AN: Hello again my wonderful readers, I'm glad to be back with the next chapter (in a much more timely manor I might add) I hope I didn't lose too many of you with the long wait between the last chapters, but let us forge ahead. School is out, I'm on break so I hope to have a least one more update before school starts back up again in Aug. You may thank the finishing of this chapter (like some before it) to the hellish Texas heat, we are in the start of a drought right now...so dry...sobs...I miss the rain, it was a 101F* that's about eh...38ish in C*...you don't want to even know about the humidity...Dies...Please enjoy the chapter.
No I don't own Rayearth, drats.
17. Anything Pt. 2
"One should never say 'anything' quite so easily…
For you live with the choices you make…
Or you die by them."
"Twilight Sphere!" Sentra's magic attack came roaring towards them, a defenseless Camry still impaled to the archway above the door.
"Camry!" Hikaru called, distraught at the sight of the injured man above her.
Fuu reacted instantly, rushing forward throwing her hands up, "Guardian Wind!"
Sentra's magic spell deflected off the wind barrier and ricocheted back towards its creator. The two women jumped away and Elantra made a flicking motion with her writs and the two scythe weapons that were spiked through Camry's writs pulled free and combined into a single weapon flying back to her.
Camry slid down the wall and dropped to the floor and would have ended up in a bloody heap if Eagle hadn't broken his fall. Lantis helped him steady the man and Hikaru rushed over with Umi.
"Camry!? Camry can you hear us?" Hikaru tugged off her uniform bow and clamped it down to his wrist.
"We have to stop his bleeding somehow!" Umi did her best to put pressure on his other wrist, "Fuu we need you!"
"Ah…" The blond winced as she held back another magic attack, "I'm sorry Umi, I'm afraid my hands are full at the moment."
Eagle stood, "Let you magic drop Fuu, I'll pick up the barrier." He stepped around Camry and the others going to her.
"But Eagle…?" She took a quick glance at him.
"Don't worry I can handle it. Hurry, go help Camry." He nodded reassuringly, "Ready?"
Fuu nodded and released her spell.
A brief second later Sentra threw another attack and it deflected back off the mental barrier Eagle had projected.
A pretty face and green eyes sneered, "That old trick again? Didn't you learn anything the last time you tired to hold back my attacks?" Sentra took aim and fired another attack strait at Eagle.
A grim smile passed over the commander's features as his barrier held. "Yes I did learn something quiet useful, that I'd have to get stronger, but seeing as I've taken care of that we don't have anything to worry about." Eagle grinned and strengthened his barrier as a pissed Sentra threw a stronger magic attack.
Behind him he heard Fuu call upon her magic.
"Healing Wind!" The roar of her wind magic filled his ears and whipped his clothes about and a moment later he heard Hikaru call out.
"Camry?!"
Turning he saw Camry stand quickly, give a quick smile to Hikaru and thank Fuu before walking towards him.
"Let you barrier down." He placed a hand on Eagle's shoulder.
"What…?"
Camry's expression was kind but serious. "It is time I finish this."
The two men were silent for a brief moment as their eyes locked, gold boring into red, until Eagle relented. "Ready?" he asked and sighed.
Camry smiled.
Eagle dropped the barrier.
Everyone scattered as Sentra's magic attack came hurdling towards them.
Eagle dove to the left just as Camry went right the two of them felt the air whoosh past them as the magic attack barely missed its mark.
Namely Camry. Who Sentra now went after with sword in hand and blood on her mind.
Before the others could even ponder the idea of helping him Elantra also bolted forward, heading strait for Eagle.
Weapons were drawn from glove gems and sword met with scythe as Eagle deflected the blow.
"Eagle!" Both Umi and Hikaru tried to rush forward to help him but were stopped by the appearance of men dressed in black, red bat like emblems on their chests. Their metal claw like weapons had Umi wanting to make a snide remark about wannabe Wolverines until one of them nearly sliced Feiro and she decided such comments could wait.
"Who are these men?" Feiro back stepped narrowly avoiding having his face ripped off.
"I don't know I've never seen them before." Fuu took a high guard as another black solider came after her. There was a loud clanking sound as he moved, Fuu blinked confused and then wondered… "Emerald Tornado!" She delivered her magic attack at near point blank range sending her enemy flying backwards in a roar of wind magic. He hit the ground with a clunking sound, blue sparks shooting out around him. Her suspicions confirmed she whirled to the others, "These men aren't alive, they're something mechanical!"
