opened her eyes but they weren't open. She knew that they weren't, at least not in reality. She took one step and then another, and then she repeated the process until she stood before a wall. A wall delicately carved in stone the scene of a wolf with fiery hair. Its deep cut eyes stared at her and her non-existent eyes blinked.
When she opened them again, she was outside and staring up at a tall mountain, the tip of it spouting smoke every now and then. 'A volcano' She thought. Then she was back. A voice, blurred and hard to understand spoke to her and then it stopped.
The single picture of a lightweight sword entered her mind. It was as beautiful as any sword could be. It's hilt a daring fiery red color, the blade shined by some unknown light.
"Hikaru!?" Her eyes shot open and she shot into an upright position. Looking around Hikaru didn't recognize the room she lay in. Lantis stood to her right while Eagle was to her right. Scratching could be heard from the door ahead of her. Arms gripped her shoulders.
"Thank god you're awake!" She gazed up at Eagle and her hands instinctively rose to her lips which were shaking. She missed the young man's grin as she turned to face the man on her other side. She opened her mouth to speak but he spoke first.
"Eagle, I'd like to speak to Lady Hikaru alone for a moment." Eagle eyed his friend with weary eyes but obliged. Waiting till he was out of sight Lantis stared out the window behind him.
"Prince Lantis you know you don't have to call me 'Lady', come to think of it I don't quite like it!" She giggled to herself causing the prince to turn to her. She stared up into his midnight colored eyes and watched as he bent down. Reaching toward her he placed his hand upon her forehead to feel her temperature. Blushing madly Hikaru continued to stare ahead at him. When he was satisfied he lowered his hand.
"Then you may call me Lantis… Hikaru," Her blush deepened. It was something about the way he had said her name, it sent chills down her spine.
"Pri…Lantis," She paused. "The volcano we had talked about before… can we go there?" Lantis studied her face before thinking over his reply.
"I'm not sure… it is considered very dangerous and forbidden but..." He trailed off lost in thought. Hikaru leaned forward her eagerness pushing her.
"I know it is dangerous Lantis but I, had a dream, and in it there was a volcano and," She paused when his head turned sharply and he stood staring into her wine red eyes once more. "Never mind, it was probably just a dream..." She could see something in Lantis' eye dim but what she wasn't sure.
"Either way, I think it would be smart to go check it out. You may come, no you will come. Dreams are a mystery yet sometimes they can become reality…" Hikaru looked up at him quizzically her head tilted to the right. Standing Lantis made for the door. Upon opening it Terran bounced in and jumped onto her lap. Lantis left with the sound of laughter ringing in his ear.
Peering into the room Eagle watched the girl for a moment as she played with her friend. Her laughter was almost like music to him, so beautiful and contagious. But his thoughts were elsewhere or more specifically that kiss.
It was definitely something he'd always remember even if he should not win her heart. And then Lantis had also seen it, the strain among the friends would appear for sure now though the girl was clueless to both their feelings.
"Eagle is that you?" Hikaru's asked shyly leaning forward as to get a better glimpse of the person. Stepping forward he smiled causing her blush to deepen.
He stood there as she rested in the cot, an awkward silence passing between them.
"So…" She said unsure of herself. Eagle unaware of it ran his fingers through his hair.
"I meant what I said Hikaru," He paused to see her expression. It was blank. "Please think about that." He turned on his heel and left the young woman to occupy herself with her thoughts.
---
"It's good to see you again Clef…" Umi said quietly, almost too quietly though the mage heard her. The two of them stood a distance apart the wind blowing between them, one contemplating why her heart was beating so quickly and the other not aware of what his companion was going through.
"We better get this over with." He said curtly. Umi was about to ask how exactly they were to reach their destination when Clef rose his staff into the air. Mokona who had been in her arms jumped down and started making the same annoying sound he always was found to be making.
With the combined mixture of the two sounds a small glowing sphere appeared in mid-air. It hovered inches above the ground. Stepping towards it Clef picked it up and moved to the water edge. Umi watched in fascination as he dropped it into the water and a sea craft of some sort materialized in front of them.
"After you Umi." Clef said and held out his hand for her to take. Nodding she took the proffered hand and stepped lightly into the craft. Mokona bounced in after her, taking his rightful place in her arms. Umi fingered the pendent she wore and remembered the small dragon. "Ah, Sele!" She quickly stood and just as quickly lost her footing. Falling she expected to become acquainted with the cold floor of the boat but instead warm arms caught her. Blushing she thanked the mage and then got out to get the animal.
