Reconciliation

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 15

A little bit later, Hikaru woke up and sat up. The last place she remembered being was the creation room. She had told Lantis........

'Was Lantis the one who brought me in here?' she wondered.After her shocking confession, she wasn't expecting him to. She felt that it would be foolish of her to expect Lantis to love her back, especially after what she did. Perhaps it would have been better if she had just held her tongue. But still, she couldn't help herself, or her feelings. She just hoped that either him or Zagato wouldn't hate her..especially Zagato. She had managed to find a friend in him, and she didn't want their friendship to be destroyed. She decided to just ask him how he felt about this when the time was right.

Just then, she had a vision where she was transported into her Rune-god Rayearth's lair. Rayearth appeared before her.

"Legendary magic knight....thou hast overcome thine obstacle and revived the sword," said Rayearth.

Hikaru apologized for keeping him waiting.

"Whenever thou need my help, call my name," said Rayearth.

Everything faded away. Hikaru decided to go and check on Sierra. She made her way to Sierra's room.

*******

Sierra was lying in bed,resting. Hikaru sat on a stool in front of her bed. She watched Sierra rest with a sad expression on her face.

"Please don't look at me with those eyes. If you keep looking at me like that, you'll make me want to start crying, too," said Sierra.

"Presea....I'm so glad you got through this alive," said Hikaru,tearfully.

"Oh Hikaru," said Sierra.

Hikaru asked Sierra if it was Lantis who took her to her bedroom.

"You mean you don't remember?" asked Sierra.

Hikaru shook her head. Sierra hugged her. "Well, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I will always be there for you," said Sierra.

"Thanks,Presea," said Hikaru,leaving the room.

*******

Meanwhile, Lantis was at residential headquarters, sitting on a bench. He was admiring the flowers that still bloomed, despite the crumbling of Cephiro. Hikaru walked in. Lantis looked back,and saw her.

"Shouldn't you be resting?" he asked. It was just like Lantis to be concerned about those he was loyal to. Hikaru was very happy about this type of concern...it meant that Lantis didn't hate her.

"Yes," replied Hikaru.

"Would you like to have a seat?" asked Lantis.

"Sure," said Hikaru. She sat on the bench. She scooted a bit closer to Lantis. Two very beautiful birds perched on Lantis' shoulder. Hikaru commented on how beautiful they were.

"You like birds, Hikaru?" asked Lantis.

"Yes," answered Hikaru.

Lantis allowed one of the birds to perch on Hikaru's shoulder. Hikaru laughed a bit.

"Tell me, magic knight, what is it that you're fighting for?" asked Lantis.

Hikaru told him that she was fighting for herself.

"I see," said Lantis. He took off the amulet he was wearing,and gave it to Hikaru.

"This is something my mother once entrusted to me," he said.

"I can't accept something so important to you," said Hikaru.But the look on Lantis' face said that he really wanted her to have the pendant. He clasped her hands around it.

"I am sure that there will be a time when you need its protection," said Lantis. Hikaru thanked him, and put it on.

*******

Meanwhile,Mage Clef had just woke up. He had passed out after helping Ascot, Ferio, Fuu amd Umi escape enemy territory. He sensed the Autozam battleship outside. He let the magic knights know about this. The magic knights came.

"Fight now for what thou believe in," Rayearth reminded Hikaru.

Zagato sensed the presence of Autozam's fleet as well.

'They are so persistent,' he thought.

Hikaru,Fuu and Umi called upon their Rune-gods amd prepared for battle. It would be an all out attack on the castle this time.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 16

*******

After a brief battle against the magic knights, Eagle managed to infiltrate the castle. He was going to finally have his chance to seize the pillar system. Thanks to the crown's power in the crown room, Lady Debonair and her monsters were banished from the castle for the moment. Lady Debonair was very angry about this.

"Blast you, Princess Emeraude! You protect Cephiro even though you're no longer the pillar!" she spat.

*******

While Hikaru was sleeping, she had a dream about the past Cephiro. In the dream, Lantis was up in a tree, relaxing, and Zagato came to ask him about his opinion of the pillar system. Lantis said that a word that was truly beautiful would still be in a beautiful state even without a pillar. Soon, the dream faded away,and Hikaru opened her eyes and sat up, panting. She saw her 2 best friends watching over her.

"What happened, Miss Hikaru?" asked Fuu.

"Did you have another weird dream?" asked Umi. Hikaru nodded, and told them all about it.

"I see," said Fuu.

Hikaru thought some more about the dream. She never dreamt that Zagato and Princess Emeraude would be back from the dead, but she was forever grateful for that. Suddenly, she remembered something.

"Where is Eagle? Are his battleships still outside?" she asked.

"Yes, they're still outside the castle," replied Umi.

"Is the battle still going on?" pressed Hikaru.

Umi shook her head.

"It seems that Geo ceased fire because Eagle is inside the castle," she replied.

Hikaru gasped at this. She knew what Eagle was up to, and that it would be easier for him to succeed, now that he was actually inside the castle. However, she had to admit that every time she thought she had Eagle figured out, he surprised her. He was quite friendly for an enemy. She would've definitely like to become friends with him. She hoped that it would happen one day.Umi put a hand on Hikaru's shoulder.

"Whatever Eagle does, we will face it together," she said.

"That's right," said Fuu.

*******

Meanwhile, Zagato and Princess Emeraude were talking about the recent turn of events.

"The pillar's crown still possessed your essence although you are now an ordinary human," said Zagato.

"Yes. It was my final thought when I beseeched the magic knights to kill me," said Emeraude.Although her heart was partially consumed with hatred and vengence because of losing Zagato, she still had thoughts of Cephiro.

Zagato held Princess Emeraude's face. He was truly glad to have a chance to make amends for his evil deeds, and to have his princess by his side. Emeraude was glad that her and Zagato's love would be allowed to bloom this time. She pressed Zagato's hand against her face and gazed into his sparkling purple eyes.

*******


The magic knights gathered at residential quarters. One of the little boys there took a peek up Umi's skirt. She scolded him for that.

"Aren't you too young to be such a pervert?!" she asked, thoroughly annoyed.

"Does that mean I can do it when I'm older?" asked the little boy.


"Yes, but don't think you won't get a slap for it!" said Umi.

Fuu chuckled at this.

"Hi, Hikaru! Remember me?" asked Mira.

"Hey Mira," greeted Hikaru.

*******

In Debonair's castle, Nova was complaining to Lady Debonair.

"Hikaru keeps pushing me out of her heart. She loves those other people more than me. It seems that she's more in love with Lantis than she was before," said Nova.