"What?!" Umi slashed at the soldier she was fighting, she caught his claws upon her blade making it impossible for him to pull away. Taking in Fuu's words she reeled back and let loose some magic of her own, "Water Dragon!"
The sputtering of sparks confirmed she'd destroyed it, but another one quickly took its place.
Soon the garden rang with the singing of metal upon metal and the sounds of battle. It didn't take long for some of the other castle residence to realize something was going on.
Geo came skidding in with Lafarga and Ascot just in time to see Eagle deflect an attack by Elantra. Unfortunately her scythe slid down his blade and nicked his upper lip, blood trickled down his chin.
"Eagle!" Geo called to his friend.
Elantra snickered, "Now we're even" she grazed her hand up her face along the scar he'd given her. "Though if I have my way there wont be much left of that pretty face for your little water knight to worry about." She pulled away from him and her scythe separated out once more into two slightly smaller ones.
Eagle wiped his mouth against his sleeve leaving a dark stain on the black fabric and renewed his attack against her, with much more vigor.
With the help of Geo and the others it didn't take long for the number of mechanical soldiers to dwindle. As soon as Umi finished the last one in her field of range she turned her attention to helping Eagle.
Her eyes found him quickly in the madness of the fighting all around her. He was panting heavily, still at it with Elantra. She'd sliced him good a few times, but he'd given as well as he'd got. "Eagle!" she called him, fear creeping into her voice, despite herself.
Elantra turned upon hearing her voice, a sadistic smile pulling at her lips. She held Eagle at bay with one of her scythes, turning her vicious words upon Umi. "You know he has such a pretty face, no wonder you like him, say will you like him just as much after I give him a pretty scar to match mine?" She sliced out at Eagle who back stepped to avoid the strike, which he barely managed but the sharp sickle blade came close enough to catch a few stands of his pale hair.
Anger flared in Umi's heart, the wrath of the sea beginning to whirl in the blue color of her eyes.
Eagle quickly regained his footing, sword leveled trying to protect himself while searching for an opening, Elantra had the upper hand with both her scythes available to slice and dice with.
"So what shall it be? I can give you a pretty body to burry if you'd like? Or would you like me to draw this out and give him back to you in pieces?" Elantra playful licked some of his blood off the flat side of one of her sickles, "He's already broken, you sure you want him? I mean considering all the killing he's done you want someone like that holding you at night? The two of us had so much fun together last time, he made such a pretty doll, wouldn't you say? I just love toys, too bad they usually break so easily. You sure I can't have him? "
Anger of his own flared as Eagle watched Elantra try to get a rise out of the easily infuriated water knight. Solara's warning to him when he'd been captured rang in his memory. 'When she comes you have to be at your best, whatever happens don't listen to her, for her words are poison. They are just as dangerous as her weapons if not more so.'
She was baiting Umi, trying to trick her into making a brash move in a moment of anger. That one foolish move that could end up costing Umi her life.
"Umi!" Eagle stepped forward and tried to gain her attention but Elantra stopped him with a quick downward slice that came a hair's breadth from slicing his stomach open. The sound a fabric tearing reached his ears as he realized how close she'd just gotten to gutting him like a fish.
Umi moved forward, with a calm, steady rage in her steps, she wasn't going to make a mistake, not this time. Elantra took a slice at her; Umi caught the one scythe on her sword and yanked if from her hands sending it sliding across the floor. The water knight reached up and grabbed the staff of Elantra's remaining weapon, holding it immobile. A second later there was the resounding and very satisfying clunk of the pummel of Umi's sword connecting with Elantra's face. The girl was sent sprawling to the floor, gaping up at the water knight.
With a quick flip Umi swished a strand of her hair out of her eyes, sword leveled and pointing at angry violet eyes. "Don't you ever, ever say such things again. I will decide what's best for me and no one else! Got that?"
She reeled back and let Elantra have the full force of her magic, "Sapphire Whirlwind!" The flood of magic sent her opponent flying back to the other side of the room, dropping into a useless heap in the grass.
She turned back to face Eagle just in time for him to grab her roughly and yank her towards him, confusion whirled though her thoughts for a second before she felt the rush of a magic attack. They bolted forward as fast as they could, both running to try to avoid the onslaught.
An awry attack by Sentra that had missed Camry zoomed past them impacting the wall behind them with a deafening roar.
