OOC: Yay! You responded already!



IC:



Umi's eyes widened as Mokona explained.Hikaru transported herself to Cephrio when she was sick?! What was she thinking?!



Umi broke out into a run toward Tokyo Tower. I wonder what's going on... Mokona said something about a 'current situation' that was going to affect both Earth and Cephiro... and then he said something about... a reborn warrior?! What's up with that?



She hurried up the stairs of Tokyo Tower.

~~~~~~





~~~~~~



Haven is an hyperactive fangirl (that needs more sleep and likes talking in third person...) that has an odd obsession with Clef's hands. Her favorite word is Erk. Erk!

When Hikaru finished making her promise to Princess Emeraude, she then realized that someone might return at any moment.



"Eeep! I can't let anyone find me like this!"



she suddenly blurted out. Then she quickly separated her hair into three sets of strands and began to braid it. Braiding her hair was something that Hikaru did every day, so she was quite adept at it. In only a few minutes she tied the red ribbon back on and was done. Next she searched throught the bureau and found that it was full of very pretty clothes. Hikaru considered trying them on but decided not to and found her school uniform instead and dressed in that. When she looked back in the mirror, Hikaru looked like her old self again except that the crown of the pillar was still on her head. It wasn't a normal crown that she could just pick up and set on the bureau, it was a part of Hikaru that couldn't be separated from her. Like her mashin Rayearth, the crown had conscious thought and feelings of its own. It never actually spoke to Hikaru with words, but she could always sense what it was feeling. It was strangely similar to her pet dog Hikari, and so Hikaru had come to think of the crown as a pet of sorts.



"Now I need you to hide again because people will think that I'm strange if I'm seen wearing you, I'm sorry."



she asked it and closed her eyes. The crown understood that Hikaru wanted to be discreet, and always complied with her wishes in the past. However, this time the crown was still on her head when she opened her eyes again. It was still giving off a feeling of great happiness.



"Oh no! Please hide for me Crown of the Pillar! People will ask me all kinds of strange questions if they see you. It would be very embarrassing for me!"



Hikaru pleaded, and then the crown's happiness turned instantly to a great pang of sadness. To Hikaru it almost felt as if it were weeping.



"Uuuuh!"



she exclaimed shocked



"I .. I ... I didn't mean it like that! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings!! I'm so sorry!!"



Hikaru apologized almost in tears. But an answer came quickly to her ...



"Okay, right now we're in Cephiro and the people here understand who I am and what the Pillar of Cephiro is, so it should be okay if I'm seen wearing you. However, when I return to my own world, to Tokyo, you will have to hide for me again. Will that be okay?"



The crown answered by changing its feelings from sadness to that of intellectual agreement and then to happiness again. Hikaru felt the crown's happiness return, then smiled herself, and touched it with the fingers of her right hand.



"There, I am glad that you're happy again. We'll always be friends as long as I live and would never want to hurt you. Now that I am well again, we have a job to do."



she acknowledged and turned to leave the room. The door recognized her and immediately opened allowing Hikaru to go out into the corridor and make her way to Clef's throne room.



((OOC: When Hikaru gets there she will summon everyone to Cephiro, so please gather all of the characters at Tokyo Tower.))

OOC: Wakarimashita. Demo...I need to wait for Haven to come in & make his next post.



"Sorry if I seemed to have startled you. My name is Tsuki Akari." replied Tsuki. He then turned to the young girl next to him. "This is my partner, Hikari."



Hikari bowed politely & said, "Nice to meet you."



Fuu bowed politely back & introduced herself. "My name is Fuu Houonji. I'm in junior high school."



"I see," answered Tsuki. "I'm already an incoming freshman in high school."



"Really?" asked Fuu. "What school are you in?"



"There's a new school a couple of miles from where I live. It's called Ramius High School. It's a public school," explained Tsuki.



"Hmm...never heard of it before," answered Fuu.



"I presume that a friend of yours has gone into a different world & in an ill condition," he said.



"Yes...Sir Mokona filled me in with the details. I suppose you two are the ones he told me about," said Fuu, with a smile.



"That's correct. It seems that another one of your friends is missing. I suppose he's still looking for her." said Tsuki.



"While we're waiting, I hope you don't mind me filling in the details for you," asked Hikari.



"Oh no...not at all," said Fuu.



"Good. Because the sooner you know of the current situation, the better informed you & the others will be. This world, & the other world in which your friend has gone to, is about to become a battlefield. Or...in this case...this world will become a battlefield, once the enemy has taken over the other world. Tsuki-kun here is actually a reborn warrior from my world long ago," explained Hikari.



"So...that means that you aren't from here, are you?" asked Fuu.



"That's correct. My nemesis...the enemy we're soon to face, is trying to control both worlds," explained Hikari.



"That's why we'll need your help, in order to not only protect our own world, but the one that you & your friends protect as well," answered Tsuki.



"I will do what I can," said Fuu.

OOC: ::grins:: Well, here I am! And by the way, I'm a her, not a him. Typo, I hope. ^.^



IC:



--Tokyo--



Umi gazed around the observation deck. There she is! Umi spotted the Wind Knight standing over to the side, talking with two other people. One was a boy that looked to be a few years older than the Magic Knights, and a beautful woman about the same age as her partner. Umi wove her way through the crowds, and over to where the three were standing.



"Hi! My name is Umi Ryuuzaki. Are you the ones Mokona told me about?"



--Cephiro--



Clef paced the throne room, his hands tightly clenching his staff. He could feel it... the presence was growing stronger, and pushing itself closer toward the heart of Cephiro. It wasn't just lurking on the edges anymore... it was actually IN Cephiro, at least in the outskirts.



If they did not need him at the Palace, he would have been there in an instant, checking to see what kind of damage it was doing to his country. He had already sent some of his most trustworthy (and powerful) Mages to inspect it. He should hear from them soon.



He reached out and probed the Palace with his powers, and he was not suprised to feel the powerful aura of the Pillar heading towards him. Hikaru would be here soon, and she could summon the other Magic Knights.



And then, perhaps, they could decide what they were going to do about this threat to Cephiro.