"How about claiming the object of your desire?" asked the sinister woman.

"That would be great, Mother!" said Nova, happily.

"Then go for it," urged Lady Debonair, "teach those people the meaning of fear once again."

Nova disappeared in a hole of dark energy.

*******

The magic knights were talking about how beautiful the flowers were. At that moment, they sensed evil. Umi gasped.

"What is that?" she asked.

Nova came out of the black hole.

"Nova," gasped Hikaru.

"I know you love Lantis more than before. I'm going to kill him," said Nova, chuckling evilly. She teleported away.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 17

*******

The children were frightened by Nova. They started to whimper. The ball of dark energy appeared again, and a particularly hideous red coloured monster appeared. Could it be that the kids' fear was behind these monsters?

"Hikaru? Do you know where Nova went?" asked Umi.

Hikaru did not know. She hoped that Nova hadn't gotten to Lantis yet. Lucky for her, she didn't. Nova was standing behind the ball of dark energy. Hikaru gasped.

"Lantis WILL be mine, Hikaru," said Nova. She teleported into the castle.

Hikaru was worried, for she knew where Nova was headed.

"Miss Hikaru, you go after Nova. We'll take care of the monsters," said Fuu.

Hikaru left, and nodded.

*******

In his study, Clef grabbed his head in pain.

"What is it, Clef?" asked Sierra.

Clef told her that he sensed a presence that felt like Hikaru's. Zagato sensed it, too.

'That's odd. It feels like Hikaru's presence, but there is something different about it. What does this mean?' he thought.

*******

Meanwhile, Nova had managed to penetrate the barrier that protected the bedroom Eagle and Lantis were in. Lantis spun around sharply. It was HER again... the one who said that she would kill Hikaru.

"How is it that you were able to penetrate the barrier?" asked Lantis.

Nova smirked evilly.

"It's because I am Hikaru. So if she's allowed to pass through, I'm also allowed," she said.

Lantis gasped. Nova smirked again, and destroyed the barrier with one blast. Eagle was amazed by such power.

"Is she really Hikaru?" he asked Lantis.

"She's not," answered Lantis.

"So you're the one Hikaru fell in love with," said Nova, "prepare to die!" She attacked with Ruby Lightning. Lantis blocked it with his sword. Nova gritted her teeth.

"Are you all right?" asked Lantis.

"Yes, I am," replied Eagle. He wondered what Lantis was doing, worrying about an enemy. Nova attacked again, but once again, Lantis blocked it.

"Die!" screamed Nova.She attacked with Flame Arrow this time. The attack penetrated Lantis' protective barrier, and wounded him in the shoulder. Lantis clutched at his shoulder.

"Lantis!" cried Eagle. He emitted some strings from his hand, binding Nova. Nova growled at this. She mamaged to break free after awhile. She attacked again with Flame Arrow, but it had no effect on Lantis this time. Nova spun around, and saw Hikaru standing in the doorway.

"Well, well, Hikaru...you came just in time to witness Lantis' death," said Nova.

"You'll do no such thing, Nova!" said Hikaru.

"I'd like to see you stop me," said Nova.

*******

The 2 other magic knights had a hard time battling the monsters. So much so that Ferio, Lafarga and Zagato had to help them.

"Is it me, or are these monsters much stronger?" asked Ferio.

"It's definitely not you," said Caldina.

"Why are these monsters so strong?" wondered Ferio.

"The fear in these children is possibly the source of the monsters' strength," said Zagato.

Umi decided to put Zagato's theory to the test. She told the kids to stop crying.

"Huh?" asked Mira.

Fuu explained that the monsters were a part of everybody's heart and that the slightest amount of fear would increase the monsters' strength.

"That's right. So you must not cry no matter what, kids. You must not be afraid," said Umi.

"I believe in you," said Mira.

The other children said that they believed in them, too. Umi and Fuu fought the monsters again, and this time, the monsters were easily weakened.

******

The battle with Nova was still going on. It seemed that Hikaru could not scratch her. Her yellow coloured sword seemed to be stronger than Hikaru's sword. In order to make Hikaru angry, Nova leapt toward Lantis. She leaned forward and puckered her lips as if she were going to kiss him. Lantis caught on to what she was doing, and pushed her back with his sword. This angered Nova very much. She attacked with another Flame Arrow attack.This time, Hikaru took the brunt of the blow. She collapsed from the pain. Nova was surprised at this.

"You really love that guy that much? You were the one who killed his brother, you know. You should realize that he won't love you back. Why are you wasting your time?" she asked.

Lady Debonair appeared, and told her to retreat, and that she would have another chance.

"I'll be back. You WILL be mine, Lantis!" said Nova, disappearing.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 18

*******

The sky was shrouded in darkness even more than before. There was also a flash of lightning. This type of weather indicated that the destruction of Cephiro was nearing its final stages. Mage Clef was in his bed sleeping when he heard loud explosions. He could also hear footsteps running in the hallway. He knew who was making the explosions, and who the footsteps belonged to. It was Autozam's commander, Eagle. It meant that he was free. The explosions frightened Princess Emeraude a bit.

"What is happening?" she asked.

"Eagle Vision," replied Zagato, "it appears that he had some hidden weapons elsewhere."

"I see," said Princess Emeraude. She really hoped that a new pillar would be born soon so that peace would be restored to Cephiro.

*******

Alcyone was resting in bed. The spell that Lady Debonair had placed on her was broken. However, the ordeal was too much for her. Lantis came in to check on her.Alcyone woke up,and sat up. She glanced at Lantis, and saw a resemblance to High Priest Zagato. She felt a little bit of pain. Lantis sat on her bed, and held her up. She flinched a bit.

"Does it hurt?" Lantis asked her.

Alcyone didn't know how to reply to this. He seemed so different from Zagato. He seemed almost kind to her. Zagato wouldn't give a rats behind about her. She wanted to know who this man was.

"Who are you?" asked Alcyone.

"I am Zagato's younger brother," replied Lantis.

"Younger brother?" repeated Alcyone. She couldn't believe it. He seemed so much kinder than Zagato was to her...she never would have guessed that they were related,except for similarities in both voice and appearance.

"It appears that Lady Debonair's spell has been broken," said Lantis.

"Lady Debonair's spell?" asked Alcyone.

"You can hear my voice, can you not?" asked Lantis.

Lantis then asked Alcyone to tell him where Lady Debonair was, for although he could sense her presence, he could not see her. Alcyone was about to tell him, but she felt a sharp pain that hit her every time she talked about Debonair's whereabouts.

