Having finally made their way out of the Forest of Silence, our heroes started the day with their favorite morning exercise. Trying to keep up with their living GPS.

"Pu-pu pu! Pu-pu pu! Pu-pu pu! Pu-pu pu!" Mokona bounced along a trail.

"Mokona! Wait for us!" Hikaru panted, before coming to a stop.

Little bit later, Umi and Hotaru caught up to Hikaru, both of them panting and holding their chests. They had already run for almost five miles nonstop and even though none of them were in bad shape, they weren't marathon runners either. It seemed that now that Mokona was finally out of the forest, the little fey wanted to stretch its legs in a more open environment.

"No use hurrying so much…" Umi tried telling Mokona.

"I know the world is ending," Hotaru gasped with a raspy breath, "but at this rate my lungs are going to give out first…"

"Exactly where is Sir Mokona headed?" Fuu asked, having caught up with the others.

"To the Spring of Eterna. Maybe you need to reach a certain velocity to get there," Hotaru joked cynically.

"…I know!" Umi yelled out. "We're out of the Forest of Silence! That means we can use magic now!"

The others gave her an inquisitive look, wondering what she had in mind.

Umi turned around and pointed towards the sky, focusing all her heart and will into her words.

"Fly away! Fly away! Let's fly away to the spring called Eterna!" she yelled clearly, her voice carrying nary a shred of doubt.

A moment of silence passed, during which the only thing that flew was a faraway bird. Fuu and Hikaru looked at their friend awkwardly, while Hotaru was gritting his teeth.

Umi cleared her throat in a dignified manner, before yelling with more gusto, "Fly here! Fly here the spring called Eterna!"

As Fuu and Hikaru fell over in embarrassment, Hotaru covered his face with both of his hands. It was not that he was ashamed of Umi's idea, far from it. He probably would have tried the same in her position. However, all this talk about flying reminded Hotaru of one of Mokona's abilities; summoning a winged flying saucer capable of flight and underwater travel.

Why are we running! Why can't Mokona just summon that bloody thing and give us a ride! But it is not like I can bring it up without revealing that I know more than I should! I have information, but I cannot share it! I have no mouth but I must scream! …Wait, that could work.

"U-Umi, you have to learn how to use magic from Clef," Hikaru reminded her friend, trying to get them to stop embarrassing themself.

"Right. I have not learned either," Fuu admitted.

"But remember that Clef was defeated by the enemy," Umi reminded the others, before pointing at Hotaru angrily. "And besides, he learnt magic all on his own!"

Hotaru snapped out of his thoughts hearing this and panicked for a moment before calming down, "That is because I paid attention to Clef's lesson instead of fooling around at the back of the class."

"My, I never took you for such a dedicated student, Mr. Hotaru," Fuu joked while fixing her glasses.

"When you get to my age, you realize that school is but a shortcut in life!"

In reality though, Hotaru had no sure way of knowing how he had learnt magic. Was it really because he had paid attention? Because he already knew how magic worked in Cephiro? Was he just more gifted with magic? Or was his metal element just easier to master in exchange for being weaker?

"So, me and Fuu will have to fight the rest of the way without magic?"

"Oh, it'll be all right, Umi!" Hikaru assured her. "I can use magic too!"

"Rub it in my face why don't ya."

Before Hikaru could apologize, they heard loud chirping as Mokona came running back to them.

"Pu-puuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" the small rabbit yelled before jumping into Hikaru's arms.

"What's wrong Mokona?" Hikaru asked.

"Pu-pu pupupu puu pup pup puu puu!" Mokona chirped while pointing behind her.

"It might be a monster."

"It did not have to visit us."

"What kind of a monster could scare Mokona…" Hotaru asked worriedly.

While the group could not see anything, they heard rustling of leaves and monstrous voices heading their way. The sounds were unnatural and seemed to come from all directions.

"It's coming," Hikaru said, feeling it in her bones.

Before anyone could react, a swirling shadow dashed at them from the woods. The vortex-like shadow dropped beneath Hikaru's legs, causing the redheaded girl to sink into the dark maelstrom. As she began to sink, Mokona jumped up from her arms, onto a nearby branch, and dropped down a vine.

Hikaru grabbed hold of the vine and pulled herself up, extending her free hand and grabbing hold of Fuu's arm.

"Ms. Umi!" Fuu extended her arm, but it was too late.

"No!" Umi was yelling, having already been sucked up halfway into the shadow.

"Steel Strength!" Hotaru yelled.

With his buffed-up strength, Hotaru grabbed hold of both of Umi's arms. He pulled back firmly and pushed against the ground with his legs to give himself leverage. While Umi stopped sinking into the shadow, her screams grew louder.

"You are stretching me apart!" Umi yelled, as her body was being pulled in both directions.

Startled by this revelation, Hotaru let go of Umi, causing her to be sucked into the shadow.

At the same time, another shadow had appeared up in the tree where Fuu and Hikaru were taking shelter. The shadow was dragging Fuu into the tree, causing the blonde girl to scream in terror. Hikaru tried pulling Fuu's legs, but the force of the vortex was too much. As Fuu was forcefully yanked it, Hikaru was slammed against the tree head first.

"Hikaru!"