Upon returning Umi stood staring wide eyed as they began to sink into the water. Once fully underneath she sat down, avoiding Clef's eyes, and held Mokona ahead of her.
"What are you?!" She wondered out loud. Rich low laughter filled the air and she turned to see it was coming from her companion.
"Now that Umi is the question, you see I found Mokona while doing some field research and since then I've been trying to discover the extent of his power. The little thing has yet to make a cease to my curiosity." Umi laughed quietly.
"Though if you think about it, it's good that you are still a curious person no?" She asked, quite enjoying the conversation.
"You make a valid point," He agreed. Umi grinned and held Mokona in front of her again. The small creature bounced in her hands as Sele watched in awe.
The rest of the trip was in silence, Umi lay sleeping her back to Clef, who was staring out into the darkness of the water. The two creatures lay at their feet, Sele was also trying to sleep but every time she closed her eyes she felt her snout being poked at. Mokona could be found puuing at the dragon's frustration.
Before either realized it the craft had slowly come to a stop and they stood within a majestic room filled with columns of water that stayed afloat and waterfalls came pouring from the walls.
"It's beautiful!' Umi gasped as she stepped out, Sele following tartly behind her. Clef silently agreed with her his staff seemingly made the only sound despite the rushing water.
"Yes well lets do what we came here to do but," He turned then to face her. "Umi, you are sure you want to do this?" She nodded.
"Yes." She stated. "Very well, follow me." So she did. Holding her skirts so the water that lay limp by her feet wouldn't touch them, she followed the mage till they reached what appeared to her an altar.
Facing her was a large craving of a beast. Its great wings stretched and poised to take flight. Its eye's looked right into her soul. She shuddered at the sight of it.
"puu…" Umi looked down once she heard the distressed call. Looking around she found she could not find Sele! Frantic she searched all around her but the creature wasn't there!
Some unknown force made her look up and there facing the craving was the small sapphire dragon, it's forepaw rested on the still life.
"Sele?" Umi whispered, stepping forward.
Clef watched the scene in silence. Both Umi and the dragon were surrounded by a deep blue glow. The unheard sound of water came back to the quiet temple. He smiled. He knew he wouldn't have to come back alone.
"Sele?" Umi walked closer to her adopted daughter though human it may not be. She had cared for it as if it were human and now she worried for it.
'You have passed my test maiden.' echoed a soft female voice, against the walls. She stopped moving and looked for the source, no one was around.
"Who are you?! Where are you!?" She yelled. The voice chuckled lightly at her yells.
'You know who I am, maiden. You have taken care of me for some time now.' The voice spoke slowly, Umi could hear the mirth. Her eyes trailed over to Sele. Her eyes widened as she saw the small dragon begin to glow an iridescent blue.
Sele stretched out her wings and amazingly they began to grow. Umi watched in awe as the rest of the small dragon's body began to grow out of proportion.
Umi stood minute's later audience to a full grown dragon. It was beautiful and the girl could feel the same connection as she had with Sele in her heart.
The dragon's elongated snout reached down towards her, and Umi gently petted it. Its long graceful wings folded in. Intelligent eyes stared back into her sapphire ones.
"Sele?" She whispered, absently rubbing its snout. "You've grown up." She said with a laugh, her eyes filling with tears. Umi was brought back to reality as the dragon backed away from her.
'My true name is Selece. I have watched and am pleased with what I've seen. You are the chosen one.' The dragon began to glow as its voice trailed off. Umi felt a pang of hurt in her heart.
"Where are you going?" She reached for Selece but her arm slipped through the fading creature. The tears began to flow once more.
'I will be with you; whenever you need me call and I will come.' The chain limp against her skin lifted into the air. Just as fast as it lifted it fell back onto her neck and the empty space was not so empty anymore.
A sparkling sapphire fitted perfectly into the once empty space and when hit by the light just right Umi swore she could see eyes watching from within.
Lifting the jeweled pendent to her eyes she did indeed see a pair of eyes looking out to her.
I will always be with you Came the voice of Selece. now hold out your hands chosen
Umi did as she was told. She watched in silent awe as a very light weapon materialized in her hands. The rapier she now held was very light and easy to hold. Tossing it from hand to hand, Umi swiped the air a couple of times before it disappeared into the pendent.