"It appears that everything regarding Debonair is locked away," said Lantis.

Just then, the door was destroyed by an explosion. Lantis looked up to see who it was. It was none other than Eagle Vision.

"Eagle," said Lantis.

"I hope I'm not intruding," said Eagle.

Lantis ignored the comment.

"I see that you have hidden weapons," he said.

"They may not look like much, but they always get the job done," said Eagle. A tiny grenade appeared dropped out of his gadget. Eagle left the room, and created another explosion with his small grenades. Lantis shielded Alcyone from the explosion.

"What is it with these explosions?" asked Umi.She and the other girls were trying to find Eagle Vision.

"At this rate, we'll never find Eagle," said Umi.

Fuu suggested that the three of them split up.

"Good idea," said Hikaru.

She went to search for Eagle.

*******

Meanwhile, Lantis had went after Eagle to try and stop him from seizing the proof of the pillar.

"You still wish to stop me, eh? Well, suit yourself. I need your assistance anyways," said Eagle. Lantis prepared to fight. Hikaru arrived at the scene.

Lantis drew his sword, and lunged at Eagle. Eagle blocked Lantis' sword with his own.

"I must commend you on your determination, Lantis...you remind me of myself. However, if you do not fight me 100 percent seriously, you will be the one who ends up dead," said Eagle.

Lantis attacked with Lightningball Come Forth. Eagle blocked the attack, and shot a piece of string. It wrapped around Lantis' sword, and Eagle tightly pulled the string in order to hold the sword in place. His gadget began to emit a glow, which indicated that the crown room was nearby. Mage Clef's ring began to glow. Zagato's armor began to glow as well.

"What is this?" he asked, "could it be that the crown room has been opened?"

Princess Emeraude became worried when she saw this. She knew that if the proof of the pillar fell into the wrong hands, the results would be quite tragic.

********

Eagle was proud that he managed to succeed in opening the crown room.

'The proof of the pillar will belong to me,' thought Eagle. He made a beeline for the crown room. Lantis called after him to not do it.

"It's too dangerous. If you're not worthy, you won't come out alive," he warned.

Eagle turned around for a brief moment.

"That's why I'm allowing myself to be tested. To see if I am worthy," he said. He continued running toward the crown room.

"Stop it! Eagle, don't do it!" called Hikaru, running after Eagle. They both entered the crown room. A flashback of the pillar's memory began. In the flashback, Princess Emeraude was crowned as the pillar.

At the court, Mage Clef told her that she would need protection.

"You should be worrying about the people of Cephiro, instead of my protection," said Princess Emeraude.

"But by proecting you, the people of Cephiro are being protected," countered Mage Clef. He introduced her to Lantis, who would serve as the captain of the guard and magical swordsman, and High Priest Zagato, who was assigned to aid the princess in her prayer for peace.

"Please, just call me Zagato if you prefer," said Zagato, bowing respectfully.

Sometime after that, Zagato told Princess Emeraude that Lantis had disappeared from Cephiro, and that it seemed that he left Cephiro altogether, for he could not sense his presence anywhere.

"Shall I search for him?" asked Zagato.

Princess Emeraude shook her head.

"Knowing Lantis, he must have had a good reason for leaving. Let him follow his own path," she said.

"As you wish, princess," said Zagato.

Over a period of time, Princess Emeraude's feelings for Zagato grew stronger. She forgot her duties as the pillar.Feeling guilty about this, she told Mage Clef of her decision to fulfill the legend, and summon the magic knights.

"You must not! If you do it-," said Mage Clef.

She told him why she was doing it, and that her sins would never be forgiven.

"You are a human being. If you wish for your own happiness, no one would call you selfish," pointed out Mage Clef.

"But I cannot forgive myself. I beseech thee, please guide the magic knights," said Princess Emeraude, performing the summoning spell. The flashback ended with the magic knights granting Emeraude's wish.

*******

Both Hikaru and Eagle made it out of the crown room alive. Lantis was astonished by this. Could it be?

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 19

*******

Lantis entered Mage Clef's room to let him know what happened.

"Lantis....you've come to talk about the crown, have you not?" asked Mage Clef.

Lantis told him that Hikaru and Egale both entered the crown room, and made it out safely. Mage Clef was shocked when he heard that. He knew that only one person was worthy of becoming the pillar, so if Hikaru and Eagle both made it out of the crown room, that was EXTREMELY unusual. Did it mean that both
Hikaru and Eagle were worthy? Still, only one person could be pillar.

"What do you think this means?" asked Mage Clef.

"I believe it means either of them are worthy. But there can only be one pillar, so only time will tell which one would be chosen," said Lantis.

"I suppose you're right," said Mage Clef.

Lantis left the room, and went to find Zagato and Princess Emeraude to tell them about the shocking turn of events.

*******

Meanwhile, Primera was looking for Lantis.

"Lantis! Where are you?! " she called. She wondered if he could be with Hikaru. Just thinking about that possibility made her blood boil, although he was NOT with Hikaru. She couldn't understand what Lantis saw in Hikaru. For one thing, Hikaru was only a kid. Mokona hopped toward her and knocked her out of the air.

"What did you do that for?!" asked the blue haired fairy, annoyed.

Mokona started doing different gestures, as if he was telling her something. Primera was puzzled as to what the gestures meant.

"Is that an impersonation of Hikaru?" asked Primera, "so are you trying to say that Hikaru is a good kid?"

Mokona nodded.

"Hmph! I'll only believe it when I see it! She's trying to get between Lantis and me, and I'm not gonna tolerate it!" ranted Primera.

"Pu, pu, pu," said Mokona.

"What is it now?" asked Primera. She sat on top of Mokona's head, and looked outside.

"What IS that?" asked Primera.

Chizeta's mobile fortress was outside.

*******

"So you're saying that either Hikaru or Eagle could become the next pillar? But how is that possible?" asked Princess Emeraude, incredulously.Her confusion about this was understandable, for this had never happened before.

"I am not sure," replied Lantis. The possibility that Hikaru could be the pillar made Lantis even more determined to do everything in his power to destroy the pillar system. He knew that Hikaru was in love with him, and he did not want history to repeat itself. He told Zagato and Princess Emeraude of this decision.

"I wish you success," said Zagato. He did not want Hikaru to be forced to hide her feelings if she became the pillar. And he certainly did not want her to suffer the fate of being laid to rest.

"I hope you can find a way to demolish the pillar system without Cephiro crumbling," said Princess Emeraude.

"I will, if it's the last thing I do," vowed Lantis.