Hotaru saw Hikaru fall from the tree branch into nearby bushes, worried she might be hurt. He tried rushing over to help her, but noticed his foot had been caught by another vortex.

This vortex was much larger than the previous ones and quickly grabbed hold of his other foot. To prevent himself from sinking, Hotaru gripped the ground outside the vortex. With Steel Strength he was able to halt his descent, but this had turned into just another tug of war.

"Guys, where are you?" he heard a voice from behind him, coming from the bushes.

"Hikaru! Help! Get this thing off of me!" Hotaru screamed, feeling his knees about to dislocate.

As Hikaru saw Hotaru struggling against the pull of the vortex, she got angry. She summoned her broadsword from the gem on her left hand, before rushing in.

"You! Give back Umi and Fuu right now!" Hikaru yelled, before driving her sword into the shadow.

There was a bright flash of light, a horrifying roar of pain, and a powerful explosion that blew both Hikaru and Hotaru away from the vortex. As they were regaining their footing, the vortex rose up into the air.

A dark, undulating, two-dimensional shape flowed out of the vortex like a cloak made out of darkness. As their eyes got used to the dark shape, they could see that its insides resembled outer space. Two dark red eyes emerged from the vortex above the shape, as the monster continued making unearthly sounds.

"Fuu! Umi!" Hikaru screamed, seeing her friends in the dark triangle.

"Ms. Hikaru…"

"Hotaru…"

Umi and Fuu seemed unharmed, but their voices were pained and weak. Before Hotaru could even think of a way to get two of them out of there, Hikaru had already stood up and raised her arm.

"Flame Arrow!"

The fireball struck the monster straight in its vortex-like face, causing the creature to roar out in pain. Its rift-like body began to shatter as its maw spread open, before exploding once more.

Black smoke covered the area, causing Hikaru and Hotaru to close their eyes. Hotaru had barely managed to activate Tungsten Defense, protecting Hikaru from the shockwave by covering her with his body.

"Thanks, I owe you one," Hikaru said while sighing deeply.

"I owe you plenty," Hotaru admitted.

As the smoke cleared, they could see that Umi and Fuu had been freed. Their clothes and gear were scuffed up and their hairs were a mess. Both girls were coughing and breathing weakly, trying to catch their breath.

"That was painful," Umi coughed, before being embraced by Hikaru.

"Thank goodness!" Hikaru yelled out, hugging her friends tightly. "Thank goodness you are all right…"

"Thank you, Ms. Hikaru," Fuu hugged her back.

"If I could use magic, I could've gotten it myself…"

"If I had something else other than buffing spells, I might have been able to do something…"

"Well, at least now I know how my laundry feels," Fuu mused.

"Come on!"

Before they could continue talking, they heard the sound of roaring in the distance. It didn't take them long to deduce that there were more monsters in the area.

"You've got to be kidding! Why are there so many?" Umi whined.

"At this rate we won't last long," Fuu said worriedly.

Hotaru shrugged, "As long as it has a physical form, I think I can go a few more rounds."

"Pupupupupupupu!" Mokona chirped while taking off running again.

"Mokona, you're all right!" Hikaru said cheerfully.

"We should follow that example and hurry to the Spring of Eterna," Fuu suggested.

"Agreed!"

"Wait a second!" Hotaru yelled before running up to catch Mokona.

Running at full speed, Hotaru barely managed to catch up and pick up Mokona. The white bouncy rabbit-like fay continued running while held up and chirping happily for a while. Eventually it turned around and looked at Hotaru with its signature expression.

As he heard the others running up to him, Hotaru asked, "Hey Mokona, you have all we need for this journey, right? You wouldn't happen to have any means of transport for us? Some mounts, a wagon, a bike, or maybe some other vehicle?"

"Oh, that sounds great!" Umi cheered.

"Sir Mokona, can you please do that for us?" Fuu asked respectfully.

Mokona shook its head rapidly from side to side, denying the possibility of that, "Pu-puu."

While the girls sighed disappointedly, Hotaru was glaring murderous daggers at Mokona.

You sit upon a throne of lies you little vermin! …Hi, I'm throne.


About two hours later, the party arrived to find something none of them had seen in a very long time. Signs of civilization. It was a small village made up of rudimentary square stone and clay buildings with decorative carvings. The village was surrounded by forests as well as natural stone pillars, some of which were up to 40 meters in height. All the windows of the village were barred with wooden planks, and not even a domestic animal could be seen.

"This town sure looks deserted."

"I wonder if everyone is gone? Maybe…" Hikaru said ominously.

"Looks can be deceiving," Hotaru interrupted, looking around the town.

"What do you mean, Mr. Hotaru?"

"While it seems empty, the place is in good shape. The grass is neatly cut, the roads are in good shape, no dust or debris on the buildings. There is not even a sign of damage by monsters," Hotaru pointed out his observations. "If this place was abandoned, it was done very recently."

"You read way too many detective novels, Hotaru," Umi chuckled and walked forward.

Just as she did, a net sprung from underneath her, Hikaru and Fuu. Hotaru was also standing in the net, but due to him being at the back of the group, only his foot was caught in the trap. Nevertheless, the party was hoisted up into the air by the net, before its trap mechanism locked in place. They were left dangling from the branch of a tall tree, with the girls inside the net, and Hotaru hanging by his foot outside of it.

