Chapter 6

Clef sat down in a chair as he said, "Welcome Magic Knights. You must be wondering why you have been brought back to Cephiro." "The thought had crossed our minds, Clef," Umi said. He sighed and said, "You've been brought back to Cephiro not to defend." "Then why, Master Clef?" Fuu asked truly baffled. Clef looked at each of the Magic Knights and smiled.

"For a couple of reasons. First of all, love. These young men love you desperately. and after two of their silent pleading, despondency, and near depression, I relented and sent you magic rings to call you back," he said. Hikaru looked at Lantis and gave him a smile. Then turning back to Clef she asked, "Two weeks? But Master Clef, we were gone for four years." Umi nodded and said. "That's right. It has been four years. And you sent more then just those rings. You sent me one of Ascot's hats. Fuu the orb Ferio gave her and Hikaru one of Lantis's cloaks."

Clef shook his head in agreement and said, "Yes, you did receive those items. But they were not sent by me. But by them with Mokona's help. As for the time difference, well, 1 year in your world is three days here. While you're here you age as we do, and while you were in your world, you aged that way." Fuu slowly nodded and said, "Then if Ferio was to come to our world, he would age as we do there."

"Yes, if that were possible. Alas, it is not. We cannot travel between worlds as you do. We can only help the chosen Magic Knights." Everyone was silent for a time, the Hikaru asked, "Master Clef? You said there were two reasons why we were brought back. What is the other?" Clef looked as them and sighed. "My children, I have watched over you while you have been away from us. I was with you when you lost your families. Even though you couldn't see me, I was with you, as were the young men who love you."

Lantis, who was behind Hikaru, wrapped his arms around her waist saying, "Even though I couldn't be there to hold you when you needed me love, I held you close in my heart and soul." Ferio and Ascot agreed as they looked lovingly at Fuu and Umi. Hikaru leaned back against Lantis and said, "I know my love, i felt you there holding me up and giving me strength when I desperately needed it." Lantis kissed the top of her head as Clef continued.

"The second reason for your return is an offer. An offer made by the love of all of Cephiro has for you Magic Knights. We would be honored if you would make Cephiro your home now and forever more." As the girls gasped and looked from one to another, CLef held up one hand and told them, "I know that this has come as quite a shock. Why don't you sleep on it tonight and give me your answer tomorrow before noon.

"Unfortunately, the portal has drained much of my magic for a while, but tomorrow I will be rested as well. Lantis, Ferio and Ascot, you are not to try and influence them in anyway. This a question they have to answer on their own. So you will be confined to your quarters until such time as I have their answers." The three young men nodded.

Fuu suddenly stepped forward and said, "Master Clef? I already know my answer. I am staying in Cephiro." Hikaru and Umi looked at Fuu and said, "What?" Why?" at the same time. Fuu smiled and said, "Miss Hikaru and Miss Umi, I love you both like my own sister who is lost to me. But, well, I love Ferio and Cephiro. Ferio has asked me to marry him and I said I would. Please be happy for me. Everything is here for me now. I have nothing to go back for."

Tears ran down all of the girls faces as they hugged each other and congratulated Fuu and Ferio. Clef clapped his hands and they all turned towards him smiling. "Tomorrow," he told them, "Now rest. Goodnight." "Goodnight Master Clef," the chorused as they left his chambers and headed to their own rooms. Each wondering what tomorrow would bring.

Chapter 7

Umi slowly closed the door to her room and sighed. 'Sleep on it' he says. Yeah right, she thought. She looked to her right and saw Hikaru walking down the hall. "I take it you can't sleep either, Hikaru," Umi asked. Hikaru nodded and said, Hardly. Ever time I close my eyes, I keep hearing Clef asking us if we want to stay or not."

Umi sighed and said, "Same here." Hikaru chuckled softly and asked, "Walk?" "Yeah," Umi replied. As they started walking down the hall, they talked about many different thing. Memories, some shared, some from their childhood. They shared tears as the talked about their lost families.

