Love Across Time: Hidden Royalty
Disclaimer: I do not own Rayearth in any way. Just this story plot is mine and the original characters are mine. Alright that's it for the red tape, Enjoy the new chapter!
Chapter 14: Final Stop and Final Knight
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"Well we are on the final stretch of our trip," said Clef.
"If it's anything like the planets we've seen so far, I would not be surprised if we came upon the third Magic Knight."
"You think so Lafarga?" asked Caldina excitedly.
"Why not? Vulcana was a planet that was characterized by fire, and the Magic Knight of fire was there. Squall was characterized by wind, and the Magic Knight of wind was there. Atlantis, if I am not mistaken, is characterized by water. The capital city is completely under water, am I right Lady Aska?"
"Yes, that's right. The major cities are under water and on land all the villages are built around lakes, rivers, shore lines, waterfalls and large springs."
"Are the people of Atlantis merpeople?" asked Presea.
"Oh it would be fabulous if I could see a real live mermaid!" laughed Tatra clapping her hands.
"I asked the same question when I first visited," said Aska with a smile. " They are not merpeople in the strictest sense of the word. They have the ability to change into mer form or human form when and as they choose, though in either they can breath under water." Eagle listened for a few minutes as Aska continued to talk to the group about Atlantis, before moving away from them. He wanted to be by himself with his thoughts. Sitting in a quite corner of the ship Eagle pulled out a blue diamond hair clip and studied it.
'Could my one wish come true?' he looked out absently through the window next to him. "If I could only see your face again and never be parted from you," he whispered before closing his eyes to dream of a girl with sapphire eyes.
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King Yuu ate his noon meal with his wife, Nadesico, on what he thought was going to be a calm afternoon. Sunlight streamed through the crystal waters of his kingdom, fish swam lazily around and by him, soft cello music blended with the songs of the whales that glided by, and all was at peace.
Tranquility was shattered however, by an ear-piercing scream.
Yuu choke on the juice he was drinking and coughed roughly to clear his air passage. "What the?!? What was that?" he demanded
"Oh my," gasped Nadesico. The hall door flew open as Marina and Umi shoved Kota, who had been trying to bar the door, through them and onto his back.
"Girls!" Nadesico called disapprovingly.
"But mother!" cried Umi running to her as the rest of brothers, except Yukito and Takashi, came sliding through the door.
"Mother Kunzite turned Star and Mar yellow," accused Umi uncovering a basket she was clutching to her. Two fuzzy heads popped up and Nadesico couldn't help but smile at the innocent black eyes of Umi and Marina's pet sea otter pups. Instead of the pup's regular sleek black coats, they were a bright yellow.
"Kunzite?" asked Nadesico moving towards her son, who was picking himself up from the floor.
"Mamoru put me up to it," he defended.
"Kota helped," Mamoru quickly supplied.
"So did Seki and Tenchi," added Kota deciding that if he was going down, it would not be alone.
"Turn them back!" demanded Marina.
"No!" was the chorused response. The Princes and Princesses proceeded to chase each other around the room, shouting and laughing (the Princes anyway) at one another.
"Now husband," said Nadesico calmly as a noticeable tick appeared by her husband's right eye. "They are our children…"
"Silence!" roared Yuu. The siblings stopped in their tracks and lined up next to their father.
"Father," Umi pleaded softly, setting the basket in front of him.
Yuu stretched out his hand and patted the pup's heads. "Well Spinner and Ceres would not appreciate this," he said referring to the otter's parents who belonged to Nadesico and himself. Yuu gently picked the two up and muttering a quick spell, returned them to their natural color.
"Thank you father," said Marina as he handed the pups to her. He then moved to stand before the Princes and stared each in the eye intently.
"Boys?"
"We were only having a little fun," muttered Seki.
"We were going to change them back…eventually," said Kota whispering the last part.
"Well, such domestic disputes should be settled among those involved," laughed Yuu returning to his chair. "Go and let me enjoy the movement of peace that your "problem" disrupted," he said with a smile returning to his meal.
