Love Across Time: Hidden Reality
Disclaimer: I don't own Rayearth.
Chapter 12:
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"Begin the preparations to leave immediately," said Ferio. "Besides Master Mage Clef, I would also like to have Lantis, Lafarga, Caldina and Presea to come with us as well. Also, I want to ask that Eagle Vision, Tatra and Tarta and Lady Aska come with us as well, for introductions?"
"Of course," agreed the rulers in unison.
"It will definitely be a benefit to have us their to make the proper introductions," said Eagle.
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The party left the following evening on one large Cephiroian ship. Sang Yung, and Oiang Ang, returned to Fahren on their ship to watch after it, while Aska was away. Oiang Ang insisted that one ninja remain behind as a bodyguard, as well as two ladies-in-waiting.
Tatra and Tarta also sent their ship home, and Zazu and Geo took their ship back to Autozam.
"So, what is our first stop?" asked Eagle as he stretched out on a sofa, in the lounge area where everyone had gathered.
"Our first stop will be Vulcana," said Ferio.
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"Your Majesties!" Satoru and Tomoyo stopped walking, and turned to the servant who had called out to them. Satoru recognized him, as the personal servant of the head of his palace guard.
"What is it Chan?" he asked calmly.
"Sire, an unknown ship is nearing the palace."
"Is it friendly?" asked Tomoyo wrapping her arms around one of Satoru's arms.
"We have not made that determination. There has been no communication."
"All right," said Satoru placing a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. "Where is Captain Lee?"
"He is waiting in the throne room."
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"Lee!" shouted Satoru as he and Tomoyo entered the throne room, and sat down on their thrones.
"Yes, your majesties!" said the head of the royal guard.
"Let the ship dock, and let those who are on it, be brought before me, under heavy guard," Satoru ordered while taking off his ruby pendant and holding it out in front of him.
"You are summoning the others?" asked Tomoyo worriedly, as the pendent began to glow.
"Yes, I'm not sure what is going to happen, and it would be better if they were all here." The pendent floated up into the air as Satoru began to speak, "Rulers of Vulcana, come before me!" Four balls of red lightening appeared and exploded to reveal Masaru, Kakeru, Hikaru, and Rayearth. Masaru and Kakeru held their glowing pendants in their hands, and Hikaru had her arms around Rayearth's neck.
"We need to see if we can get you a new pendant," said Kakeru, "It takes a lot out of Rayearth to transport the both of you."
"I know," said Hikaru patting Rayearth's head. "I still don't understand why mine was missing when Satoru first opened the way here from Tokyo."
"Hikaru, I thought you were going to visit me before Kakeru," said Masaru crossing his arms across his chest.
"No I didn't," began Hikaru.
"This is all very interesting but, we have a more important and immediate problem," said Satoru putting his pendant back on.
"What's going on Satoru?" asked Masaru taking his seat bedside his brother, as did Kakeru.
"An unknown ship has just docked at the palace. We do not know if they are friendly or not. No contact has come from the ship, so I'm having them treated as hostile. As I speak Captain Lee is coming with those who were on the ship. Hikaru. Please stop playing with that medallion of yours, and take your place beside Tomoyo. Rayearth guard your charge with a sharp eye." With that, the fire family looked towards the prisoners their guards brought in.
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"What do you mean the communications out!" shrieked Tarta.
"Just what I said," growled Lantis irritably, "the communicator is malfunctioning. It can be fixed easily once we dock."
"You must understand," said Tatra calmly, "Vulcana is very cautious of strangers. Do not be surprised if they are angry because, we did not communicate with them before docking."
"We've docked," said Clef entering the room. "Tatra and Tarta, please go in front of us, so you can explain what has happened."
"Of course," smiled Tatra.
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As the group disembarked, a surprised Captain Lee immediately met Tatra and Tarta. "Your Highnesses," he said with a bow, and signaling his men to surround the rest of the group, "We were not expecting you."