After awhile, they both grew silent. It was a comfortable silence. Hikaru smiled and asked, "Umi? Remember the second time we came here? Ascot had grown up but was still shy of you." Umi laughed and said, "Was he ever!" "Umi?" Hikaru asked softly, "What are you going to do?" Umi was silent for a long time. Then as a tear rolled down her cheek she said, "I don't know, Hikaru. What are you going to do?" Hikaru sniffed and said, "I don't know either."

Umi sniffed and tried to smile as she said, "Why don't why ask Fuu why, besides Ferio, she is staying?" "That's a good idea! Now which one of these doors is hers?" Hikaru said. Umi knocked on the middle door. When Fuu answered the door, Umi grinned and said, "This one. Fuu, can we talk to you?" Fuu blinked a couple of times and said, "Of course! Come in! What's wrong?"

Umi and Hikaru entered her room apologizing for waking her. "We're sorry we woke you, Fuu. But we need to ask you something," Hikaru said. Fuu motioned them to sit. After they were all seated, Fuu asked, "Ok. What is it you need to now?" Umi took a deep breath and asked, "Why are you staying?" "Besides marry Ferio that is," Hikaru said.

Fuu took a few minutes before she answered then said, "Miss Hikaru, Miss Umi. You are my best friends and I love you both. We have been family ever sense our tragedies over the past four years. If we go back, you would be all I have there. There really isn't anything else for me there.

"Our world is in frightening shape. So much crime and pollution. Hikaru, Umi, I want to have a family, a husband and children. But it scares me to think of bringing a child into that world." Fuu looked at her friends and gave them a sad smile. "I just wish I could make up your minds for you, but I cannot. All I can tell you is to listen to your hearts and get some sleep. You will know in the morning."

Fuu yawned then said, "Sorry, but it is three in the morning and," she chuckled as the other girls yawned, blinked, and gave her a sleepy smile, "we are all tired. So, I'll see you in a couple of hours. Good night Hikaru and Umi." After paying Good night to Fuu, the girls went back to their rooms and fell into a dream filled sleep. Each hoping for an answer when they woke.

Chapter 8

Hikaru walked into the throne room the next morning and yawned. "I'm sorry if my question keep you up last night," Clef said. "It was a tough decision, Clef," she yawned. He smiled then asked, "Have you decided?" She nodded. "Yes, Master Clef, I have. I'm going to stay here," she yawned again the gave a shy grin, "Sorry." Master Clef chuckled as Umi came stumbling in yawning. "Rough night?" he asked with a smile.

Umi stood beside Hikaru, blinked a couple of times, then told him, "Very funny, Master Clef. You know we didn't get much sleep last night." Clef chuckled and said, "I know Umi, I'm sorry. Have you made your decision?" Umi yawned again then said, "Yes, Master Clef, I'm going to stay." Clef smiled and said, "Good. I'm glad. I know that you have questions. As soon as the third Magic Knight arrives, I shall answer them all as best I can."

Hikaru and Umi looked at each other then stood back to back. "What are you two doing?" Clef asked as they leaned against each other. "Waiting on Fuu," Umi yawned. Clef couldn't help but smile when he realized they were fast asleep. "Good morning Master...Clef," Fuu said as she entered and saw her friends.

"They were waiting for you," he said calmly. she smiled as she quietly said, "Miss Hikaru, can you hear me?" "Yes," Hikaru said with out opening her eyes. Clef placed a hand over his mouth, trying to surpress a laugh as Fuu said, "Miss Hikaru, I hope you know you have something crawling up your arm." She took a step back as Hikaru opened her eyes and screamed.

After the dust had settled, all three knights were in a heap on the floor half laughing, half bellowing at each other. Clef shook his head and chuckled as he watched them, Clearing his throat, Clef tried to look stern. "MAGIC KNIGHTS! Are you ready to complete you journey? Or would you rather continue as you are?" The girls stopped and looked at each other then at Clef.

