Aruka - Author's Note: Konnichiwa, I hope you liked Chapter One made by Itena-chan. Yesterday was my Birthday (July 24th), so this is my Post-B-day gift for all the readers! It's my turn again- this is Aruka, pupupu

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Previously On Chapter One - by: Itena-chan

But just then, a flashing light engulfed everyone's vision, and despite the blinding brilliance, Hikaru opened her eyes to see the two forms appearing before her. Her scarlet eyes shone with the wet tears that started to form, from both complete joy and anxiety as she instantly recognized the two despite their silhouetted figures. Before even the light died out, the Fire Knight had both Umi and Fuu grasped firmly within her arms, afraid to even let them go.

"U-umi-chan...Fuu-chan..." was about all she could muster out of her throat, not really trusting her voice.

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…Embrace The…

Chapter Two: A Promise with Me

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Earlier that evening before returning to Cephiro, Umi and Fuu silently struggled along the crowd as they made their way to Tokyo Tower. It was their first time after several years, and tonight was different from the past visits they made to Cephiro. One, the Tower was crowded with foreign tourists; not that the Tower wasn't ventured by lots of people before, but tonight, there would be a huge fireworks display, and everyone raved about it- even the locales. And the other was, Umi and Fuu were reluctant to go; they love Hikaru more than a sister, but Cephiro holds their hearts on their sleeves, and it pains them to see their friends and leave again. It was hard, especially for Fuu. The blonde half of the duo stood quietly during the elevator ride; never had it been such a long trip up to the Tower, forever was the word, and Umi's heart throbbed anxiously in her chest.

Gazing up the light, Umi perched on the wall, grasping Fuu's hand shakily. "For Hikaru…" she muttered, as her eyes obviously loomed with mixed emotions. Fuu nodded her head, smiling blandly as she took held Umi's hand tight.

Up on the Tower, the two spoke no more words, adding more to the awkward deafening silence in the air. They barely looked at each other, passing faceless people by as they took in the scene with the utmost reverie. The happy old days- Hikaru, Umi and Fuu; everyday, after class they would meet at the Tower for a hearty chat, talking about the days of their lives. Hikaru, bubbly as ever- she looks so cute when Umi and Fuu start to talk about incoherent things she had no idea of. Umi, the pretty rich girl whom everyone halts to a stop to get a look at her; she was the eye catcher. Fuu, the smart and brilliant mind of the group; like the other two, she too lays her share of beauty in the triad- she was the modest of all.

"Fuu," Umi spoke dryly hopelessly trying to break the ice 'till flashes of bright lights blinded her tracks. People were hovering about them, with camera's flashing and prodding for their attention. "Ugh, let's go Fuu…"

Umi took her by the hand, as she and Fuu covered their eyes from the bright flashes, sneaking their way into a crowd to get away from the nosy paparazzi's in pursuit. Squeezing here and there, the two girls began to laugh; it didn't occur to them that this visit would be more troublesome than they thought- now, they just took it as a light humor, and for once in Umi's life, the paparazzi's served her a good purpose. She couldn't be any happier to see Fuu smile and laugh; her heart was now at ease.

"Ready Umi," Fuu beckoned, holding her hand out to her, "to Cephiro…"

Nodding, Umi placed her hand over Fuu's, holding it tight, "And Hikaru," smiling at each other, the two lingered in the spot where they would always meet up. Flashing memories of the past ran through them, as the bright captivating lights of the fireworks glimmered in their eyes.

"Even Tokyo is celebrating Hikaru's wedding," she giggled, watching the fiery red display colored the background, reminding her of the Fire Knight. "And we shall celebrate with her, like old times," Fuu added.

With the final blast of the colorful display, the two Magic Knights billowed with blinding light; a long familiar feeling coursing through them as the warmth of the light embraced them, watching as their bodies suspend in the air with the surroundings fading in brightness, a chime of cheerful festivities fluttering in the air as they cascaded down a marbled floor, still within the luminosity of light rounding them.