"The communicator broke down," said Tarta looking worriedly at the guards who were pointing their spears at the rest of the group.
"Captain, our companions are friends. They wish to see King Satoru," said Tatra "I can vouch for each of them, surely we do not need the armed escort."
"They will meet the entire royal family," said Captain Lee, "His majesty has summoned both Masaru and Kakeru from their kingdoms and the young Princess who was visiting King Kakeru with her guardian. Satoru has ordered that whoever was on the ship be brought to him under strict guard, and I will follow my King's orders. Follow me," he said leading them to the throne room.
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As the group entered the throne room, couldn't help but stare in awe. It was a large rectangular room, of marble floors and pillars. Glowing red roses decorated the pillars, and gold designs were inlaid in the marble. Lords and Ladies stood or sat in groups around the room in beautiful and rich attire. What caught everyone's attention and held it however, was the dais that stood at the end of the room. The dais was at the top of a raised set of six steps, and five thrones were set on top of it, in a row.
To the far left sat two young men, one with dark brown hair and the other a lighter brown. Both wore black slacks, and a red shirt was worn under a black leather breastplate also trimmed in gold, with the fire symbol in the middle of it. Crows of gold sat on their heads and broadswords were balanced on one knee.
In the center sat the King and Queen. The King wore black pants like the others, but wore a high collared, white jacket. The collar and cuffs of the jacket were maroon, with a gold leaf design stitched on them. His hair was a dark auburn color, and his eyes almost looked black, and his right hand held the hilt of his sword that was leaning against the arm of his throne. Beside him the Queen wore a red halter-top dress and a red rose behind her ear. A sheer shawl of gold hung around her arms, and highlighted the maroon streaks in her black hair. A delicate crown of gold sat on her head.
Lantis noticed that the monarchs wore the ruby pendent that Rayearth had given to him. The fact that he was wearing the pendant, and in plain view, was forgotten as his eyes fell on the young women beside the Queen. Lantis was not the only one who stared at her in disbelief.
A mature version of Hikaru sat before them, her hair was pulled into a ponytail, with a cluster of red roses fixed in her hair. She wore a ruby red peasants dress trimmed in gold that had slits to her thighs. To keep the dress modest she wore black leggings underneath that stopped just above her knees. The style suggested that she was an active person. Gold armbands encircled her upper arms, a mirror medallion hung around her neck, and a similar crown to the Queens sat on her head. Her ruby eyes looked curiously at the group, and rested momentarily on Lantis before she focused on the Princesses of Chizeta.
"Tatra! Tarta!" she cried happily, "We did not realize you had come." Hikaru stood from her place and began to descend the stairs smiling.
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"Hikaru," whispered Lantis moving quickly past the guards, towards her. With no other thought than holding her again, Lantis pulled her into his arms. His expectations of her returning the embrace, or laughs of happiness, were immediately shattered. With a terrified cry, Hikaru shoved Lantis away from her. Before he could say anything, the situation turned bad. With a fierce growl, the great red wolf, jumped up from his place beside Hikaru. Like lightening he jumped between the two of them, barring his teeth. In a quick flash of light, the wolf transformed into a man all in black, wearing a ninja's mask. The fire symbol was on the front of his shirt, and he pointed a dangerous looking sword at Lantis threateningly.
"What is the meaning of this!" came the High King's outraged voice.
"What are you doing?" whispered Tatra quickly pulling Lantis back from the Princess.
"It's Hikaru!" said Lantis pulling his arm free from her grip. "She was the Magic Knight of fire. I must go to her, I must speak with her!"
"I don't know much about the other Magic Knights. I only ever really met Umi. That, however, is not important now. You must apologies to their majesties for your behavior. They obviously do not understand your actions, and quite frankly, I think you may be mistaken. Look, the Princess doesn't seem to know who you are."