"W-What… is this?" Umi yelled, her voice echoing far.

"Perhaps we fell into a trap?" Fuu said sarcastically.

"There's no 'perhaps' about it!" Umi shrieked.

"Hotaru, are you okay?" Hikaru asked, looking down from the net.

"Yeah, I am peachy," he groaned, blood rushing into his head.

"Looks like you finally got caught after all," she grinned.

"You still holding me to that? Anyway, I am not caught yet," Hotaru grunted and crunched his abs.

Hotaru had to use all of his core strength to reach for his leg, and once he did, it was easier for him to curl up towards his foot. He was planning on releasing his foot from the net, but as he looked upwards, he caught a glimpse of a scandalous sight.

"Uh… can one of you release my foot?" he asked, trying to keep a straight face.

"What's wrong? Not athletic enough to do it yourself?" Umi teased the once confident young man.

"YOU'RE ALL WEARING SKIRTS!"

Reminded of their predicament, the girls all blushed and covered up, with Fuu prying Hotaru's foot loose from the net. Dropped from the net, Hotaru landed on his rear, feeling a bit sore but otherwise fine. Once he got up, Hotaru summoned his axe from the gem in his left gauntlet.

He was about to cut the girls loose, when he spotted a bunch of people coming out of the seemingly abandoned houses. The villagers were carrying farm tools, weapons, and even wooden sticks. All of them looked cautious and ready for a fight, and stared at them with a hostile intent.

"All the villagers are here," Fuu whispered, slightly worried what they might do to them.

"H-Hi everyone!" Hikaru greeted them, while Mokona hid behind Hotaru. "We aren't bad people once you get to know us!"

"It's no good, Hikaru. It doesn't seem like they'll listen," Umi talked under her breath.

"They do not seem to be behaving normally."

One of the larger townsfolk at the front of the group pointed his spear towards Hotaru, grunting aggressively.

"Oh? You wanna go buddy?" Hotaru asked with a deep voice, brandishing his axe.

The villager took a step back, not because of Hotaru's weapon or question, but because of his expression. The young man in front of him looked deranged, with his eyes staring directly into his soul and a wide grin on his face. It was as if he was looking forward to what was coming next. While they had been suspicious of the girls, this man really could be a threat.

"Stop that! It's not nice to point sharp objects at people!" Hikaru yelled.

Before the situation could escalate further, the monstrous roar from earlier could be heard once more, only much louder. A large flock of birds flew into the air as the ground trembled underneath the villagers. Soon after, a gargantuan hulking figure could be seen emerging from the forest that towered over the trees.

It was red, humanoid in form, and had three long sharp talons in each hand and foot. Its face resembled that of a mutated echidna with three talons sprouting from its nose, pointing forward. Its eyes were solid blue and, on its shoulders, it seemed to have an extra pair of clawed hands. It had black fur growing from the back of its head and around its hips.

Although the group had faced many monsters by now, none of them had been this big. Had they met it in the Forest of Silence, the forest canopy wouldn't have reached the monster's armpits.

(AN: Fun fact, in the anime, this monster actually shrinks throughout the combat encounter due to scaling errors. It goes from towering over trees, to being as tall as a tree, to being shorter than a tree. Here, for added difficulty, I am keeping it at its largest size.)

"Hold on! This has got to be a joke! I can't believe that all this time we've been fighting small fries!" Umi screamed.

The villagers started running from the monster, trying to seek cover inside their houses. Seeing the monster approaching the village, Hotaru quickly cut the rope holding the net up. The girls fell down quickly but managed to land with relative grace.

"Hikaru! Use your magic!" Hotaru commanded.

"Right! Flame Arrow!"

The ball of fire flew in a direct path at the monster, leaving behind a flaming trail and striking it square in the chest. The monster roared in pain, but it didn't seem all too damaged by the attack.

"This thing is tough as nails," Hotaru quipped, as the monster swiped its claws at his direction, "Tungsten Defense!"

Hotaru raised his axe above his head, intercepting the monster's claw. Due to the size of its talon, the girls behind Hotaru had to duck further back. While Hotaru's body withstood the attack, his feet were driven into the ground.

Having struck its long talon into something harder than expected, the monster pulled back. It grunted and growled, until it heard something interesting. A small girl had fallen on her knees while running away, and a young woman was trying to help her up. Seeing easier prey, the monster turned around and prepared to attack the two villagers.

"Leave them alone!" Hikaru yelled.

"Steel Strength!" Hotaru shouted, before driving his axe into the monster's calf.

The blade of the heavy axe cut deep into the giant monster's leg, even reaching its bone, but was unable to cut all the way through. The monster howled in pain before using its healthy leg to kick Hotaru back. Since he had activated Steel Strength, Tungsten Defense had been nullified.

"Guh!" Hotaru grunted, as he was sent flying by the kick.

"Hotaru!" Hikaru yelled, slashing at the monster, but only managing to wound it.

Fuu shot her arrows at the monster rapidly, managing to sink half a quiver of arrows into its flesh.

"Are you alright?" Umi asked, having stayed behind.

"Yeah, I think so," he grunted, looking at the monster. "I don't think we can take this thing down without a decisive blow to the head."

"Obviously! But how do you suppose we reach it?" Umi yelled.