With sheepish grins, they got back to their feet and chorused, "Sorry Master Clef." He shook his head and said, "Well then. I know that you probably would like to be able to go back and tie up any and all loose ends and get a few treasured items to have with you here." "Yes, Master Clef, we would," Fuu said, "I would like to have my mothers wedding dress and her and my fathers rings. Also some pictures of my..family." Hikaru and Umi agreed with Fuu. For a moment all were quiet.

"Well then,' Clef said, "Let's get started. You will be able to go back for a short time, 48 hours your time. Then you will come back here permanently. Do you understand and agree?" They all nodded in agreement. Clef pointed to a door at the other end of the room and said, "Magic Knights, after you step through the door, make sure you know where you are and what time it is. So that you can get back here on time. All right?"

Then as he watched them walk towards the door he said, "See you soon Magic Knights." And as the door closed behind them, he sighed. Be careful, my friends. The ones who love you will be waiting on pins and needles for your return.

Chapter 9

Ascot entered the throne room a minute later and asked, "Master Clef, have you seen Umi this morning?" Clef looked at him and said, "Her, Fuu, and Hikaru went to tie up loose ends in their world." "She...went...back," Ascot quietly said as he started to leave. A tear rolled down his cheek as a door in the back of the room opened. "Hey Ascot! Where are you going?" Umi asked as he walked towards the door.

He slowly raised his hand then let it drop as he opened the door. "Ascot!" Umi yelled as he left the room. "What's wrong with him?" Hikaru asked calmly. Umi dropped her duffle bag she brought back on the floor and took off after him.

Ascot had taken only one step when it finally dawned on him who had called his name. "Umi?" he whispered. As he reopened the door Umi came barreling into his arms. "Umi?" he asked at the same time Umi said, "Ascot?" He looked at everyone else in the room and grinned.

With his arm around Umi's waist, he closed the door. Soon as the door was closed he pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that shattered any remaining doubt about his love for her. As he broke the kiss, he whispered against her lips, "I thought you had left for good." "No silly. I'm staying," She told him as she held him close.

Everyone in the throne room watched as Umi raced across the room. No one said a word as the door swung open again and Umi was suddenly in Ascot's arms. When Ascot looked into the room, he grinned then shut the door again, they all smiled back. Clef yawned and turning towards Hikaru and Fuu, he told them, "I do believe it will be a double wedding. Now," yawning again, "I'm going to go lie down for a while, it was a very short night. Fuu and Hikaru picked up Umi's back pack along with their own and started towards the door.

Clef stopped, looked over at the corner and called, "Oh Magic Knights. One more thing. Please see if you can get my staff away from that creature." Fuu and Hikaru looked over and Hikaru gasped as she said, "Ikanie?" Ikanie's head jerked up. Seeing his mistress, he gave a joyful bark and ran to her. Hikaru dropped to her knees and hugging her friend as she asked, "How did you get here?" Clef chuckled and said, "It's a long story and I'll tell you later. For now, just convince him to leave my staff alone."

Hikaru laughed and pulled a rubber bone out of her pocket, giving it to Ikanie. Puzzled, Clef asked, "What did you give him?" Hikaru looked up at Clef and innocently said, "A rubber bone." "A BONE!" Clef exclaimed, "All I had to do was give him a bone?!" Hikaru and Fuu looked at each other and then at Clef.

"Yes, Master Clef," Hikaru quietly said. Clef shook his head and turned to leave the room saying, "Good night ladies. Go find Lantis and Ferio so that they will stop worrying." As Fuu, Hikaru, and Ikanie started to leave they hear Clef mutter as he walked out, "A bone. A stupid rubber bone!" Giggling, they left the throne room to find Lantis and Ferio and to start their new lives.