*******

Umi went outside to fight against the princesses of Chizeta, Tarta and Tatra. She had made the decision to keep fighting against them after she had heard their motives for invading Cephiro. Two Jinn spirits appeared.

'I hope I don't have to fight against those spirit things,' thought Umi, shuddering.

"So we meet again, Umi," said one of the spirits.

Umi gasped.

"We princesses Tarta and Tatra hereby challenge you to a duel. Not a spirit versus Rune-god. We will each fight one sword match with you one on one. If you win, we will call of our invasion," said Tarta.

Umi accepted the duel, and Tarta lowered the fighting stage they would fight on. Umi and Tarta got on, and the duel began. At first, it was so evenly matched that neither of them landed a blow. But after a few attempts, Umi's will power climaxed, and she defeated Tarta. She went over to Tarta and held her up. "Are you all right?" she asked Tarta.

Tarta opened her eyes.

"Why are you so concerned about me?" she asked Umi.

"We're supposed to fight until one of us can't fight anymore," replied Umi.

Tatra, the older princess announced that it was her turn.

"Tatra is good......no one in Chizeta has ever defeated her," warned Tarta.

"Fight me!" said Tatra, taking off her robe and leaping onto the stage. She and Umi began to battle. Just as Tarta said, Tatra was excellent. In fact, she managed to make Umi fall of the stage. Tarta had one of her spirit guardians catch her. Tatra was shocked at this.

"Tarta," she said.

Umi attacked again, and this time, she was able to overpower Tatra.

"Tatra!" screamed Tarta.

Umi went over to Tatra, and held her up.

"Can you hear me, Tatra? Are you all right?" she asked.

Tatra chuckled, and assured Umi that she was fine. Tarta came over to check on her elder sister.

"Are you all right, Tatra?" she asked.

Tatra nodded. Tarta apologized for saving Umi.

"It's all right. I think she still would have beaten me even if she didn't need to be rescued," assured Tatra.She then asked Tarta if she was satisfied. Tarta nodded.

"We lost the duel. As we promised, we will call off our invasion," said Tatra.

"Honestly?" asked Umi.

Tatra nodded. Umi walked up to Tarta, and took her hands.

"Does that mean we don't have to fight anymore?" asked Umi.

"I reckon so," answered Tarta.

"In that case, maybe we could all be friends," suggested Umi.

Tarta agreed to do so, but only if the blue haired magic knight did something about her arrogance. Umi took offense to that.

"What do you mean by that?!" she asked, angrily.

"You know what I mean!" Tarta retorted. She and Umi began to bicker. Tatra chuckled at this.

"I'm sure you 2 will be the best of friends," she said.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 20

*******

In the crown room, the proof of the pillar continued to change its shape. Lantis was in Mage Clef's room, discussing the pillar system. Lantis did not think that it was a good system to have, placing all of the responsibilities on the shoulders of the pillar.

"Agreed," said Mage Clef. He recalled the days when Cephiro was peaceful. There were no natural disasters and no violence. And Princess Emeraude had denied her freedom at the people's expense. She had wished for her own destruction.

"Tell me, Lantis....why did you leave Cephiro? And why did you return at this time?" asked Mage Clef.

Lantis told Mage Clef of his plan to destroy the pillar system. Although Princess Emeraude and Zagato had been given a second chance to live, and Emeraude's heart was free this time around, he did not want the next pillar to go through the same thing they did. He did not believe that tragedy should ever be allowed to repeat itself.

"I am sure that you have noticed that Hikaru has had a difficult time forgiving herself for what happened as well," said Mage Clef.

Lantis nodded. It pained him that she was so hard on herself, especially after she was forgiven. This gave him another reason to destroy the pillar system.

"I do not want to see tear stained faces of the magic knights ever again," said Mage Clef.

*******

Eagle was thinking about what he would do if he was the chosen pillar. He thought a lot about Nova telling him that Hikaru didn't hate him, although he was an enemy. He was beginning to wonder if attacking Cephiro was worth it. Yet he still wanted to save Autozam. Suddenly, he came up with an idea for a compromise. If it turned out that he was the next pillar, he would stay in Cephiro to prevent it from crumbling. In return, he wanted Hikaru to allow the people of Autozam to enter, so that they could examine the pillar system. He would tell Hikaru about this time when the time was right. He just hoped that he would be able to hide his respiratory ailment from Lantis.

********

Meanwhile, Umi had returned from her duel with the princesses of Chizeta.

"Look, Fuu, Umi has returned," said Ferio.

Fuu greeted Umi. "You weren't injured at all, were you?" she asked.

"Not a scratch on me," said Umi. She introduced Ferio and Fuu to the princesses of Chizeta.

"Pleased to meet you," said Tatra, warmly. She introduced herself.

"I'm Tarta," said the younger princess, turning her back to Tatra.

"Don't mind her. She means nothing by it," Umi told Fuu.

"She's a very shy person," added Tatra.

"I see," said Fuu.

In order to get Tarta to look happier, Tatra stretched her cheeks as widely as she could.

"Stop! You're hurting me!" wailed Tarta.

"I'm sorry," said Tatra, letting go of her sister's cheeks.

Just then, a red dragon shaped battleship appeared outside.

"It's Fahren's battleship," said Fuu.

A little girl's voice said that she came in peace. Fuu recognized the voice. It was Aska of Fahren. Aska and Sang Yung came out of the battleship and entered the castle. At first, Lady Aska was not sure how to say what she wanted to say. Sang Yung gave her a look that said, "Just say it."

Aska nodded, and announced that Fahren would stop its invasion, because she loved her people too much to abandon her love in order to think only of Cephiro.

"That's wonderful!" exclaimed the sandy haired magic knight.

"I also wanted to keep the promise that we made," said Aska.

"Promise?" asked Fuu.

"Yeah. You said that if we met under different circumstances, we would have tea," Aska reminded her.

"I thought you would have forgotten about that," said Fuu.

"Of course I didn't," said the princess, looking a bit hurt. She worried that Fuu would see her as a bother. She asked Fuu if she saw her that way.

"Not at all," said Fuu, kindly.

"Would it be all right if I called you Fuu?" asked Lady Aska.

"Of course," answered Fuu.

"Yay!" shouted Aska, throwing her arms around Fuu.

*******

Hikaru was thinking about the turn of events that occurred in the crown room. She was surprised that it turned out that she was one of the possible pillar candidates. And she was especially surprised that 2 people had the hearts of a pillar. Suddenly, her expression into a sinister one. A hand reached out of the mirror and grabbed her. It was Nova again. She gasped in horror.

"If it is you who is the pillar, what will you do, Hikaru?" asked Nova, mockingly.