The two of them were panting heavily as they stood frozen for a brief instant, leaning on one another for support as they sucked air into their taxed lungs.
"Umi?! Eagle!?" Hikaru hurried over to them with Lantis a step behind, the rest of the group soon clustered around them.
"Are you alright?" Fuu questioned eyeing everyone's injuries, calculating the amount of healing magic she'd need.
Eagle and Umi nodded in unison, "Where's Camry?" Umi questioned.
Hikaru quickly cast her gaze out in search of the man, "Camry!"
Camry was half way across the garden, still locked sword to sword with Sentra.
"I will kill you this time; you will pay for what you have done!" She spat and released one hand from her hilt and raised it high calling upon another, more powerful, magic attack. "Night Cobra!" Her shadow like magic whirled taking on the form of a smoky snake, hissing as it slammed into Camry.
He went flying, skidding across the smooth stone of the courtyard at the garden's center, leaving a bright streak of red along the floor in his wake.
"Camry!!?" Hikaru cried out almost rushing forward to the injured man if Eagle had not reached out and gently held her back. "Wha…? Eagle, why…?"
Grave, solemn golden eyes slid from her to the scene in front of them, "This is something he must finish."
"Any thoughts? Kind of feels like a giant snake broke every bone in your body right?" Sentra dropped down to her opponent, delivering a sharp kick to his ribs. Sending him rolling with a groan.
"Stop it!" Hikaru cried out again, "Why are you doing this?!"
"Shut up you stupid child, I hate you! All of you! It's because of you my sister is dead! You killed her, it's your fault, and I'll kill you with my own hands Camry! I don't care if I have to destroy Cephiro, Autozam or any other country. I will do whatever it takes to get them back; I'll do anything to be with them again!"
Camry pulled himself up slowly, in great pain, "You are right, it is my fault Solara died." Pain crossed his handsome features as he gathered himself, though if the pain was from his body or his heart no one could tell. "But her life was not ended by my hand."
"Liar!" She screamed and tried to throw another magic attack.
"Stop it! Camry didn't kill Solara!" Umi shouted.
Camry darted out of the way, "So that is your wish, to be with your sisters, no matter the price that must be paid?" He reached for his lost swords once again.
"I will do anything; I don't care who has to die or what worlds have to perish. I will pay anything!"
"Are you certain? A person should never say 'anything' so easily."
"Who are you to question me? The only difference between you and I is you're too much of a coward to do what is necessary to bring back the person precious to you."
Camry's expression darkened, "That is where you are wrong." He crossed his knives, gathering magic to him, "If it were possible I would give everything, all that I am to bring my child back, but that would forsake everything she died for and make her suffering meaningless. But also because her passing was necessary, for everything after it to happen, for every Pillar after her to be born and die, all leading to one single moment where a Magic Knight could change our fates. Your wish is to be with your sisters…" he paused for a second as the two of them gathered their magic, "and you said that you are willing to pay any price…"
They both suddenly bolted forward. Sentra was about to try another attack and expected Camry to do the same but seconds before he was in striking distance the magic he had gathered dissipated and he sucked on of his long knives back into its glove gem. Leaving only one in his hand as he drew in to attack. Sentra quickly did the same drawing her sword in a brilliant flash of violet.
There was an agonizing moment of silence, both stood unmoving where they had met. The knights gasped. Sentra blinked, a feeling of confusion and disorientation flooding her senses, and looked down. The bewildered look on her face turned to shock and fear at the sight of Camry's knife buried up to the hilt into her stomach.
"You…?" she broke the silence and her sword fell clattering to the floor.
The three knights gaped in shock, along with an equally horrified Feiro, only Lantis and Eagle seemed unsurprised by Camry's choice.
At the confused and clouded look Sentra gave him Camry answered her unsaid question. "You said you would pay anything. You wish to be with your sisters," he pulled his blade out with a quick detracting motion. "So then go to them…and pay with your life."
Her green eyes never left his face as she slid down his body to the floor. He kneeled down with her, grasping her shoulders, his eyes dark, portraying the sadness held within them.
Sentra licked her lips, tasting blood, bewildered at his sad expression, as if he regretted stabbing her. "Then why…?" she voiced her confusion.
"To grant your wish and Solara's final wish as well." He said quietly.
"Solara's wish?"
"Aye, she said to me when she was dying, 'Please, please don't let my sister be consumed by it.' She was still trying to find a way to save you, right until the moment she died."