"Yes father," chorused the siblings bowing to each parent. They were just making their way to the door of the dinning hall when, Yukito and Takashi ran in.
"Father!" Yukito said in a strained tone while bowing to his father, " A ship has entered our sky. It looks to be Cephirian."
Yuu stiffened in his chair, "Has any message been sent or been received from the ship?"
"Not really father," said Takashi setting a silver disk in front of his father. Yuu narrowed his eyes as a hologram appeared. The message began with Aska talking calmly but a few minutes later she began to get frantic. She appeared to have realized there was no sound. She began to hit the screen, but a blonde haired solider snatched her up and the pictured disappeared.
"Why is there no sound?"
"We are not sure. There was no sound from the very beginning," said Yukito.
"She's been kidnapped!" Umi cried out fearfully, "She is trying to get help."
"Now Umi," said Nadesico going to her daughters side, "let's not get ahead of ourselves."
"She does look panicked though," said Marina.
"At your command father, I have a detachment armed and ready in 15 minutes, to attack the ship," said Takashi kneeling on one knee before his father.
"Gather your men Takashi but do not attack. We will let them dock and after Princes Aska is safe, we will capture the ship and crew. Take the leaders to the Revealing Room," ordered Yuu turning to his wife, "Please wait in the Revealing Room with our daughters."
Nadesico nodded her head, " Of course. It has been a long time since that room has been used. I am glad to see it used again." Hugging his wife and placing a kiss on her cheek, motioned to his sons and left the room, his weapon drawn. Nadesico watched them leave for a moment, knowing that the warrior's blood of Atlantis was now turning in the veins of her husband and sons. A gentle smile appeared on her face as she embraced her daughters. Even she could feel the rush of energy her warrior blood possessed.
"Let's go. Leave the pups with Ceres until we finish with this."
"Yes mother," said Marina picking up the otters while she shifted into her mermaid form to give her the speed she needed to complete the task quickly, and exited the room.
"This will be your first time in the Revealing Room," said Nadesico wrapping an arm around Umi's shoulders as they walked out of the room.
"I hope I do not make any mistakes," said Umi worriedly.
"You will do fine, and Marina will be close by if you need help," encouraged Nadesico. "Together we will show Cephiro that we are not a planet to be trifled with!"
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"Aska would you please calm down," sighed Ferio in frustration.
"But you do not understand!" insisted Aska, "If they do not receive a message from me they will be hostile to you."
"We will figure something out," said Presea. Aska fidgeted anxiously in her chair. She had tried to send a message but a malfunction had occurred. Panicked she had began to hit the different buttons in various patterns, receiving no results. Losing her temper, she had begun to hit the screen and would have probably broken it had Lafarga not quickly picked her up and shut it off.
"We are being allowed to dock. I suppose that is a good sign," announced Eagle entering the room.
"Let me be the first off," requested Aska.
"Of course," smiled Ferio, "We don't want them getting the wrong idea."
"Captain says we will be landing in 45 minutes," said Eagle casually from the couch he was sitting on. Lafarga left to tell the women to get ready and Clef, Lantis and Ferio fell to talking about what they should talk about with the Atlantican leaders. Aska was about to follow Lafarga, but something around Eagle's neck caught the light of one of the lamps, piquing her curiosity.
"Eagle what is that around your neck?"
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Eagle looked down and noticed that his blue diamond pendant had somehow slipped out from under his shirt.
"A memento from…someone very close."
"Please may I see it?" he was about to refuse but changed his mind when he saw a strange look on her face.
"I don't believe it," whispered Aska as she held the carved diamond in her palm. "Who gave you this?"
"I told you someone very close to me," said Eagle jerking his head to one side pulling the pendent from her hand. Aska made a face of annoyance and sat decidedly beside him.
"That pendent is the family crest of Atlantis," she whispered looking straight ahead.
"Perhaps," he whispered back, "I will find the one I lost here."
