Reconciliation

[nephlitesgirl]

Author's Notes

1.No,I do not own Magic Knight Rayearth or its characters.Belongs to CLAMP and probably some others.

2.Alternate Universe/Canon.Please don't flame.

3.Will most likely have a PG-13 rating. Takes place during second season. Explores the question"What if High Priest Zagato and Princess Emeraude were resurrected?"

4.Might also do a fic based on the new Cephiro,after this season.

5.Enjoy!

Prologue

Months had passed since Princess Emeraude had summoned the legendary magic knights. However,it only seemed like days,for the Cephiro residents had the ability to wish for time to pass as slowly as they want it to. Ever since the three girls had returned back to Tokyo,they had been feeling depressed,Hikaru especially. She had killed High Priest Zagato without finding out his true intentions,and had killed Princess Emeraude,too. Hikaru,Umi and Fuu were discussing it at the Tokyo Tower.

"I wish I hadn't killed Princess Emeraude. I wish there was another way," said Hikaru.

Umi agreed with her.

"Now that Cephiro does not have a pillar,what's to become of it?" asked Fuu,worried. She knew that the pillar was the one whose job was to pray for peace,and she hated to think what would happen to Cephiro,now that there was no pillar.

"I was so selfish and arrogant the first time. I think it was partly my fault," said Umi,wistfully.

Hikaru felt it was her fault,too,for she was only doing what it took to be a magic knight,and was unaware of what she was fighting for.

"It would be nice if we could go to Cephiro again," said Fuu.

"Same here. I want to be able to go to Cephiro and battle for the right reasons this time. I regret the deaths of Zagato and Princess Emeraude," said Hikaru,tearfully.

What Fuu,Umi and Hikaru did not know was that they could return to Cephiro without someone summoning them,and that through some miracle, Zagato and Princess Emeraude would be resurrected. At that moment, a flash of light appeared and swallowed the three girls into it.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 1

The three girls appeared in what appeared to be.....Cephiro?But how could that be? Only the pillar possessed the power to summon people from another world,and with Princess Emeraude gone,there was no pillar. However,Hikaru,Fuu,and Umi were not aware of this....yet. They did not even know that because they were magic knights, their will power alone was enough to enable them to reappear in Cephiro.

"What the heck are we doing here?" asked Umi.

"We may have been summoned again," said Fuu.

"I wonder by whom. Do you think Clef is able to summon us as well?" wondered Umi.

"Whatever the case may be, this is a chance to do things right this time," said Hikaru,a bit more enthusiastically.

"You're right! Let's go!" said Umi. She and the other girls walked into the castle together.

*******

At that moment,something unexpected happened. A flash of light appeared outside the castle. It seemed to be transporting something or someone. The beam of light cleared, and revealed a truly unbelievable sight.A tall man with extremely long straight black hair was standing there. He was holding a girl in his arms. This girl had long blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes. Is it possible that..........? No. High Priest Zagato had been killed by the magic knights, and Princess Emeraude had been killed as well,as a result of her request. But these 2 individuals possessed the splitting image of the high priest and the princess. Could it be that they were imposters? Or were they given their lives back,somehow?

"Zagato. Are we really alive?" the girl asked the man holding her.

The black haired man nodded.

"Yes,princess. We have been resurrected."

Princess Emeraude felt so safe in Zagato's arms. She was glad to be in the arms of the man she loved, But when she looked at the condition of Cephiro,she felt sad. She knew that because of her death,Cephiro was beginning to crumble, and her resurrection would not help.She had to pay a price. She was now an ordinary woman.However, it was a price she was willing to pay if she and her beloved would have another chance at life,and if they would be together this time. But it still pained her to see Cephiro this way.Zagato noticed her sad expression.

"Emeraude?What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.

Princess Emeraude tearfully told him what was bothering her.

"Tears do not suit you. Please do not weep. Everything will be all right," said the high priest.

"I hope so," said Princess Emeraude, resting her head on Zagato's chest. Priest Zagato smiled,and took her to a more private place where no one would see them. He did not want people to know of his and Emeraude's return just yet.

*******

Meanwhile, Hikaru,Fuu and Umi were in the castle,talking to Master Mage Clef. He was telling them everything that happened since Princess Emeraude's demise. Cephiro has proceeded to crumble, and all of the residents were evacuated into the castle. Also, there was some unknown enemy attacking Cephiro.

"I have been having dreams about Cephiro lately. This has happened ever since we returned to our world. I dreamt that a lady was attacking Cephiro," said Hikaru.

Umi and Fuu said that they had the same dream.

"What are you girls doing here? You should be in your own world," said Master Mage Clef.

"We don't know why we are here ourselves. Apparently you didn't summon us," said Umi.

Mage Clef shook his head. "Only the pillar has the power to do that,and now that Princess Emeraude is gone, we are without one."

Hikaru confided in Clef about how she regretted killing Priest Zagato and Princess Emeraude.

"I feel that it is my fault that Cephiro is crumbling. This occurred because of my blind ambition to become a magic knight. I did not know what I was fighting for," she said.

"Don't blame yourself for this. I was of very little use to you during the battle. Besides,didn't you hear Princess Emeraude's final words?" asked Clef, referring to when the princess thanked them.

"Yes. She said, "thank you," replied Umi.

"That's right. So do not be so hard on yourselves. You have some old friends to meet. I want them to see you girls smiling," said Clef. He lead the girls to his study where Lafarga, Ferio,Caldina, Ascot and Mokona were waiting.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 2

"Hey,little missies!What are you doing here?" asked Caldina.

"We're not sure ourselves. I don't know who summoned us," answered Fuu.

"Oh,I see. Well, it's great to see y'all again," said Caldina.

"Likewise," replied Fuu.

Mokona hopped into Hikaru's arms.

"Hey Mokona," said Hikaru stroking Mokona's fur.

Mokona made happy noises to Hikaru. Umi chuckled at this. "Mokona hasn't changed a bit," she said.

"And neither have you. You're still as beautiful as ever," said Ascot.

Umi took a look at Ascot,and could hardly believe that it was him.He had grown so much taller since the first time she and the other girls were in Cephiro.

"You look so different!" she gasped.

"Really? How so?" asked Ascot.

"You've grown so much taller."

"All right,enough with the warm fuzzy moments already. We have business to discuss," said Caldina,giving Umi an amused look.

"Oh? What business is that?" asked Umi.

Mage Clef told the girls about how monsters had been appearing in Cephiro more than usual.

"We can use help from you three girls," he said.

"Count me in!" said Hikaru.

"Same here!" said Umi and Fuu,in unison.

"Just know that this will be a dangerous battle,so be careful. I do not want any more lives to be lost," said Mage Clef.

"I'll do my best," said Hikaru.

*******

Sierra was in her bedroom,thinking about things. She recalled the day Presea, her twin sister, sacrificed her life to make weapons for the magic knights. She knew that they were deeply saddened by Presea's death,and that although Princess Emeraude wished for the deceased to be resurrected, it was unlikely that the wish would be granted.