Hotaru stood up, making sure he had no broken bones, before lifting his axe above his head. He then swung forward with all his might, throwing the large two-handed axe at the monster. The heavy single-bladed axe spun around in the air, and flew right over the monster's head.

Seeing his weapon fly into the trees behind the monster, Hotaru raised his fists, "Oh well, never needed a weapon before coming to this world anyway."

Umi slapped him on the back, "Don't even try that! There's got to be another option than punching it!"

Hotaru thought for a moment, before turning to Umi, "Well I have another idea, but you won't like it."

"Huh?"

Hotaru pointed at Umi, "Statue of Liberty pose!"

Umi looked at him confused before lifting her right arm into the air, pointing her rapier towards the sky, "Like this?"

"Perfect."

While Fuu and Hikaru were keeping the monster busy with arrows, the monster was getting angrier and angrier. Due to its cut up leg it could not move nimbly and was being out maneuvered by the girls. Eventually the monster got down on its hands and knees, trying to smash the two of them.

"Now hold still," Hotaru said, while balancing Umi on his shoulder, holding onto her shin.

"Can we please reconside-eeeeer!" Umi yelled as she was thrown like a javelin.

Umi's eyes dried up as she was sent flying towards the monster, like one of Fuu's arrows. Not having a moment to waste, Umi concentrated and aimed the tip of her rapier at the creature's forehead. A split second later, her blade pierced the monster's skull, as her body slammed against its face.

The monster let out one final roar, before erupting in a burst of darkness. As it disappeared, Umi's rapier lost its grip and caused her to fall. The blue haired girl managed to land gracefully onto her feet, close to Fuu and Hikaru.

"I got it!" she cheered.

Fuu clapped approvingly, "That was splendid."

"Umi that was cool!"

Umi chuckled smugly, before remembering that Hotaru had been the one to throw her, "Well, I had some help."

While our heroes were congratulating each other on their victory, a dark figure appeared on top of a nearby stone pillar out of thin air. With their incredibly long dark hair and white cape flowing in the wind, the figure glad in dark armor laid her eyes upon the scenery below. Seeing the small village and her targets at the edge of it, Alcyone smiled cruelly.

Finally found you, my dear little kōhai. Revenge is a dish best served cold.


After the battle, the Magic Knights and Hotaru entered the village proper. Despite the monster being killed, the villagers were still hiding inside their houses. Though unlike before, instead of keeping their doors and windows shut, they were held ajar so that the villagers could keep an eye on them. Despite having saved their lives, the villagers still glared at the four of them with fear, caution, and hostility.

"Everyone! It's all right now!" Hikaru tried to persuade the people out of their houses.

"It's useless Hikaru," Umi sighed. "To them, we're no different from that monster."

"I might have scared them a bit too much," Hotaru scratched his chin.

Despite Hotaru's words, Hikaru did not believe he could have scared the villagers so much. By the look in their eyes, she could tell that these people had been living in constant fear for a very long time. It wasn't just the adults who were scared of them, but the children too. If this was all due to Zagato, then she could not forgive them.

"He'll pay," Hikaru muttered under her breath.

Noticing that her friends were feeling a bit glum about the cold reception, Umi walked in front of them and turned around cheerfully.

"Well, let's hurry to the Spring of Eterna, everyone!" Umi spoke joyfully, until. "UGH!"

Before anyone could react, Umi's back was struck by an onslaught of sharpened ice shards. Umi's clothes, armor, and long hair were torn and cut up. Her skin and flesh were pierced in multiple spots at her back, arms, and cheeks, with blood gushing out of the open wounds.

Feeling the cold numbing pain spread throughout her body, Umi quickly started losing consciousness. As she fell to the ground, she barely had enough time to speak the names of her friends.

The others looked at this in horror, unable to move or fully comprehend it by how quickly it had all happened. Hikaru especially was in shock, only able to move after Umi hit the ground.

"Umi!" she yelled loudly.

As Hikaru tried to help Umi onto her back, the villagers started closing their windows and doors. It was clear none of them were going to help, but even clearer still that something serious was about to happen. Hotaru summoned his weapon ready, cursing that he had been caught by surprise despite his knowledge.

"Umi… Umi… Umi…" Hikaru repeated, trying desperately to wake her friend up.

But instead of a response from her friend, all Hikaru received was mockery. A cold and cruel laughter echoed throughout the village, as their enemy announced their presence. Alcyone was standing on top of the tallest stone pillar around the village, holding her hand on her staff, and laughing at her successful marksmanship.

"Ah-hahhahhahhah," she laughed from the bottom of her heart.

The others looked at Alcyone with terror and anger, remembering her from their very first day in Cephiro. Though they had managed to defeat Alcyone, it was clear she was the toughest foe they had faced thus far.

Hotaru held out his axe, gritting his teeth angrily, almost wanting to kick himself. He had promised to himself and Princess Emeraude that he would protect Alcyone, to try and prevent her death. Despite this, he had almost completely forgotten about her over the past few days. Granted he had been very busy, but he had always prided himself as a goal-oriented person.

I lost sight of my goal and now Umi has paid for it. So much about being their bodyguard.

"I was tired of waiting for you, eggs from another world that would've hatched into Magic Knights," Alcyone spoke, in a voice that was both attractive but also terrifying. "One cannot use magic in the Forest of Silence, so I spent my time improving my magic."