"Save me…?" Sentra echoed but then her face suddenly twisted in agony, the pain of her stomach wound suddenly seemed like nothing compared to the gnawing, twisting feeling in her back. She cried out her nails scrapping on the stone floor beneath her. Hacking blood her back split and a pair of white wings ripped free and an all too familiar sound reached the others.
"Keee-kreeeeee"
Hikaru and Umi gasped.
"One of those!" Hikaru hurried forward.
"That thing!" Umi also took a step forward but she felt Eagle withdraw slightly, a guttural reaction to facing such a creature again.
"What is that Umi?" Fuu went to her friend's side, her green eyes wide.
"It's some kind of parasite; it controls the person it's put inside of. That's what they used to make Eagle attack us when we went to find him." She glanced up at Eagle; he smiled uncomfortably, so she reached out and gently gripped his arm.
"Kreeee!" The ko detached itself from Sentra and she fell on her side by Camry.
Hikaru's glove gem flared to life as she called upon her fire magic, remembering how she was able to destroy the previous one in the same manor. "Crimson Lightning!" The crackling fire magic swooshed forward but the creature flapped aside and she only caught one of its wings. It keened in pain, flopping around wildly its tuber like legs reaching out for new prey.
Umi and Eagle jumped back and Umi yelped as she felt something coil around her ankle. Eagle wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her to him and he swung down, his sword hacking though the creature, releasing her from its grip. Seconds later the creature was devoured by magic and fell to the ground writhing as it was destroyed.
"Kreeeeneeee!!!" It cried out once more as it was consumed by magic, but not fire magic. Swirls of shadow magic slowly dissipated leaving only scared earth in its wake.
"Sentra…?" Umi looked shocked over to Camry who was supporting a trembling Sentra. The last remnants of her magic fading as she collapsed back into Camry.
Everyone rushed to them, Sentra panting from the exertion of using her magic after losing so much blood.
A groggy and semiconscious Elantra scrambled to her feet with a yelp as Eagle took notice and headed her direction. She quickly stumbled forward and disappeared into the shadows.
"Sentra…why?" Umi kneeled down next to her and Camry as Eagle came back to her side.
Sentra gave her a bemused expression and then gazed with a sort of aggravated understanding at Camry, "I don't know myself…" she answered softly. "So my sister knew all along that…that creature was inside of me?" she looked up at the man. Her eyes took on a pale color to match her skin.
"Aye, she knew before even I did. She wanted to save you, but she wanted you to realize it on your own. The only way to force that creature out of you was to mortally wound you so that it would seek a new host; if we had let it grow it would have taken your soul. That creature was created to take souls and in return it impairs the part of your heart that holds back, that can endure pain, such as the loss of your sister." Camry's voice had become very soft as he spoke.
"Impreza…?" Sentra licked the blood on her lips.
Camry nodded.
Tears came to Sentra's eyes, "Solara…how did I become so blind…?" She looked up at Camry's drawn face and saw for the first time the sadness that lingered in his eyes. And like Umi, finally saw it, what that lonely, desperate look her sister had shown recently meant, and why Solara had held her back during their battle in the garden with the wind knight. "Camry…?" she questioned her small frame slumping between him and Umi.
Camry's eyes softened instantly and she had her answer.
"I'm sorr…" Sentra tried to speak but Camry stopped her.
"Quit babbling and go to them, foolish girl." He smiled at her.
Sentra tried her best to glare but all she managed was soft, 'hum' and she smiled a little as her eyes drifted shut and her head lulled to the side.
"Was there no other way?" Umi managed to question as Camry gently gathered up Sentra's body.
"Perhaps, but not one I could see and like I said to her, one should never say 'anything' so easily because the price asked of you may be far greater than you can realize. I will have to bear the weight of her life as all those who go into battle do, but it's alright, she did not regret her choice. She's wanted to be with them for a very long time and now that wish has been granted. As only some wishes can." Camry turned and walked slowly to the shadows, "I will take her body to rest with her sisters" and then he was gone.
o
o
o
Impreza sat silently in front of her water mirror her beautiful face stared forward, silver eyes unblinking. A tearful and frightened Elantra sat upon the floor beside her feet, and buried her face in her mistress' knees.
"Lady…what now? Lady, I'm the only one left…please don't make me fight the blue knight again, if you get rid of her I'll bring you that man you needed, I will! Just get rid of the blue one first!" The girl pleaded her hands clutching at Impreza's knees.