OOC: That was... strange. I was just going to put in a really short section about Clef, and it turned out longer than my Umi section... O.o;; Anyway, now the stage is finally set for the plot to take hold. Yay! ^.^

~~~~~~





~~~~~~



Haven is an hyperactive fangirl (that needs more sleep and likes talking in third person...) that has an odd obsession with Clef's hands. Her favorite word is Erk. Erk!

OOC: Yup. Stage is set for the events to take place.



Tsuki: (turns to Umi). That's correct.



Mokona: (appears on his head). Pu, puu. (Surprise).



Tsuki: *chuckles*. Good to see you too Mokona.



Fuu: Wait a sec...how do YOU know him?



Hikari: *chuckles*. You see...well...when he appeared...I asked him his name & then told Tsuki-sama.



Fuu: I see.



Tsuki: *sighs*. (faces towards the rest of Tokyo) 'We've done our part...now let's hope that their leader is all right.' thought Tsuki.



Mokona: Pu, puu, pu, pu, pu, pu, puu, pu, puu. (Since we're all here...I'll inform Hikaru-san that you're waiting at the Tower. I'm sure she'll be glad to see you two.) *disappears*.



Meanwhile...back in Cephiro...



Lantis: (is in a room filled with flowers & a fountain in the middle as well as some sort of diamond decoration above it). (listens to the birds singing). 'I hope Hikaru's all right', thought Lantis.



Few seconds later, Mokona appeared & told Lantis that the other Knights were waiting at the place where Hikaru also goes to get to Cephiro.



Lantis: I see. I'm going to go check & see how Hikaru's doing. Thanks for the info. Mokona.



Mokona: Pu, pu, puu, pu, pu, pu, puu. (Glad I could be of some help, Lantis). *disappears*.



Lantis: (heads down to the throne room). (notices that Hikaru's there.) Are you sure you should be up & about? You feeling all right?



Mokona: (appears in the throne room).



Lantis: *sighs*. (mutters to self). Stubborn ball of fluff.



Mokona: Pu, puu, pu, puu, pu, pu, puu, pu, puu, pu, pu. (Just came back to let you know that your friends are waiting as well as the 2 strangers that's going to help out.)



Lantis: Wait just a second...who are these...newcomers?



Mokona: Pu, puu, pu, pu, puu. (Don't worry. You'll see. They're here to help).



Lantis: I hope so.



OOC: Now...just need to wait for Hikaru-san to post.

Edited by: Yuki Fukurou at: 9/4/05 9:49 pm

The Castle of Cephiro had always seemed like a sad and lonely place to Hikaru. Its great, elegant halls were empty as she walked through them and the corridors towards the throne room. The only sound she heard was of her own small footsteps magnified by the polished floors and high vaulted ceilings. Her bedroom was high in one of the four opaque crystal towers, but the throne room was at a lower level somewheres near the middle of the structure. As Hikaru descended down through numerous levels she had a lot of time to think.



"It's not right that the castle should always be empty like this. There is so much space for people to live and work and study here. It really would be much happier that way, but it seems like every time that I come here, it's for a sad reason. And now ..."



Hikaru paused her thoughts and went to the side wall of the corridor. It was one of the castle's outer walls and there was a window there for her to look out through. Far below her there were green fields and hills. Soft fuzzy clouds in a pure blue sky could be seen directly ahead of her because of the high altitude that Hikaru was standing at. Everything looked fine to the naked eye, but being the Pillar of Cephiro, Hikaru was far more sensitive to what was really going on. She could feel the ominous presence of something terrible entering the land of Cephiro from the East. It wasn't any of their previous adversaries Autozam, Fahren, or Chizeta, Hikaru would have recognized one of them. This was something different, something new.



"Poor, dear Cephiro. How often must the malicious come and harm your fragile peace?"



she questioned and sighed. Hikaru then turned away from the window and continued on to the throne room. She arrived there soon and immediately entered. All of her friends from Cephiro were present there and gathered around the round conference table, presumably watching whatever was approaching from the East. However, they immediately looked up to face Hikaru as soon as she entered the room. Both Lantis and Presea came over to her to see if she was alright.



"You look much better today Hikaru, but are you sure that you're feeling well enough to join us here?"



Presea asked her. Hikaru nodded and answered with a smile



"Yes, I think so. My cold seems to be nearly all gone and I feel like myself again. My time here in Cephiro seems to have helped my recovery a great deal."



Then Presea gave Hikaru an odd look and pointed towards Hikaru's forehead.



"Is that the crown of the Pillar? I've never seen you with it before Hikaru and it looks much different from the crown that Princess Emeraude wore."



After Presea had mentioned that, the others also came to see as well. Evidently Hikaru hadn't shown too many people what it looked like before. She was suddenly embarrassed by all of the attention, but answered Presea's question anyways.



"Yes, it is the crown of the Pillar. It was sad because I've always kept it hidden and it never got seen by anyone, so I decided to show it while I'm here in Cephiro. Back home in Tokyo people would think that I was very weird for wearing such a thing all of the time eh-heh ..."



she ended with a laugh. Then Mokona jumped up in Hikaru's arms. He gave her a serious look ...



"Puu, puu pupu ..."



Hikaru always seemed to understand and nodded.



"It's time then."



Mokona jumped down again, then Hikaru turned to everyone else.



"The others Knights that are to come here to Cephiro are assembled. The time to summon them has come. Please stand away for a moment."



Hikaru requested and without a word everyone else obeyed and went to reassemble around the conference table. Hikaru stood alone, closed her eyes and concentrated. With her heart she reached out, back to her home world. There she felt the presence of four individauls, two she knew well - Umi and Fuu - and two that were strange to her. At this point she cast the summons ...



"From another world I call thee to save this world! Knights of Cephiro, I summon thee!"



she shouted with a loud voice that echoed throughout the throne room. The crown on her forehead shone with golden light and four circular symbols of magic appeared on the floor. Two were those of Ceres and Windom, the other two were new, but Hikaru recognized them to be symbols of the sun and moon. Four individuals then appeared, one in the center of each circle. Slowly the magic faded and the summoning was complete. Hikaru saw Umi and Fuu and ran to them. All three embraced in an affectionate hug.

