Love Across Time: Hidden Royalty
Chapter 16: Appointed Time
A/N: Disclaimer I do not own Rayearth, only thing that is mine is this story plot and the original characters. Hope you enjoy!
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: One Year Later:
The castle of Cephiro was a bustle of commotion, chaos and excitement. A year had come and gone and the royalty of Vulcana, Squall and Atlantis (whom the people of Cephiro have come to call the "Guardian Planets", since the Magic Knights and the Rune gods originated on them) were soon to arrive to inspect Cephiro.
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The High Kings of the Guardian planets sat in the common lounge of the ship that was taking their families to Cephiro.
"We should decide on a spokes man, for when we arrive," said King Yuu sipping a cup of green tea.
"That is a good idea, we do not want to be all speaking at the same time," said Satoru with a smile.
"I believe Satoru should be the speaker," said Syaoran as he took his own cup of tea. Before Satoru could respond the rune gods Selece and Rayearth entered the room.
"Your majesties," said Selece as the two rune gods bowed their heads.
"Selece," said Yuu a little surprised to see him away from his daughter, "what has brought you here?"
"My King, Rayearth and I have a concern of which we wish to speak to you and the other High Kings about."
"What is your concern?" asked Satoru
"My King," said Rayearth, "Before the Knights returned to the other world, they told us that because rules where not followed they where forbidden to ever return to Cephiro as Knights. My King we fear for our charges, since even we are approaching said planet."
"Windom is not here," said Syaoran, "does he have no fear for his charge?"
"We spoke with him but he said there was no need to worry. I think he is hiding something," said Selece.
Yuu smiled, " The rune god of knowledge has lived up to his name. It is true that if the Princess returned to Cephiro as Knights they would have been in serious danger from the planets magic. However, they are not returning as Knights this time are they?"
"They are Princess. Their time as Magic Knights is over, they are now Princess and the guardians of our families magic. You are no longer the spirit guardians of Cephiro, you are the guardian of our respective planets," finished King Syaoran.
"Well he could have told us before," snorted Selece feeling slightly foolish.
"Thank you for explaining your majesties. I should have thought the situation through more thoroughly," said Rayearth bowing his head.
"Thank you for showing your concern for our Princess," said Satoru. The rune gods bowed their heads again and exited the room.
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The High Kings watched the rune gods leave, and each thought over what was going to happen once they reached Cephiro.
"I think I over reacted when Aska told me of the alliance," said King Yuu with a smirk.
Satoru laughed out right, "Yes, a declaration of war is a bit much."
"I was just upset at first, when I thought that our daughters and your sister's service to Cephiro was treated so poorly," defended Yuu.
"Of course," interceded Syaoran, "we all were. When the seers told us that, Cephiro's pillar would call upon the Magic Knights and that the candidates needed to be from our very own bloodlines, the decision to leave our world was a difficult one. However, since the Knights had to be from another world, and we were charged with watching over the pillar system of Cephiro, it was our duty to leave and make sure the Princess were born in that different world. It would have been wrong if we had not been upset that our sacrifices and those of the Princess were treated so terribly."
"My only wish was that my father and mother could have come back with the rest of my family," said Satoru, sitting with these High Kings reminded him acutely of why he was sitting among them.
"We all wish that. I know I had wished to see them again," said Syaoran.
"As did I," said Yuu, "we all got along very well."
Satoru nodded his head, "Well, we should get back to the topic of a spokesman." The Kings nodded and they returned to the topic they had been distracted from earlier.
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Ferio was going back and forth between servants checking and re-checking every detail, while waiting for news of the families arrivals at the castle. Lantis and Eagle had found excuses to be present in the throne room, knowing any news would be reported there first.
Ferio was just sitting down for the first time that day, when Lafarga entered the room.
"The ship bearing all three of the Guardian families has arrived. So have the ships of Fahren and Chizeta."
"The three families came on one ship?" asked Presea.
"Yes it is quite impressive," said Caldina coming in behind Lafarga, "A magnificent ship, a level for each family, each family symbol painted on it and so many lights! I tell you absolutely breath taking!"
"Well let's not keep them waiting," said Ferio exiting the room.