'Rest assured, if I cross paths with the legendary magic knights, I will spare them the pain by pretending to be my sister,' vowed Sierra.

*******

Zagato and Princess Emeraude were in a garden they created themselves.

"Zagato? What are you going to so about the pillar system now? Are you still going to eliminate it?" the princess asked Zagato.

"No. It doesn't matter anymore," answered Zagato.

Pirncess Emeraude was a little surprised to hear that."What are you saying?"

"You are now free from the pillar system," stated Zagato.

Princess Emeraude had not told Zagato this, but a part of her was actually glad that she paid the price she did. She wondered if it was selfish of her to feel that way.

'I hope Lantis returns to Cephiro. It is up to him to dispose of the pillar sytsem,' thought Zagato. He knew that Lantis had left Cephiro before the battle with the magic knights. Princess Emeraude asked Zagato when they would appear before the people of Cephiro.

"All in good time," he replied. He was not ready to face those who stood alongside the princess yet. He imagined that they would be surprised to see him and Princess Emeraude alive. Princess Emeraude told Zagato that she loved him.

"I love you,too," said Zagato,stroking Emeraude's golden tresses.

Princess Emeraude gave a happy sigh,and stroked Zagato's long silky ebony coloured tresses. They gazed lovingly into each other's eyes.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 3

Mage Clef was telling Umi,Hikaru and Fuu about how other countries had begun to invade Cephiro. These countries were called Autozam,Chizeta and Fahren.

"They have come to seize control of the pillar,it seems," said Clef.

"Oh no!" said Hikaru. This made her even more determined to fight ,and she was pleased to be presented with an opportunity to battle for the right reasons this time.

"Girls from another world.....are you certain that you are up for an extremely dangerous battle such as this one?" asked Mage Clef.

"Definitely!" said Hikaru.

"Very well." The sorcerer then used a spell to bestow magic on the magic knights once again. Armor appeared on the girls' uniforms.

"It's the same armor we've had before," said Umi.

"That's right. You 3 have become true magic knights," said Mage Clef.

Just then,Sierra walked in. The magic knights could not believe their eyes. Could it be Presea? No. She had died when a huge rock crushed her on the same day she made weapons for them. But this girl looked exactly like Presea.

"Greetings,magic knights," said Sierra.

"Presea!Is it really you?" exclaimed Hikaru.

"Yes. It's me," said Sierra,smiling.

Hikaru ran to Sierra and hugged her. Sierra held her close.

"I can't believe it! I thought you were dead," said Hikaru.

"Well,I am back."

"I'm glad."

"It appears Princess Emeraude's wish came true," said Mage Clef.

"Huh?Which wish was that?" asked Umi,confused.

Master Mage Clef explained that Princess Emeraude wished for those who were lost in the battle to be resurrected. He also said that the miracle only happened once. If someone died in a battle during a time there's no pillar,the deceased would not return. However, he had absolutely no idea that through some miracle,he would cross paths with High Priest Zagato and Princess Emeraude again.....very soon.

"Oh,I see," said Fuu.

"I'm so glad I get an opportunity to apologize to you," said Hikaru.

Sierra was puzzled.

"Oh?" she asked.

"I apologize for not doing more to protect you on the day that you died," said Hikaru,contritely.

"It was not your fault. There's no need to apologize," Sierra reassured her.

Hikaru hugged Sierra again.Fuu then told Sierra that she,Umi and Hikaru were going to fight in the battle that's going on.

"Could you lend us some weapons?" asked Umi.

"All right," said Sierra. She used her magic to make weapons for the 3 girls. The weapons appeared.

"Wow!" exclaimed Umi.

"They're the same weapons as before!" chimed Hikaru.

"Yes. These are weapons that only true magic knights can use," said Sierra.

The weapons floated to the magic knights.

*******

Meanwhile, Princess Emeraude was lying in a hammock. She admired the flowers and trees that still existed. Zagato half smiled at this.

"You are far more beautiful than these flowers," he told the princess.

Princess Emeraude blushed at the compliment.

"Do you really think so?" she asked.

The raven haired priest nodded.

"I want you to promise me one thing," he said.

"What is it?" asked Princess Emeraude.

"Promise me that you'll let me see a smile on your face," said Zagato,taking Emeraude's hand in his. His touch made her melt.

"I promise,darling," said the princess.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 4

After the magic knights met Eagle Vision,Geo and Zazu beyond the sky, they were transported back to the castle. The girls examined their uniforms.

"Hmmm. We have this armor when we're not inside the Rune-gods," said Umi.

Ferio walked up to the magic knights.

"Legendary magic knights.....I thank you for saving Cephiro last time you were here."

Hikaru shook her head.

"Don't thank us. We failed. We killed the person we were supposed to save," said Hikaru.

"There's no need to blame yourself. Didn't you hear Princess Emeraude's last words?" asked Ferio.

"Yes. She said thank you to us," said Umi.

Ferio nodded.

"You've granted the wish of my elder sister," he said.

The three girls gasped.

"Sister?" asked Umi.

Ferio explained to them how he had no memories of this until their battle with Inouva. Princess Emeraude had done a memory wipe on him long ago,and that was why he believed that he was alone as a child. Fuu felt sadder than she felt before,when she heard that the princess was Ferio's elder sister.The horrible realization came to her that she and the other 2 magic knights had killed Ferio's sister.

"So that means..I killed your elder sister," said Fuu. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Ferio held Fuu close.

"It's all right,Fuu. Please don't cry now.A smile suits you much better," he told her.

"Oh Ferio," said Fuu, in a barely audible voice.

*******

High Priest Zagato was in his quarters, thinking about things. He thought about how he had fallen in love with Princess Emeraude,and about how she had no freedom. It was his strong desire to be with her that led to his selfish actions: capturing the princess,turning Mage Clef into stone,brainwashing swordmaster Lafarga, and doing everything in his power to stop the magic knights. He was obsessed with eliminating the pillar system at all costs,even if it meant the destruction of Cephiro. And yet it always pained his heart to see Princess Emeraude in tears. In the end,the magic knights defeated him. Now that he and the princess were given a second chance at life, he decided to give up his quest in disposing of the pillar system. He also vowed to make amends with Lafarga, Caldina,Ascot, Mage Clef,and even the magic knights. He decided that now would be a good time for him and Princess Emeraude to show their faces before the people of Cephiro.Just then,Princess Emeraude entered Zagato's quarters.She noticed Zagato's serious and thoughtful expression.

"Zagato?What's on your mind?" she asked.

Zagato told her what he had been thinking about.Princess Emeraude nodded in understanding.

"And now you wish to make amends for your actions?" she asked.

"Yes," replied Zagato,in his deep,quiet voice.

"Let's go,then," said Princess Emeraude,taking Zagato by the hand.