Tsuki: (notices a bright light). What the-- (shields eyes). GAHHH!



Hikari: AHHH!



(Both are engulfed by the white light).



Fuu: (hugs Hikaru). I'm so glad to see that you're ok, Hikaru-san. (turns behind her). (sees Tsuki & Hikari unconscious).



Mokona: (hops over to where Fuu is). Pu, pu, pupu, puu. (That was the whole point as well. Not only for you & Umi to come along, but them as well).



Lantis: So...(notices the two). These are the two that need our assistance then.



Mokona: Pu, pu, pupu, pupu, puu. (That's right. This enemy presence that you all feel at the moment is their enemy).



Fuu: What?!



Mokona: Pu, pu, pupu, pu, pupu, puu. (That's right. This is actually their fight).



Fuu: I see.



Tsuki: (stirs a bit). (eyes slowly open). (quickly sits up). (looks around). (sees Fuu & the others). Uh-oh.



Hikari: (also stirs a bit). (eyes slowly open). (looks around). (quickly sits up). W-wh...where...are we?



Tsuki: Your guess is as good as mine.



Fuu: You're in an alternate world called Cephiro.



Tsuki: Alternate world? 'So...this is the other world that her friend went to.'



Hikari: Amazing. (looks around in awe).



Lantis: (unsheathes his sword). Who are you & what do you want?



Fuu: Take it easy on them Lantis. Besides...they're here to help.



Tsuki: (slowly stands up). I'm sorry if our presence here seems to have disturbed you. I'm Tsuki Akari. This beautiful young lady next to me is Hikari, my partner.



Hikari: (bows politely). Nice to meet you all.

Edited by: Yuki Fukurou at: 9/5/05 10:42 pm

After welcoming her sister Magic Knights, Hikaru looked on as the two newcomers introduced themselves. She didn't sense anything inherently evil about them, however Hikaru was greatly disturbed by Mokona's news that these two were the reason that a great entity of evil had invaded Cephiro. She went first to Lantis who had drawn his sword and stood beside him. Hikaru looked at Tsuki and Hikari grimly and with an unflinching gaze. The room was silent for a moment and then Hikaru took a step forward towards Tsuki and Hikari. Once she was sure that she had their attention, Hikaru introduced herself.



"Welcome to Cephiro Tsuki-san and Hikari-san. I am Hikaru Shiidou, a caretaker of this land also known as the Pillar of Cephiro."



She paused for a moment, but neither of them replied instantly, so she continued



"Mokona has always been truthful without fail, so I believe him when he says that you desire our aid in confronting your enemy. Cephiro is a generous land and I would not withhold aid from you without good reason. However, the enemy that seeks you approaches, I feel its presence as I stand here. Thus your presence in Cephiro presents a great danger to the land that I seek to protect and under normal circumstances I would demand that you leave here immediately and confront your foe elsewhere. However, this is not normal circumstances. Mokona has seen fit that Cephiro join your cause against this enemy and since I do trust Mokona, I will offer the services of Cephiro to you. There is one thing that will not consent to however. I will not allow the land of Cephiro to become the field that this battle will be fought upon, and bring chaos and destruction upon our peaceful land. Another must be found and found quickly for your foe is close at hand."



Hikaru demanded of Tusuki and Hikari, facing them the whole time with grave earnest.

Tsuki: We understand perfectly of the whole situation & apologize for any discomfort that this...problem has caused for you & your country.



Hikari: Ano...Tsuki-sama...that may be true, but...



Tsuki: 'I have a bad feeling about this'



Hikari: There's something else that you all must know. This foe that you're all dealing with, is actually one I've faced in the past. I feel I must explain my story to you all.



Tsuki: She explained to me her story, but it seems it doesn't sound familiar to you all. The world she comes from is called Triforia. That place & its ways are somewhat similar to this world.



Hikari: "Long before Triforia became the way it was then, it was a place of complete darkness, chaos, & disorder. Then? 3 deities Honou Hi, Umi Yubi, & Yasashii Kaze, desceneded upon what would then be Triforia. Honou Hi??with his powerful flaming arms, he created the red land that would be the mountain domain. Umi Yubi??with a single teardrop, she created the ocean that would not only divide the 3 nations, but also created the underwater realm that would be inhabited by the merfolk. Yasashii Kaze??with a single breath he then created a vast forest that would be inhabited by the elves & create the forest domain. With their tasks nearly complete, they then took the form of phoenix, mermaid, & eagle. Finally?they then sealed their power in 3 crystals, but then created a fourth, a white crystal?for the protector of this planet. They then sealed the 4 crystals in what we called ?The Chamber of Time?, where it was said to wield the weapon that defeated my nemesis centuries ago. Each of the domains represent an element, as I?m sure you?ve already noticed. And?each domain had a sage. These sages were very wise & powerful, & also created the legendary sword that defeated my enemy. My father?Hato, was the leader of the 3 domains, & he & my brother, along with the sages, has protected Triforia from many enemies. They then had a prophesy, that someone from our domain would then posses that weapon & use it to defeat an enemy & win a war. But?that sometime soon?the same war will be fought once again.



However?one day, my brother went missing. My father went out to search for him, but when he found him?he was shocked beyond disbelief. For a dark warlock by the name of Yami Ryu, killed my brother, as he tried to protect the door that led to the ?Chamber of Time?. It was then?that the war of Triforia began. The 3 nations & my father, united in trying to defeat this formidable foe. But despite our efforts?he was too powerful. That was when the doors of the ?Chamber of Time? opened, & a lone warrior from our mountain realm came out with the legendary sword, that was used to defeat my opponent. When he struck the warlock, it temporarily weakened him. But that was when he tried to unleash all his fury upon our planet. My father tried to stop him, but he was killed in the attempt. That was when the lone warrior & the 3 sages stepped in & managed to seal him away. Before he was completely sealed, he vowed to get his revenge. Then?the sages entrusted to me?the 4 gems & told me to protect them at all costs. Afterwards, I sealed myself in a green pendant. After that happened, my world started to collapse & both me & my nemesis were stuck on a chunk of rock that drifted in space. Yet that didn?t mean that we could still use our magic skills. My enemy somehow managed to create a time portal & managed to teleport his way?into your realm. I tried to follow, but the time portal had somehow got messed up, which then catapaulted me into the planet that he & you Knights call ?Earth?. I waited for years for someone pure of heart to come & release me. That didn?t take very long though. For that was when a young boy had somehow stumbled across an old camp & left a book with the strange writing on the back of the pendant that I was sealed in.?