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"Welcome honored guests to Cephiro," greeted Ferio as the three families disembarked with their entourages, " I hope your journey was enjoyable." The three High Kings stepped forward and bowed their heads slightly.
"On behalf of all our families, I thank you for your welcome King Ferio," said King Syaoran, who had been elected to speak on their arrival. Ferio's surprised reaction to his title of King instead of Prince amused King Yuu who let a chuckle pass his lips before he spoke.
"I must apologies on behalf of all our families for not addressing you properly before," said King Yuu his amusement dancing in his eyes. "No, No," he said raising a hand when Ferio started to protest, "You are the ruler of your people and as such deserve your proper title."
"You might as well start getting use to it," reasoned Satoru.
"How can I argue," said Ferio, "Your majesties must be tired after your journey. If you would follow the guides I will appoint each of you, they will show you to your rooms. King Satoru, my swordsman Lantis will assist your family. Eagle vision will help your family King Yuu. Lafarga and Clef will assist Fahren and Chizeta to their apartments, and I will guide your family King Syaoran. You can all rest and freshen up if you like before dinner."
In mass the three families, Chizeta, Fahren and their servants followed their guides and parted ways to head to the wings that had been prepared for them. Three men looked longingly towards their ladies, hoping for a moment with each. This was not to be however, the commotion from conversations of Lords and Ladies, chatter of servants grabbing luggage and seeing to their masters and the distractions made by the Princess male siblings, kept the young ladies attention very, very divided.
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For two weeks the castle hummed with activity. Each of the three Kings looked into the many aspects of Cephiro. Their families and companions spent the time sight seeing and exploring. Lantis, Ferio and Eagle were able to catch moments with the girls but that was only with other people around. When they tried to get a few moments alone, the Princes would inevitably step in. Toward the end of the second week a large ball was to be held in honor of the visiting families and it was rumored that they would also give their decision on what they thought about Cephiro.
It was only until the day of the ball that Eagle, Lantis and Ferio had their chance to speak with the girls.
Walking by the gardens, the three men saw the girls sitting together. Eagle being the bravest of the three, was the first to approach them.
"Lady Umi," said Eagle bowing, "I was wondering if I could speak with you?"
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Umi felt a warm blush creep up her neck, as she studied the handsome stranger before her. Even though a year had passed since they last saw each other, she had not forgotten their parting. It was only about six months ago that the girls had remembered each other but, Umi could still not remember who this man was exactly to her.
"Perhaps we could take a walk in the garden," he said extending his hand and offering a heart-melting smile. Not really sure what to say Umi nodded and excusing herself from Fuu and Hikaru, placed her hand in his.
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As Eagle led his lady off, Ferio and Lantis stepped forward. After Ferio and Fuu walked off, Lantis accepted Hikaru's offer to sit beside her. The two were silent a moment.
"Ugh…here," said Lantis extending the ruby necklace Tomoyo had given to him.
"My necklace!" said Hikaru in surprise. A large smile crossed her face as she placed the necklace around her neck. "It was the first piece of crown jewelry that my brother and his wife gave me.
"Your sis—I mean her majesty gave it to me, to assure me I would see you again."
"Oh," Hikaru said softly and silence fell between the two of them. Lantis was just trying to figure out what he should say, when Hikaru suddenly let out a surprised gasp. The necklace glowed brightly and out of the center ruby, fire sprang out and circled her. When the fire melted away Hikaru opened her eyes slowly.
"Hikaru?" asked Lantis leaning forward slightly.
"Lantis?" she questioned, "Lantis!" with happy tears she threw her arms around his neck. He held her tightly as Hikaru remembered all the times they had spent together fighting and other memories. After a few minutes she pulled back from him and looked up into his face. "I remember," she said with a smile.
Lantis started to lean forward to kiss her when shouts from the garden entrance interrupted him.
"Hikaru, where are you?"
"Masaru?" cried Hikaru in surprise pulling away from Lantis. "I'm sorry," she whispered to him as she jumped up from her spot on the bench and headed in the direction of her brother's voice. Before she had taken five steps there were two flashes of red lighting struck in front of her, and Masaru and Kakeru were standing in front of her.
"I remember everything," she said laughing as she hugged them tightly.
"What is with your hand?" asked Kakeru. Hikaru looked down to see a stream of fire wrapping around her left hand, leaving behind a red jewel in the center of her hand.