"There, there dear. Nothing to fret over." She patted the girls head and sighed, "I guess Sentra at her full strength was not enough, perhaps I was a bit hasty in disposing of Solara." The woman sighed heavily again, "I suppose if you want something done right you have to do it yourself."
Standing she shooed Elantra away from her feet, "Come, come dear with have much to do."
"What are we doing Lady?" Elantra trotted after her like a small child.
"We have an army to assemble."
o
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o
Leaving the desolated garden Hikaru could only wonder how many more of the palace gardens they would destroy.
Ascot remained behind with his friends with Lafarga, trying to clean up the best they could.
After speaking to Eagle for a brief moment, Geo hurried down the hall to check on Zazu who he'd left in his room, despite the teenager's rather profuse objections.
Fuu suggested they go speak to Clef and make sure everyone else was alright. They found said mage in his study, with Presea fussing over him incessantly. She'd found him collapsed on the floor earlier and was now making him tea for the pounding head ache he'd developed. Apparently Sentra's rage had been forth coming and strong enough to pierce the barrier Clef had placed causing the man to collapse.
"So now both of these women have passed?" Clef sighed.
"Yes, Sentra died from a combination of her wounds from the creature within her and Camry's attack." Lantis answered.
Hikaru and Fuu stood by Clef's desk, Hikaru leaned heavily on her sword, she'd yet to retire it to her glove gem.
Fuu worried with Presea, though her healing wind was not capable of healing fatigue, she helped pour tea for the fatigued mage and a few of the others who wanted it.
An exhausted Eagle leaned upon the wall just inside the doorframe with Umi just a few steps in front of him.
Clef frowned sadness tinting his old eyes, "So where does this leave us?"
"Well Elantra escaped." Umi nearly hissed the girl's name. "She needs to be dealt with."
"When will the reinforcements arrive?" Feiro leaned back into a book case.
"The first transport ships should arrive from Autozam in the next day or so, Chizeta and Fharen should arrive soon after that."
There was a lull in conversation for a second so Eagle spoke up quietly from the back, "We also still have Impreza herself to deal with, with the top people under her control gone now, she herself with have to make the next move."
Umi gazed up at him as he pushed himself away from the wall.
"Eagle do you know anything about her from when you were taken prisoner?" Clef asked.
He nodded gently, "She's a tall woman, with long auburn hair and silver eyes." Running a hand along his face it looked like he was trying to rub away an invisible stain. Recalling the way her touch had literally sickened him he shuttered, "Her sword is not the only poisonous thing about her."
"You fought her?!" Umi gasped.
Eagle snorted, "If you could call it that, after fighting Elantra I had hardly strength to try and she's the one who activated that…thing…inside of me. She's most likely the one who planted the one inside of Sentra."
"Camry thought she'd make her move soon…we can only pray that reinforcements arrive soon." Fuu set the tea kettle down.
"Yes." Hikaru nodded.
"Let us hope that is enough." Eagle spoke the last word.
o
o
o
Hikaru sat softly on the edge of Lantis' bed as the dark haired man removed his armor. She opted to remain in her regular clothes, in case something should come up again, but she did allow her armor to sleep within her glove gem. Glancing up as Lantis removed his gauntlet like armor from his forearms she noticed him wince, just barely, before his well schooled features smoothed the frown lines away. "Lantis?"
His navy blue eyes slid over to her and took note of the concerned expression she was giving him. "I'm fine, it's only a bruise." Setting his armor down he moved gracefully over to ease into a chair by his window.
The smallest knight hopped up from her place on his bed and hurried over to him. She flopped herself down between him and the arm rest, snuggling into the chair before looking down at his arm. Her hands hovered above his wrist and she looked up to him, "May I?" she asked.
He nodded lightly and she every so gently eased his sleeve up to reveal his forearm. The bruise hadn't turned color much yet but the soft outline was already starting to appear. "Why didn't you say something when Fuu offered to heal everyone?"
Earlier before they'd all split apart again for the night Fuu had offered to use her healing magic if anyone needed it but no one had spoken up.
"She needs to conserve her magic for when it will really count, we don't know when she'll have to heal again and next time the wounds could be life threatening. Don't worry; it'll heal on its own soon." His eyes softened to reassure her.
Hikaru pouted a bit, she dislike anyone around her being in pain, especially the people precious to her.