*******

In the castle, a tall man with short black hair entered,holding an unconscious woman in his arms. Hikaru noticed that this man was bleeding.

"Are you hurt?" Hikaru asked him.

The man shook his head.

"This is not my blood you see."

"Oh? Then whose blood is it?" asked Hikaru.

"You heard the man. It's not his blood," said a female's voice.

A tiny fairy with sky blue hair appeared. She liked to tag along with Lantis everywhere he went.

"This blood is from the blood of monsters," continued the man.

Lafarga had a puzzled expression on his face.

"Lantis,what happened to this woman?" he asked.

"She was not evacuated in time," replied Lantis.

"I see. Why didn't you say that there were others who needed to be evacuated?" asked Lafarga.

"I didn't think it needed to be mentioned," replied Lantis.

The magic knights introduced themselves.

"So you 3 are the legendary magic knights," said Lantis.

Hikaru was worried that Lantis had gotten hurt,although he denied it. She offered to have Fuu heal him.Before Fuu could heal Lantis, the fairy yelled at her to stop.

"Only I can heal the wounds of Lantis!" said the fairy. She chanted a magic word, and in an instant the blood on Lantis disappeared.

"I leave this woman in your hands," Lantis told the fairy. He left the study.

'Hmm. I can't put my finger on it, but that man's voice sounds so familiar,' thought Hikaru.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 5

Hikaru stated that she might have heard Lantis' voice before.

"You should recognize it. The truth is that Lantis is the younger brother of High Priest Zagato," said Lafarga.

"Zagato!" gasped Hikaru.

"His younger brother?" asked Umi.

Lafarga nodded.

"Now that you've mentioned it, he sounds exactly like his brother," said Caldina.

"How come we knew nothing of him when we were first summoned here?" asked Hikaru.

Lafarga told of how Lantis left the country long before the magic knights were summoned.

"That would explain why I haven't heard of him when I worked for Zagato," said Caldina.

"I've never met him either," said Ascot.

Lafarga was puzzled about this. He wondered why Lantis decided to return from Autozam at this time.Was it because there was no pillar? He would have to find out.

*******

Later that night,while asleep, Hikaru was having a horrific dream. In the dream, there was an odd looking evil woman. Her eyes glowed red, and she proceeded to laugh evilly. The laughter was extremely spine chilling. There was someone else with the woman.......someone who looked a lot like Hikaru. Could it be? Hikaru woke up and started panting.THe dream was almost overwhelming for her. She was not even sure if she could go back to sleep.

*******

Meanwhile, Ferio was standing in the hallway. For some reason,he felt wide awake. He heard footsteps coming toward him. He looked to see who it was. It was none other than his elder sister,Emeraude. He could not believe his eyes. He knew she had died at the hands of the magic knights. Was this some sort of a trick?Overcome by shock, Ferio fainted.Princess Emeraude revived him,and he came to.

"It's been a long time,brother," said Emeraude.

"You're back. How can that be?" asked Ferio.

Emeraude told Ferio everything.

"I see," said Ferio,getting up.

"So,where's Zagato?"

"He's speaking with Clef," replied Emeraude.

"Well,I'm glad you're back,sister," said Ferio.

"Same here," replied Emeraude.

*******

Zagato was talking to Clef.

"Are you still planning to eliminate the pillar system?" asked Clef.

The high priest shook his head.

"It does not matter anymore. Emeraude has the freedom she deserves now," he said.

Mage Clef was pleasantly surprised by Zagato's sudden change in attitude. He knew that in the past,Zagato was rash and stubborn when it came to getting what he wanted. Clef wondered if his love for Princess Emeraude was motivating him to do this.

"So,what will you do now,Zagato?" asked Clef.

Zagato told him.

"Wise decision," said Clef.

*******

Hikaru was unable to go back to sleep,thanks to the dream she had. She changed back into her uniform, and decided to take a walk. As she was walking down the hallway, she heard a child crying.

'Huh? Who's that?' thought Hikaru. She kept quiet and listened.

The child tearfully told Lantis about a scary dream she had.

"What did you see in your dream?" asked Lantis.

"I can't really remember.But it was really scary. There was this giant monster that ate everybody up," said the little girl.

"It ate everybody?" asked Lantis.

"I don't want to get eaten by a scary dream," said the little girl,whimpering.

Lantis assured her that nothing would eat her. Hikaru followed the sound of the voices. She walked into Lantis' quarters. Lantis barely noticed her presence. He turned back to the little girl, and asked her, "Would you be able to find your room from here?"

"Sure I can," replied the little girl.

"Then I'll walk you back," said Lantis," I promise that you won't have any more scary dreams."

Lantis lifted the little girl up, and started to go and take her back to her room. Hikaru walked up to Lantis, and shyly greeted him. The little girl noticed Hikaru,and said hi.

"Remember when you saved me from the monster?" she asked.

Hikaru thought back to when she was first summoned,and a monster was attacking a girl and her mother. She recalled the girl giving her a white flower as a gift.

"Yes, I remember you now. You're the one who gave me that pretty flower," said Hikaru.

"Yes,you remember! I never got a chance to thank you for saving me."

"It's okay. Thank you for the flower."

The little girl also told Hikaru how nice Lantis was, and what he did to help her and her mom.

"So,where are you going?" Hikaru asked Lantis.

"Residential quarters," he answered.

"May I go with you?" asked Hikaru.

"Sure!" answered the little girl.

Hikaru followed Lantis and the little girl. She thought about how kindhearted Lantis seemed. Although she remembered his elder brother as being somewhat ruthless, she felt badly about killing him without knowing his true motives, especially now that she was in the presence of the high priest's younger brother. She realized that she owed Lantis a large apology.

'If only I could apologize to Zagato,too. But he's dead,thanks to me,' thought Hikaru,not knowing that she would have an opportunity to apologize. Soon, she, Lantis and the little girl were at residential quarters. Lantis put the little girl down. She thanked him, and asked Hikaru her name.

"I'm Hikaru Shidou,but my friends call me Hikaru," said Hikaru.

"Can I call you that?" asked the little girl.

"Sure!But only if you tell me your name."

The little girl introduced herself as Mira.

"Bye,Mister! See you later,Hikaru!" said Mira. She went to her room.

Hikaru looked at Lantis,unsure of how she wanted to talk to him at first.

"So,you're Zagato's younger brother,right?" she finally asked.

"I am," replied Lantis.

Hikaru confessed to him that she was the one who killed his older brother.

"Go ahead and hit me if you want.Just leave my friends Umi and Fuu out of this. They were depressed about it after we went back to our own world.So take your anger out on me," she said.

To her surprise, Lantis was extremely forgiving about it.He told her that he won't hit her,and that it wasn't her fault.

"Instead,I blame the pillar system," said Lantis.

Hikaru was surprised and relieved at the same time. At that moment,she sensed Clef calling her.

"There's someone important you must see," he said.

