Love Across Time: Hidden Royalty

AN: Disclaimer: I do not own Magic Knights Rayearth in any way. Only my storyline and original characters are mine. The song lyrics are from Daniel Bedingfeild's song "If Your Not The One" which I altered slightly, and the other lyrics are from "The Steward of Gondor" from the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (also not mine).

Chapter 15: Calming Stormy Seas

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"Eagle Vision, I have something to show you." Eagle turned to see a 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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"Selece!" called Marina when she spotted him. "Are we needed?"

Selece smirked knowing the Princes and Princess, though starting to warm up to the visitors, still would take the first chance available to ditch their duties to them.

"No, you are not needed at the moment. I have come to be Eagle's guide you are free to continue with your tour." The Princes and Princess bowed their heads and continued on their way.

"Come Eagle."

Eagle fell silently into step by Selece as they headed down a hallway. Selece transformed into the small dragon form he had seen him in earlier. Eagle could not hold back a chuckle and let it slip past his lips, 'The mighty Selece, Lord of Cephiro's Seas…the size of a house pet.'

'Do not start mortal;' warned Selece telepathically, 'like I said before my power is not at it's fullest. Just changing into my larger form drained my reserve strength.'

"It is rude to read someone's private thoughts," said Eagle laughing good-naturedly.

"Not when their about me," snorted Selece.

At the end of the hallway, they came upon huge window and Eagle stopped before it wondering why Selece had brought him there. As he looked through it he realized that the hallway they had been walking down continued on, on the other side of the window. 'This must be one of the ways into the true palace of Atlantis,' thought Eagle. He was surprised when Selece without a word passed through the window.

"Come along mortal," said Selece as he swam lazy circles on the other side, "Do not worry, I have cast a spell that will allow you to breath and move freely through the water."

Eagle nodded stepped through the barrier. "Follow me and I will take you to the love you lost." All feelings of apprehension vanished and Eagle quickly followed the dragon, anxious and excited to speak with Umi again.

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Yukito stood silently beside his sister, giving her what comfort he could. Umi arranged a bouquet of lotuses on the memorial of the man she loved that had disappeared during her final battle. Though she always said that her betrothed was dead (the horrible reality her family had come to believe) a part of her would not let her believe that. Her stubborn spirit held on to the hope that she would see him again. The memorial had been her idea, but was not the act of closer her family had hoped for. It was made as more of a place for her to come and remember what she could of him, and wait. A soft and sad smile crossed her face as she remembered the bits and pieces her memory brought to her. His face was always clear in her memories, but was just out of reach when she tired to describe his physical features to others. What she could describe to others were his characteristics, his easy manners, laughing spirit and the feeling of total security in his arms. These memories were followed by others she did not always share, memories of long walks, lazy afternoon, quite conversations and secrete stolen moments. Umi did not realize she was crying until she unconsciously raised her hand to wipe away a tear that slid down her cheek.

Yukito gently wrapped his arms around his crying sister, wishing that he could see her smile reach her eyes again. When she quitted, Umi gently patted his arm in thanks, and Yukito stepped away giving her room. With a graceful wave of her hand a lyre appeared in her hands and using the corner of her dress, polished the wood, and the blue stones embedded in it. After a few minutes she started to pluck its stings.

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"Where are we?" asked Eagle. Selece had led him through part of the underwater palace and was now taking him through what appeared to be the royal gardens.

"Quiet!" hissed Selece, "From here on you must speak as quietly as possible. You must not be found here at this moment." Selece then changed into his larger form, drawing power from the water. Eagle didn't think it was possible but as Selece led him through one crescent arch way he found himself in garden that out shone the others. They had walked about fifteen minutes before Selece stopped by a row of weeping willows that grew closely together. Selece curled his body under one of the big trees, and Eagle stood by his head. "Remember do not make a sound" whispered Selece. Eagle nodded and parted the branches to look out. He gasped slightly, for about five yards away sat Umi with the oldest Prince standing behind her. She was sitting in front of a stone memorial and in her lap was a lyre, whose strings she was now starting to pluck. After a couple soft notes, she began to sing, her voice drifting softly with the swaying seaweed.