In all actuality, that was a good question. Hikaru really didn't want to abandon her love for Lantis. She hoped that there would be a way around that, even if she was the pilar.

"I HATE Lantis! All he wants to do is stop me from playing with you," said Nova, impetuously. She called on two monsters to "play" with Hikaru. Two incredibly hideous monsters appeared. Nova disappeared from the room, and went looking for Lantis.

'Oh no! I must warn Zagato about this. I hope that after I'm done fighting these monsters, I won't be too late,' thought Hikaru, leaping off the bed and preparing to fight the monsters.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 21

Hikaru was still struggling to battle Nova's monsters. At that moment, she knew that it was too late. Nova had managed to mortally wound Lantis. She had seen a tremendous amount of blood. Not only that, but Nova also kidnapped Lantis. Hikaru let Zagato know about this as soon as possible. But that would have to wait until she was done fighting the monsters. She fought the monsters more, and managed to stun them for a bit. She sensed Clef calling her.

"Clef! It's Lantis! Something's happened to him," said Hikaru.

Mage Clef told her that he had been following Lantis' consciousness, but couldn't find him anywhere.

"He's been hurt! Blood was everywhere. Nova was behind it," said Hikaru, frantically.

"Try to calm down, Hikaru. If you don't stay in control, Nova will grow even stronger," said the ancient sorcerer.

Hikaru was shocked by that. She did her best to pull herself together, but it was quite difficult. Mage Clef told her the truth about Nova. It turned out that Nova was a part of Hikaru's heart. Hikaru thought it was incredulous. She couldn't recall thinking those things Nova thought.

"It can't be true," said Hikaru, in shock.

"It is true," said Mage Clef. He told her that all the emotions she felt during the battle with Princess Emeraude were burned onto Cephiro.

"And that's Nova?" asked Hikaru.

"Yes," said Mage Clef.

Hikaru was beginning to understand now. After the battle with Princess Emeraude, she had wanted to scream that it couldn't be true, but if she did, her heart would have been ripped out.

"I understand now. So the one who hurt Lantis had to be me," she said. She didn't want to believe that, but it was true. And she was worried about what Zagato would think when he found out. She hoped that he would be able to forgive her. She held in her feelings and gathered her strength for one final attack. She heard a low growl. The monster's wounds had healed, and it was preparing for an attack. Hikaru slashed the monster with her sword, and it was defeated. She went to find Zagato.

*******

The effects of Hikaru's attack produced pain in Nova's chest. Lady Debonair noticed Nova's expression, and asked her what was wrong.

"It's my heart, Mother.....it hurts," complained Nova.

"It's probably that magic knight's heart flooding into you," said Debonair. She noticed the strength of Lantis' heart. She thought she could use it to her advantage.

*******

Hikaru entered the room Zagato was in. Zagato turned around. He noticed that her right sleeve was torn, and her arm was bleeding.

"Hikaru...you were wounded," he said.

"I have come to apologize. It's Lantis.......because of me, he was hurt badly, and because of me, he was captured," said Hikaru.

Zagato was confused. He knew that he had sensed an aura which had belonged to Hikaru, but there was something different about it.

"How so?" asked Zagato.

Hikaru told him about Nova.

"I see," said Zagato.

"You are Lantis' brother...so I had to apologize to you. I never meant for this to happen," said Hikaru, tearfully.

"Yes, I know," said Zagato, gently. He did his best to comfort Hikaru. Hikaru couldn't hold back the tears any longer. She buried her head into his chest and wept.

It hurt Zagato to see Hikaru like this. He was used to seeing her cheerful.

********


Sierra and Mage Clef entered Alcyone's room.

"Master Mage Clef....Presea," said Alcyone.

Just then, the residential quarters began to crumble. It was the crumbling of Cephiro 's final stage. Caldina nearly got hit with the tiny rocks, but Lafarga shielded her. Ascot decided to check on Umi.

"Ascot, where are you going?" asked Caldina.

"To see if Umi's all right," replied Ascot.

"I hate to have to tell you this, but--" began Caldina. She was about to tell him that Umi was in love with Mage Clef. But Ascot interrupted her.

"It's all right. Even if Umi doesn't love me, I can be happy knowing that I love her," he said.

A rock was about to drop on Primera. She called for Lantis to save her. Mokona shielded her from the rock.

"Are you protecting me?" asked Primera, amazed.

"Pu pu," answered Mokona.

"It must be because you think I'm so cute," said Primera, giggling.

*******

Princess Emeraude got done with her bath, and went looking for Zagato.

*******

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 22

*******

Princess Emeraude was surprised to see Hikaru in the room. Zagato filled her in on all the details.

"Poor thing," said Princess Emeraude, sympathetically.

Zagato wiped Hikaru's tears away.

"Tears are unbecoming of you, Hikaru. Lantis would want to see a smile on your face," he said.

"Lantis must despise me now...for doing what I did to you. It's foolish to expect him to love me..but I love him. I don't know why,but I do," said Hikaru, sniffling.

Princess Emeraude told her that it was only normal to feel that way.

"Huh?" said Hikaru.

"I have felt the same way you are feeling right now," said Princess Emeraude.

Hikaru remembered. Princess Emeraude had loved Zagato even when she was the pillar, and although her love was not allowed, she couldn't control her feelings, no matter how hard she tried.

"That's right. It's normal to have feelings you cannot control.And if it is decided that you will be the next pillar, I hope your heart will be free," said Zagato. He did not want her to go through the same things Princess Emeraude went through as the pillar. Hikaru did not know if she would have a free heart or not, but she certainly hoped so.

*******

Meanwhile, Mage Clef and Sierra were trying to find out Lady Debonair's whereabouts.

"Zagato's younger brother was captured by one of her people," said Mage Clef.

"Lord Zagato's younger brother?" repeated Alcyone.

Mage Clef nodded.

"The crumbling of Cephiro has reached its final stages," he said.

Alcyone didn't care what happened to Cephiro. She didn't understand why she didn't die the same time the magic knights killed Zagato, back when they were first summoned. And although Zagato had returned to this life, she still felt she had no reason to live. Zagato loved Princess Emeraude, so it meant that everything she did to prove her loyalty to him was done in vain. Alcyone felt it was all a waste.

"Poor Alcyone," said Mage Clef. Despite the fact that Alcyone betrayed him, he still felt sorry for her.