Chapter 10

Lantis leaned against a tree and sighed. A gentle breeze began to blow as he slowly closed his eyes. I wonder what Hikaru's decision was, he thought. I hope she decided to stay. I don't know what I'll so if she goes back. Sighing, he smiled to himself. I sure hopes she stays. If she does, the first thing I'm going to do, he yawned, is ask her to marry me.

A faint smile touched his lips as he started to doze off. His last thought was, Lord how I love her. She's...just...got...to...stay. Then he was fast asleep. When Hikaru finally found Lantis, he was sound asleep still sitting under the tree. Hikaru smiled when she saw him. Ah, he's asleep, she thought, He looks so peaceful. I don't have the heart to wake him.

As she sat down next to him, she yawned. Or the energy, she chuckled to herself. Hikaru laid her head on his lap thinking, A short nap does sound like a great idea, and promptly fell asleep. "Huh?" he said quietly as he opened his eyes. I could have sworn I heard something. As he came awake, he realized he wasn't alone.

Slowly he looked down and Hikaru laying with her head on his lap. Grinning he whispered, "Ah, hello my love. You look comfortable lying there. Will you say yes and make my life complete. I pray you will." Lantis slowly lifted Hikaru onto his lap. Holding her gently, yet close to his heart, he said in a hushed voice, "Sleep, my beautiful angel. I'm right here. Rest, I'll protect you and love you. Always." Then he kissed the top of her head, leaned back against the tree and dozed off.

Two hours later, Hikaru awoke to find Lantis watching her. With a sleepy smile she told him, "Hi," yawning, "Sorry. How long have I been asleep?" Lantis kissed the end of her nose, touched his forehead to hers and smiled. "About two hours. Rough night?" he asked. Hikaru smiled back and said, "Yeah, but now I can't seem to understand why. This is where I belong and where I want to be."

Lantis was silent for a while. Quietly he asked her, "Hikaru, you know I love you right?" Hikaru nodded and looked at him saying, "Yeah, and you know I love you too." He cleared his throat and quietly asked, "Hikaru, marry me. Please, and make my life complete. Oh my angel, you have changed my life so much. Instead of darkness, there is only sunshine. Please say you'll marry me."

Hikaru sat there in a stunned silence for a few second as thoughts and emotions flew and chased around inside her. Then as a tear slowly trailed down her cheek, she took his face in her hands. Giving him a sweet tender kiss she said, "Oh Lantis. Yes. Yes, I'll marry you. I love you." Lantis held her close and kissed her with all the love he held in his heart for her. She drove her fingers into his hair and returned the kiss with the same feeling.

Suddenly, Ikanie licked Lantis's cheek. They jerked apart and while Hikaru laughed and ruffed Ikanie's head. Lantis wiped the moisture off his cheek and trying not to laugh he gave both woman and dog a disgruntled look saying, "Blasted dog. Oh, you think that's funny, huh?" Hikaru tried to stop laughing and look contrite as she shook her head. It didn't work.

Before she knew what was happening, Lantis had her in his clasped in his arms and laughing with her agreeing that it was indeed funny. Hikaru wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest. He sighed as they finally stopped laughing. "Oh my love. That is the first time I have ever heard you laugh," Hikaru said snuggling closer into his embrace. Lantis kissed the top of her head and told her, "Until you, I hadn't found much of anything to smile, let alone laugh about."

He looked down at the woman in his arms and wonderingly, he commented, "You have done that for me. You've brought the sunlight back into my life. I love you, Hikaru." She smiled and kissed him. A short time later, Hikaru brushed the hair off his forehead and taking a deep breath, she said, "I do believe that before I do something very unladylike, we had better go find the others." "Unladylike huh? Hmmm. That definitely sounds interesting. Care to show me?" Lantis asked with a very wicked, sexy grin as he once more tried to gather her close.