Before them stood shadowy figures, and though the light deprived them of sight, they knew all too well who the small figure walking towards them was.

"Umi-chan…" the sound of her voice calling out to her made Umi smile; the Water Knight could barely open her mouth to speak, as she began to tremble in her embrace. Umi turned to Fuu and found the same expression in her beautiful face.

"…Fuu-chan."

Fuu was on the verge of tears as she and Umi exchanged looks, Hikaru now muttering her name sweetly; it made her smile and cry at the same time, her heart pounding madly in her chest. The mere sight of Hikaru made her worries go away; how she missed the little cheerful girl who is now a full grown lady. She had never been so beautiful; and as thought, Hikaru became the lovely woman she always knew she would be.

Sobs and laughter filled the air, as the reunited Magic Knights rounded in a circle of embrace, crying and laughing among themselves.

Umi was the first to pull away, holding Hikaru by the shoulder, studying her still petite frame. The tears never ceased from falling down her cheeks, which she regarded as tears of joy and happiness. With one last embrace, Umi gasped and walked around Hikaru, admiring the sight of her dear old friend.

"My Hikaru, you look so beautiful!" Coming from the beauty idol as Hikaru always adhered, she can't help but blush and sink in esteem; Umi was not one to lie about appearances, and it made Hikaru feel good about her self, knowing that Umi approves her.

"Hikaru," Umi smiled, pecking her on the cheek, "Congratulations; I could never be any happier for you."

"As do I Hikaru," Fuu added, embracing the bride tight, "as do I…"

Later that evening, Umi and Fuu got dressed for the Bonding ceremonies. They both chose to wear plain white dresses, as to not over-throw the bride's own beauty. Tonight wasn't the time to make them selves stand out to the crowd, for it is Hikaru who should shine among the rest; and even if there're no bridesmaids in Cephiro, Umi and Fuu were just happy to be able to attend their best friend's "Bonding", despite the difference in culture and rights.

Umi wore a long, flowing chiffon tube gown, which has a slit over her right leg, adorned with gold cuffs on her upper left arm. She put her hair up in a messy loose bun, which looked elegantly on her, with her bangs grown into the length of her hair, which is now soft and wavy at the ends. The Water Knight wore no other color, and tried hard to look as simple as possible; and yet, kept her looks dignified and sophisticated as she, Umi Ryuuzaki was known for.

Fuu on the other hand wasn't as bold as Umi to wear a gown like hers; so she settled for an empire cut long gown, with bands of gold tied crisscross on her waist, accentuated by an emerald chain pendant dangling down her skirt. The Wind Knight looked so beautiful and serene in her gown, as her hair fell delicately over her shoulders with locks of kink curls framing her face impressively. With her glasses gone, Fuu looked like a goddess- more so, like Princess Emeraud.

Sigh; Umi breathed, looking straight towards Fuu who was busy fixing her hair.

"Something the matter Umi-san?" asked Fuu, who turned to see the Water Knight.

"I just can't believer we're back here," she frowned, "again."

Fuu need not to be told why Umi felt so melancholic about the idea of visiting Cephiro; nor did Umi prod Fuu's reluctance to attend at first.

Looking at each other, they both shrugged off the worries off their shoulders and tried to smile; knowing Hikaru, she'll be distraught if she sees the disconnection in their eyes.

"Like we've said earlier, this is all for Hikaru-san."

Umi silently nodded, feeling for the Wind Knight whom, as much as her wanted to see Hikaru's cheerful smile beam at them.

"They're waiting for us in the hall, are you coming?" Fuu cocked an eyebrow towards Umi who settled before the mirror, fixing the stray strands off her face. "I'll follow you in a minute, I won't be late."

"Alright then," said the blonde one, heading straight for the door.

Leaving Umi in their room, Fuu walked alone in the empty hallways of the Castle, her figure casting shadows from the dim lights planted on the walls. She walked in silence, praying to the pillar that she don't come across him soon; she would break, crush and grow devastated. Will was the strongest power in Cephiro, and she hoped that her will was strong enough to beat the odds and keep herself from lounging through pain during Hikaru's wedding.