*******

Lady Debonair smirked evilly. She already had her next plan set in motion.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 23

Eagle decided that he was ready to talk to Mage Clef about what he had planned to do if he was chosen to be the new pillar. He went to find Mage Clef. Hikaru was feeling better emotionally, thanks to Zagato and Princess Emeraude. She was especially relieved that her love for Lantis didn't change Zagato's opinion of her. It was something that she'd been worried about for quite some time. But she was still worried about Lantis. She just HAD to get him back. She decided not to worry about whether he would love her back or not. She decided to face what would happen. She went to see Mage Clef. She wanted to know all about the laws of Cephiro, and what she could and could not do as the pillar-that is,IF it was official that she would become the pillar.

*******

When Hikaru entered Clef's study, she saw that Eagle was standing there. She was shocked to see him in Clef's study, of all places.

"Eagle? What are you doing here?" asked Hikaru.

Mage Clef told her what he and Eagle had been talking about.

"I see. So that means we won't have to fight anymore?" asked Hikaru.

Eagle nodded. Hikaru was relieved about this.

"So tell me, Hikaru, what will you do if you're the pillar?" asked Mage Clef.

'Hmmm,' thought Hikaru. She never really thought about that. All she wanted to do was restore Cephiro to the peaceful country it once was.

*******

Meanwhile, Umi and Fuu were running to Clef's study.

"We have to warn him about the crumbling of Cephiro," said Umi. She and Fuu ran into Clef's study. They saw Eagle standing with Hikaru.

"Why is Eagle here?" wondered Umi.


*******

In the residential area, the tremors were getting worse by the second. The children were frightened by this. A rock was falling and was about to hit Primera. Mokona shielded her from the falling rocks. Primera thanked him.

*******

Sierra was still trying to get information on Lady Debonair's whereabouts out of Alcyone. Alcyone didn't answer her.

"My life is nothing but a lie," said Alcyone, despairingly.

"Alcyone," said Sierra.

*******

Eagle was putting on his goggles. He knew Geo would be upset with him for not contacting him and Zazu for so long. Hikaru walked up to him.

"Not to worry. I won't go back on my word," Eagle reassured her. With that, he got into the FTO and left the castle.

*******

"Blast that stupid balloon kid!" said Zazu. Thanks to giant Sang Yung, the NSX needed repairing. Zazu looked up, and saw the FTO.

"Geo, look! It's the FTO!" he said.

Geo looked outside.

"It's about time that idiot returned," he said.


*******

"So you're the next pillar?" asked Umi.

"It hasn't been decided yet. It's definitely going to be me or Eagle," answered Hikaru.

"The crown has begun to change its shape," said Fuu.

"We never told you how we felt about the pillar system. We didn't think we had a say in it," said Umi.

"But if you're a candidate to become the pillar, that means we are also responsible," said Fuu.

"I believe that the pillar should be willing to sacrifice. If the people are happy, it doesn't matter if the pillar is," said Umi.

Hikaru agreed with her. Umi gave her a hug.

"The last thing I would want is for you to become the pillar and become involved in a tragedy like Princess Emeraude's," she said.

"I am grateful to have her and Zagato among us again," said Fuu.

"Same here. No one deserves to go through what we went through when we were here," said Hikaru. She told Umi and Fuu that Clef said that if she became the pillar, it would be all right if she changed Cephiro into what she wanted to be. She knew exactly what she had in mind.

"I'm glad," said Fuu.

The magic knights heard their names being called.

"What's wrong, Rayearth?" asked Hikaru.

"Selece," said Umi.

"Windam, what is it?" asked Fuu.

"Look outside," said Rayearth.

The three girls looked outside. There was a black hole. Nova and her Rune-god Regalia appeared.

*******

Eagle was being chewed out by Geo for not contacting him and Zazu.

"I forgot the communicator," said Eagle, casually.

"Are you trying to piss me off or something?!" asked Geo, angrily.

"Not at all. I ought to know better than anyone else that making you angry isn't pretty," replied Eagle.

"Why, you.......," began Eagle.

"I made a pact with Cephiro," said Eagle.

Hikaru, Umi and Fuu were preparing for what they hoped would be their last battle with Nova. Hikaru had grown weary of fighting Nova.

"Everything you love, Hikaru, is something I hate!" Nova told her.
She attacked with Ruby Lightning.

Umi and Fuu attacked as well.

"What?" asked Nova, in shock.

"You guys have new spells," said Hikaru.

"Yup," said Umi.

"Hikaru, stop it! I'm doing this for you!" said Nova.

Hikaru was speechless when she heard that. She never recalled hinting that she wanted all of her loved ones to die. Something strange was going on here. But it was comforting to know the truth about Nova. Nova was the part of her heart that couldn't forgive herself for killing Princess Emeraude. Although the turn of events had miraculously been reversed, it still stung at first. But she was ready to forgive herself now. After all, Zagato, Princess Emeraude and Lantis had forgiven her.

"Enough fooling around!" said Nova. She ordered her Rune-god to attack with Lightningball Come Forth. Hikaru gasped at this.

"It's Lantis' spell," she said.

"That's right," said Nova.

"But how?" asked Hikaru, puzzled.

Nova told her to look inside Regalia. Hikaru did so, and couldn't believe what she saw. Lantis was inside, but he was unconscious.

'Oh no!' thought Hikaru.

In the NSX, Eagle was having another coughing fit.

"There's no way I will let you help the magic knights like this," said Geo, firmly.

"I'm sorry...but my word is my bond, and I want to die as a warrior," said Eagle, closing the hatch. He ordered that all the commands would be under Geo's control, and with that, he left.

"Idiot," muttered Geo, watching Eagle leave.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 24

********

Hikaru was going through a mixture of emotions at the moment. Sadness, pity, and relief. She was sad to see Eagle die at the hands of Lady Debonair. She was relieved that Lantis was all right, and she felt sorry for Nova when Lady Debonair turned on her. No one deserved to be used as cannon fodder. She waled toward Nova. Nova tried to attack Hikaru, but the attack had no effect on Hikaru whatsoever. She counterattacked, and continued to walk toward Nova. Nova stumbled. Hikaru walked up to Nova, and gently stroked her hair.

"I know the truth about you, Nova. You are a part of my heart," said Hikaru.

"I looked everywhere for you, but I couldn't find you. Mother Debonair found me, and said that she would stay with me forever, and that she would always love me as a daughter," said Nova.

Unfortunately, Lady Debonair was lying to her. Hikaru apologized for Nova being all alone. Hikaru pressed Nova's hand against her heart.

"Can you feel the heart beating in my chest? It tells me that I want to be with the people I love alive. I think I would like to love myself now, even the parts of me that have a hard time forgiving myself," said Hikaru, hugging Nova.