Laughing, she quickly ducked away and out of his reach. "Maybe after we're married," she said. Lantis blinked and stared as she gave him a quick kiss on his nose and a very mysteriously, sexy smile. He gave his head a shake and, taking her hand, said, "Then we better get married as soon as possible." Hikaru giggled as the stared walking back to the castle.

Chapter 11

Ascot kissed Umi and said, "I'm so glad you stayed." "How glad are you? she asked with a saucy grin and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I was willing to get on my knees and beg you to stay," he said and held her close. She kissed his nose and said, "This is my home, Ascot. Everything I love is here."

He smiled and said, "Then would you mind marrying a man that loves you with all his heart and soul?" She gasped as he looked deeply into her eyes. "Oh Ascot," she said as tears filled her eyes, "I never thought I'd ever hear you ask. Of course I'll marry you." He swung her in a circle and kissed her with all the love in his heart. She tightened her arms and gave him a passionate kiss that left his head spinning then said, "We better go find the other and tell them the good news."

"We will, I just need to tell you some thing," he said after a few minutes. "Like what?" Umi asked as they started walking towards the rose garden. He took a deep breath and said, "Presea, Caldina, Lafarga and Mokona have no idea that you're back. Clef didn't want anyone to get their hopes up because he wasn't sure if he could bring you and the others back or if you'd stay." She stopped and said, "How many other little secrets are you hiding from me, Ascot?"

He looked at her and said, "Three." She slowly sauntered towards him as she asked, "Are you going to tell me any of these secrets?" "Other then you're the first person that's ever kissed me, Clef has order a banquet to be held tonight. It will announce Ferio's engagement to Fuu and to let all of Cephiro know that the Magic Knights have returned to stay," he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "That's great. Maybe we can ask Clef if he'll announce ours," she said and hugged him. "Only if we can get to the throne room without getting caught, love," he said and lightly brushed his lips over her temple. "Forget about not being caught because here comes Caldina," Umi whispered.

"Uh-oh. Um-Uh-Umi, do you trust me?" Ascot asked in a rush. She kissed him deeply and said, "With all my heart." He returned the kiss then said, "Then hold on tight." Umi closed her eyes and leaned into Ascot's embrace. When she opened her eyes, they were standing in Ascot's living room. Ascot swayed and started to fall. "Ascot!" Umi cried. She helped him to the couch to lie down as she asked, "Ascot, are you ok?"

Ascot gave her a weak smile and said, "I'm ok sweetheart. Really. I'm just a little weak." Umi moved to sit on the couch and laid his head on her lap. Gently, she brushed his hair back as he lay there watching her. "Honestly love, I'm fine. Every time I do that spell it drains me of my powers and energy," he told her relaxing. "Then why did you teleport us?" Umi asked him.

Smiling sleepily, he answered, "Caldina. She was coming towards us." Ascot yawned, trying to keep his eyes open. "Anyway, Clef always knows when I use that spell. He can feel a flux in the magic." Slowly, he closed his eyes as Umi leaned down and kissed his forehead.

Ascot had been asleep for about five minutes when there was a knock on the door. Umi froze. "Ascot? It's us. Lantis and Ferio," Lantis called. "Come on in," Umi called back. She smiled and touched a finger to her lips saying softly, "He just fell asleep. That teleport spell really wipes him out, doesn't it?" Ferio smiled and said, "Yeah. Clef sent us to make sure you two were ok." Lantis agreed and said, "And to tell you to come to his chamber when he wakes up." "Which will be about two hours from now," Ferio chuckled.

Umi looked down at Ascot and smiled as she said, "Thanks for letting us know. I think I'll get cleaned up while he's sleeping. Please tell Fuu and Hikaru that we will see them then. We have a lot to talk about." Ferio and Lantis exchanged a look as they headed out the door. "I know you will," Lantis said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Oh yeah," Ferio agreed, "We'll see you later Umi. Take care of Ascot." "Sure will. Bye," Umi replied. Then they we're gone.

Next Chapter--->