Fuu looked down and was quiet for a moment. Then she looked up at Ferio.
"I have wondered at times if I would never see you again. I have also found myself wondering if there wasn't some way for us to be together. But by coming back to Cephiro, it has made me realize the truth." Fuu had to look down again.
"I am not the kind of person that has the strength to leave behind the world they grew up in. My family, my country, the life that I have made for myself and the life that has been made for me by the people who love me. I cannot leave it all. I belong on Earth."
Tears started to leak down her cheeks.
"And you belong here."
Umi was about to lose her temper again. She only had so much patience for waiting, especially under circumstances like these. She was trying however, not to go into a full tantrum in front of Clef. I have grown in four years, she thought to herself, when I first came to Cephiro I wouldn't have tried to control my temper. But it was easier to know what I wanted and not to think about anyone else's feelings. It's hard to hope that they will be happy no matter what instead of hoping that they will find happiness somewhere close to me. But I've got to try to do just that. Yes, I will. Even if it means I'll never see Hikaru and Fuu again, I'm determined to hope that they are happy. Umi steeled her spine and felt her spirits raise somewhat. She was going to do what she thought was right and that was just that.
A little later Clef entered a room he referred to as the Gallery and promptly started telling her the story of every one of the historical paintings in the room. There was one of Princess Emeraude and one of Umi and the other Magic Knights. There were also 20 other paintings about things Umi had never heard of and had never wanted to hear about. Finally Clef was explaining the last painting when she saw a figure out of the corner of her eye and shortly recognized it as Fuu. Fuu's head was slightly down and she was walking slowly.
"Oh Fuu," Umi said, hugging her, "Is something wrong?"
She realized Fuu was crying slightly and as Fuu hardly ever cried Umi felt for her immensely.
"We're going to go to one of the other rooms, Clef." said Umi over her shoulder, not even trying to make a dignified exit. Umi stumbled into the closest room, which turned out to be the armory.
"Are you ok Fuu?"
Fuu whipped her eyes, "I am alright Miss Umi. I am surprised that I became so upset."
Fuu continued, "I 'broke up' if that would be the correct term with Sir Ferio. It made me very sad even though I have not seen him in so long."
"What Fuu, are you sure? Maybe you should stay here with him?"
"No Miss Umi that cannot be my choice. It is not my destiny to stay here in Cephiro. I do not know why I am so upset."
"Fuu. It's ok to be upset. It's ok to cry even though you've made up your mind."
Umi hugged Fuu again and let Fuu cry her tears for Ferio on her shoulder.
Fuu's voice said quietly, "I do not think you and I shall ever return to Cephiro. I believe this is our final goodbye."
Umi's heart filled will dread but she answered, "I think you're right."