"What about me,Hikaru? Would you want to love me, too?" asked Nova.

Hikaru nodded, and told Nova to come back home. Nova nodded, and went back inside Hikaru's heart.


*******

In Alcyone's room, Sierra was drying her eyes. She decided to try to get Acyone to tell her where Lady Debonair was just one more time. And she would ask more earnestly, too.

"Alcyone, please tell me where Lady Debonair can be found. If Clef keeps supporting the castle in his condition, he'll die!" said Sierra.

Alcyone looked at Sierra, and frowned.

"It can't be. You're not Presea, are you?" she asked.

Sierra was startled. She didn't expect Alcyone to figure it out, for not even Mage Clef knew who she was.

"How did you..you read my mind, it seems," said Sierra.

"I recalled Presea telling me once that she had a sister," said Alcyone.

"You are correct. I am Presea's twin sister, Sierra," said Sierra.

Alcyone asked her why she was pretending to be Presea.

"I wanted to spare the magic knights the pain they felt when my sister passed away. Also, I wanted to help Mage Clef by leading him to believe that Princess Emeraude's wish she made as the pillar had come true," explained Sierra.

"I see...you are in love with Master Clef," said Alcyone.

The expression on Sierra's face showed that she was. Alcyone didn't want to admit it, but she envied Sierra's strong will and determination. She was willing to do anything for the man she loved, even if it was meaningless.

Just then, Hikaru, Fuu and Umi entered the room.

"Alcyone, please tell us where Lady Debonair is. We don't want anyone else to die like Eagle did," said Umi.

"And if you can't win?" asked Alcyone.

"We will win...for the sake of saving Cephiro, we'll make sure we win," replied Umi.

"Even if the odds are against you.. it is for the sake of the one you love," said Alcyone.

"Lady Debonair is......," began Alcyone. Just then some black smoke surrounded Alcyone, and began to engulf her. The three magic knights and Sierra gasped.

"It can't be! Is it because she was talking about Debonair?" asked Sierra.

"It's all right! You don't have to tell us," said Umi.

But Alcyone made up her mind to die. She went on to tell the magic knights that Lady Debonair was inside Cephiro's alternate realm. The smoke had almost completely swallowed her at this point. The magic knights were teary-eyed at such a sight.

"It's all right. This is the fate I have chosen for myself. There's no need to cry. My life is nothing but a waste," said Alcyone. With that,she was gone.

"Goodbye,Alcyone," said Umi, softly. The magic knights left the room, and prepared to go to Lady Debonair's castle.

'Be safe, girls,' thought Sierra. She left the room,and went to residential headquarters.

[nephlitesgirl]

Chapter 25

*******

The magic knights arrived at Lady Debonair's castle with very little trouble.

"So this is Lady Debonair's castle," said Umi.

"Hey, that's Regalia," said Hikaru, pointing to the black and red Rune-god. Suddenly,evil laughter was heard.

"It's Lady Debonair!" said Hikaru.

"Congratulations, magic knights, for making it this far. However, this will be your grave," said the ugly woman. She merged herself with Regalia.

"Let's do it,guys!" said Hikaru.

Fuu and Umi nodded.

"I hope we're not late to the party," said a little boy's voice.

Hikaru looked up, and saw the NSX.

"Geo, Zazu," she said.

"You foolish little bugs! You should have patiently awaited your eradicarion instead of pathetically fighting back! I will make your deaths slow and painful!" taunted Lady Debonair. She shot a blast of dark energy at the magic knights, Geo and Zazu. The magic knights dodged the attack.

"Shield on!" shouted Zazu. He used the battleship to create a shield. Debonair's attack easily penetrated the shield, and it hit Geo and Zazu.

"Geo, Zazu, no!" said Hikaru. She, Umi, and Fuu combined their powers and attacked with their Spiral Flash attack. The blast hit Lady Debonair, and she was furious!

"How dare you?!" she screamed. She attacked the magic knights again. The blast hit them,and they screamed in pain.

Fahren and Chizeta's battleships appeared.

"It's Miss Aska!" said Fuu, noticing Fahren's dragon-shaped battleship.

"Tarta! Tatra!" said Umi, noticing Chizeta's mobile fortress.

"Don't give up, magic knights! I believe in you!" said Aska.

"You're the ones who beat me fair and square! You'd better not lbe losing your touch!" said Tarta.

"I know you can do better than this!" said Tatra.

"Noisy little flies!" spat Lady Debonair. She emitted a huge explosion. The magic knights were amazed by such power.

"She's so powerful," said Umi.

"Why is she so strong?" asked Hikaru, weakly.

"It is because I was created by the people of Cephiro...the same people who entrusted everything to the pillar, and the vast amount of fear that came from losing that pillar was what created me," answered Lady Debonair.

*******

Everyone gasped when they heard that.

"It is true, When I was the pillar, and I forgot my duties, and started thinking such horrible thoughts, that's when Cephiro became unstable. And ever since my return, I have been worried about when a new pillar would be born. My anxiety strengthened this Lady Debonair," said Princess Emeraude.

"That's right. We have been worried about what would become of Cephiro, while there was no pillar," said Ferio.

"So, you're saying that Debonair is a part of everybody's heart?" asked Sierra.

"Exactly right!" said Caldina.

"Stop fearing! We must fight against our heart which fears," said Lafarga.

Mira stood up.

"He's right! We gotta believe in the magic knights, just like we did last time," she said.

The other kids agreed, and some of the people were still unsure of what was being said.

"You people are so irritating! Who does Cephiro belong to, anyway?" asked Primera.

"We must defend our country," said Princess Emeraude.

"That's right! It's the only home we have!" said Caldina.

Slowly, the people began to catch on. Their fear turned into faith.

"Keep fighting, magic knights! We'll fight with you!" shouted Mira.

'Magic knights......don't disappoint me,' thought Zagato.

*******

The magic knights felt the hearts of all the people. Their Rune-gods received a major power boost. The proof of the pillar disappeared from the crown room, and appeared in front of Hikaru.

"What?!" asked Lady Debonair, in disbelief.

Hikaru took the crown, and even more power filled her. She attacked Debonair with the sword. Lady Debonair could not believe it.

"The heart that believes? Curse you, people of Cephiro! Curse you, magic knights!" screamed Lady Debonair. After one last scream, Lady Debonair was destroyed, and the darkness was lifted.

' So Hikaru is the next pillar, after all,' thought Mage Clef.

"Hikaru......the proof of the pilkar," said Lantis.

Hikaru remembered that she promised Mage Clef that if she had the qualifications of the pillar, she would change Cephiro into what she wanted it to be. She raised her sword.