Aska nodded, " I will introduce you to the royal family. Perhaps you will find the girl you are searching for."
Eagle smiled " I never said it was a girl." Aska smiled up at him as she curled up at the end of the couch.
"You're right, she's a young woman now."
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"Is everyone in position?"
"Yes your Majesty," said the captain bowing low to the King.
Yuu smiled as he looked over the men who were now laying in wait for the Cephirian ship. A guard came running up to the High King and Captain and bowed.
"The ship will dock in five minutes."
"Very well. Captain Lee," said King Yuu turning to his captain, "you and your men stand by. Remember the Princess must be safely taken first." The captain bowed and moved away as Yukito and the other Prince's came up behind their father, weapons drawn. Yukito eyed the ship intently as it started to dock. Four guards approached the ship appearing to be escorts, as the ships door opened.
"Father, do you think they will expect anything?" he asked in a low voice.
Yuu looked at his son sideways and smiled, "Of course not. After all, your father planned everything."
Seki gave a soft laugh as he and the other Princes pulled out their rapiers or double kodachi, "They won't know what hit them."
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As soon as the door opened Aska quickly stepped out. Eagle followed close behind her, his eyes searching the room for a familiar face. All he saw however, where four guards who stepped forward to greet them. Aska had a strange feeling as she looked around the room but pushed it aside and ran to meet the guards. Before Aska could say a word, one of the guards grabbed her up bridle style, as the other three drew their swords and formed a barrier between her and the rest of the group.
Eagle drew his own sword and began to move forward but, was startled by loud war cry, and was tackled to the ground by more soldiers. Eagle tried to fight back but found that the soldiers knew exactly what they were doing and realized there was no hope of escaping from his pinned position. Turning his head he saw his companions fall to similar fates. Lantis was able to get in a few hits in while protecting Clef but, was soon over taken.
"North Sea Trap!"
"Monsoon Dome!"
"South Sea Tide!"
"Sapphire Whirlpool!"
Eagle stared helplessly as the Princesses of Chizeta, Presea and Caldina were bound or trapped by magic.
"Confiscate all weapons and bind their hands," ordered a commanding voice.
Turning his head back Eagle's eyes fell on the speaker, who stood at the head of seven younger men. Four of the young men were just lowering their hands, and he realized they were the ones who cast the magic spells. The eight men wore all black armor, while the other soldiers wore dark blue armor.
"Yukito, Kunzite, Takashi, Tenchi disarm the ladies and bind them as well," ordered the gentleman. The young men bowed and did as the leader ordered and handed the women over to awaiting guards.
"Take them to The Revealing Room." With that the eight men disappeared as ribbons of water surrounded them.
"Who was that?" asked Eagle as he was brought to his feet.
"That was our King, his majesty King Yuu and his seven sons," answered a guard as he led him and the others toward the unknown room.
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"Captain Lee will be bring the prisoners soon," said Yuu to Nadesico, while taking his place in the Revealing Room.
"The children are set," smiled Nadesico as she gently plucked the stings of her crystal harp.
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The prisoners found themselves before a giant pair of doors with a sea dragon carved on them. Soft music floated to everyone's ears as the captain of the guards gave three steady knocks on the doors and stepped away as they opened slowly. They were led in and pushed to their knees. The room was bare except for silk curtains of midnight blue that reached from the ceiling to the floor and shimmered like water. The floor was covered completely by a lighter blue cloth. A huge window at the end of the room was the only thing not covered. Soft light streamed in and shone on a beautiful woman sitting on the only chair in the room, playing a crystal harp. She didn't look up and kept playing.
"What the!" said Ferio in surprise. The group found themselves lifted off the ground and brought a foot away from the regal woman.
"I guess you underestimated us," she said continuing to play the harp.
"Who are you?" demanded Ascot.
"Insolent boy!" yelled the captain drawing his sword.
"Peace Captain Lee," said a deep calm voice. The group turned to see the King they had seen earlier. He walked up to the woman and gently placed his hand on her shoulder.