Fuu: So...this was all as a result of a foolish mistake?



Tsuki: Almost. You see...whenever something new appears, how else would you react? Cautious is one thing, but...these people...they let their curiousity get the best of them, thereby...releasing the evil within.



Hikari: We understand your caretaker's request. However...it seems now that the enemy doesn't quite know something that I do.



Tsuki: For now...I think it's best to formulate some sort of plan, till we can figure out what the enemy wants. Telling of the secret too soon may cause our enemy to strike early.



Meanwhile, deep underground...



?: Don't be sssso sssssure...my old foe. *snaps his fingers*.



Back at the castle of Cephiro...



Hikari: Tsuki is right. Until we figure out what my enemy's true intentions are...there's no telling-- (ground starts to shake).



Tsuki: 'This isn't good'



Lantis: What is this? (tries to maintain balance)



Mokona: Pupu (in a scared tone).



Fuu: Could it be the enemy?



Hikari: No...this is...



Tsuki, Hikari: (looks to the window). (sees a double headed-serpent floating from above).



Tsuki: That's the same one I fought near Tokyo Tower...but how?



Fuu: What was that?!



Tsuki: I'm heading over there right now.



Hikari: Not alone you're not.



Tsuki: I'll be fine.



Hikari: You can't...it's too dangerous.



Tsuki: Since when has that stopped you from defending your friends?



Hikari: .................



Tsuki: I'll be back, I promise. (rushes off to face the enemy).



Hikari: (watches as he heads off into battle). Be careful.

Edited by: Yuki Fukurou at: 9/6/05 9:29 pm

Hikaru listened to the story that Hikari told everyone with curiousity, however she didn't think that it changed any of the bearing on Cephiro.



"Their story is tragic, yes, but Cephiro is still innocent and should not be involved. The enemy that she spoke of may not be an enemy of Cephiro, but if I ally myself with Tsuki and Hikari, the enemy would be ours too. However, that doesn't mean he wouldn't turn on us anyway even if we refused the alliance."



Hikaru thought and then answered Hikari



"Your story is tragic and I'm sympathetic to your loss of your world of Trifora. But even so, this is still your fight and not ours and by allying Cephiro with you, it would become our problem as well. However, there is no way to know if your enemy would attack Cephiro should you two fail to defeat him. Joined together, we would be stronger than if we were to fight him separately."



Hikaru then walked up close to Hikari and extended her hand to offer a handshake ...



"Is this what you wish to do, Hikari-san?"

Hikari: (turns to Hikaru-san). 'She seems to understand our situation very well. I just hope we can be friends'. (accepts the offer). Yes...with your help...and everyone else...I'm sure we'll be able to defeat him.



Meanwhile, near the castle entrance...



Tsuki: (looks at the pendant around his neck). *sighs*. 'Here goes nothing'. (jumps out of the castle entrance & starts falling at a fast rate). (puts both hands near the amulet & says the following). "By the power that rests within me, elements of Triforia, I summon thee! Meld your powers into one, so that the battle can be won. Aid me now in this fight RELEASE THE LIGHT!" (a blue light is emitted from the amulet). (transforms into a white knight).



Fuu: (sees the two-headed flying serpent from the observation circle). What's that?



Lantis: (also notices it). What is that?



Hikari: That...would be one of my enemy's minions. We fought one a while ago in the city called Tokyo back in your world.



Fuu: What?!



Hikari: *chuckles*. Fear not. The people couldn't see what was going on. They could only see quick flashes of light.



Fuu: *breathes a sigh of relief*.



Tsuki: (sees the enemy straight ahead). 'Ok...pal. Let's finish where we left off.'



Tsuki, Two-Headed Winged Serpent: (both go up higher into Cephiro's airspace).



Lantis: I sure hope he knows what he's doing.



Two-Headed Winged Serpent: (stops abruptly) (first head casts a flamethrower).



Tsuki: (moves to the right to dodge it).



Second head: (casts an icicle attack).



Tsuki: 'Shoot'. (takes out sword & shield). (uses shield to block most of the attack, & uses the shield to remove the ones in his way). (charges forward & strikes from the left).



Two-Headed Winged Serpent: (shrieks in pain & slashes at Tsuki's left arm).



Tsuki: Agh! (clutches left arm). 'I have to find a way to defeat that thing & fast, before it attacks the castle. Come on...think'



Two-Headed Winged Serpent (first head): (launches another flamethrower).



Tsuki: (notices). 'That's it.' (dodges the second attack). (goes forward at the winged serpent).



Lantis: (looks at the observation circle). 'What exactly does he think he's doing?'



Hikari: (looks as well). 'I think he's figured it out'.



Tsuki: (goes in between the necks).



Two-Headed Winged Serpent: (uses its tail & whips it at Tsuki).



Tsuki: (gets thrown down). Oof! (manages to maintain balance). So...wanna play rough, eh? Ok. (charges forward again). (goes in between the necks).



Two-Headed Winged Serpent (first head): (fires another flamethrower). (ends up hitting the second head).



Tsuki: Score! (goes back & notices a gem on both heads). 'That's gotta be their weakness'. (goes in between the necks again).



Two-Headed Winged Serpent (second head): (launches the same attack again).



Tsuki: (dodges & goes up to the first head).



Two-Headed Winged Serpent (first head): (gets hit & shrieks in pain). (ends up launching another flamethrower right at the second head).



Tsuki: 'It worked'. (faces the Two-Headed Winged Serpent). (points sword at the winged serpent). Your terror has ended. (sword starts to glow). ELEMENTAL FLARE!!! (strikes at the Two-Headed Winged Serpent).



Two-Headed Winged Serpent: (shrieks in pain). (disintigrates).