"So, you did some training and now feel ready for round two?" Hotaru spoke, trying to remain calm and in control. "I admire your perseverance, but let it be known that we have gained quite a bit more experience ourselves."

"Fufufufu, of course, I did not forget you, Mr. Bodyguard," Alcyone chuckled, her deep red lips smiling deviously, before muttering under her breath, "I prepared something just for you…"

She closed her eyes for a moment, remembering all she learnt over the past few days. Once all was in check, she opened them slowly.

"…I will give my thanks to you all for what you did to me before," she smiled with a killing intent, and lifted up her staff.

"Fuu, take care of Umi," Hikaru gave a command with a fierce look in her eyes.

After Fuu nodded, both Hikaru and Hotaru stepped forth, both of them determined and ready for battle. Hikaru looked up at Alcyone with fire in her eyes, but with her anger tempered.

"How dare you… How dare you hurt Umi," Hikaru asked.

Alcyone did not pay much attention to Hikaru, only looking down on them all with a sense of superiority, "You two seem able to use magic. But as Master Clef's pupil and Princess Emeraude's sorceress, can you defeat me, Alcyone?"

"Princess Emeraude's?" Hikaru gasped.

"A pupil of Mr. Clef?" Fuu's eyes widened.

"Oh, so she's our senpai," Hotaru mused.

"If you're the princess's sorceress, why are you standing against us?" Hikaru asked sternly, demanding an answer. "Didn't Clef tell you that Cephiro is in trouble?"

Alcyone smiled and spoke uncaringly, "Of course I know. But what does that have to do with anything?"

Obviously, she knew what the little Magic Knight was referring to. But it was just too much fun knowing that she was getting under her skin. Having her opponents getting angry and all worked up, made them prone to mistakes and harder for them to control their magic.

"She's the Pillar that supports the world, right? The princess was abducted by High Priest Zagato."

Alcyone glared at Hikaru, insulted.

Does she think that I am a country bumpkin or something? Everyone knows that much.

Calming herself down, she smiled once again, "I am working for Lord Zagato. I was tasked with killing you all by him and I intend to finish the mission given by his grace."

"Why are you with him?" Hikaru asked, not believing her ears.

"Because… I love him," Alcyone spoke gently, her heart skipping a beat as she thought of her beloved.

"But does he love you back?" Hotaru blurted out audibly.

Alcyone almost bit her tongue as she gritted her teeth together. The young man's shameless and impudent question had struck a nerve with her.

How dare he! Of course, he loves me! Why would he not? Or he will! Once I kill these brats, I mean the only thing standing in Zagato's way, then he will surely accept me as his queen! *inhale* Calm yourself, he is just using your own tactics against you. I will deal with him first…

Alcyone decided not to humor Hotaru's question, but her reaction already told him everything he needed to know. Even from far away.

Alcyone pointed her staff at Hotaru and yelled out, "Black Binding!"

"Tungsten De… Wait what!?"

Before he could react, several black rings surrounded and then tightened around him. The rings were stiff and felt like hard rubber, and yet still had a bit of stretch to them. Hotaru was caught completely unaware, as he could not remember Alcyone ever using a spell like this. The rings had wrapped around his chest, waist, hips, knees, and ankles, preventing him from moving.

"Ah-hahhahhahhah!" Alcyone laughed victoriously. "How do you like it? I developed that spell specifically for you! You may have a tough body, but it means nothing if you aren't able to move!"

"Honestly, I am kinda flattered," Hotaru admitted, before inhaling. "Steel Strength!"

Having activated his strength buffing magic, Hotaru spread his arms and legs at full force. Although the black bindings were tough and stretchy, they snapped with relative ease when pushed to their limits.

"NANI!?" Alcyone yelled, seeing her new spell be so easily undone.

"Yeah, I didn't really get to use this spell in our previous encounter, so I don't blame you for not knowing about it. Good effort though."

Despite Hotaru's understanding words, Alcyone was quaking in anger. Improving the range and accuracy of her spells and forcing herself to develop a new spell. She had even learnt how to teleport like Zagato, so as to make up for the loss of her summon creatures. All that hard work and planning, had it all been for naught?

"Un… Unforgivable!" Alcyone yelled before pointing her staff at Hotaru and Hikaru again. "Ice Spear Attack!"

Several ice shards flew across the skies of the village, towards the red Magic Knight and her companion. Both of them managed to jump out of the way, dodging the razor-sharp chunks of ice. Despite there being two targets, Alcyone's attacks missed only barely. Hikaru had to use all her jumping and acrobatics skills to avoid getting hit, while Hotaru used his strength.

Only once the spell came to an end, the two of them were able to stop moving. They could once again hear Alcyone laughing from the top of her pillar.

"You two are quite nimble," she praised them, "but this time, it won't be as easy. You'll end up soaked in blood just like that girl over there."

Remembering Umi's injuries, Hikaru trembled with anger, "You hurt Umi-chan…"

The full weight of Umi's injuries had just sunken in for her. Her friend was dying. These people, who she had been together with for several days now, were in real danger.

She stood up, the air around her heating up, "Fuu, Umi, and Hotaru are my precious teammates… who fight with me to save Cephiro."