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If your not the one,

Then why did my soul fell glad that day?

If your not the one,

Then why did my hand fit yours that way?

If you were not mine,

Then why did your hear return my call?

If you are not mine

Would I have the strength to stand at all?

I never know what the future brings

But I know you're here with me now

And we'll make it through

And I hope you are the one I'll share my life with

I don't want to run away

But I can't take it

I don't understand

If I'm not made for you

Then why does my heart tell me that I am?

Is there any way that I could stay in your arms?

If I don't need you

Then why am I crying on my bed?

If I don't need you

Then why does your name resound in my head?

If your not for me

Then why does the distance maim my life?

If your not for me

Then why do I dream of you in my life?

I don't know why your so far away

But I know that this much is true

We'll make it through

And I hope you are the one

I share my life with

And I wish that you could be the one I die with

And I pray that you're the one I build my home with

I hope I love you all my life

I don't want to run away

But I can't take it

I don't understand

If I'm not made for you

Then why does my heart tell me that I am?

Is there any way that I could stay in your arms?

Cause I miss you, body and soul

So strong that it takes my breath away

And I breathe you into my heart

And pray for the strength to stand today

'Cause I love you

Whether its wrong or right

And though I can't be with you tonight

You know my heart is by your side

I don't want to run away

But I can't take it

I don't understand

If I'm not made for you

Then why does my heart tell me that I am?

Is there any way that I could stay in your arms?

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As the song ended the lyre disappeared and Umi buried her face into her hands. Yukito bent down on one knee beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder. To show his respect for this fallen warrior, he sang in a deep baritone, a tribute that was sung for Atlantican warriors.

Home is behind

The world ahead

And there are many paths to tred

Through shadow

To the edge of night

Until the stars all alight

Mist and shadow

Cloud and shade

Who shall fade?

Who shall…fade?

Yukito was about to speak to his sister when something caught his attention. 'Someone is here,' he thought scanning the garden. 'There,' he smiled drawing one kodachi from his back. He moved stealthily towards the disturbance he had spotted among the weeping willows.

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'Mortal ask no questions and do not speak a word,' after sending the message, Selece coiled the lower part of his body around Eagle, leaving a slight opening for him to see through. Everything was still and Eagle was about to try and free himself, when the oldest prince burst through the willow branches, kodachi raised. With a swift downward motion the Prince hit Selece on the nose with the flat of his weapon.

"You go to far Prince," growled Selece.

"Selece!" said Yukito in surprise. Taking a step back and sheathed his sword. "I wondered where you got to. Why are you here?" A frown then crossed the Prince's face, "I can guard my own sister," he said these last words tersely.

"I'm watching over both of you," said Selece. Silence fell between them until Yukito, who disliked the somewhat awkward silence, spoke.

"I am sorry about :ahem: earlier. I guess because your power is weak I was not able to recognize it. I knew it wasn't a serious threat that's why I only used the flat of my sword. I thought I was teaching some nosy intruder a lesson."

"Apology accepted Prince. Your hit was but a sting to me."

Yukito frowned slightly, "I'm not sure how to take that. "Tell me guardian how is it that you are able to change into this larger form. Did you lie to my father about your power?"

"The King is one person I would never lie to," said Selece indignantly, " when I am in water I can draw power from the element."

"When will you regain your complete power?"

Selece looked past Yukito to his Knight, and Yukito turned to look in the same direction. "When she remembers everything. My powers are tied to her memories now." Yukito was about to comment when Umi's voice was heard calling to him.

"We are on our way to the town. Care to join us?"

"No, no. I'd like to have a little alone time, before I take on you royal brats."

Yukito smirked and rejoined Umi.