Tsuki: *sighs*. (goes back to the castle). (returns to human form). Agh. (clutches left arm). That's going to leave a mark. (heads back to the throne room).



Hikari: (sees Tsuki come back). Tsuki-sama. (rushes towards him & gives him a big hug).



Tsuki: Ack...kan't...brethe...



Hikari: *gasps*. Gomen nasai. (releases him). (notices the big gash on his left arm). Oh...your hurt.



Tsuki: *sighs*. It's nothing more than a flesh wound. *winces*.



Fuu: (notices the wound). 'That looks pretty big'. Winds of Healing. (points it at Tsuki's left arm).



Tsuki: (notices the wound go away). I'm grateful for your help. Thank you.



Fuu: Glad I could help.



Hikari: You look exhausted. You should go rest a bit.



Tsuki: I'm fine really. *coughs*.



Hikari: No your not. You overexert yourself too much. Every time you go into battle, you worry me.



Tsuki: *gasps*. (looks into her eyes).



Hikari: The thought of you not here...it's too much. (tears start to well up in her eyes).



Tsuki: (face softens). (wipes away her tears).



Hikari: *gasps*.



Tsuki: (kneels down & looks into her eyes). It's ok. I'm fine. Besides...you won't have much to worry about. I'm here for you, Hikari-san. *coughs*.



Fuu: You should rest a bit. You were in a hectic battle.



Lantis: (turns to Hikaru). If you don't mind, I'll be at the garden near the residential area if you need me.



Fuu: I'll escort him to a room.



Hikari: I'll go as well.



Tsuki: *coughs*. *sighs*. Thanks.



Fuu: 'It seems that these two are more than just friends.'

Grrrr! TWO TIMES I typed up a post and TWO TIMES the computer randomly shuts off before I can submit it! GRR! ::stabs computer::



Anyway, I was in an extremely odd mood when I wrote this, so please excuse any strangeness or OOCness...



IC:



Clef watched Fuu and the two newcomers leave with a curious expression on his face. After a moment of silence, he turned and strode out of the throne room. Umi hesitated, and then hurried after him. The doors swinging behind her, she fell into step next to the Mage.



?What?s wrong?? She asked him softly. His head jerked up and he blinked at her in surprise, seemingly just realizing that she was there.



?Nothing?? She raised an eyebrow at him.



?I know you better than that, Clef.? She replied. The mage said nothing for a few moments.



?Those two have a lot of power? they may just be able to defeat this enemy of theirs, even if he is as powerful as I sense.?



?Their enemy, Clef? Is he really their enemy any more? You know Hikaru; she really will help them. Their enemy is Cephiro?s enemy now.? She said, almost sadly. Clef gave a soft sigh.



?I know Umi. I know.? He paused, and then added in a lower voice, ?Will Cephiro ever attain peace, Umi? Are we always destined to be torn apart by war?? He stared at her intently for a second, and then looked away, the grip on his staff tightening. That?s exactly what I was thinking? Umi thought to herself.



?I do not know, my friend.? She replied. But I will do all that is in my power to help Cephiro reach its well-deserved peace. For as much as I was born and raised on Earth, Cephiro is my country as well.



OCC: Well, nothing much happened during this odd post... ^.^;;



::wanders off::

~~~~~~





~~~~~~



Haven is an hyperactive fangirl (that needs more sleep and likes talking in third person...) that has an odd obsession with Clef's hands. Her favorite word is Erk. Erk!

As Tsuki & Hikari were led into a room by Fuu, Hikari suddenly noticed that Tsuki was slowly starting to weaken.



Hikari: (tries to hold up Tsuki). Tsuki-sama...daijoubu?



Tsuki: I feel...so...tired.



Fuu: Hang on, Tsuki-kun. We're almost there.



Tsuki held on as best he could till they got to the room where they were to stay. The 2 girls gently laid Tsuki down on the bed, then quietly left the room. Fuu noticed as she left with Hikari a sad expression on her face.



Fuu: You all right, Miss Hikari?



Hikari: Huh...oh...yes...it's nothing. (looks down).



Fuu: Is something the matter?



Hikari: *sighs*. It's just...



Fuu: You love him...don't you?



Hikari: (shocked) (blushes slightly). H-how'd you...



Fuu: Don't be surprised. I know what it feels like. I really do. It seemed a bit evident. It shows how much you two care for ea. other.



Hikari: Sou ne. Do you have a crush on someone as well, Fuu?



Fuu: (blushes slightly). Yes...I do.



Hikari: *chuckles*. Is he cute?



Fuu: I guess. You're embarassing me.



Hikari: Oh come on...just having a little fun. *giggles*.



As the 2 girls left the room with fits of giggles & teasing ea. other, Mokona quietly entered Tsuki's room & thought to himself, 'He might have what it takes to save both worlds'.

Hikaru watched as everyone left leaving her alone in the throne room with Presea. She looked away from the viewing mirror and turned to look at the throne itself. In the past Hikaru had seen only Clef sit upon it during the times of the Pillar's absence, but she knew that it was hers now. During the brief battle she had witnessed on the viewer, Hikaru had felt the weight of the throne increase upon her shoulders. When there was peace in the land, being the Pillar wasn't a dreadful responsibility, but now that Tsuki and Hikari had come and war came with them, the decisions of the Pillar would mean life or death for who knows how many people in Cephiro. Hikaru thought about this as she stared at the throne ...



"Am I really the right person to be the Pillar of Cephiro? What if I make a mistake and something goes wrong?"



she worried to herself. It was then that Presea came up behind Hikaru and put her hands on Hikaru's shoulders.



"You're worried, aren't you Hikaru? I would be too if I were the one that had to lead Cephiro through another dark time. But I believe in you Hikaru and I know how strong you are."



Presea tried reassure her. Hikaru turned to face Presea, her eyes full of lonliness.



"But what if I do something wrong Presea? Or what if I lead my friends to also do the wrong thing. So many people in Cephiro could die. That's why I don't want anyone's war here."



She reached out and hugged Presea desperately. So alone Hikaru felt now faced with her new responsibility. Yes, she had wonderful friends that would back her up and follow her every inch of the way, but who would she follow? At that moment, Presea gently pushed the two of them apart. Then she felt the crown upon Hikaru's head with her fingers. It glowed warmly and was pleased with her touch.