She lent down and softly rested her cheek against his forearm, "A long time ago my mother told me even though a person can't heal they can still lessen the pain of a wound if they put their heart into it."
Lantis placed his free hand on her head, stroking her hair. "Thank you."
o
o
o
Fuu closed her door with a soft click; she leaned against the door with a sigh.
"Are you alright?" Feiro asked.
"Yes, I'm just tired." The blond nodded and walked wearily over to the prince, sinking down beside him.
"I'm sure we'll be able to end this soon." He lightly brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers, smoothing some of her curls away, as he often did. "I know you're strong enough, all of you knights. I have faith in you."
The wind knight smiled at her prince as he gripped her hand in his, "I'm sure everything will be alright."
o
o
o
Upon pushing Eagle's door open Umi was met with the bright clean smell of warm, moisture filled air. Skillfully pushing the door closed with her shoulder as she balanced the tray of warm milk and snack cakes, with an apple for good measure of course. She glanced to the other side of the room as she set her precious cargo down to see a pile of clothes on the floor and thrown over a chair. The sounds of splashing water from the bathroom confirmed that Eagle had gone to clean up.
Blue eyes settled on a heap of black fabric hung over the chair arm. She reached for the fabric and sank down into the chair. Fingering the soft cloth her hands found the hole in it where Elantra's blade had come far too close for comfort.
She was still studying the fabric when Eagle came back in, toweling his damp blond hair into submission. He had changed clothes into something more along the Cephirien line of fashion, most likely given to him by Lantis or Clef for his duration in Cephiro. She did have to admit he looked nice in them, the cream and green color suited him.
"Umi?" He questioned, wondering what she was doing.
"Hum…" she said and held up his shirt, sticking a finger threw the tear to waggle at him. "Looks like you're losing your edge." She joked half heartedly.
"Hey, she may be tiny but she packs a punch, it's almost like fighting Hikaru, well it would be if it were possible for Hikaru to hate someone…" He smiled taking the shirt from her and took her hand leading her over to the table where she'd set down the tray.
He looked down at their joined hands, her fingers felt warm to the touch and upon closer inspection he could see they were swollen slightly from when she'd clocked Elantra in the face with her sword pommel.
Bringing her hand up he kissed her fingers, "Looks like I'm not the only one who needs to be more careful."
Umi rolled her eyes; "I should have hit her harder…" she huffed with a little bit of anger.
Eagle chuckled, "You're cute when you're angry." He kissed her cheek and pulled a chair out for her and began to pour a cup of warm milk from the tea kettle. He stopped pouring suddenly when he felt her warm hand come up to touch his cheek.
"Umi?" he questioned her again for the second time in only a few short moments.
Her fingers slid to his lip where it'd been sliced open and then just as suddenly they dropped. Her hands joined to wring themselves together in a fretful manor. "I'm just…frightened…"
There was a soft clink as Eagle set the kettle down and drew her with him to sit down. "Frightened? Don't worry Umi I won't let anything happen to you."
She smiled a little then, "Men really are clueless…" she sighed, "I'm not worried about myself."
She touched his sore lip again and the corner of his eyes turned down as they softened, "I'm not going anywhere Umi." He leaned over her gently pinning her against the soft sofa, his forehead resting against hers.
"You can't promise that…" she protested.
"Yes I can." His eyes took on that dark smoldering shade that she knew too well, Hikaru had a similar look of defiance.
She tried to speak but he silenced her words with his lips. It was a hard, close-lipped kiss at first but as soon as he felt the tension leave her he softened it. His lips parted with a light sigh, coaxing her gently to respond. He relaxed against her, his warm frame pressed gently against hers as his fingers tangled in her hair and he didn't pull back for a long, long moment. Releasing her only to take a breath, he smiled, lingering, nose brushing hers, "You were saying?"
It took her a moment to come back down from her temporary high but when she did Umi turned a lovely Hikaru inspired shade of red; partly from her lack of words and inability to think of a quick witted answer and partly for the fact…well…he was on top of her… The mere thought of it sent blood rushing to her face, in double time.
"Umm…" she stuttered, stopped and tried again, swallowing, "Eagle…?" Her mind raced looking for something to say that didn't sound foolish or childish. Studying his expression she'd never been so glad in her life to find something to comment on. "Umm…your lip is bleeding again." She scooted away from him quickly digging a handkerchief out of her skirt pocket and handing it to him.