"You may stop my love."
The lady stopped playing and let the harp stand free. The group fell the three inches they had been floating, letting out soft groans as they hit the floor.
"I am High King Yuu of Atlantis. This is my wife Nadesico the High Queen. You have been brought here to talk over your…situation."
"Please your majesties where is Lady Aska?" asked Presea.
"Sorry you lost your prisoner?" two young men appeared in a different part of the room.
"This is our sixth son, Seki," said Yuu giving his son a slightly disapproving glance. "And this is our youngest son Tenchi. Tell them what has happened to Lady Aska."
Tenchi nodded his head and turned to the group, "We have successfully separated Lady Aska from your group and she is now safely in her chambers."
"But we were not holding her," said Caldina.
"Kota, I find that hard to believe don't you?"
"Yes Kunzite. Very hard to believe."
'Another set of twins?' thought Caldina in surprise as two more men appeared, 'Well if they have seven sons, I guess a set of twins isn't that surprising.'
"I believe father is the one who is suppose to do the questioning."
"Thank you Mamoru," smiled the King as three more men walked up to him. "Yukito and Takashi step forward. I would appreciate to hear the opinions of my eldest on their story." Two more men appeared, one had black hair and piercing black eyes that looked right through them. The other had dark navy hair and midnight blue eyes. Neither said a word and moved to the right of their father, the twin princes moved to their mother's side and the younger Princes moved to the large window and looked out it nonchalantly.
"Now explain yourselves," ordered King Yuu.
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Marina and Umi watched quietly from behind the curtains of the room. In actuality there were two curtains. One was made of a midnight silk material, and in front of it was a matching sheer curtain. The Princesses were able to part the first curtain without revealing their presence. Another detail of the room was that it was really bigger than it seemed. Behind the hanging curtains was an open space where Umi and her siblings waited, and watched what went on in the open area of the room. They would then step in when called upon by their father, or if they wanted to question those in the room. Another part that the curtains played was that once the people to be questioned entered the room they would first see the Queen and think no one else was there. Then the King and Princes would come in one after another, overwhelming the prisoner or prisoners, since the curtains caused the illusion that the royalty had just appeared out of thin air.
The sisters listened attentively as Ferio and Clef explained why they had come. Truth be told though, Marina was the only one really paying attention.
Umi's attention was focused on one of the male prisoners. He had blonde almost white hair, golden eyes, and a strong build. A few times she thought she recognized him and others she did not. However, a persistent feeling of familiarity filled her.
Marina noticed her sisters captivated attention and elbowed her gently. "Umi? Do you find the golden eyed prisoner especially attractive?"
"Marina!" said Umi blushing.
"So he is not?"
"I didn't say that," Umi protested, "He is very…well I mean…you can't deny that…well you know."
Marina laughed softly at her sisters stuttering response. Looking back out through the curtains, she saw that the family was discussing over what they had heard. "Listen carefully to the verdict Umi. It is up to us to ensure it is a just one." Umi nodded and tore her eyes from the stranger, to her father as he walked to the prisoners.
"We see that you have spoken the truth. We believe you did not come to invade us but we still are not sure why you have come. Perhaps you did come just to talk but, maybe you came to spy. Therefore you must leave at once, and leave Aska with us. We will not hear any argument otherwise."
"Well, I guess that is that," said Umi turning to her sister.
"No it is not," said Marina stepping through the curtains.
"Marina?" whispered Umi.
"I must object your majesties!"
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Everyone looked startled as a young woman with navy black hair and midnight eyes appeared.
"I must object your majesties."
"Why Marina? What is your reason for objecting our verdict?" asked Nadesico.
"Mother, Father, I ask you to remember what this planet has done to us. They have bared the guardian of our planet. Have you also forgotten the account of your daughter Umi? That her promised one was killed in a war there. Is nothing to be done for the killing of the betrothed of an Atlantican Princess? To let them leave without some punishment is not permissible. I ask they free Selece and one member of the group be left behind to pay for their crimes," said the princess.
