Love Across Time: Hidden Reality
Chapter 13: Confronting Winds
XXXXXXXXX
"Husband, what is the matter?" asked Queen Minako walking up to her husband who was watching the sunset from one of the large palace windows. His eyes were distant and unfocused. "Syaoran?" she asked touching his arm.
"Hmmm? Oh, I'm sorry what did you say?" asked Syaoran turning to his wife.
"You seem worried? The only thing coming up is Eagle's visit. Is there something you haven't told me?" asked Minako. Just then laughter drifted down the hall, causing both to look up, to see their daughters walking arm in arm. Both were excited because three of their brothers would be arriving that evening from their kingdoms, and joining them for dinner.
"Minako," Syaoran took both of her hands in his, " it is nothing certain, just a feeling. Eagle told me he is bringing some friends with him, he didn't say who but…"
"Cephiro," said Minako unknowingly tightening her hold in her husbands' hands.
Syaoran nodded and pulled her arm through his. "Like I said there is nothing certain but, it does make sense. We haven't heard anything from them in way of negotiations. They probably want to speak to us face to face. They should have a chance, don't you agree?" asked Syaoran as servants opened the dinning hall doors.
Minako looked to where her youngest daughter sat, talking happily with Kuu. "We must be fair," she said quietly, "but just one chance."
XXXXXXXXX
"We arrived earlier than I thought," said Lafarga as the group walked down the ramp of the ship.
"Uncle Syaoran and Aunt Minako will not mind," said Eagle. The ship dock was carved out of the side of a flat-topped mountain, with stairs leading to the huge palace that sat on top.
"Squall looks so much like Cephiro," said Aska as the group looked out over the valley before them.
"Hmmm, I think there are more hills here, and the forests look thicker," said Tarta looking around.
"It is very beautiful," said Tatra looking over the valley that was now bathed in silver moonlight.
"You should see it during the day," said Eagle smiling proudly.
"Might not want to listen to Eagle, he is bias after all."
Everyone looked up to see a tall, blonde haired gentleman walking towards the group. He wore a dark green sleeveless shirt and white pants, which were tucked into a pair of dark brown boots. A wide brown leather belt circled his waist, with a large curved dagger hanging on one side. On his forehead was a wind symbol, which Eagle had told them, was the mark of royalty.
"Syaoran!" laughed Eagle walking over to his cousin and throwing an arm around his shoulders.
"We are earlier than expected," Eagle started to explain, but Syaoran shook his head to stop him.
"You should know by now that, that doesn't matter. Come on, dinner is just being served I believe. Mother and father will want you to join us. Your friends of course are welcome to join as well," said Syaoran turning to lead the way.
The walk from the ship dock to the palace was a lively one. Eagle and the Prince talked loudly and excitedly about activities they wanted to do, and through their talking the group learned that Syaoran was the oldest of the Princes of Squall. The group had just entered the palace, when suddenly a coughing spasm shook Syaoran's body violently.
A guard moved to the Princes' side, but he held up one hand ordering him to remain at his post, while the other griped Eagle's arm for support.
"What's the matter?" asked Eagle once the spasm stopped.
"It's nothing. Just a bad cold."
"Are you sure?"
"Eagle, I think I would know if it was a cold or not. I'm alright," Syaoran reassured Eagle, while straightening up. Syaoran knew Eagle would feel unnecessary guilt over what had happened and so decided not to tell him that his sickness was the same as his had been.
"Are you sure?"
"Stop! You're starting to sound like the girls," " said Syaoran irritably as he continued to led the way.
XXXXXXXXX
When they had entered the dinning hall, its beauty awed Caldina and Presea. A long table sat in the middle of the room covered in a snow-white tablecloth that had silver green Celtic knot pattern running around the bottom. At the end of the table was a dais, which formed the top of the two table's T shape. It also had a snow-white tablecloth, but its Celtic knot pattern was gold. High vaulted ceilings, white stone pillars, and a polished marble floor added to the grandeur of the room.
At the first table, Lords and Ladies sat with their families, with sets of gold tableware and emerald studded goblets before them. The ladies wore beautiful gowns of various shades of white, green's and yellow's. The men wore slacks of white, black or brown, with black or green shirts that were either long sleeved, or short sleeved. Embroidered on the upper arm of each man's sleeve were the crests of his family.