'Hmm. I wonder who that could be,' thought Hikaru.She went to see who this important person was. When she walked into Clef's study, she couldn't believe her eyes. High Priest Zagato was standing there. Was her mind playing tricks on her? Or was it a miracle? Hikaru did not know what to say.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 6

"Greetings, magic knights," said Zagato.

Still in shock, Hikaru, Fuu and Umi weakly greeted the high priest. It was truly an awkward comment, being in the presence of their one time enemy. They were not sure how could he be alive after they had destroyed him.And they did not know whether he would be their friend or foe this time. They needed some answers.But the questions would have to wait for a bit.

"Zagato? I owe you an apology," said Hikaru,a bit timidly.

Zagato raised an eyebrow. "An apology?" he repeated.

Hikaru nodded. "I killed you without finding out your true intentions.And when I found out the truth from Princess Emeraude, I realized that you were not to blame. So for that,I am truly sorry," said Hikaru.

"So am I," said Fuu.

"Same here," said Umi.

Zagato glanced at the magic knights. They looked utterly ashamed of their actions. He didn't want them to take the entire blame. Deep down he knew he was worthy of death.

"It is all right. It is I who owes an apology," replied Zagato.

"For what? It wasn't your fault," said Hikaru.

"As a high priest,I went against my duties, due to my selfishness," said Zagato.

"Well, you're forgiven," said Hikaru,warmly.

Zagato half smiled at the magic knights. One thing he could say about them this time is that they had a forgiving nature.

"I don't mean to be rude,but.....how can it be that you're alive?" asked Umi.

Zagato told her that he and Princess Emeraude were given another chance at life.

"Oh, so Princess Emeraude is alive,too?" asked Umi, in disbelief.

"Yes. However,she had to pay a price. She is now an ordinary human," said Zagato.

"Oh,I see," said Umi.

"I hope we can be friends now," said Hikaru.

"That we can," Zagato assured her. To show he meant it,he gave the magic knights firm handshakes. Just then, a battle ship appeared outside.

*******

Lantis sensed this, and came to see what was going on. He saw his elder brother Zagato,and was speechless.

"Well,well,it's been a long time,younger brother," said Zagato.

"Likewise. How can it be that you're alive,after the magic knights destroyed you?" asked Lantis.

"It doesn't matter," replied Zagato.

"Magic knights, look outside," said Mage Clef. He used his staff to show them outside.

"Oh my! It's the battleship of Autozam...but it looks bigger than the first battleship we saw," said Umi.

"Lantis,you travelled to Autozam. Do you recognize this battleship?" asked Mage Clef.

"It is the NSX," replied Lantis.

Hikaru asked what an NSX was.

"It belongs to the strongest commander of Autozam...Eagle Vision," answered Lantis.

"Eagle Vision!" gasped Hikaru.She made a decision to talk to her enemies before fighting them this time. She did not want to make the same mistake she made the first time.Not that it mattered anymore...Zagato and Princess Emeraude were back to life. Still,she wanted to show that she learned her lesson. Umi and Fuu felt the same way. The magic knights started to leave the study.

"Where do you magic knights think you're going?" asked Mage Clef.

"To find Eagle. I'd like to talk to him," said Hikaru.

"Talk to him?"asked Clef.

Hikaru nodded.

"I do not want to fight anyone anymore without knowing their true intention,and what I'm really fighting for," said Hikaru. She and the others left. Zagato chuckled at this.

'Those magic knights never cease to amaze me,' he thought.

Just then, Lafarga,Sierra, Caldina, Princess Emeraude entered the study.

********
The magic knights evolved their armor, and called forth their Rune-gods. The Rune-gods soared into the sky.

"It's those Rune-gods again," said Geo.

"Ugh!Darn those lousy Rune-gods!They sent my FTO to the repair shop," said Zazu.

"Suck it up,Zazu. It's only the second time that old FTO ever needed repairing," said Geo.

"That's right. The first time was against Lantis," recalled Zazu.

"Yeah, and you had to work hard to fix it, too," said Geo.

Suddenly, a woman's sinister laughter was heard. There was a small star-like light shining.

"What is that?" asked Umi.

A woman with long black hair,standing on a hideous monster appeared.

"Miss Alcyone!" gasped Fuu.

"Long time no see,magic knights!" said Alcyone,laughing. She shot a blast of energy at the Rune-gods.

"She's kidding herself if she thinks she can hurt a Rune-god," said Umi.

The blast hit Selece and Selece fell out of the sky. Alcyone laughed again.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 7

Zagato found Alcyone's laugh extremely irritating.

'Alcyone hasn't changed a bit. She's still as annoying as ever,' he thought.

Princess Emeraude looked on in horror as she watched the magic knights struggle to battle Alcyone.

"What were those crazy magic knights thinking,going out there?" wondered Caldina.She couldn't understand what good talking to those of Autozam would possibly do. And she was especially afraid that they would get themselves killed.

"Let it go,Caldina," said Zagato.

Caldina was astonished at this.

"I'm just looking out for their best interest," said Caldina.

"The magic knights have proven how formidable they truly are. They will not be harmed so easily," stated Zagato.

Caldina found it rather strange that Zagato had a high opinion of the magic knights. However,she also thought it was nice to see.

"I guess you're right," she said.

*******

Outside, Hikaru had had another dream. She dreamt about the girl who resembled her. In the dream,the girl said that she and Hikaru would meet very soon.

'What a dream,' thought Hikaru.

Fuu asked Hikaru if she was all right,for she seemed a bit lost.

"It's nothing," replied Hikaru.

"All right. If you're sure," said Fuu.

"So we meet again,lady magic knights," said a familiar voice.

"That voice," gasped Hikaru.

"It must be that Eagle guy again," stated Umi.

"It's nice that you girls remember me," said Eagle.

"Oh,spare us. We have a question we'd like to ask you," said Umi.

"Hmmm?" asked Eagle,a bit surprised. He found it a bit strange that the magic knights were not attacking.

"What is your purpose for invading Cephiro?" asked Hikaru.

"Why do you want to know that?" asked Eagle.

"We do not want to fight anymore,without knowing the other side," explained Hikaru.

"I see. Answer me this first. What will you do with Cephiro?" asked the cornsilk haired man.

"We're going to protect it," said Umi.

"Protect it,you say?" asked Eagle.

Hikaru nodded.

"Very well," said Eagle. He told the magic knights Autozam's objectives for invading Cephiro. Fuu told Eagle that he was overestimating the power of the pillar.

"The pillar system is not as almighty as you think," she said.

"I believe it would benefit Autozam greatly. Sorry girls, but between your objectives and ours, there is nothing left but war," said Eagle.

*******

Little did Eagle know, Lady Aska,princess of Fahren had been listening to his conversation with the magic knights. The conversation angered Aska, for she had aspired to become the pillar of Cephiro. She gave an angry yell.Sang Yung came to see what was wrong. She told him about Eagle's conversation with the magic knights.