Everyone looked towards Hikaru and saw what Tatra said was true. Hikaru was hiding completely behind Rayearth, and they could hear her taking in shaky breaths. The two younger kings had gone to her side, and the King and Queen had jumped to their feet. The deadly points of the guard's swords where leveled at the group, and shouts of outraged rose from the court and guards. Thinking quickly, Lantis bowed on one knee before the monarchs.
"Forgive my forwardness majesties. For a moment I thought I knew this young women."
"You will address the Princess by her proper title," snapped Masaru.
"Step back with your group, Sir Knight," said the King motioning to the other monarchs to return to their seats. "Rayearth, return her highness to her seat."
Slowly, Rayearth backed up the stairs, gently pushing Hikaru with him. Once back in her seat, Rayearth turned back into a wolf, and laid in front of her throne.
"I will accept your apology," said Satoru, "I can understand mistaken identity. We have not been properly introduced. I am High King Satoru, and beside me is my wife, the High Queen Tomoyo. To my right are my brothers, Masaru," Masaru's brown eyes glared at the group, "and Kakeru. They are demi-Kings under me." Kakeru nodded his head as he gave the evil eye to Lantis, again.
"And beside the High Queen, is the Princess Hikaru, my sister and her guardian, Rayearth."
Tatra stepped forward, "I speak for all of us when I say, that we are honored to be here. Now I would like to introduce our guests to you. First this is Prince Ferio, the current ruler of Cephiro. Beside him are Master Mage Clef, Presea the Master Smith, and Caldina an illusionist and dancer. Lafarga is next to her and is the head of the royal guard, and Lantis is beside him. He is a master swordsman; they all come from the planet Cephiro. The young woman beside Tatra is Lady Aska of Fahren, and behind her is Eagle Vision of Autozam."
"Cephiro," whispered Hikaru, "Cephiro…Cephiro…No!" she cried out burying her face in her hands.
"Hikaru!" cried Tomoyo jumping up and kneeling in front of Hikaru. "Hikaru? Hikaru?" she asked gently placing her hands on her shoulders. "Satoru!" she begged, as Masaru and Kakeru came running to their sister's side. Suddenly standing up both of the demi-Kings held out their hands and balls of fire formed in them.
"What have you done?" demanded Kakeru, as the fire in his hand intensified.
"Rayearth, take your charge to her room," ordered Satoru. "Masaru, Kakeru, sit down. Tomoyo please go with Rayearth." The Queen looked at him searchingly for a moment.
"Vulcana will be just," he reassured her. She spoke quietly with the three kings, before she followed Rayearth, who had changed back into his human form, and had Hikaru in his arms.
"Autozam, Fahren and Chizeta, you are all welcomed by our court. Cephiro, you on the other hand are a different matter all together," said Satoru leaning back in his throne.
"If I may ask your majesties," said Ferio stepping forward. "From what I've heard, you have never seen or been to Cephiro. I must ask, on behalf of my people, what do you hold against Cephiro?"
"What you say is true," said Satoru calmly, "Vulcana has never had any contact with Cephiro."
"But we have seen what it does. And look at what has happened today!" cut in Masaru.
"What?" asked Ferio.
"Are you blind," snapped Kakeru. "Did you not see what just happened? For the five times the name of Cephiro has been spoken, my sister has wept. Not just for an hour or so, but for three days and then silent for a week. You ask what we could have against you? The pain in her eyes is enough reason for me!" Kakeru ended with a shout.
"Peace brother," ordered Satoru. "Prince, our sister has only painful memories of your planet. A planet she has saved twice, but has no fond memories of. But as I said, Vulcana will be fair. In a years time we will come to Cephiro, to see what your planet is like, if it is indeed a place that is not a threat. For now though, we will escort your group back to your ship. Your continued presence, at this time is not welcomed by myself, or Princess Hikaru." Without waiting for a response, Satoru rose from his throne and led them back through the palace.
Lantis trailed behind the rest of the group, as Ferio and Satoru spoke over arrangements, with Kakeru and Masaru following silently behind.
"Please follow me Sir," Lantis stopped and looked in surprise, at the servant girl who stood in his path.