"The gem is a compartment that stores the Princess's sword and is a concentration point for her power." The group turned as Rayearth strolled up from behind them. "Your powers have fully returned Princess," as he spoke he returned to his original sleeping form.
"This is great!" said Masaru a huge grin spread across his face. "Come on, let's go tell Satoru and Tomoyo," while speaking Masaru had started to steer Hikaru in the direction of their rooms.
Lantis got up to follow the group, but Kakeru stepped into his way. "This is a family matter Sir," his tone warning the sword man to remain behind. Lantis had the distinct feeling that he would have to face one protective brother, and two very over protective brothers in the near future, and simply nodded his head.
"Please tell Hikaru…I mean the Princess that I hope to see her tonight at the ball, and to save a dance for me?" Kakeru nodded not really planning to tell Hikaru and turned away.
At the sound of soft laughter Lantis turned to see Queen Tomoyo, lowering her hand from her mouth.
"Rest assured that your message will be delivered Sir Lantis," she walked up to his side, "When Masaru and Kakeru said they were going to look for Hikaru, I followed. Just in case they got out of hand," she explained. "Don't let them get to you. They are very protective of Hikaru. Satoru will be easier to convince, although I do believe you will have to go through three rounds of sword fighting."
"Thank you, your majesty," said Lantis bowing his head, grateful for the advice and that Hikaru would receive his request. Tomoyo smiled and in a shower of red rose petals disappeared.
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"My father tells me that, our three families have agreed that Cephiro is no longer a threat," said Fuu breaking the silence as she and Ferio walked down a lane of weeping willows. Windom, who had appeared out of nowhere, was lazily flying around them.
"Yes," said Ferio coming to a stop and turning towards her, "It is to be announced at the beginning of the ball tonight. No one knows the decision beside the royal families of course."
"I can't wait until tonight. There will be performances from the plant's and dancing. Oh! And I'm looking forward to hearing my cousin Eagle sing." Fuu looked up at a particularly large willow and wanting to see the sunlight filter through the long bowing branches, like she did so often in Squall, stepped through the vale of branches followed by Ferio and Windom.
"Eagle sings?"
Fuu laughed "Oh yes. I was a shocked when my cousin told us he would be performing. He has always been reluctant about displaying his talent, even though he is very gifted." Ferio was about to comment when he felt his magic orb suddenly heat up. Curiously Ferio pulled it from his pocket, Fuu gasped and quickly pulled out the matching orb Kuu had given her a while back.
"It is time to remember all," came Windom's voice from a branch next to them. Suddenly both orbs glowed brightly and a wind symbol appeared on Fuu's forehead glowing softly. After about three minutes the orbs returned to normal and Ferio caught Fuu as she began to fall.
"Fuu! Are you all right?" asked Ferio worriedly.
"Ferio?" asked Fuu as she slowly opened her eyes. Ferio helped her back to her feet but did not let her out of his arms. Shaking her head Fuu looked around and then up into Ferio's eyes. "I remember everything Ferio," she smiled laying her head on his chest. A smile crossed her face as she said the one thing she had wanted to tell him for so long, but did not know until this moment what it was. "I love you."
" I love you too," said Ferio as he kissed her, "Do you realize how long I have waited to have you in my arms again." Fuu laughed softly and tightened her arms around him.
"I can't believe what Debonair made me believe."
"I can't believe what she made me do," said Ferio, "but that's over now and," before he could complete his sentence voices broke into their quite moment. Fuu cocked her head and listened, before running happily out of the willow and into Kuu. Unable to keep her balance after her sister's exuberant embrace, both girls ended up on the ground.
"Are you all right?" asked Touya smirking down at them. The smirk disappeared when Ferio stepped out from the curtain of willow branches his younger sister had just come from. Masahito, who had been laughing hysterically at his sisters, fell silent and glared at the young King.
"What were you two doing?" he asked in a deceptively calm voice. Quickly Fuu picked herself up and moved in front of him.
"I remember everything Masahito! I remember!"
"It's true," came a deep voice, Windom emerged from the tree in his archer form. "It is thanks to the King, Fuu has her memories back," he said sending a meaningful glance toward the two princes.