What held the group's attention however, were the monarchs on the dais. The King sat in the middle of the table and he looked like an older version of Syaoran, except he had a full goatee. He wore no crown but a wind symbol glowed softly in the middle of his forehead. To his left sat the Queen, her long brown hair was plaited into a lose braid with golden ribbons woven into it. Like her husband, she had no crown but the same softly glowing symbol in the middle of her forehead. She wore a white dress, with bell sleeves, with dark green embroidery around the scoop neck and sleeve ends. Presea guessed that the same designed was around the bottom of the dress as well. Beside her were eight more seats and directly next to her sat two young women. The two ladies rose to their feet as the group moved closer but the King and Queen remained seated.
The taller of the two girls had long brown hair that hung loosely around her. She wore a dark green empire waist gown, and gold bracelets adorned her arms. Upon their entry she had pulled on a heavy leather glove, whose purpose everyone realized, when a falcon appeared and with a cry landed on her outstretched hand.
When the group looked at the younger woman, the feelings of surprise they had felt when they saw Hikaru, were repeated as the looked on a grown up Fuu. She had grown a bit taller, her blonde hair reached just past her shoulders, and she no longer wore glass in front of her emerald green eyes. Her dress was similar to taller girls; except her dress was white, with a wide ribbon of pale green running under her bust. Perched on two of her fingers was a small green bird with golden eyes that watched them with a steady gaze. Unlike the other women at the dais, she did not have a glowing symbol on her forehead.
"Syaoran!" both girls cried as they came running down from the dais. Their birds had immediately left their hands, but followed their mistress, hovering close overhead.
XXXXXXXXX
Fuu and Kuu were surprised to see their brother walking into the dinning hall. Both shouted out his name in concern, as they ran to him.
"You are supposed to be in bed." Kuu stated firmly, as Fuu stood up on her tiptoes and placed a pale hand on her brother's forehead.
"I'm fine," snapped Syaoran at Kuu. His tone surprised Fuu, causing her to jerk her hand away. "I'm sorry Little Phoenix," he said wrapping an arm around her shoulders, "I guess I'm still a little tired. You too sis." Syaoran added wrapping his other arm around Kuu. Both girls nodded their acceptance.
"We were just worried about you" smiled Kuu.
"I know. Enough about me, didn't you see who I have brought with me?" he said turning to the group behind him. Big smiles crossed the girl's faces as they saw their favorite cousin. Both gave a quick curtsey to their brother before, throwing their arms around Eagle. Eagle laughed and hugged them back. He was just about to make introductions when the King interrupted him.
XXXXXXXXX
"Eagle, come have something to eat. You and your friends shall eat at our table."
"Thank you Uncle," said Eagle as he and the others made their way to the dais.
"As you may have already figured out," said King Houoji as the group reached the dais, "I am King Syaoran Houoji. This is my wife, the High Queen Minako Houoji. The young gentleman who came in with you is our first born, the High Prince Syaoran. And these two young woman," motioned the King to his two daughters as they took their seats again, "are the princesses Kuu my oldest and Fuu, my youngest."
"Welcome guests," said Minako, "Please have a seat." Servants than appeared showing everyone to their seats, Eagle was seated beside Fuu and the respective rulers sat beside him. Everyone else was seated next to the High King.
Everyone started to eat, and light conversation was circling the table, when the large dinning hall doors opened. Three, young men strode into the room, with the same glowing symbols on their foreheads that the other royals had. Two of the young men looked exactly alike, with blonde hair and hazel colored eyes. They appeared to have just come from a hunt, since a quivers and bows were strapped to their backs. They wore dark brown boots, dark brown pants, leather arm guards, gloves and reddish brown tunics with gold and black embroidery along the edge that signified their royalty. The third man looked drastically different from them. He had the same athletic build as the other two and the symbol but, his hair was black with subtle emerald streaks and his eyes were a dark emerald green. He wore black pants and boots, and a dark green Chinese style jacket with buttons and trimming in gold and a golden phoenix embroidered on the back.
After greeting the High King and hugging the High Queen, the men went over to the Princess. The twins greeted the girls first, pulling them into tight bear hugs. The dark haired man greeted Kuu first, but then pulled Fuu off to an open balcony. Ferio watched them closely as jealousy rose up inside him.