"I will NOT allow that to happen! I will become the pillar!" said Aska,impetuously. She was a bit bratty when it came to getting what she wanted.

An elderly man known as Chang Ang asked the black haired princess to calm herself.

"You're not acting like a lady," he said.

"Silence,big mouth!" snapped Aska. She came up with an idea. She ordered Sang Yung to get her the paper and brush.

"Uh..okay," said Sang Yung,hesitantly.

Chang Ang groaned at this. He knew why Aska had asked for the paper and the brush. He could recall an incident when she had carelessly used a high level illusion. He didn't like her showing off like that. He repeatedly told her not to do that,but she refused to listen.

"Here you go,princess," said Sang Yung,giving Aska the paper and brush. The raven haired princess picked up the brush and used it to create a dragon-like monster.

"Aska,what do you think you're doing?" asked Chang Ang.

"What does it look like?!" asked Lady Aska.

Chang Ang ignored Aska's tone.

"How many times have I told you not to use high level illusions carelessly?" scolded the old man,mildly.

"Silence,big mouth!" said Lady Aska.

Chang Ang groaned at Aska's poor manners. Aska was done creating her monster. She chanted a spell,using different hand gestures. A red dragon-like creature appeared outside.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 8

Lady Aska peeked outside,and saw that the Autozam battleships were gone. She was a bit disappointed until she saw three robots.

"Hey Chang Ang,aren't those robots the 3 legendary Rune-gods?" she asked.

"Why yes they are," answered Chang Ang.

Lady Aska was ecstatic about this. Her desire to become the pillar grew even stronger. She also wanted to control the Rune-gods,although she did not know that only the chosen ones summoned from another world could control them. She ordered her monster to capture the Rune-gods. The magic knights looked up,and gasped.

"What is that?" asked Umi.

Lady Aska chuckled at this.

'Those Rune-gods will belong to me,' she thought,chuckling to herself. Using one of her spells,she made her dragon attack the Rune-gods.The magic knights dodged the blasts as best as they could. Hikaru countered with her Ruby Lightning attack. Fuu and Umi countered with their attacks as well. THe attacks weakened the dragon somewhat. This pleased Lady Aska quite a bit.

"Would you knock it off!You're only delaying your defeat!" she said. She was someone who hated losing,and was a sore loser when she got defeated. She ordered her monster to attack again. The blast hit Umi,and she cried out in pain.

"Miss Umi!" cried Fuu.

"You okay?" asked Hikaru,worriedly.

"Yes.Don't worry about me," said Umi,gearing up for a counterattack.

"Water Dragon!" she shouted. The dragon shaped water hit the monster. Fuu and Hikaru attacked,too,and weakened Aska's monster somewhat.

"Aska? I think we'd better retreat for now," said Sang Yung.

"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!" exploded the fiery tempered princess,"there's no way I'm going to give up so soon!"

Sang Yung hated when Lady Aska acted like this.When she was in this type of mood,it was quite difficult to reason with her. He always feared that she would be angrier than she already was. But he decided that it wouldn't hurt to try anyway.

"Think of it this way, Aska. If we retreat now,it'll give us time to come up with a better strategy," said Sang Yung.

The stubborn princess thought about this for a moment.As much as she hated to admit it,Sang Yung was being truthful.

"I guess you're right," relented Lady Aska.She announced that she would retreat for the moment. The dragon shaped monster disappeared.

"Let's go back inside. I'm sure everyone is worried about us," said Hikaru.

"Yeah,let's go before some other weird creature appears to attack us," agreed Umi.

Hikaru,Umi and Fuu went back inside the castle.

*******

"Welcome back,magic knights," said Mage Clef,smiling. He was glad to see that the magic knights came back unharmed,despite the danger they ran into.

"Hiya,missies! You sure know how to have me worrying about you all," said Caldina,a little too enthusiastically.

"We're fine," said Hikaru.

Zagato thought Caldina was being a bit overdramatic,but decided to ignore it this time.

"It is no surprise that you girls have returned unscathed," he told the magic knights.

Hikaru had mixed feelings about hearing that. She was flattered that her one-time enemy had such faith in her and the other magic knights,but at the same time, the words stung deeply. She still had a hard time forgiving herself for what she did to him and Princess Emeraude. It was a wound that would take a long time to heal.

"Excuse me," said Hikaru,politely. She left the study.Umi and Fuu were shocked by this.

"Miss Hikaru?" said Fuu.

"I wonder what's bothering her," said Umi. She and Fuu decided to leave as well.

Princess Emeraude became worried when she saw this.

"Magic knights...I hope they're all right," she said.

"Same here," said Zagato. The last thing he wanted to see was those girls suffering,especially when he was responsible for causing them pain as a bitter enemy.

'Hikaru,' thought Lantis, 'are you still blaming yourself for what happened?' Lantis then made the decision to destroy the legend of the magic knights once and for all.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 9

"Miss Hikaru?" ventured Fuu.She sat on the foot of the bed. "Is anything the matter?"

"Yeah.You look upset," agreed Umi.

Hikaru hesitated for a second. She usually did not like to talk about her problems with Umi and Fuu,because she felt like she was burdening them. But she recalled when they told her not to hide her pain from them. So,she confided in them how she felt.

"I know how you feel. I have a hard time forgiving myself,too," said Umi,when Hikaru was finished.

"Same here. But it also makes me more determined to do the right thing this time," said Fuu. She encouraged Hikaru to just take her time forgiving herself.

"No one expects for you to feel better quickly.Just try your best to let it motivate you to do better," she said.

"Thanks,you guys," said Hikaru.

"What are friends for?" said Umi.

Hikaru hugged her best friends.

*******


Meanwhile, Lady Debonair was making evil plans with Alcyone.

"It seems that Priest Zagato has returned from the dead. He has made a fool out of you,has he not?" asked Debonair.

"Yes,my lady," answered Alcyone. Just thinking of the incident made her blood boil. She had betrayed Mage Clef and fought the magic knights to prove how much she loved Zagato. She had found out that he loved Princess Emeraude,much to her chagrin. And when she told him that she was fighting for him,he thought she was speaking nonsense.

"Well,who was the one who saved you?" asked the sinister woman.

"It was you,Lady Debonair," replied Alcyone. And she was certainly grateful for that.

"How would you like to get revenge on that scoundrel,Zagato,for the humiliation you suffered?" asked Lady Debonair.

Alcyone's face lit up. "I'd love that very much,my lady."

"You will have your chance soon enough," said Debonair.

Alcyone gave an evil chuckle.

*******

The following day, Lady Debonair discreetly entered the crown room.

"Now that that worthless Princess Emeraude is no longer the pillar, Cephiro will belong to me!" said Debonair,laughing.

Mage Clef sensed the evil presence from his study.

'It's the presence of Lady Debonair..but wherever she dwells is unknown,' he thought.

Lantis sensed it,too.

'Who is this Debonair?' he wondered.

Just then, the Cephiro castle proceeded to shake. It was like the tremor of an earthquake,only worse. The three magic knights were startled by this.