"Now you have your symbol," smiled Touya gently poking the wind symbol on Fuu's forehead.
"Come on," urged Masahito, "We should tell mother and father." With that he grabbed Fuu's arm and both ran off together laughing towards the castle. Windom turned into his four-winged phoenix form, he was no longer a small phoenix who could sit in Fuu's hands, but the size of a large eagle.
"We shall see you tonight your majesty," said Kuu as Touya pulled her arm through his.
"Yes," he said slightly distracted, "Your majesty," said Ferio turning to Kuu, "Would you ask Fuu to save a dance for me?"
"Of course," she said smiling while ignoring the incredulous glance Touya sent her way.
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"Is anything happening?" whispered Marina to Mamoru as they spied on the Prince of Autozam and their sister, from the low branches of a large leafy tree.
"Not yet. They're just talking," whispered Mamoru.
"Will you two leave them alone? It's not right!" whispered Takashi irritably from where he was leaning his back on the tree trunk. He had been dragged amid a torrid of protest to the tree in question, when Marina had spied Umi walking with Eagle. Marina made a face at her twin in annoyance.
"No one forced you to come," she pointed out.
"Yes you did!" hissed Takashi trying to keep his voice down.
"Will you two keep it down," whispered Mamoru.
"Well look at this," Marina cried in a whisper pointing to the couple. Unable to resist Takashi cautiously looked around the tree.
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At first Umi had been to shy to speak to Eagle but, as they walked she found herself relaxing and enjoying their conversation. Eagle led them to bench beside a koi pond. At some point Selece had appeared and was swimming about the pool chasing the koi. Umi felt as if someone was watching them but when she glanced around she saw no one and, told herself it was her imagination.
"Tonight should hold many surprises," said Eagle.
"What do you mean?"
Eagle smiled at her, "I have heard that each family is going to be presenting some sort of entertainment. I have not been long in Vulcana or Atlantis to know what type of skills you excel at."
Umi smiled at him, "I have heard from your cousin that you plan to sing tonight?" Eagle nodded his head in affirmation, then without thinking Umi took his hands into hers. "You have a wonderful voice! It is about time you showed it off a bit." Umi suddenly realized that she had not only taken this man's hands into her own, but was also rubbing her thumbs over the back of them. A deep blush stained her face as she released her hold and stood, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…forgive me if I have made you uncomfortable," she whispered turning away as if to make a hasty exit. Eagle quickly rose from the bench and gently turned her to him.
"Do not apologies," he begged resting his hands on her shoulders, "Remember when we parted on Atlantis? You said you knew that you should know me? I can see that you are starting to remember more." Slowly he leaned toward her and rested his forehead against hers, "Remembering us."
Umi gave a soft sigh, feeling very content in the position she was now standing. "How I wish, I remembered everything," she whispered while cupping the side of his face with her hand.
"You will but, we can't force anything," said Eagle pulling her into his embrace. Umi closed her eyes feeling that she had done this before. She welcomed the feeling of contentment, safety, and happiness. Five minutes later the spell was broken by a discrete cough. Both looked up to see Queen Nadesico and the High Prince Yukito, standing close by.
"Sorry to interrupt but, Umi, the guardian families are gathering for rehearsals", smiled the water Queen.
Umi laid her head back down on Eagle's chest reluctant to leave his warm embrace. Slowly she pulled herself away. "I am coming."
"I am truly sorry for interrupting," said Nadesico as she took her son's arm, "you three behind that large tree come too."
Umi let out a shocked gasp as her sister and brothers came out of their hiding place.
"It is alright your highness. I look forward to seeing your performance," said Eagle said with a bow, a little surprised himself that he had been spied upon.
"And just what were you three doing back there?" Umi asked accusingly as Takashi took her arm.
"Hey, I was brought against my will!"
Eagle couldn't help his smile as the siblings continued to argue, a splash from the pond drew his attention. Selece to caught up in his antics, failed to realize that his family was leaving.
"You've forgotten someone," Eagle called out to the exiting group. Quickly he scooped Selece out of the pond and handed him to Umi. "Will you save me a dance?" he whispered.
"Of course," she said with a smile.
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A/N: Yeah another chapter done, and one more to go! And it is going to have one of my favorites scenes in it! I hope you liked this chapter!