Stepping away from the altar Umi turned and faced Clef. With a nervous grin she said. "We better hurry up before they worry…" Clef nodded.
Umi walked forward purposely her head held high.
So she was the Magic Knight of Water. With this she knew she'd save the priestess.
---
"Ferio, where are you taking me?" Fuu yelled her voice full of laughter. The morning had been to say the least amusing.
She had woken from dreams of the sword to find breakfast on a tray beside her bed and a letter stating that she should prepare for an exciting day. Eating her breakfast she had wondered the meaning of the letter.
After she had finished Resias had helped her into a gorgeous green satin gown and had done her hair for her. Of course she had protested but the old woman was a stubborn thing and wouldn't budge.
So here she was blindfolded and being led by the prince to who knew where. All she could tell was that they were climbing upwards. Ferio laughed at her comment.
"You'll see soon enough." She pouted but didn't say another word. Since she had no eyesight her hearing seemed to be in excellent condition and all around her she could hear birds chirping, the wind blowing through the trees.
All in all it sounded very peaceful. "We're here!" Ferio announced proudly. She with strained from giggling at the tone of his voice.
"May I see now?" She asked softly. She never did receive an answer but she could hear the prince's boots crunching in the leaves and heading behind her. She shivered as his hands untied the blindfold, absently touching her bare neck.
As soon as the blindfold was off she brought her hand to her forehead to block out the sunlight. What she saw amazed her.
"It's…it's beautiful Ferio!" She managed to stutter. She heard his deep laughter by her ear and it caused her face to heat up. "I knew you'd like it," He could be heard saying.
Like it?! She loved it. They were in an oasis in the middle of the forest. And in this oasis was beautiful flowerbeds all naturally grown. A small creek ran through it and small fish were swimming around, gazing at the intruders of their world. It was a place no man had ever touched. It was perfect.
"Now we eat!" She spun on her heel. There in the Ferio's hand was a picnic basket. Her face had fallen into a surprised look.
"I didn't know you could cook," Ferio's face tinted slightly.
"I can't, I know that sort of lessens the mood but…" He stopped at her laughter. "I can't cook either. Out of the three of us Umi is the only one who can." It was Ferio's turn to look surprised.
"I would have never of guessed that one," He mumbled. Fuu walked up to him and took the blanket that hung from his arms.
"Don't judge a book by its cover!" She said strictly, though she was on the verge of laughter again.
Setting the blanket down she sat down, making sure her skirts were out around her. "Now I could mention the irony of that saying I just said," She said, remembering their bet. "But I won't since I'm awfully hungry despite the delicious breakfast."
Sitting down himself he opened the basket and brought out a salad. Fuu tried to see what else was in the basket but he closed it before she could. "Let's keep it a surprise shall we?" He told her. She nodded softly.
So they ate, they was talking but not much which surprised her. They always seemed to have one thing or another to talk about. It wasn't until after they finished the salad did they speak.
"A source told me you've been having nightmares," Her eyes widened. How would he know? She frowned and turned her eyes on him.
"Why do you know? And may I ask why you have someone watching over me?" Her voice rose as she finished. Ferio's face had taken on a jovial defended look.
"I'm only speaking about Resias, Fuu. I know because… I worry about you." He managed to say awkwardly. Fuu blushed. She was not used to having someone worrying about her. Well she wasn't used to the worrier being man.
Hikaru and Umi had always gotten the attention of the warriors, or guest they had housed back home. She was always caught up in her books, or out practicing her archery. She had gotten accustomed to it. But with Ferio, everything had changed.
The prince noticing her quietness, turn slightly and plucked one of the flowers from the ground. Spinning it between his fingers he got up and placed it in her hair.
She blinked at the movement having been lost in her world. Staring up at the flower she kept a blank expression.
"May I ask something?" She said quietly. "Of course." Replied Ferio, he didn't like the change in the atmosphere.
"Why did you choose me?" She asked her eyes boring into his. Ferio swallowed, he wasn't sure if she like his answer but he would be honest with her.
"I saw you that day. Your head was down, your hands shook. Your whole being was rigid in what I guessed was fear. I felt I had to protect you, and I still have that feeling." She felt her tears falling from her eyes.
Ferio frowned. It was his guess that his response had turned her away from him. He shifted in his seat but froze as arms lunged themselves around him.
Fuu didn't know why she did it but his answer calmed her. She needed to be protected and she was glad he was her protector. Ferio wrapped his arms around the blonde and they stayed like that.