"I hereby rid Cephiro of the pillar system! And from this day forward, Cephiro's fate will be determined by the people who live here!" declared Hikaru.

*******

Shortly after, the magic knights were soaring in the sky. It was time for them to go back to tehir own world..but they would have a chance to say goodbye, first.

"Thy wish has been granted. Thy desire to return to Cephiro once again to fight for reasons within thine own hearts has been fulfilled," said Rayearth.

"So that means, we were summoned to Cephiro...," began Hikaru.

"By thyselves," said Rayearth.

Fuu realized that it was now time to return back to Tokyo.

"Umi...," said Mage Clef.

"Clef...I have to tell you something," said Umi. She confessed to the ancient sorcerer that she was in love with him.

"Thank you, Umi," said Mage Clef.

"Fuu..you came back, just as you promised," said Ferio.

"I won't forget...I promise you...I'll never forget about you," said Fuu, tearfully.

"Take care," said Ferio.

"Hikaru," said Lantis.

"Lantis..from now on, Cephiro will be a beautiful place...even more beautiful than when Princess Emeraude was the pillar," said Hikaru.

"Yes," agreed Lantis.

"Lantis...I love you," said Hikaru.

"And I love you," said Lantis. He reached for Hikaru's outstretched hand, and held it. With that, the magic knights were back in their own world.

*******

"It appears that you were right, Lantis. Cephiro can indeed be beautiful without a pillar," Zagato told Lantis, a bit later.Mentally, he kicked himself for risking the destruction of Cephiro in order for his and Princess Emeraude's love to bloom, in the days Princess Emeraude was the pillar.

"I never expected that Hikaru would rid Cephiro of the pillar system, but I am glad she did. I wouldn't want her to go through the same thing I went through as the pillar," said Princess Emeraude. If she had known that she was allowed to change Cephiro into what she wanted it to be,and rid it of the pillar system, she would have done that while she was the pillar. That way, Zagato and her love would be allowed to bloom, and she would not have wished for her own destruction.

"I wasn't surprised she did that. After all, there is more to her and those other magic knights that meets the eye," said Zagato. He found the magic knights' determination admirable.

Lantis left to give Zagato and Princess some time alone. Zagato llifted Princess Emeraude's chin to get her to look into his eyes.

"Now that this is all over with, there's something I'd like to ask you," he said.

"What is it?" asked thr princess.

Zagato asked her to be his bride. Princess Emeraude shed happy tears.

"Of course I will," she said.

[nephlitesgirl]

Epilogue

*******

Umi and Fuu were spending some time at Hikaru's house. They had never been there before, and they wanted to see what it was like.

"Wow, you have a lot of sports magazines," said Umi, eyeing Hikaru's bookshelf.

"I know. I read them when I'm not at the Kendo school with my brothers," said Hikaru. She asked Umi what she did when she was not at school or practicing for fencing tournaments.

"I love to bake," replied Umi. She told Hikaru and Fuu how much her parents loved her cakes and cookies.

"I bet they're really great. I'd like to try them sometime," said Hikaru.

"Sure. Just let me know," said Umi.

Fuu asked Umi if she ever thought about being a baker when she grew up.

"Oh, please. I'm not THAT good," replied Umi, with mock annoyance.

"I'm sure you are," said Fuu.

"Yeah, don't be so modest," agreed Hikaru.

"If you say so," said Umi. She thought Hikaru was a bit clueless when it came to her strengths and weaknesses. She always looked up to Hikaru for having the attitude of a true warrior. During the relatively brief moment of time she had known Hikaru, she realized that there was more to Hikaru that met the eye.

"Aren't you glad we didn't have any regrets after this battle in Cephiro, Hikaru?" asked Umi, deciding to change the subject.

"You bet I am," replied Hikaru.

"I am, too," said Fuu.

"I wonder what everyone is doing right now. I really miss them, especially Lantis," said Hikaru, wistfully. She was not expecting Lantis to ever love her, so when he confessed to her that he loved her as well, she was surprised.

"I know what you mean," said Umi.

"I hope that Princess Emeraude and Zagato are living happily," said Fuu.

*******

Princess Emeraude and Zagato were happy indeed. A wedding ball was being held for them at the castle.

"Princess Emeraude is so beautiful, isn't she?" Caldina asked Sierra.

"That she is," agreed Sierra. She nibbled on some Swiss cheese, and sipped some sparkling grape juice.

Caldina smiled at how happy Zagato looked, standing next to Princess Emeraude. This was the first time she saw him this happy. And he looked very handsome in his tuxedo.

Mage Clef cleared his throat. All the guest gave him their undivided attention.

"The groom has something he'd like to say to you all," said Mage Clef.

"I would like to take this opportunity to offer my gratitude to you all for attending this wedding ball," said Zagato. He was also glad that he had the opportunity to do this when he was not worthy of one.

The wedding guests cheered, and threw rice at him and Princess Emeraude. Zagato and Princess Emeraude chuckled at this.

"I'd like to propose a toast to Cephiro's high priest and the princess," said Caldina, in her loudest voice.

Everyone raised their goblets. Mage Clef reminded Ascot about the rings. Ascot nodded, and brought the rings on a tiny cushion. Zagato slipped the ring onto Princess Emeraude's finger, and Princess Emeraude slipped the ring onto Zagato's finger. Caldina started thinking about the magic knights.

"What's on your mind, Caldina?" asked Sierra.

"I wish those little missies were here to see this," replied Caldina.

"Same here. I'm sure we will see them again someday, though," said Sierra.

It was time for Zagato and Princess Emeraude to share a dance. They walked to the center of the ballroom floor.

"May I have the pleasure of having this dance?" asked Zagato.

"That you may," answered Princess Emeraude.

Beautiful music started playing, and Zagato and Princess Emeraude proceeded to waltz around the dance floor. Mokona got restless, amd proceeded to hop around. He knocked over Sierra's glass of grape juice by mistake. The juice spilt onto her dress.

"Mokona!" shouted Sierra. She wiped the mess off the table, and mopped her lap as best as she could....but there was still a huge purple stain on her dress.

Soon, the music stopped playing, and Princess Emeraude and Zagato stopped dancing. Zagato gave Princess Emeraude a rose, and they shared a long deep kiss.

*******

THE END

[Sailor Jupiter Love]

i love this, i need more time to read that again slowly but good work.

[Sailor Universe]

what type of story are you going to write next, wish you liked Pokemon, would be kinda cool if you wrote a Pokemon story

[Sailor Jupiter Love]

a pokemon one that could be fun too.