Selece let Eagle free and the two watched as Yukito and Umi transformed into mere people. Umi's tale was a dark navy blue, her halter-top was the same color and a rope of pearls hung at her waist and wrapped around her tail. Yukito's tail was the same dark navy except on his tail there was a black tribal pattern. On his right arm was a broad gold arm band with the family crest imprinted on it, and his pendant around his neck letting all who saw it know exactly who he was. Yukito laughed as he helped steady Umi, who apparently was still trying to get a hang of using her tail. She frowned at him but a gentle smile spread across her face as she executed several summersaults.

"Speed and agility are enhanced when they take on mere form," said Selece, "although at the end of the day, they change simply because they enjoy it." Eagle nodded and watched as the siblings swam away, before he followed Selece back to the castle.

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The following day King Yuu spoke with Ferio, Clef, and Lantis about the situation between Atlantis, Chizeta and Cephiro. The rest of the group except Aska and Eagle were taken to the underwater city by Nadesico to shop and explore. All the royal children had vanished after breakfast, which was why Nadesico was in charge of the tour. Aska had pulled Eagle aside wanting to show him her favorite spots of the castle. As they entered a study room in the library, they stumbled upon the Princes and Princesses. Yukito and Takashi were both studying a chessboard; Mamoru, Tenchi and Kota were sitting at a round table playing cards and were currently arguing over a move Kota had made. Kunzite slept on a window bench and Marina was stretched out on the couch she had kicked Kunzite off of, and was enjoying a book. Umi sat in front of a fire playing with Selece and talking with Seki. The chatter died and all eyes focused on the newcomers.

"Aska, Eagle Vision" smiled Marina.

"May we come in?" asked Aska meekly taking a step closer to Eagle.

"Of course you can," smiled Umi. Aska immediately ran to Kunzite and jumped on him. He woke with a start and fell to the ground with a grunt.

"Ugh…Aska?" he said from his place on the floor.

"Yes?"

"Run."

Aska let out a happy squeal as Kunzite chased her around the room.

"Eagle, would you like to join us?" invited Mamoru. Secretly the brothers admired Eagle. He had not tried to fight the inevitable or showed cowardice when he was about to be put to death. He was an honorable warrior but they would watch him carefully since it was obvious both he and Umi liked each other. The room returned to its previous atmosphere of joviality and Eagle found himself getting into the game as much as the Princes. Every now and then Eagle caught Umi looking at him intently. She seemed to be trying to remember something but, would look away shyly when she realized he was watching her. The rest of the day passed enjoyably and as the group made their departure, the ruffled tempers between the siblings and the visitors were settled.

"We see now that you did not act in indifference towards us by making an alliance with Fahren. However," said King Yuu, "our dispute was not solely over Fahren. Squall contacted us last night and informed us of its agreement with you. We will follow this arrangement as well. In a year we will travel to Cephiro to see if in fact, it is not a threat to us. So till then." With that said Yuu, Nadesico and Marina bowed to Ferio and withdrew.

As the group boarded their ship, Eagle the last to enter was stopped by Umi, who caught his arm. They stared at each other lost in each other's eyes until Umi rose on her tip topes and kissed his cheek.

"I know your face. Your voice is familiar to me. Please wait for me as I have waited for you. When we meet again I think, no, I know I will know who you are," she whispered backing away.

Eagle quickly caught one of her hands and tugged her gently to him.

"One thing you must know before we part, I love you," he whispered earnestly into her ear. Umi nodded and he kissed their interlaced fingers. "Umi," Eagle swallowed slightly when he noticed that all seven princes were approaching. He reluctantly released Umi's hand and she left, looking over her shoulder at him. The two oldest Princes remained behind as the others escorted her out.

Yukito and Takashi approached the Prince of Autozam.

"What was your name again? Full name I mean," asked Takashi.

"Eagle Vision of Autozam," he answered.

"Your father?"

"Hawk Vision."

"Did you fight in the battle against Lady Debonair?"

"Yes."

'So,' thought Yukito, 'he did survive.' "Do you love our sister Umi?"

"Yes, with all that I am," answered Eagle readily.

Yukito smiled, "Then I know you will wait for her. I am glad she has fallen for an honorable man." With that Yukito and Takashi disappeared in swirls of water.

AN: Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it.