'He can't be her brother,' thought Ferio as he tried to get a clear look from his chair, 'they look nothing alike. What if they are betrothed!'
XXXXXXXXX
Touya pulled Fuu out to the balcony so that they were out of earshot of the table.
"What is the matter Touya?"asked Fuu worriedly. Touya framed Fuu's face with his hands and studied her intently, searching for a hint of the secret only a select few knew.
"How has your cold been?"
Fuu gently released her brother's hold on her face and dropped her gaze. It was a well-kept secret that she had caught the same deadly disease as Syaoran.
"Fuu?" Fuu looked up at him.
"I had an attack last night," she whispered as tears began to well up in her eyes. "It hurt really bad this time."
Touya pulled his younger sister to him and gently wiped the tears from her eyes.
"We will find a way to fix this Fuu," he said confidently, "Now come on, we need to get back." Fuu nodded and after pulling herself together, allowed herself to be guided back to the table.
Windom, who was sitting on the top of Fuu's chair, chirped angrily at Touya as he helped Fuu back into her seat.
"Calm down Windom," he laughed as the small hawk flew at him. He was grateful Fuu's pet had chosen it's smaller form rather than it's usual larger adult size. He was easier to deal with in this size. Grabbing a large red grape from his sister's plate, he offered it to the flustered hawk. Windom chirped happily and eagerly ate the grape offered to him.
"Glade you could join us Touya," chided King Syaoran, as his son moved to his own chair.
"I'm sorry father. I'm afraid I was being selfish. I got a trinket for Fuu and wanted to see her expression when I gave it to her." Suddenly feeling something cool weigh on her wrist, Fuu looked down to see a pale jade bracelet encircling it.
"See father," said Fuu raising her wrist to show off the bracelet. She couldn't hold back her smile, knowing Touya had used his magic to supply an alibi.
"Yes, well now that you are back, I would like to introduce the rest of my children. The two to my right are the twin Prince's Masahito and Matsumoto."
Caldina noticed that the one distinguishing mark between the twins was a long white scare on Masahito's cheek.
"And my second oldest Touya."
"Prince Touya," said Tatra, "forgive my curiosity but, why is your hair such a different color from that of the rest of your family?"
Touya laughed a bit at the question, "There is nothing to forgive, my hair was actually the same color as my mother's but when I turned eighteen I was chosen to hold the second greatest level of magic on this planet. When that happened my hair and my eyes changed, my power is second only to Fuu."
The meal continued after that, and was a beautiful and delicious affair. About half way through, Ferio got up to speak with Clef. As he got up from his chair, the phoenix pendent he wore swung forward slightly. It was unnoticed by everyone except Kuu. Once he was out of earshot, she leaned over and tapped Fuu's arm.
"Fuu, the young man next to Eagle has your phoenix pendent."
Fuu looked incredulously at her sister, "Are you sure?" Kuu nodded her head. "We have to get it back!" whispered Fuu urgently. "If I have it I will be able to heal Syaoran."
"I'll tell the others. We can leave it to them to get it." Fuu nodded and waited as Kuu contacted the brothers to tell them what she had just learned, through the telepathic link she shared with them. "Syaoran says you will have your pendant tonight," said Kuu with a big smile, "and Touya and the twins say not to worry."
XXXXXXXXX
"Husband these guests are definitely from Cephiro," whispered Minako, "What should we do?"
Syaoran scanned the guests at his table, his eyes slightly narrowed. "We will reveal who the traitorous Cephiroians are," he said rising to his feet. "A toast!" he said raising his goblet, "To Squall!"
"Squall!" cheered the room following the Kings example and raising their globlets. "To Eagle Vision and his guests from," he turned to his nephew "my apologies nephew, in the excitement of having you with us, we did not give you the opportunity to introduce your companions. Please introduce them to us and our court."
"Thank you Uncle. To my left is Tarta and Tatra of Chizeta, Lady Aska of Fahren and Price Ferio sits beside her, and he is traveling with Presea who is sitting at the end of the table to my right, and beside her are Clef, Caldina, Lafarga, and Lantis. They all come from Cephiro." As Eagle took his seat an uneasy silence filled the room.
King Syaoran said nothing for a moment, but then raised his goblet "Welcome to you Chizeta and Fahren. We extend our welcome to you, Cephiro as well."