He took it chuckling, patting his bleeding upper lip. "I'm sorry did I make you uncomfortable?"
"Oh!" she looked up to him; "No it isn't that it was just…." she trailed off.
At this Eagle's voice took on a rather flippant tone, "I'm hurt, I didn't realize I was that bad of a kisser..." He gave his best disappointed look and Umi nearly fell off the sofa.
She grabbed him by his collar, "Eagle, I swear if you don't start taking this seriously I'm going to shake you till you head rattles!" She gave him a shake for good measure.
"So it that a yes or a no?"
"Aaah!" Umi threw up her hands in defeat and stood; stomping back over to the table she picked up her drink and sat back on the sofa on the edge pouting.
Eagle smiled and stood, "I was only teasing." He kissed he cheek and sat down opposite her pouring a cup for himself.
A few moments of silent brooding and sipping milk and Umi finally forgave him for his teasing. It was hard to stay mad at him when he spent most of the time gazing at her over his steaming cup of milk, an oh so innocent smile on his face.
After a short while the late hour and warm milk began to take their toll on her and she stood again, setting her cup down, she returned to the sofa. It had to be at least early morning now; she slumped over the arm of the sofa, resting her chin on the soft material. She glanced over at Eagle, he'd set his drink down as well his eyes half lidded, fix upon her, as if he were pondering something.
"What are you thinking about this time?" she questioned him, his gaze made her tremble, he was watching her so intently.
His amber eyes came back into focus, "I was just wondering…May I ask you a personal question?"
Blue eyes studied him, "I guess so."
"Well, I know as a Magic Knight you and the other girls went though a lot together and you handle battle much better than most young women your age and unfortunately you've seen death on several occasions." He rested a hand gently against her cheek, "So why did Camry's tale about his daughter affect you so?" He pried gently not wanting to upset her.
Her eyes turned down from his, "Well…" she mulled the question, "It's just it was his daughter, parents aren't suppose to out live their children like that, to lose someone so important to you in that way and…" she hesitated for a second and she felt him lay an arm over her shoulders, tucking her in close to him. His warmth was soothing and she sighed continuing, "Well, someday…I've always wanted a family, to be a mother…" she mumbled shyly into his shoulder.
She waited for him to respond in some manor but he remained silent. Her face flushed wondering if she'd been too forward…My, this man was getting very good at making her blush.
Eagle knew exactly what her flushed face looked like without ever having to turn to gaze at her, he felt the heat in her cheeks and laughed quietly. "I think you'll make a wonderful mother, well as long as you don't spoil them with sweets, Hikaru told me you're fond of making them."
She nodded mutely, burying her red face deeper into the fabric of his tunic. She sighed and it quickly turned into a yawn.
"Go to sleep." He gazed down at her, urging her to move to bed.
"But what about you? You're not having trouble sleeping again are you?" She questioned him.
"No, I'm fine. I promise really, I'm just not ready yet." He shooed her off to bed and she grudgingly obliged. The blankets felt so nice and warm and she smiled faintly, they smelled like him. It wasn't long before sleep claimed her tired eyes.
Eagle smiled as she quickly fell into sleep, he poured himself another cup of milk and nibbled on a cake. Now that she was asleep he let this thoughts wonder down darker paths, like his dream and Camry. He remembered his encounter with Camry, if it could even be called that, very well, but his dream was still fractured pieces…
His eyebrows furrowed as he tired to recall the dream, falling snow permeated most of his memory, red snow and the voices that called him…he was sure now one of them was Umi…but the other he had no idea. He sighed popping another cake into his mouth and finishing his milk.
Yawning he came over to Umi's side and sat on the edge of the bed. Lifting a hand to side some of her soft hair though his fingers he could only wonder, 'Whatever future my dream it warning me of…is it something that's going to happen to me or…' his hand stopped as he looked up over to his window. Heavy falling snow flittered down, bright white, blinding all else, even almost disguising the man's presence he just felt.
Standing he grabbed his cloak from Autozam and tossed is over his shoulders he pulled open his balcony door to find just the man he was looking for.
"Camry?"
AN: Arg...well did I go too far with the fluff? I couldn't help myself, I feel bad for Fuu and Feiro though...I can't seem to come up with good material for them. XD and alas no preview of a chapter again, but I do have a tenative title for the next chapter, for now it's going to be called Gabriel but this is up to change. Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed.
VKiera