Hikaru felt joy at Lantis' statement, like sunshine breaking through a storm cloud and lighting up the whole sky.
"Do you really?"
"Yes, Hikaru."
She jumped forward and hugged him and felt Lantis' arms pull her close.
"I want to be with you forever" Hikaru said quietly, head resting against his chest.
They stayed like that for awhile. When she finally backed away Lantis smiled at her and led her a little ways away. They sat down on a hill that overlooked a little meadow between the trees. He put his arm around her. They watched the birds and the butterflies and time passed. When Hikaru finally noticed the light dimming she realized how long she'd been gone.
"I'd better go, I mean Umi and Fuu might be worried." She looked at Lantis, afraid of hurting his feelings, but he nodded.
"Yes, I think they might be, I imagine they're at the palace by now. I'll take you."
They started walking, Hikaru now anxious to see them both. It wasn't long before the palace came into view and Hikaru could see the figures of Umi & Fuu sitting on a bench by marble stairs, apparently waiting for her.
She ran ahead from Lantis a little and waved.
"Hey guys, I'm sorry I was so long. I didn't mean to make you worry."
Umi and Fuu stood up and walked down a few steps to greet her.
"Oh we weren't worried about you. We knew Lantis would take good care of you. Right Fuu?"
"Indeed."
"You must be hungry though. Fuu & I had a snack & we were thinking about having another one if you didn't show up."
"I have sentinel duty Hikaru. Why don't you stay with Umi & Fuu?"
"Ok. I'll see you soon Lantis."
He smiled at her again and headed off.
Umi grabbed one of her hands and pulled her towards the palace.
"This place is really cool Hikaru. I got most of the grand tour from Clef which was kind of boring, but it's an awesome place. You'll have to see all of it later, probably tomorrow since it's kind of late now."
"I hadn't thought about that, where are we going to sleep?"
"Oh, that's no problem, we've got a really nice room all to ourselves, and probably Mokona wherever he got to. Our room is actually where we're going to eat."
The Magic Knights arrived at their room. It was huge, with three canopy bed and dressing and dining areas.
"Wow, I'd forgotten how nice things in Cephiro were."
"It is indeed grand, Miss Hikaru."
There was food already there and the Magic Knights happily ate dinner. Before they knew it, it was night and they found night gowns on each of the beds. They all changed and found that they fit each of them perfectly.
Umi was standing up between Hikaru and Fuu who were sitting on their beds across from each other, "So Hikaru, now that we are in sleepover mode, it's time for you to give it up."
"Huh, give it up?"
"She means disclose the proceedings of your time with Mister Lantis."
"Oh." Hikaru turned bright red, "Uh there's not really that much to tell."
"Oh, I believe her, don't you Fuu?" said Umi, plopping herself down beside Fuu.
"Not a word, Miss Umi."
"Guys, this is really embarrassing," said Hikaru, trying to make herself look smaller.
"Oh, you don't have to tell us Hikaru," said Umi in a gentler tone, "But we are your best friends."
"I know. I just don't know how to talk about it right now. I'm sorry."
"There's no reason for you to feel bad. We can wait. Just not too long," said Umi smirking on the last sentence.