Before anyone could raise their goblets to their lips, angry shouts were heard from some of the younger nobles and the Prince's of Squall jumped to their feet with angry exclamations. Eagle turned to Fuu confused but became alarmed by the white pallor of her face.
The small hawk rose from his place and in a flash turned into an archer. A black cloth covered his mouth and nose. On his back was a quiver filled with golden arrows, and a gold bow was held in his hand. He immediately placed a hand on Fuu's shoulder and the two vanished from sight to reappear by the dining hall door. The archer stood in front of Fuu, and drew an arrow across his bow.
King Syaoran immediately silenced the room.
"Father," began Syaoran sternly, "how can you welcome the Cephirians? After all that has happened?" he would have gone on but another violent coughing spasm racked his body. As it did the room became very still and Kuu quickly moved to his side.
"Syaoran!" cried Kuu worriedly when she saw crimson spots staining his hands. King Syaoran quickly shouted orders to have his son taken to his room and doctors called upon.
XXXXXXXXX
Fuu peeked cautiously out from behind Windom. She had been slightly startled when he transported them but was glad to be distanced from the people of Cephiro. As her father quitted everyone, the Prince of Cephiro was looking directly at her. Fuu moved back behind Windom and tried to figure out the strange feeling that had rose in her. Her train of thought ended quickly though when she heard Syaoran begin to cough violently. As she watched him being escorted out, fear and worry started to flood her senses, and she began to cough violently as well. Windom spun around, slipping his bow into his quiver. Gripping her shoulders he starred intently into her face. Fuu had to break eye contact partially because she didn't want to look into her guardians probing eyes, and because her coughing made it impossible for her to stand straight.
"Fuu?" questioned Kuu as Touya hurried to her. Before Touya could reach her, Windom turned holding Fuu in his arm.
"No! No!" sobbed Minako as her eyes fell on her youngest child, cradled in her guardian's arms, with blood staining her hands and the corner of her mouth.
"Take her to Syaoran's room and have a bed made up in there as well" barked the King as he and his family exited the hall.
XXXXXXXXX
Eagle sat nervously outside Syaoran's room with everyone waiting for news. After two agonizing hours the King came out looking very tired and worried.
"Uncle how are they?" asked Eagle anxiously.
Syaoran looked steadily at Eagle, "Not well, but take heart nephew, we are doing everything to help them."
"I'm sorry," said Eagle as his uncle started to pass him. Syaoran placed his hand on Eagle's shoulder reassuringly.
"It is not your fault Eagle," said Minako as she joined the group.
"But," began Eagle.
"No," ordered Minako, "You did not know your sickness would pass to Syaoran and Fuu. The disease was not contagious. The doctors still don't understand how they caught it. Please do not blame yourself."
"Will they be alright?" asked Eagle.
"No one knows," she admitted, "but for now we should all try and get some sleep. The servants will get us if their conditions change."
Eagle and Ferio stayed behind a moment after everyone was led to their rooms. Minako had not fully closed the door and they could see Syaoran and Fuu lying restlessly on their beds. The Princes of Squall stood silently by one of the large windows in the room looking very grave. Kuu sat between her sister and brother, her face buried in her hands. Fuu's guardian stood at the head of her bed his eyes scanning the room.
"We should head to our rooms," said Eagle turning away. Ferio nodded and followed the servant who had remained behind to show the way. As he neared his room another servant joined his guide.
"Have you heard any news?" he whispered.
"The doctors say that they are in a very dangerous stage and if they don't change by tomorrow…"the guide left his sentence unfinished. Upon reaching his room, Ferio asked where Clef was. The servants indicated a door at the end of the hall and then left. Waiting till the servants were out of sight he moved quietly down the hall. He was half way down the darken hall when suddenly he found himself pinned to the floor and a gag tied tightly in his mouth.
"Get the pendant," came a harsh order. He was pulled roughly to his feet and his head pulled roughly back. By the dim light of the hall torches, Ferio could see the shadowed figures of three men whose faces were covered. One of the masked figures tore open his collar and with one swift pull, ripped the emerald pendant from his neck. Ferio immediately fought to free himself but it was impossible and he found himself sinking into the deep darkness of unconsciousness, as something struck the back of his head.
