"Lantis, how are you today?" asked Clef.
Lantis was just exiting the palace. It would be awhile until dark so he was planning on aimlessly strolling the gardens.
"Fine, Master Mage Clef, "How are you?"
"I am well. It's a beautiful day. I, however, sense sadness in you my friend."
"Whether I am or not, there's nothing you can do about it."
"Lantis…." Suddenly the mage's eyes got very wide. Lantis himself felt powerful magic.
"The Magic Knights have returned."
"That's impossible."
"It is true. You felt it. The Magic Knights have returned to Cephiro."
"Why would they be back? There is no pillar and we are at peace."
"I don't know, but they are not far from here. We should go meet them."
Lantis agreed. He would have run if Clef could keep up with him. The Magic Knights had returned. Hikaru had returned. Why were they here? What had changed in this time?
"What do you think everyone's like?" asked Umi, sick of the silence about five minutes into their walk.
"I bet Mokona's the same," said Hikaru.
"Yeah, I bet so. Wouldn't it be funny if there were baby marshmallows running around?"
"I don't think you could take that Umi. But they would be cute."
"Do you really think anyone has a child?" asked Fuu. They knew from her voice she was thinking of Ferio.
"Hmm, I don't know. I hadn't really thought of it before. But I'm sure no one younger does," said Umi in an attempt to be tactful. "Of course, come to think of it, what is younger in Cephiro? Gee, do you think everyone will look the same even though we've aged? Or has anyone else done that weird 'will yourself' older thing like Ascot?"
"Maybe Sir Mokona has willed himself into being a giant Mokona? Then Miss Umi can't harass him."
Umi turned around to declare, "Hey, I'll harass Mokona no matter what size he is. No marshmallow's going to scare me!"
As if on cue a sudden loud "Puu!" was heard and a white blur smacked into the back of Umi's head.
"Mokona!" shouted Hikaru and the white creature jumped into her arms. He looked exactly the same.
"Mokona!" shouted Umi angrily. "It's good to see you." She added softly and patted him once on the head.
"Sir Mokona, I am glad to see you well." Said Fuu, bowing.
They heard footsteps in the direction Mokona had come from. They were standing right before a bend in the road.
"Hikaru! Umi! Fuu! You're here!"
"Master Mage Clef!" said Hikaru and Umi in unison.
Clef came into view, followed swiftly by Lantis. Hikaru's eyes got huge in her head and she almost held Mokona up to block her face. "Lantis!" she said quietly.