"I agree," said her father, "What do you say to that?" he asked looking to the group.
"Your majesties, the rune god is not under our control. If we bared him, I can assure you we did not do so intentionally. If we could we would return him" said Ferio.
"But the fact is you will not," said Yuu crossing his arms, "You say it is beyond your ability to do so."
"Even if that is the case, then I demand that this man," Marina pointed directly at Eagle, "be left to pay for keeping Selece from our family and from Umi, for the threat they set off by coming here, and the death of my sister's promised one."
"Agreed!" cheered the twins and Tenchi.
The King and Queen spoke quietly before they both nodded in agreement. Guards grabbed Eagle and were dragging him to his feet when a familiar voice yelled out, "No!"
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Umi watched her sister and smiled happy that Marina remembered the Cephirians had Selece. However, when Marina demanded that the golden-eyed stranger pay their debt, she knew that meant he would have to pay with his life. She felt cold and her face drain of color. Propelled by some unexplained desire she found herself yelling "NO!" and throwing her arms around the man's neck as the guards started to take him away.
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Eagle was shocked as the princess pointed a condemning finger directly at him and nothing could have prepared him for what happened next. As his companions began to protest and he was pulled to his feet, a familiar voice shouted and a very familiar pair of arms encircled his neck.
"Daughter!" exclaimed the Queen. The young woman pulled back slowly and looked up into his face. In that very moment all of Eagle's hopes where confirmed.
"Umi?"
She looked surprised and took a hesitant step away. Panicked Eagle quickly, but gently placed his hands on her shoulders to keep her from moving away.
"Please Umi," he pleaded. She looked at him steadily for several moments before she spoke.
"Father the verdict you have agreed to will not have to be carried out. A life for a life may be fair, but that is not merciful. Another man's death cannot bring back my loved one. As for our guardian, this man will give us what we have asked for. Brothers put up your swords." Eagle looked up and saw that each Prince had drawn either twin kodachi, or a rapier. He started to pull back but Umi put one arm around his shoulder, laid her ear against his heart and placed her other hand in the middle of his chest where the blue pendant hung. Eagle instinctively wrapped an arm around her, and placed his hand over hers.
"Eagle Vision of Autozam," she whispered, "My…"
Before she could continue a blue glow appeared under their hands. Then with a flash the pendant floated in front of them. It spun quickly and a small blue dragon about a foot long came out. The pendant tied itself back around his neck and, the little dragon floated down into Umi's awaiting arms. Everyone looked on in surprise as the dragon opened his golden eyes, stretched its leathery wings surveyed the group. At that moment the door flew open and Aska came running in.
"Don't harm them! I can explain!" The King and Queen looked to each other and after motioning to their children to step back, turned to Aska as she explained the whole communications mix up.
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Umi backed away from the white haired man, and joined her siblings.
"Pleasure to see you again, Selece," said Marina dropping a curtsey. Selece bowed his head to the Princess from his place in Umi's arms.
"You've got to be kidding!" said Seki in disbelief, "This is the guardian of Atlantis?" Umi nodded happily.
"Ugh…he's…small," said Tenchi taking Selece from her, "I mean I know he was taken to Cephiro when we were younger, but I could have sworn he was bigger."
"Oh he's so cute though," teased Kunzite placing a small wreath of flowers, which he had conjured with his magic, around Selece's neck.
"Aww look at the cute little guy," cooed Kota tickling Selece under his chin. Selece had, had enough and quickly bit Kota's figure.
"Ow! He bit me!" shouted Kota "Why you," he lunged for Selece, but the little dragon quickly flew to Umi and curled up in her arms and gave Kota, Kunzite, Tenchi and Seki the evil eye. Mamoru and Takashi laughed loudly at their brothers.
"Oh did Selecy Wecy hurt you?" mocked Mamoru.
"Surely not this wittle guy," laughed Takashi taking Selece from his sister. Holding Selece in his hands, his thumbs between the dragon's shoulders blades, to make sure what happened to Kota did not happen to him, he began teasing again.