XXXXXXXXX
Kuu looked up startled as the door of her brother's room flew open. "Windom!" she screamed in alarm. The guardian immediately stood in front of Kuu with his bow strung, but he lowered his weapon, when the leader pulled his mask from his face.
"We got it!" said Touya with a smile. Kuu sighed in relief and went to Fuu's side and gently shook her.
"Fuu. Look at what our brothers have done." Fuu smiled weakly as Kuu slipped the necklace around her neck. A wind symbol appeared on Fuu's forehead and glowed softly as ribbons of magic circled her. When the ribbons disappeared she sat up and after looking about her, moved to her oldest brother's side.
"Royal Winds of Healing," she whispered. Syaoran was surrounded in wind magic and when it disappeared, he gave a grunt of discomfort and sat up stiffly. A cheer rose from the servants as the siblings came together in a group hug. The King and Queen so arrived and King Syaoran smiled affectionately as Minako cried and hugged her children.
XXXXXXXXX
"He's waking up," called Presea softly to Clef.
"Presea?" asked Ferio as he forced his eyes to open and focus.
"How do you feel your highness?" asked Clef.
"I have a dull pounding in my head but, other than that I'm fine. How did I get here?"
"Someone knocked on my door last night and when I opened it, no one was there, and when I looked into the hall I saw you lying unconscious on the ground. I woke up Presea and Lantis and got you to your room. Presea and I have been watching over you and Lantis has told the others. I told them to get some sleep. They should be coming in soon." As if on cue the rest of the group arrived.
"So what happened?" asked Lantis when everyone was seated.
" I was going to see Clef, when I was attacked by three men. They held me tight and took the pendent Fuu left me." Ferio looked angrily at his clenched fists as he spoke.
"And then?" asked Tatra.
"One of the men hit me and I went unconscious. The next thing I remember is waking up here a few minutes ago.
"I wonder who would want Fuu's pendent so badly?" asked Presea. Before anyone could respond a servant appeared and announced the presence of the royal Princes. The group was surprised to see Prince Syaoran, who appeared to be fully recovered from the disease that had taken hold of him the night before. He bowed his head slightly to Ferio and spoke.
"Your highness, my family is relieved to see you have recovered form the attack last night, though I had been told it was only minor injuries that were inflicted." Here he sent a meaningful glare at the other Princes whose attention was conveniently elsewhere.
" We are greatly ashamed that you were attacked at all. We have our guards searching for the three men who attacked you." Ferio nodded his head in thanks. "For now however, come. Our father wishes to speak to you and your companions. Eagle is with him already."
"Of course," said Ferio rising slowly and the group filed out in front of him.
"It is rather strange don't you think?" whispered Lantis to Ferio as they walked down the hall, "The Prince knew exactly how many men attacked you when even we did not know, till you told us just a few moments ago."
"My thoughts exactly," said Ferio a frown crossing his face.
XXXXXXXXX
As the group entered the throne room of Squall, Ferio spotted Eagle and the King and by the looks on their faces they were talking about something important. As they drew closer, Eagle moved to join them as they stood before the thrones of the monarchs. The Princes took their seats as the King addressed the group.
"I am happy to see that you have not endured any lasting wounds Prince Ferio. I give you my sincere apologies. The persons or persons who did this to you will pay for this outrage, have no doubt of that."
Ferio bowed his head to the King, "I thank you, your majesty."
"We are here Father," came a soft voice. Everyone turned to see Fuu and her sister enter the room. Ferio fought to keep the surprise from his face, for around Fuu's neck hung the emerald pendant.
The King nodded and motioned them to their thrones, "Please be seated daughters."
During this exchange Presea whispered quietly to the group. "Look! The whole family is wearing the phoenix pendants."
"What is going on?" asked Ferio suspiciously. "I'm surprised you have not figured that out yet Prince," came a deep and familiar voice. As the group looked around for the source of the voice, a strong wind began to blow. Confused shouts of surprise came from the royal family, as the King pulled his wife to him using his cape to protect her from the small gale that was blowing. Syaoran moved quickly to Kuu and pulled her to him lifting his cape to protect her as well. Touya stood on the other side of them; his own cape raised covering his face and a ninja star held ready in his hand. Masahito held Fuu and Matsumoto held his sword at the ready. Their faces were half hidden by their capes, like the rest of the family.