"The Crown would not have chosen you if you didn't have the strength of heart needed to be the Pillar of Cephiro. Maybe the way seems dark now, but your heart will show you the way Hikaru. It will lead you down the path that will save Cephiro as long as that is your desire."



Presea reassured Hikaru again and gave her another hug. When she let go Hikaru seemed a little less worried.



"You're right Presea, I was able to lead the Magic Knights to save Cephiro once before because it was what I wanted more than anything else in the world. It will be the same again this time, although I had wished that I would not have to go through such a difficult time as that ever again. However, I must. Cephiro needs me to do that for it."



With that, Hikaru turned and looked at the throne again. With only a moment's pause she began to walk towards it. She went up the steps of the dais, then turned and sat upon it. It was clearly made for a person much larger than she was and Hikaru felt tiny sitting there in this huge chair. However when she looked out at Presea below her, Hikaru saw that Presea was smiling back at her. Not just smiling, but beaming with radiance, so proud she was of Hikaru, Pillar of Cephiro. Hikaru sort of blushed, not used to this kind of situation, and soon smiled back at Presea.

As night fell over Cephiro, Tsuki was having a hard time trying to sleep. He was sweating heavily & tossing & turning. Obviously...a nightmare.



?: *laughs*. Do you surrender?



Tsuki: Never. 'I can't attack her like this'. *pants*.



?: Then so...be it. Finish him off.



Tsuki: Don't do it Hikari! You have to remember me. You must. (voice breaks). I...I...really like you, Hikari.



Hikari: *gasps*. (stops short of her attack). 'He...really likes me?' (feels a sudden grip on her mind). AGGHHHH! (grips her head). Make it stop.



Tsuki: Leave her alone!



?: You will...attack him!



Hikari: I...I...I can't.



?: Then...you will fall from where you stand. (raises staff & strikes).



Hikari: *gasps*. (eyes are blank). *faintly*. Tsu...ki...sama. *falls*.



Tsuki: (shocked). NO!



Tsuki: (suddenly wakes up). No. *breathes heavily*. No. *pants*. (looks around). *sighs*. What a nightmare. Yet...it looked so real.



As he got out of bed, & walked around the castle, he couldn't stop but think on the dream. Just then, Fuu spotted Tsuki walking around, as though he was lost.



Fuu: Daijoubu desu ka?



Tsuki: Eh? Oh...Fuu-chan. Ah...daijoubu desu.



Fuu: (concerned look). You don't look like it. Something wrong? Couldn't sleep?



Tsuki: (shakes his head).



Fuu: Doushite?



Tsuki: I just...



Fuu: You had a nightmare didn't you?



Tsuki: .........Hai. I was forced to fight Hikari-san by some guy in a black cape. He had her under his control. (voice breaks) I tried to help her fight it, but...when she refused... *sniffles*. She...she died in my arms. *sobs*.



Fuu: (holds Tsuki close). Sssshhh...(rubs his back gently). It's ok...I understand.



Tsuki: (looks at her). *sniffles*. Hontou?



Fuu: Hai. You...love her...don't you?



Tsuki: .......Hai.



Fuu: I could easily see it between you two. It shows how much you two care for ea. other. Both of you try not to make the other sad, yet...ea. of you is willing to give his/her life to protect those that you love. I'm sure she'll understand how you feel.



Tsuki: (wipes the tears off his eyes). Arigatou.



Fuu: Dou itashimashite. ^_^. You two remind me of Hikaru-san. She's courageous & has a noble heart. Yet she always tries to not have us worried.



Tsuki: Sou ne. I used to be that way sometimes w/my friends as well.



Fuu: ^_^. You two are almost exactly alike when it comes to that.



Tsuki: *chuckles*. Sou ne. Have you seen Hikari?



Fuu: Oh...last I saw her, she was near the residence area.



Tsuki: Thanks. Think you can show me where it is?



Fuu: Sure. Follow me.



As the 2 headed over to the residential area, 10 feet below, in a serpent-like fortress, a mysterious man was watching from his viewing crystal.



?: It's almost time. Enjoy your days now...my old foe...because it'll be your last. Sss...sss...sss.



OOC: By the way...cool avatar, Hikaru-san.

After Hikaru had overcome another one of her jitters about being the Pillar of Cephiro, she left the throne room. Since everyone else had already gone, Presea agreed to stay behind and monitor the viewing mirror. Because of the current situation it was wise to never leave it unattended in case something came up. Hikaru wandered down many flights of stairs through many levels of the castle on her way to the residential area on the ground level.



"I really hope that Umi-chan and Fuu-chan are down there. With all of the distressing events and new visitors here in Cephiro, I haven't had a moment to spend with my best friends in the whole world." Hikaru whispered to herself sadly as she walked to the residential area.



In her mind she began to relive many of her past experiences with Umi and Fuu in Cephiro - their triumphs of reviving the Mashin, the dreadful sorrow over Princess Emeraude, and their everyday travels together. The last of these is what Hikaru was most fond of because it was in their travels together that three strangers became friends, almost sisters Hikaru thought of Umi and Fuu. Then just before she entered the door to the residential area, Hikaru suddenly realized that she was hungry, starved in fact.



"Hopefully there would be something here for dinner. It would be just like old times to have dinner with Umi-chan and Fuu-chan."



She said quietly with a smile. Hikaru entered the residential area, but she didn't have to go far before seeing Fuu. However Fuu was with one of the newcomers, Tsuki, instead of Umi. That was a little different from what Hikaru had planned for dinner, but this would also be a good opportunity for her to learn more about him.



"Good evening Fuu-chan, Tsuki-san."



Hikaru addressed them when she arrived. Then turning to Fuu,



"We haven't had a chance to talk or do anything together since we've arrived here in Cephiro Fuu-chan. Right now I'm starved and could really use something to eat, so how about we get something to eat for dinner?"



Hikaru suggested and then turned to Tsuki



"It would also give us a chance to get to know each other a little better."