"Scary Selece! And pounce! And pounce! Oh look a fish."
Selece began to wiggle in Takashi's grip, determined to return to Umi and away from her annoying brothers. He tried to scratch Takashi but found that the Prince was wearing gloves. He continued to try and free himself but found his efforts fruitless and, he would have remained trapped had Yukito not taken pity on him. Without a word he took Selece and after silently looking him over, nonchalantly deposited him into Umi's impatient arms. Selece quickly draped himself around her neck, determined not to be taken away again. Umi giggled and gently patted his head.
"Children," called Nadesico waving them over. Yukito offered his arm to Umi and led the way with Marina on Takashi's arm, the rest following close behind.
"Children the visitors will be staying a day and two nights." The Princes balked at the idea and the Princesses grip on their brothers arms tightened.
"Are you serious mother? These persons, these barbarians are to stay here?" exclaimed Kota.
"Kota! They will hear you," chided Nadesico in a whisper.
" I don't care if they do. I don't want them here," grumbled Kota.
"You will all be civil to our guests," said Nadesico firmly, "We have no reason to hold them as prisoners now. Umi does not want punishment carried out for her betrotheds death, they have returned Selece and Aska has explained that it was a computer malfunction that prevented her from communicating with us and vows they have not come to spy on us. So, we have decided to let them stay for a day to rest and see our kingdom."
"Aska," said King Yuu loudly to catch his families attention, " the servants will show your guests to their rooms." Servants who had just arrived moved over to the group.
"Lunch will be sent to Prince Ferio's sitting room and after a rest the royal heirs will show you around the two palaces," said Nadesico gliding to her husband's side.
"Mother, my apologies but not all of us are able to do as you have requested," said Seki, bowing his head respectfully.
"Oh?" asked Nadesico crossing her arms, feeling slightly annoyed that her sons were being so stubborn about following her directions, "And why is that?"
"I had forgotten," said Yuu, "Seki, Kota and Kunzite have situations concerning their kingdoms, that they have asked my counsel on. The matters call for my immediate attention, so they will be unavailable. Yukito, Mamoru, Takashi, Marina, Umi and Tenchi, I will leave you in charge of the tour." Yuu then turned to leave but Umi caught his arm.
"Father let Yukito be with me for the day. I have not spent much time with him."
Yuu looked questioningly at his daughter.
"Daughter, Yukito lives in the same palace as you. You can spend time with him any time you want. Today I would like the both of you to do as your mother has asked and help with the tour."
Not wishing to be over heard Umi sent a telepathic message to her father.
'Father I am visiting the grave of the one I love. Yukito has always watched over me.'
"Selece your guardian form," ordered Yuu.
Selece dropped to the ground and in a burst of light his dragon form grew so that he stood a few inches taller than King Yuu.
"Selece will watch over you."
"Sire," came Selece's deep voice, "I believe it would be better if Yukito went with the Princess." As Selece spoke his form started to fade, "Though able to change into guardian form, I am still weak and have not regained all my power."
"Besides it is a family matter," said Yukito.
Yuu shook his head while a smile crossed his face, "Very well Umi. Since you are determined to have your way and they are determined to let you have it; let it be so."
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"Corozon del Mar was built…" Eagle vaguely listened to the Princes Marina as she gave a history of the palace. She and the Princes were leading the visitors on a tour, pointing out highlights of the visitors palace, and were now about to head to the under water palace. Mamoru was explaining something about a pendant, but Eagle was not paying much attention. His mind was elsewhere or rather with some one.
"Eagle Vision, I have something to show you." Eagle turned to ninja dressed in black, leaning casually against a pillar. His eyes were golden and Eagle thought he recognized the voice.
"Selece?"
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A/N: LOL Well, this was going to be one chapter but I decided to make it two. Hope you enjoyed it. The next part should be up soon. Thank you so much to everyone who left me reviews! It's what inspires me to keep up-dating.