The air around Hikaru almost exploded from the temperature increase, as her magic burst out of her.

"Ms. Hikaru!" Fuu yelled in amazement, seeing the fiery aura around her friend.

"Flame Arrow!"

Hikaru's spell flew from her hand towards the stone pillar Alcyone was standing on. The heat radiating from the magic caused the ground beneath it to crack and burst open.

Seeing the fireball approach, Alcyone chuckled, "The same trick will not work against me twice. Barrier Circle!"

A magical barrier formed in front of Alcyone, protecting her from all attacks aimed at it. However, Hikaru's spell didn't fly directly at Alcyone, but at the pillar she was standing on. Once at the pillar, the spell changed directions upwards, attacking Alcyone from below.

The barrier did protect her from most of the spell, but she still received several burning cuts near her legs and hips. Despite the pain, she was able to hold her spell up, preventing a quick defeat like last time.

H-Her magic powers… are stronger than before.

"Ms. Hikaru's will, because Ms. Umi got hurt, has increased the power of her magic!" Fuu narrated in awe, still holding the bleeding Umi in her arms.

"To be able to strengthen one's magic this much in such a short time… You are indeed a Magic Knight."

Was all that time I spent training my magic just wasted effort after all? Wait… I'm going about this all wrong!

"Black Binding!" Alcyone cast her spell again, this time aiming at Hikaru.

Five black bands appeared around Hikaru, binding the small girl in their grip. Hikaru gasped as she was bound tightly, the sudden shock causing her to fall over on her side. The rubbery ring were strong, and unlike Hotaru, she could not use her magic to free herself.

"Hotaru, help!" Hikaru yelled, trying her best to wriggle out of the bindings.

"Hold on, I'm coming!" Hotaru said and ran towards Hikaru.

"Not so fast! Ice Blade Avalanche!" Alcyone casted again, causing several spikes of ice to rotate around the stone pillar she stood on.

Hundreds of large blades of ice erupted from the ground, aiming to skewer both Hotaru and Hikaru. Before the blades could reach them, Hotaru picked up Hikaru and jumped high into the air.

"You won't get away!" Alcyone snarled and pointed her staff at the two airborne heroes. "Icicle Onslaught!"

"Tungsten Defense!"

Alcyone's icicles struck Hotaru's back as he protected Hikaru from the onslaught. Due to his increased toughness and density, the icicles barely hurt him. As they landed on the frozen and torn up ground with a loud thud, Hotaru laid Hikaru on the ground in front of him.

As the icicles peppered his back constantly, Hotaru tried all he could to pull the black rubber rings off of Hikaru. Without Steel Strength, it quickly became clear that he was wasting his time.

"It's no use, I can't get them off without Steel Strength, and without Tungsten Defense, we are both dead!" he despaired.

This damn spell! She only developed it because of me! We… they wouldn't be this badly outmatched if it wasn't for me! If we die here… I will have single-handedly doomed Cephiro!

"Think you can get one of my hands free?" Hikaru asked. "You can pick me up like you did with Umi and point me at Alcyone!"

"As much as I would love to use you as a bazooka, I don't think these rings are going to budge!" Hotaru grunted, pulling with all his might.

Hotaru pulled out his switchblade from his pocket and rubbed its blade against the rubber rings. Despite the blade being in good condition, the rubber did not budge. In fact, his pocket knife seemed to be getting stuck to the rubber. He wondered if he could use his axe to cut the bindings, but then he would risk cutting Hikaru as well.

As time went on, the constant rain of icicle spears was starting to wear him down. The pain of the icy projectiles was starting to become more severe, signaling that his defenses were beginning to break.

Short distance away, the injured Umi was beginning to regain her consciousness. Her back felt cold, burning, and stinging pain all at the same time.

"Ms. Umi, are you all right?" Fuu asked worriedly, hearing her stir.

Umi opened her eyes slowly, looking at the direction of her fighting friends, "Hikaru, Hotaru…"

She saw Hotaru covering Hikaru's body from a hail of ice spears, while apparently using Hikaru's sword to try and cut through black bindings around her.

"They are currently fighting that black-glad, middle-aged woman!"

"She's not that old!" Hotaru yelled.

Umi grasped her shoulder and sat up, trying to fight through the pain, "It's too dangerous for them to fight alone."

As Umi once again collapsed into her arms, Fuu warned her, "You mustn't! If you move now, your wounds…"

"But they need help…"

"Pupu pupu puu," Umi heard a familiar chirping sound.

Mokona, who had been hiding since the battle started, hopped over to Umi. It had its usual smile on its face, but its ears were drooping.

"Mokona, are you worried?" Umi asked weakly.

"Pupu, pupuu!" Mokona nodded.

Umi raised her hand and hugged Mokona weakly, her eyes only barely staying open, "I wish I had learned magic from your real master… that little imp of a mage. Then… I could have saved Hikaru and Hotaru."

Hotaru had finally managed to free one of Hikaru's arms, and was pointing her at Alcyone's direction. While they were now able to use Fire Arrow to attack Alcyone at a distance, Alcyone was returning fire with even stronger spells. Due to Hotaru having switched to Steel Strength, they couldn't afford to get hit. The entire village was getting covered in shards of ice and cold mist.