She added with a cheerful smile. Hikaru tried her best to be open and casual, but she knew that Tsuki and Hikari would probably always be a little trepiditious with her because of her status as Pillar of Cephiro.

Tsuki: Konban wa, Hikaru-san. *bows*.



Fuu: Good evening Miss Hikaru. Yes...it does seem we haven't been able to do much. (hears her stomach growl). *chuckles nervously*. It seems we haven't had much to eat either.



Mokona: (appears & lands on Tsuki's head). Pu, puu. (Hello).



Fuu: *chuckles*. Good evening Sir Mokona.



Tsuki: Don't worry. I've got the food part covered. (goes into his pocket & pulls out 3 small bags containing small pastries.) I know it's not much, but this was all I packed. The outside is quite sweet really. The inside has vegetables in it. I made it myself.



Fuu: Really? (decides to take one). Well...I guess it's better than not having anything to eat at all. (sits down on the grass).



Tsuki: (does the same).



Mokona: (hops off Tsuki's head). Pu, puu, pu, pu, pu, pu? (Can I have one?)



Tsuki: *chuckles*. (takes out a vegetable pastry). Sure. (hands him one).



Mokona: (quickly eats the pastry). Pu, pu, pu. (Yummy.) ^_^



Tsuki: Glad you like it.



Fuu: Come & join us Miss Hikaru.



Mokona: (jewel on forehead starts to glow). (puts out a whole bunch of fruit in front of the trio).



Tsuki: 0_0. *whistles*. Sure comes in handy, doesn't he?



Fuu: *chuckles*. Yes...he certainly does.



Tsuki: (turns to Fuu). So...you mind telling me a bit about yourself?



Fuu: Well...I'm still in junior high school & in the 8th grade. I take part in an archery tournament & I also play rpg games.



Tsuki: Archery huh? Takes a lot of skill & luck in order to do that.



Fuu: Yes...it does.



Tsuki: Are you the only child in the family?



Fuu: No. I have an older sister, named Kuu. She helps out a lot in the family & also helps me whenever I'm feeling down or sad.



Tsuki: Seems like she's very supportive of you.



Fuu: Yes. What about yourself?



Tsuki: It's kinda sad, though really. I was the only child in my family. I liked playing certain sports when I was little. My mom was quite supportive of me, yet she worried about dad a lot. He was a policeman & was always out most of the time. My mother contracted a rare type of cancer & died when I was only 8 years old.



Fuu: *gasps*. I'm so sorry Tsuki.



Tsuki: We both took it pretty hard. My dad had a hard time at work sometimes because of mom being gone. He sometimes brought me over to the station whenever he sometimes went to work. His friends were very kind to me & said that I looked just like him. He was kia when I was only 12. It became quite rough for me. Before he died, he told his best friend, Andros to watch over me.



After hearing Tsuki's sad & tough story, Fuu suddenly felt like she was on the verge of tears. Tsuki noticed this, & wiped off her tears.



Fuu: *gasps*. Huh?



Tsuki: I appreciate your concern, Fuu. I really do.



Fuu: It must be pretty hard. Trying to not only take care of yourself, but with no one else to help you.



Tsuki: That's where you're mistaken.



Fuu: Huh?



Tsuki: (turns to the right, notices Hikari). Her. She's been my only support all this time. Plus...I'm not as alone as you think. My grandparents & cousins from my mom's side also support me as well.



Fuu: That's good to know.



Tsuki: I know she shows a lot of concern for me, and...



Fuu: You love her...right?



Tsuki: *nods*. Although...it's not easy for one to easily confess their true feelings. Of course the only thing that keeps stopping most is fear of rejection. Even though I haven't actually felt that before, I know what it's like to have someone not return your feelings.



Fuu: (face softens). Tsuki-kun.



Tsuki: (voice breaks). She's been like a sister to me as well. And yet...I just...*sobs*.



Fuu: (holds him close). Wakarimasen. Hontou desu. I'm sure she'll understand how you feel. You remind me so much of Miss Hikaru.



Tsuki: *sniffles*. Arigatou. Um...are you sure we're alike somehow?



Fuu: Yes, very much in a way. You're both strong-willed & try not to have your friends worry. Yet...as her friend, I worry for her safety. But...she also reminds me of Princess Emeraude. (puts a hand to her mouth). Oops.



Tsuki: Don't worry. I think I understand though. You 3 girls were summoned to this place to fulfill some sort of task. Believe me...I know what that's like. For that's the same type of scenario I'm facing already. Yet...it seems that you girls had trouble with completing the task.



Fuu: That's true. You see...we were actually supposed to...(struggles to say the reason, but can't).



Tsuki: It must've been hard for you girls. To try & fulfill her wish. I've read certain stories in which certain people fall in love, yet their love can't seem to bloom because something blocks them, creating a division between them & yet...there's only one way that their love can be fulfilled. Yes...I know of what you speak.



Fuu: (stares at Tsuki & is surprised at how much he knows). How did you...



Tsuki: Like I said...I've read stories with that type of situation. Guess I could say I'm kinda like a bookworm.



Fuu: No...I understand what you mean.



Tsuki: (turns to the right again, spots Hikari). (calls out to her). Hey Hikari!



Hikari: (turns to the left & spots Tsuki w/Hikaru & Fuu). ^_^



Tsuki: Wanna join us?



Hikari: *blushes*. ^_^. Hai. (goes & sits where they are, sits beside Tsuki).



Tsuki: (hands her a pastry). Want one?



Hikari: No thanks. I'll just take some fruit.



Tsuki: (looks at the huge mound of fruit that Mokona put out). Well...considering there's a lot...take your pick.



Hikari: Ok. (decides to take a few oranges & apples).



Tsuki: (can't help but stare at Hikari).



Hikari: *notices*. Doushita?



Tsuki: Eh...oh...it's just...*blushes*......you look...beautiful tonight.



Hikari: *blushes*. Arigatou.



Tsuki, Hikari: (both go for a pear). (their hands touch) *blushes*. (both pull away).



Tsuki: G-gomen.



Hikari: I-iie. (feels her heart beating). *blushes*.



Tsuki: (also feels his heart beating). *also blushes*.



Hikari: A-ano...Tsuki-kun...