She walked; walked fast and faster, wanting so desperately just to reach then grand hall- but oh, it was still so far away! Why was their room in the other end of the castle? She has to move fast, as fast as she could; the throne room was just around the corner, and if she could pass there without bumping into him, she would be spared of a heart ache and be able to attend the ceremonies in full sanity.

'C'mon Fuu, faster,' she commanded, forcing her feet to move swiftly as they could, closing her eyes shut, going round the corner at ease. 'Wonderful, no sign of him anywhere…'

Fuu paced slower as she passed a few feet away from the throne room, sighing in relief holding her chest as it throbbed in her chest ferociously.

"Fuu?" a husky voice called from behind her; a manly figure standing still from the door. His shadow covered hers, as he moved closer.

The Wind Knight stood still and clutched her hands together, frowning as his footsteps came in closer.

"Fuu, is that you?"

Annoying; how could he be so casual with her? Fuu turned to look at him, with no sign of interest whatsoever. She smiled forcefully and curtseyed at the King.

"Yes, your highness. It is I," the remark was polite, yet sarcastic than her usual tone. Fuu couldn't take his casual approach on her; after he had bonded with another woman, how could he be so at ease, knowing that she brooded over the pain for a long, long time.

"I'm sorry, but I got to go," she said coldly, picking up her skirts as she began to walk forth again, leaving Ferio behind. She didn't want to talk to him, nor even see him- but he seemed eager to converse with her, and she didn't want any of that.

Ferio followed Fuu close, grinning, "I'm also on my way to the Grand Hall; I'll escort you there."

"No need," she spat, "I can make it there on my own."

"Fuu," Ferio ceased Fuu by the hand, pulling her close to him, "I insist."

Clearly, there was longing in his eyes; she could see right through him. The way he looked at her, how he called her name- it all speaks for him self. Ferio, her beloved Ferio; now, he stood before her, asking her sincerely for her company, his words sweetly passing her ears with every sound. She loved him, yes; but the love she had for him didn't suffice for him to wait for her, and instead, he took another and left her alone.

"No Ferio," she whispered, pulling her arm off him, "leave me alone."

As she turned to leave, Ferio once again pulled her to him; his lips sealing hers, holding her in a tight, warm embrace. A kiss buried in time and memory, it all came back to her. The way he caressed her cheeks, how he played and twirled her locks against his fingers- the way he showed love to her; it all came rushing in, overwhelming her senses as her barrier of hatred crushed into nothing, leaving her emotions to swarm all over her; love, hate, passion, vengeance- it all confused her heart and thoughts.

"Ferio…" she muttered his name with every movement of their lips, cupping his cheeks as she lounged forward, helplessly falling in his arms and his embrace.

Was the love really forgotten, or is this just a surge of long lost passion that clashed on them together at once, leaving them in a situation where they might regret sooner than later? Is her love accepted in means that is so pure? Deception was a sin- she could never be his, as he could never be hers. The laws speak of fidelity and punishment to those who trample the laws of bonding. What was she to do, when she is a just a woman in love?

Unrequited was her love, and will always be.

From the corner of the hall, stood Umi watching the scene in remorse; she felt for Fuu, knowing how her friend suffered a broken heart of years ago, and yet, she left her to take the road of healing on her own. Was she wrong to leave her behind? She can't tell; her problems held her in vain, and she was useless if she's downcast as well.

Snap. A sound of clasping skin echoed the hall, as Umi woke from her thoughts. There she saw Fuu, hands held in the air with Ferio a few steps back, eyes wide open with cheeks red from impact.

"Just leave me alone," Fuu ran away in tears, leaving Ferio alone in the hall.

With Fuu gone at the end of the hall, Umi began to move past Ferio, glaring at him icily. "Never, again Ferio; don't even dare."

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To Be Continued…

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