"Excuse me?"
"My lady, the High Queen Tomoyo wishes to speak with you. Please, follow me."
Lantis followed the servant, until they reached an open-air hallway, which ran between two beautiful gardens. The hallway was empty, and Lantis was about to ask the servant where the queen was, when in a shower of red roses, she appeared before him.
"Sir Lantis," she said bowing her head slightly.
"Your highness. You wanted to see me?" he asked while bowing to her.
"Yes, I did. Rochelle, you may go. I will lead him back to his group." The servant bowed and went on her way. "I have asked to speak with you on an important matter. This pendant," she stated reaching out and holding the pendent around his neck in her hand. "Where did you get it? Who gave it to you?"
"From the Rune god Rayearth," Lantis answered.
"This pendant is the royal crest of Vulcana. Only the royal family is allowed to have them." Tomoyo glared at Lantis a moment, "This was not Rayearth's to give." Wrapping her fingers around the pendant, she gave a sharp jerk, ripping it from around his neck. "I will led you to the ship now" she said turning her back to him.
"Stop!" ordered Lantis pulling out his sword.
She turned back to him her face expressionless, "Is there a problem Sir?"
"Give back the pendant. Hikaru gave it to Rayearth, to entrust to me."
"The mirror medallion is yours, isn't it?" asked Tomoyo.
Lantis lowered his sword, "Yes. Yes, I gave it to her." She smiled as she moved to stand in front of him again.
"So, you are the one, our Hikaru has faithfully loved. I'm afraid however; I cannot return the pendant. Before you protest, let me explain. Hikaru has no memory of Cephiro except for ones that she fought and suffered. This pendant can help her recover her full memories."
Lantis nodded, "Take it then."
"Thank you Sir. I will give this to you instead." Tomoyo then dropped into his open hand a necklace. It was a small ruby flanked by two diamonds on a thin gold chain. "This is her favorite necklace."
"Thank you, your Majesty," said Lantis slipping the necklace around his neck.
"Your," Tomoyo stopped speaking suddenly, and moved her head to the side, as if hearing something.
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Tomoyo was starting to respond to Lantis, when her husbands voice filled her head.
'Tomoyo? Where are you? Is Hikaru safe? Your all right, right?' Tomoyo laughed gently.
'Everything is fine. Rayearth is guarding Hikaru, along with three other guards.'
'Tomo, the magic swordsman, Lantis is not here. Is he with you?' demanded Satoru.
'He is, and I have gotten the pendant back.'
'Very well, I will come and get him than.'
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"Your absence has been discovered, Sir," said Tomoyo.
Lantis was about to speak when, in a flash of red lighting Satoru appeared.
"I leave you in the capable hands of my husband. Till we meet again, Farwell."
"Tomoyo," called Satoru as she turned away.
Tomoyo turned slightly and showed the pendant.
Satoru nodded and lead Lantis to the others. "It is a good thing my wife got the pendant from you. Kakeru and Masaru wanted to attack you for it. Tomoyo convinced them to let her get it."
Lantis said nothing but nodded. Once reaching the ship, Satoru bowed to the group.
"Till we meet again in a year."
"Till then," said Ferio bowing deeply.
"We will see you soon," called Tarta as she boarded the ship.
"Tell your parents the decision we asked for, if for the moment on hold," said Satoru to Tatra before she boarded.
"Thank you, your Majesty," said Tatra bowing low to him.
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"Well, I think our first stop went, rather well," said Presea as the group sat down in the lounge.
"I agree," said Ferio in obvious relief.
"The next stop is Squall," said Eagle with a smile. "I've already contacted King Syaoran, to tell him of our arrival. However, I did leave out the part about you being from Cephiro. I thought you should at least get a chance to get through the front door."
"Thanks," laughed Ferio as he stretched out on one of the sofas.
A/N: Thank you for reading. Sorry this took so long to get up. I hope you enjoyed it though.