Tsuki: Nani?



Hikari: (chest tightens). Ano...watashi wa...(struggles to form the words)...watashi wa...anata ga......a-a...ah...ai...(tears start to form in her eyes)...aishiteru, Tsuki-sama. *sobs softly*.



Tsuki: (face softens). (wipes her tears). (holds her face up to his). Watashi mo.



Hikari: *gasps*.



Tsuki: (moves his face slowly towards hers & kisses her gently).



Hikari: (is a bit shocked). (returns the kiss w/passion).



Fuu: *sighs*. That's so romantic, ne, Mokona?



Mokona: Pu, pu, pu, puu. (Yeah...it is.) (hops over to the fruit mound & gets an apple off from the mound, hops back & gives it to Hikaru). Pu, pu, pu, puu. (Here you go.)



Fuu: Don't you think they make a cute couple, Miss Hikaru?

Edited by: Yuki Fukurou at: 10/27/05 10:05 pm

The whole time Hikaru just watched curiously and nibbled on the fruit slices that Mokona had prepared for them. She was relieved that Fuu avoided spilling too many details about their first mission to Cephiro, especially the wishes of Princess Emeraude. However, as Tsuki and Hikari started to become all lovey dovey Hikaru suddenly started to blush and feel uncomfortable.

"It would be better to give them some privacy and I really shouldn't be here watching them ... it's not polite."

She thought to herself, but Hikaru was unable to quickly think of credible reason to excuse herself. However, Fuu came to the rescue and asked what Hikaru thought of the lovebirds.

"Erm uh, yes they look cute together Fuu-chan."

She said with a very friendly smile, but Hikaru was afraid to say anything further to avoid embarrassing herself.

Tsuki: (notices that Fuu was talking about them) (turns to Hikari). Just what were you doing by yourself in the resident's area anyway?

Hikari: Thinking.

Tsuki: (cocks his head sideways in curiousity). About what?

Hikari: (is silent for a moment). (then quietly) Us.

Tsuki: Doushita?

Hikari: It's just...I know we've known each other for a while &...well...I'm just...

Tsuki: Not sure how my dad would react if I had a girl that acted differently as my girlfriend? Wakarimasen. Hontou desu. Funny think is...my dad's kinda lienient on me at times. Kept teasing me about my personal life. *chuckles a bit*. I'm sure he'll accept you.

Hikari: (tries to put up a smile). Arigatou.

Tsuki: Dou itashimashite.

Hikari: Aishiteru.

Tsuki: Aishiteru wa, koiishi tenshi. (gives her a quick peck on the cheek).

Fuu: *chuckles at the 2 lovebirds*. Ok you two. You're starting to make Hikaru-san feel a bit uneasy here.

Tsuki: Gomen nasai.

Fuu: Daijoubu. Wakarimasen. It's just...you 2 seem to overdo it sometimes.

Mokona: Pu, pu, pu.

Tsuki: Don't tell me you just agreed with her.

Mokona: Pu, pu, puu, pu, pu, puu.

Tsuki: What did he just say?

Fuu: He says that you two make a cute couple. Just don't overdo things.

Tsuki: *groans*. (puts a hand to his face). He just...

Hikari: (tries to support him). Don't overstress yourself, love.

Tsuki: I'm trying not to.

Mokona: (hands Tsuki some fruit). Pu, puu, pu, pu, puu.

Fuu: He says that these might cheer you up a bit.

Tsuki: (manages to smile). Thanks Mokona.

Mokona: (nods). Pu, puu, pu, pu.

Fuu: He says it was nothing.

Tsuki: (raises an eyebrow). OK...a bit curious here. Do all 3 of you understand what he's saying or just one of you?

Hikari: I'm just as confused as you are.

Fuu: *giggles*. It's really Hikaru-san who understands him well. I just take a wild guess & sometimes get lucky.

Tsuki: I see. (turns to Hikaru). So...what do you do at home, Hikaru-san?

"Oh, Mokona's just happy because you two are happy."

Mokona: "Pu pu puu!"

Mokona jumps on Hikaru's lap this time. She smiles and gives him some affectionate pets on the head.

After a moment or so she remembers that they had asked her a question.

"Erm, what do I do at home? Right now I am at home. Cephiro is just as much my home as Tokyo is, maybe even more so. It's true that my family lives in Tokyo, but there are many friends here that I love, and they love me too."

Then Hikaru turned to Fuu.

"There couldn't be anyone closer to me than Fuu-chan and Umi-chan too. They are my family when I'm here, so I never feel alone as long as they're are here with me."

Hikaru finished with a smile with her eyes shimmering as she looked at Fuu.

Fuu: I agree with Miss Hikaru. Cephiro is like...our second home. We've made so many friends since then.

Tsuki: Makes perfect sense.

Hikari: I agree.

Tsuki: (looks down for a moment). At first...I thought after my mom's passing, I couldn't move on. Then my dad managed to give me strength as I went to her funeral.

Hikari: (face softens). Tsuki-sama...(with a look of sadness).

Tsuki: (turns to Hikari). Then I met you. We've faced lots of challenges, & overcame them. Overtime, I thought of you like a sister to me. Yet...now that we're very close, (looks into her eyes)...you just...make me feel...complete again.

Hikari: (eyes shimmer). Tsuki-sama.

Tsuki: (turns to Fuu & Hikaru). You guys are like...my best friends now. (looks down for a moment). Although.........when this fight is over...(is silent for a moment). We might have to go back.

Fuu: But...don't you like it here?

Tsuki: I do...it's just...this was...more of an accident. After Hikari told me everything, it felt like it was all too real. Yet...even now...I just feel this whole thing is my fault.

Hikari: Don't say that. If we didn't come here...this world...(turns to Fuu & Hikaru)...their...home...would've been destroyed. I'm glad to have met you both. Just being around you...just gives me great joy. (turns to Tsuki). And...even though you're the one battling at times...you give me strength to overcome my fears.

Tsuki: (holds her hands with his). I know you'd do the same for me...as I would for you.

Mokona: (hops over to where they are). Pu, puu, pu, puu.

Tsuki: You've been a great help too, little guy. (pats him on the head).