"It was the Princes!" shouted Ferio as the memory of the masked men filled his mind. He would recognize those intense eyes anywhere. His charge was lost however, except those next to him, by the roar of the wind.
"Are you sure?" asked Lantis.
"Positive."
"I see my faith in you was not misplaced." The wind died down almost as suddenly as it had started, and everyone looked up to see the Mashin of the Wind standing between the family of Squall and the Cephirians.
"Master Windom," said Fuu pulling herself out of Masahito's embrace and giving a curtsey. Windom transformed into his archer form and after bowing to the monarchs and his charge, walked over to where Ferio stood.
"Prince of Cephiro the pendent Fuu left you was the family crest of Squall," said Windom in a low voice that only the Cephirians could hear. "She knew that if you found her native home, someone would recognize the pendent and make inquires. I must say though," a tone of amusement entered his voice, "I did not know the Princes would be so…aggressive in getting it back."
"Why doesn't Fuu recognize us?" asked Presea. Windom's eyes hardened at the question.
"After the "incident", Fuu felt so much pain that she blocked out all memories of the people she had met or befriended in Cephiro. She only remembers, the battles she fought, myself and the other knights. As for Cephiro all she can remember are feelings of pain, sadness and betrayal. Before she blocked out her memories however, in the deepest part of her heart she sent me to Ferio with her family crest as a guide back to her. However, without this pendant Fuu was unable to access her full potential of magic. Since the families magic was not complete, and this made the family susceptible to all forms of illness whether contagious or not. Only Fuu with her complete powers could cure those sick in the royal family. So when her siblings discovered that you had her pendent, and she herself was becoming dangerously ill, they immediately knew they had to get the pendent back."
"But Windom, why would they not just ask for it back?" asked Caldina.
"Because they take joy in causing pain," mumbled Ferio.
"No!" stated Windom firmly, "They could not take the chance that Ferio might refuse their request. The family treats you the way it does because all they know of Cephiro is that it was a place that broke Fuu's heart. They will need time, especially Fuu, because she just now recovering her memories and is guarding her heart."
"Windom what are you talking about over there?" asked Touya taking a few steps down the stairs of the dias.
"Just clearing up a few matters Prince," said Windom as he moved to his place beside Fuu.
"Price of Cephiro," said King Syaoran motioning his son back to his seat, " We have talked it over with Eagle and have decided that for now, we feel it best that you leave immediately. In a year the royal family will visit Cephiro and see if your planet is place we would wish to be acquainted with. But now go, your things have been packed and are aboard your ship. For the time being, we will release Autozam from having to make the decision between our two planets."
"Thank you, your majesties," said Ferio bowing. As he stood up he caught Fuu's eye and they held each other's gaze for a moment. A flicker of recognition entered her face but disappeared when she shifted her gaze to Windom who was asking her something.
XXXXXXXXX
Eagle led the way back to the ship and as the group boarded, Ferio being the last to enter the ship, paused and looked back. Suddenly in a shower of willow leaves, Kuu appeared before him. She lifted a finger to her lips when he started to speak.
"Prince I have come to apologies for my brothers behavior. By now I am sure you have figured out that it was my brothers who attacked you. The wisdom we are known for often leaves the Princes when loved ones are in danger. I ask humbly for your forgiveness," she said bowing.
"Of course your majesty. I feel I would do the same for Fuu," smiled Ferio.
"So," said Kuu with a smile, "you are the one who Fuu fears to love again." At his questioning look Kuu explained, "It is not hard to see that she has feelings for you. At the same time she has told me that she had her heart broken by one in Cephiro. Beyond that I do not know what happened between you two. Please wait for her till we come to visit your planet. By then she will have her memory restored. Take this as a reminder." She then handed Ferio one of the magic orbs he had given Fuu when she had first been in Cephiro. "Fuu has a matching orb. I will not tell her who has the other orb. That is for you to reveal and for her to find out. Do not worry Prince," she said reassuringly as she disappeared in a whirl of leaves, "Fuu will trust you with her heart again."
"Till next year…my love," Ferio whispered before he turned back to the ship.
XXXXXXXXX
A/N: Sorry for the delay but I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter is one of my favorites. Thanks for reading and please review!