"Hikaru… saved me earlier too…" Umi gasped, speaking from her heart. "I want magic… For Hikaru. Magic to save Hikaru…"

As Mokona stared at Umi, chirping sadly, the gem on its forehead began to shine blue. A small beam of blue light shot out of Mokona's gem, connecting with Umi's forehead. For a moment, Umi felt a moment of absolute tranquility.

"Ms. Umi" Fuu gasped.


Umi found herself floating in a deep, dark blue abyss, sensing a familiar presence. Her body felt weightless and she could feel the pain on her back disappear.

"Umi. Can you hear me, Umi?" a gentle sound asked her.

"Clef?"

Though her eyes were closed, she could see a glowing blue orb in front of her. Inside the orb, she could see Clef's reflection.

"Yes. Through Mokona, I am speaking directly to your heart. You can hear me, correct?"

"I hear you," Umi affirmed, listening carefully. "Clef, you're alright?"

"I was turned to stone, but I can still communicate with you."

Umi's hands were clenched in a prayer and held against her chest, "…I want to save Hikaru. I want magic so I can save my friends!"

"Yes. You wish to save Hikaru. You wish for magic so you can save your friends," Clef's words echoed hers. "Can you feel it? The power within you… There is a power that you didn't have before."

The orb floated inside Umi to where her heart was, its light disappearing, making the abyss around her even darker. However, Umi did not feel fear, instead, she could feel the light inside her.

"I feel it. It warms my heart. There are words…" she said, opening her eyes.

In front of her, she could see Clef's figure towering over her. She wasn't intimidated by this, but instead, she felt at ease.

With a gentle and proud voice, Clef declared, "That is your magic."


The battle was coming to a close. While Hotaru and Hikaru had tried their best, Alcyone's unrelenting assault had worn them out. While Hotaru was still holding Hikaru up, he had received deep cuts on his legs, side, and left shoulder. Even Hikaru had received several cuts on her back.

"Killing us won't make Zagato love you!" Hotaru yelled desperately, trying to have Alcyone listen to reason.

"Only one way to find out!" Alcyone yelled out. "CHAOS HAIL!"

As Alcyone prepared her strongest spell, a loud voice caught them all unaware. From the corner of their eyes, they could see Umi having stood up and holding her hand up into the air.

"Water Dragon!" she cast her spell.

A large geyser of water sprouted from beneath Umi and circled around her, before splitting in half. The split turned into a maw with two red eyes above it, as the stream of water turned into a Chinese dragon.

Alcyone's Chaos Hail struck the Water Dragon, but was swallowed up by the water spell. She screamed out loud as the torrent of water knocked her off the stone pillar, and swallowed her in a watery vortex.

With Alcyone dealt with, Hotaru was finally able to break the remaining rings around Hikaru. Once freed, Hikaru ran over to Umi, who had once again collapsed. Although she had learnt magic, her wounds had not healed.

"Ms. Umi!" Fuu yelled, catching Umi as she fell into her arms once more.

"Umi! Umi… Umi…" Hikaru repeated, as she rushed over to her.

"Hikaru…" Umi breathed weakly, "Are you and Hotaru alright?"

"Yeah," Hikaru answered, tears in her eyes. "Because you saved us, Umi."

Hikaru hugged the semiconscious Umi against her, thanking her one more time.

"I'm glad… Hikaru… I just can't leave you alone. You're cute like a little sister… So determined."

Hearing what could very well be the last words of her friend, Fuu turned towards Mokona determinedly.

"Sir Mokona."

"Pupu, pu!"

"It is my turn," Fuu decided. "Please give me magic! I want to save Ms. Umi!"

Once more, Mokona's forehead gem glowed, this time bright green.


After the bright flash, Fuu found herself ascending in a bright green sky. There was a gentle breeze that caused her skirt, bowtie, and hair to flutter in the wind. Despite the beauty of it all, Fuu closed her eyes and purely focused on learning magic.

"Fuu," she heard a voice calling her.

"Are you… Mr. Clef?"

"That is right."

"Please teach me magic," she asked politely. "Magic to save Ms. Umi!"

"The magic already exists within you," the voice of Clef told her in her heart. "Your heart that wishes for your friends' well-being calls the magic forth.

"My heart…" she repeated, feeling a powerful light emanating from her chest.

"In Cephiro, one's will rules over all," Clef reminded her. "The heart that believes becomes power in Cephiro."

"There are words deep within my heart…" Umi realized, opened her eyes, and raised her hand up into the air.


"Winds of Healing!"

Hikaru watched in amazement as Fuu twirled around, green light and wind spreading from her hands. As the light touched Hikaru and Umi, their injuries, the tears in their clothes, even the damage to their armor was being healed. Seeing Umi's injuries close up, Hikaru couldn't hold back her happiness.

"Umi-chan!"

Umi stroked her cheek, noticing her skin was back to being its smooth self. She stood up, smiling widely.

"Hikaru!"

"Thank goodness, thank goodness!" Hikaru hugged Umi tightly. "It doesn't hurt anymore? Are you fine?"

"I'm all right, Hikaru," Umi nodded.

"The heart that believes becomes power," Fuu repeated the words she had heard from Ferio and Clef.

"Thank you, Fuu. Without you, I don't think I would have made it."