"Is it some sort of earthquake?" asked Umi,struggling to stay on her feet.

"It is worse than that," said Fuu. She was indeed correct about that.Another piece of Cephiro had just disappeared and would continue to disappear until a new pillar was born. Hikaru became worried about Mage Clef,Sierra, and everyone else in the castle.

"Come on,you two!Let's go check on Clef!" she said.

The three girls ran out of the room ,and ran to Clef's study. They knocked loudly on the door.

"Clef!Are you all right in there?" asked Umi.

Mage Clef opened the door,and the three girls walked in.

"Greetings,magic knights. You all look well," said Mage Clef.

Umi asked if everyone was all right.

"Everyone is all right," said Sierra.

"What was that tremor,exactly?" asked Fuu.

Clef told her that another piece of Cephiro had disappeared.

"Oh no," said Hikaru. She then asked about the pillar system.

"Very well. You three are magic knights,so you all have a right to know," said Clef. He led Hikaru, Umi and Fuu to the crown room. Sierra,Zagato,Ferio and Princess Emeraude followed.

*******

Lantis stood in the hallway of the residential quarters,looking outside. He recalled how beautiful Cephiro used to be when Princess Emeraude was the pillar. Although she had returned, a new pillar would still have to be born for Cephiro to be restored to its beautiful state. He recalled the time his elder brother had asked him about his opinion on the pillar system. He had believed that Cephiro could be beautiful without a pillar.

'And now that Zagato returned to this world,I will prove this to him,if it is the last thing I do,' thought Lantis.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 10

Just outside the crown room, Mage Clef told the magic knights all about the secret of the pillar. He told them that the person with the strongest heart and will was chosen as the pillar. Hikaru noticed the crown.

"Princess Emeraude?This is your crown,isn't it?" she asked.

Princess Emeraude nodded.

"I wore that crown when I was the pillar.Whenever a new pillar is chosen, the crown changes its shape to what best suits the pillar."

Mage Clef noticed that the crown had not yet changed its shape yet.

"This means that there is no one worthy of becoming the pillar as of yet," he said.

Curious,Hikaru was about to touch the crown.

"No,Hikaru,you mustn't," said Princess Emeraude.

Mage Clef said that if an unworthy person touched the crown, he or she could die.

"I see," said Hikaru, taking her hand away.

To show Hikaru how powerful the crown truly was, Mage Clef threw a piece of metal at it.Sure enough, the pool of water that surrounded the crown destroyed the metal with ease. The magic knights were astonished by such a sight.

"Wow," said Umi.

"That's only a sample of the crown's power," said Clef. He then explained that the crown room was protected by a barrier so that unworthy people couldn't enter.

"The door to the crown room can only be opened by the magic ring," said Mage Clef.

"So only you can open it?" asked Umi.

Clef shook his head, and said that there were three items necessary:the magic ring, the armor that Zagato wore, and Lantis' sword. Hikaru thought about this. She wondered if it were possible if the person worthy of becoming the pillar was not in the castle at all. After all,the crown had not changed its shape as of yet. She made the decision to go outside and search for people who were possibly worthy of becoming the next pillar. This would also give her the opportunity to rescue those who might need rescuing. Hikaru told the others of her decision,once they were back in Clef's study.

"I will go alone. I do not want to put anyone else in danger," she said.

Umi objected to it. She insisted that she was going with Hikaru.

"I'm against it as well. It is much too dangerous to go outside alone," said Sierra.

"Especially with monsters romaning," chimed in Ferio. Zagato agreed with them.

"You can't possibly accomplish an extremely dangerous task on your own terms," he said.

"I must agree with him," said Fuu.

Princess Emeraude and Clef agreed as well.

"I know you guys mean well, but it's just not a good idea to have more than one magic knight outside the castle. What if Autozam attacks again?" pondered Hikaru.

"That's why the three of us should stick together," said Fuu.

Hikaru thought about what everyone was saying.She had to admit that they had a good point,and that their concerns were valid. She recalled when Lantis rescued the woman who had not been evacuated along with the others. Suddenly, she got an idea.

"I'll ask Lantis if he wants to come with me," said Hikaru.

"Hmmmm," said Mage Clef. He thought about this for a moment. He found it odd that Hikaru would ask Lantis of all people to go with her, but at the same time, he thought it was safer than Hikaru going out alone. He approved the decision. Hikaru went looking for Lantis. Zagato decided to go,too, just in case his younger brother needed some help. He told Princess Emeraude that he would return as soon as possible.

"All right,then. Be careful, my love," she said.

"Not to worry,I will," said Zagato,gently touching Emeraude's cheek. With that, he left the study.

"Zagato," whispered the princess.

*******

Little did Zagato know, Lady Debonair was watching him . She thought this was the perfect opportunity for Alcyone.

"Alcyone," she said.

"Yes,my lady?" said the middle aged sorceress.

"How would you like to have some fun with that worthless high priest?" asked Debonair,grinning evilly.

"I'd love that!" said Alcyone.

"Torture him as you wish,then," said Lady Debonair.

"I thank you, my lady," said Alcyone. With that,she left the castle.

Nova,the Hikaru look alike told Lady Debonair that she hated everything Hikaru loved.

"When will I get to play with Hikaru?" she asked.

"You will, soon enough," replied Debonair.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 11

Primera was slightly displeased that Lantis agreed to come outside the castle with Hikaru. Ever since the day he protected her from monsters,she had developed a crush on him,and she didn't like it when other girls talked to him. In other words,she was possessive of Lantis. Of course,Hikaru only brushed the blue-haired fairy's antics off. She had a hard time keeping up with Lantis. Mokona, on the other hand,was a diffferent story, for his speed when it came to hopping was relatively quick. Primera flew off of Lantis' shoulder.

"Hey,pick up the pace,would ya?! You're slowing us down!" said the fairy, getting impatient.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Hikaru,picking up the pace a bit.

"Of course, I can't say I blame you. Although I'm much smaller than you, I can fly," bragged Primera. She was so busy gloating that she was at first unaware that Hikaru,along with Mokona, caught up with Lantis,and was way ahead of her.

"Hey,you guys!Wait up!" Primera called out.She flew after them.

*******

Hikaru glanced at Lantis.

'Is he really walking slowly to match my pace?' she wondered. Suddenly,Lantis stopped. At that moment, it began to rain. Hikaru was amazed by this. She didn't expect to see it rain in Cephiro. Rain was VERY rare, if it occurred at all. She was even more surprised when Lantis used his cape to shield her from getting wet.

"Uh...it's okay...really. I'm a tough girl. I don't catch colds easily,"
stammered Hikaru. But the expression on Lantis' face said that he really wanted to.

"Thank you,Lantis," said Hikaru.She answered a few questions about his travels. He told her all about them.

"Tell me..do you ever feel lonely?" asked Hikaru.