"Not at all. If not for Ms. Umi's magic, we all might have been killed by that middle-aged lady," Fuu chuckled. "And thanks to you, Ms. Hikaru and Mr. Hotaru, for fighting her as well."

Hikaru shook her head, about to say that it is a team effort, until she noticed something, "Where is Hotaru anyway?"


Meanwhile, behind the stone pillar Alcyone had been standing on, the soaked to the bone sorceress was starting to wake up. She was laying on the ground, her arms and legs spread, and everything hurt. She had landed on her back from the blue haired Magic Knight's attack, after falling forty meters.

"Ow… why those damned little urchins…" she muttered; her eyes half open.

As she became more aware of her surroundings, she could see a pair of lime-green eyes staring down at her. Shocked by this, she reached for her staff, only for it to be nowhere to be found. As her eyes fully opened, she could see the bodyguard of the Magic Knights leaning against the stone pillar, with her staff in his hands.

"Sleep well?" he asked her, his voice showing no signs of sarcasm.

Alcyone was scared to find out what he had in mind, until she noticed the condition he was in. His clothes were in tatters, his armor was dented, and he had several wounds all over his body.

"You… What do you want from me?" Alcyone asked, her eyes flaring up with anger. "If you wanted to kill me, you should have done so already. Do you wish to torture me to gain information?"

Hotaru squatted down and extended his arm towards Alcyone, offering her staff back, "I want you to take better care of yourself."

Alcyone's indigo eyes widened in shock. At first, she thought that the young man was ridiculing her, but there was no mendacity in his voice or expression.

"If you want to come after us again, feel free to do so," Hotaru said with a smile, before his tone turned more serious, "but before that, make sure you have it all figured out, and that it is worth it."

As she listened to the warning, Alcyone could once again feel like she had met this man before. Alcyone took hold of her staff carefully, still not fully trusting the strange brunet man.

"My name is Hotaru, nice to meet you," he smiled warmly.

That name rings no bells. I must have hit my head.

"Hotaru… you are a fool!" Alcyone said before her staff flashed.

As if fading into nothingness, Alcyone teleported before Hotaru's eyes, leaving him alone.

Hotaru stood up, placed his hands in his pockets, and looked up at the blue sky, "Yeah… If I wasn't a fool, I wouldn't be in this world."

As he stood there in silence, he could hear voices calling for his name, "Hotaru! Where are you?"

"Over here!" he greeted the Magic Knights, walking over from behind the pillar.

"What were you doing over there?" Umi asked suspiciously.

"I was just checking to see if our assailant was finished. Could not find her body so I think she escaped," Hotaru lied as naturally as he breathed. "You guys are looking better; did I miss something?"

"Fuu has learnt healing magic" Hikaru said happily.

"I will make sure to heal you as well, Mr. Hotaru."

As Fuu was healing Hotaru, a small girl came over, handing Hikaru a flower. The little girl seemed teary eyed, showing that she had been scared not too long ago, but she was smiling brightly.

"For me?" Hikaru asked, feeling a warm fuzzy feeling in her heart.

Before the girl could answer, a young woman ran over to pick the girl up and carried her away. The girl dropped her flower as she was rushed back into her home.

As the flower dropped to the ground, Mokona jumped over to pick it up.

"Are we still… the same as those monsters?" Hikaru asked, her heart heavy.

"No," Umi responded. "At least, not for that girl."

"We have gained another heart that believes," Fuu smirked.

As Mokona jumped onto Hikaru's shoulder and handed over the flower, Hikaru smiled, "This world still has flowers that bloom this beautifully."

"Yeah. We have to bring this beautiful world back to normal!"

"Everyone is waiting for that day. Let's go to Eterna!" Hikaru took the lead.

"Hold on a second!" Hotaru interrupted.

The others looked confused as Hotaru picked up Mokona off of Hikaru's shoulder. Seeing Hotaru's determined expression, they figured he was going to ask Mokona to give them a ride once again.

"Mokona, tell Clef to teach me a ranged spell!" Hotaru demanded, shaking the white little bunny. "Everyone else gets to shoot cool elemental attacks, I want to do it as well!"

"Pupuu," Mokona shrugged.

"Are you serious…?" Umi asked, seeing the older man acting like a child.

Ignoring Umi's remark, Hotaru continued staring at Mokona while listening to his heart. But after a minute-long staring contest, nothing happened.

Eventually Hotaru put Mokona down, looking heart broken, "I just want to learn pew-pews…"

"It's fine Mr. Hotaru, even I don't have offensive magic," Fuu comforted him by patting his shoulder.

"At least you have a bow and arrow," Hotaru sighed before collecting himself. "Alright, off to Eterna! If I can get Escudo for Presea, I will ask her to make me a gun-sword or something!"

"Umu, let's go!" Hikaru agreed.


(Author's Note) Alright, I feel like I am finally able to get the story rolling properly now. When adding a new character to a previously established story, I think the most important thing is for them to truly have an impact on the plot. Here we are starting to see some of the effects that Hotaru's presence is having on the course of the events. Who knows how much longer his previous knowledge will help him out.

I wanted to include even more changes to this chapter, but episode four has too many iconic scenes in it.

Also, you may have noticed that I kept the name of the chapter the same this time. I felt like I should clarify that the changes to the names of the titles of the corresponding episodes, were done due to the character limit.