"Huh?" asked Lantis. He was surprised at such a question. Before he could come up with an answer to the question, he and Hikaru were rudely interrupted by Primera.

"What did you talk about in my absence?! Lantis is mine!You got that?!So don't be trying to put the moves on him!" she said.

"Put the moves?" asked Hikaru,confused. She did not understand why Primera was so possessive of Lantis. She thought he was kindhearted, and she was fond of him, but it wasn't romance.

"Don't pay attention to her," said a deep voice.

Hikaru looked up to see who it was. It was Lantis' older brother,Zagato.

"Zagato!" gasped Hikaru.

"What brings you here,Zagato?" asked Lantis.

"Thought you could use some assistance," answered Zagato.

"Thank you," said Hikaru.

"What's with this rude interruption?!" asked Primera.

Mokona had enough of Primera's whining, and tried to eat her. Hikaru was appalled at this.

"Mokona!" she said.

Mokona spat Primera back out. Primera was trembling.

"Y-You tried to eat me!What did I do to deserve such torment?!" protested the fairy.

Hikaru looked behind her,and saw that Lantis had taken off.

"Greetings,lady magic knight," said a familiar male's voice.

"It's Eagle," said Hikaru.

"Greetings to you,too,Lord Zagato. It seems that you have returned from the dead," said Eagle.

"Very observant," replied Zagato.

Hikaru decided to try reasoning with Eagle once again.

"Can't I do anything to change your mind about the pillar system?" she asked.

"I'm very sorry, but Autozam would benefit a great deal from the pillar system," replied Eagle.

Zagato felt that this was a rather foolish choice.He hoped that his younger brother would destroy it before Eagle got his hands on it.

"I told you that there is nothing almighty about the pillar system," said a deep voice.

Eagle looked up sharply.

"So you're here,too,Lantis," he said. He was rather surprised that Zagato and Lantis were with Hikaru,and not the other magic knights.

"Seeing that you won't change your mind, I have no choice but to fight you," said Hikaru.

"So be it, then. I warn you, you will regret opposing me," said Eagle.

Zagato sensed an evil force, and decided to see what it was. He told Lantis to protect Hikaru, and left.Alcyone was standing on top of a cliff. When she saw Zagato,she gave an evil grin.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 12

High Priest Zagato looked around for the evil presence he had sensed.

'Show yourself,you coward,' he thought. Suddenly,a barrage of large icicle shards rained down. Zagato got out of the way just in time.

"Greetings, Lord Zagato," said a female's voice.

Zagato recognized the voice. It sounded like that of his former minion. But there was something odd about it,though. It sounded rather sinister and cold. Zagato looked up sharply.Sure enough, it was Alcyone.

"Well,if it isn't Alcyone. I didn't expect to see you alive," said Zagato.

Alcyone snapped out of her evil spell for a brief moment.

"Lord Zagato....my dear sweet beloved Lord Zagato," she mumbled. Debonair's control regained its influence on her. She gave a sinister laugh.

"What do you want?" Zagato wanted to know.

"You've spurned me when I did nothing but show loyalty to you. You used me like an object. I will never forgive you for that!" screamed the ebony-haired sorceress.

"It hurts, doesn't it?Well,what will you do about it?" asked Zagato.

"I will destroy you!" replied Alcyone.

"Don't make me laugh. You can't possibly win against me," scoffed Zagato.

Alcyone sneered at the high priest.

"We'll see about that!" she said. She shot another barrage of icicle shards at Zagato. Zagato blocked them with his Barrier Circle attack,and the shards had no effect on him.

"Drat!" spat Alcyone.

"This farce is ludicrous,and your efforts are futile. If you give up, I will spare your life," said Zagato.

"Never!" said Alcyone. She shot a blast from her staff at Zagato.

"Lightningbolt Assault!" shouted Zagato. A blast of lightning collided with Alcyone's attack and pushed it back. She was hit by her own attack.She screamed in pain as she was electrocuted with both her and Zagato's attack.

"Curse you,Zagato!" spat the badly wounded Alcyone. She vowed that she would be back,and disappeared.

'That was amusing,' thought Zagato. He went to see how his brother and Hikaru were doing against Eagle Vision.

*******

Meanwhile, Umi was pacing around Mage Clef's study. She was very worried about Hikaru. Mage Clef told Umi that she should calm down.

"What are you talking about? I am calm," insisted the blue haired magic knight.

"How can you say you're calm when you're pacing around the room?" asked Mage Clef.

"I'm not pacing around. I'm standing right here," said Umi.

Clef cleared his throat. He told her to look where she was standing. Umi looked,and was shocked when she saw where she was standing.

"How did I get way over here?" she wondered.

"Won't you sit down and calm yourself? I'm worried about Miss Hikaru,too, but I'm sure she's all right," said Fuu.

"Yes.You should have faith that Lantis and Zagato have the powers to protect her, should she need protection," said Princess Emeraude.

Umi sat down in her seat.

"So, tell me,Clef,what is this Lantis person like?" asked Umi. She wanted to know if Lantis could be trusted.

"The knowledge I have of Lantis is from long ago," said Mage Clef. He told Umi and Fuu that Lantis was trained to become magical swordsman, just as Zagato was. He said that Lantis was assigned to become captain of the guard aside Princess Emeraude, and that he was the first swordmaster. However, before anyone could prevent it, Lantis had disappeared from Cephiro, and was not heard from again.

"I see," said Fuu.

'I wonder why he decided to return to Cephiro,' thought Mage Clef.

*******

Outside the castle, Hikaru and her Rune-god had taken a few blows from Eagle's FTO. Hikaru counterattacked with Flame Arrow.

"Why don't you give up? I have no desire to hurt a girl who's already injured," said Eagle.

"Never!" cried Hikaru.

"It's your funeral," said Eagle,attacking again.

In order to save Hikaru from another attack,Lantis blocked Eagle's attack with his Lightningball Come Forth attack.


*******

Lady Debonair and Nova watched all of this from the castle. Alcyone was still reeling from Zagato's attack.

"The people of Cephiro are fools to not acknowledge our existance," said Debonair.

"Only Hikaru knows about us... in her dreams," said Nova. She vowed to kill Hikaru's friends in the most painful way she could.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 13

Hikaru was feeling extremely depressed. In her latest battle with Nova, the girl who looked very much like her, Nova's Rune-god Regalia broke Hikaru's sword. Not to mention that Nova kept saying that Hikaru and her friends would die together. And Hikaru certainly didn't know what Nova meant when she kept saying that she was her. Hikaru gave a sad sigh as she contemplated these turn of events. Being kidnapped by Autozam's Eagle Vision was nothing compared to this. Eagle and his comrade Zazu were incredibly kind to her--kind for enemies,that is. But without her weapon, she couldn't call on Rayearth,and she couldn't help her friends fight anymore. Unless her sword could be revived,that is. She decided that she would ask Sierra to revive the sword for her. She made her way to Mage Clef's study. Sure enough, Sierra was there,along with Princess Emeraude, Ascot Caldina, the other 2 magic knights,and of course, Master Mage Clef.

"Why do you look so melancholy,missy?" asked Caldina, noticing Hikaru's facial expression.

"Is something wrong?" asked Sierra.

Hikaru nodded, and told what happened in the battle with Nova.

"My,my," said Caldina, when Hikaru was done.

Sierra couldn't believe it.

"But how can it be? The weapons were made from Escudo,the strongest material," said Sierra.

"It was my fault. I wasn't able to protect Hikaru as much as I could," said Umi.

"No,it was my fault," said Fuu.

Sierra shook her head.

"Neither of you are to blame. It's just that Escudo should not break so easily," she said.

"I'm so sorry. You gave up your life to make the weapon and this is what happened," said Hikaru.

"Come on now, stop with the melodrama,would ya?This sounds like a soap opera," said Caldina.

"Don't lose heart," said Princess Emeraude.

Hikaru felt a little better already.

"I have an idea!" said Caldina, cheerfully.

"What is it,Caldina?" asked Umi.

"Why don't we take baths in the hot spring?" suggested Caldina.

"Um...okay," said Hikaru.

Ascot gave Caldina a funny look. He was embarrassed that she would make such a suggestion in his presence. Caldina misinterpreted his expression.

"Okay, okay, you can come, too," said Caldina.

Ascot's face turned bright red.

"Caldina, you can be so clueless!" said Ascot. He could not believe that Caldina would think he would want to take a bath in the hot springs with a bunch of ladies. Caldina ignored Ascot's annoyance and led Hikaru,Fuu,Umi,Sierra and Princess Emeraude to a hot springs in the castle. All the girls undressed.

"Hey Hikaru,why don't you unbraid your hair? Here, I'll do it for you," offered Caldina. She got to work unbraiding Hikaru's long pinkish red tresses. It took a little while, but soon, Caldina was done.

"There. There's more like it," said Caldina.

Caldina and the other girls got into the hot springs.

"Ah, this feels so good," said Hikaru.

Umi told Hikaru how pretty her hair looked.

"You really think so?" asked Hikaru.

"Yes. But no one knows because you keep it braided all the time," said Fuu.

"Well,thanks," said Hikaru.

Caldina noticed the scar on Sierra's chest.

"That's an interesting birthmark, Presea," said Caldina.

What no one knew was that it was really Sierra,pretending to be Presea,and they never suspected anything. After all, the only way Presea and Sierra could be told apart was by Sierra's birthmark on her chest.

*******

High Priest Zagato entered Clef's study.

"Have you seen Emeraude?" he asked Clef.

Mage Clef thought of a way to tell the truth without embarrassing Zagato.

"I believe she went with the others to lift up Hikaru's spirits," replied Clef.

"I see," said Zagato.

Mage Clef nodded, and told Zagato what had happened.

"Well,I hope she will be all right," said Zagato.

"Same here. I do not want her and the 2 other magic knights to be in tears," said Mage Clef.

*******

Soon, Caldina and the others were done with their bath. They put their clothes back on. Sierra pulled Hikaru aside.

"Would you like to revive your sword at any cost?" she asked Hikaru.

Hikaru nodded.

"Even if it means sacrificing your life in the process," asked Sierra.

"Yes," said Hikaru,firmly.

"All right,then," said Sierra. She first went into Clef's study, and notified him about this.She also told him that she was pretending to be Presea because she wanted to spare the magic knights some heartache.

"Is that so? Well, before you go to revive Hikaru's sword,tell me who you really are," said Mage Clef.

"My name is Presea," said Sierra.

"Very well. I hope you and Hikaru come back safely," said Mage Clef. Sierra assured him that they would, and went with Hikaru to the creation room.

*******

"I am warning you that this will be quite dangerous, Hikaru. You will have to battle against your heart," warned Sierra.

"I'm still up for it. I want to fight alongside my friends. They are counting on me," said Hikaru.

Sierra had great admiration for the magic knights,particularly Hikaru. She was not afraid to do what she needed to do,even if it meant endangering her life.

"Okay,then.Are you ready?" asked Sierra.

Hikaru nodded. Sierra cast the necessary spell that would revive the sword. Hikaru's eyes went blank. It was time for the test of how strong her will power truly was.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 14

Hikaru's battle against her heart had been quite difficult so far. In order to get Hikaru to think of her alone, Hikaru's alter-ego Nova used illusions of Hikaru's 2 best friends to convince her that they did not believe in her as much as she believed in them. Nova event went as far as using illusions of Zagato, Lantis, and Princess Emeraude to convince Hikaru that she was not forgiven for what she had done. And until now, Hikaru was not sure why it hurt so much when Nova used Lantis as an illusion. She realized that she was in love with him. Hikaru was beginning to believe Nova's lies during this moment of weakness. She started to walk towards Nova. She heard a voice shouting at her to not go that way. Hikaru hesitated for a bit.

*******

Sierra decided to enter Hikaru's heart to remind her why she wanted to revive her sword in the first place.

"I hate everyone you love, Hikaru," said Nova.

"Nova...who are you?" asked Hikaru.

"I'm you,Hikaru," replied Nova.

Hikaru didn't know what Nova meant by that. For one thing, Hikaru was nothing like Nova. And she definitely didn't know what Nova was talking about when she said that she hated herself. She would have to figure that out once her sword was revived.

"Hikaru!"

There was that voice calling to her again. This time, she could make out who it was. It was Sierra, who had offered to revive her sword. At that moment, she saw a bright light.It was Sierra, in a cylinder shaped crystal.

"Hikaru, remember what you're fighting for," said Sierra.

Hikaru recalled the promise she made to her friends and the people of Cephiro. She rememberd her vow to fight without regrets from now on. Once Hikaru remembered her promises, a red coloured aura surrounded her. She walked towards the light.

"No!" cried Nova.

The process of reviving Hikaru's sword was complete.

*******

In the creation room, Hikaru opened her eyes.

"You have made it through this task,and you have survived it," said Sierra, smiling.

Hikaru noticed that Lantis was holding her up.

"Lantis," said Hikaru.

"Hikaru," said Lantis, softly.

"Lantis....I'm sorry. I- I love you," Hikaru told Lantis. She passed out.

Lantis was shocked at this confession. So were Zagato and Princess Emeraude. They did not even suspect that Hikaru had feelings for Lantis, although she had a high opinion of him . Lantis was not sure whether he would return Hikaru's feelings or not just yet. But he felt that the least he could do was continue to give her his protection when she needed it.

"Younger brother, what will you do about this magic knight's confession?" asked Zagato.

"At this point,I do not know," replied Lantis. He picked Hikaru up and took her to her room.

"Lantis," said Zagato, softly.

Sierra decided to go to her room and get some rest as well.

"Hikaru has such a kindly heart,doesn't she?" Princess Emeraude asked Zagato.

"That she does," agreed Zagato.