Chapter 12

"Do you know what this is about?" Lafarga asked calmly. Caldina shook her head and said, "Nope, but Ascot looks about ready to pass out." Lafarga chuckled as he looked over at the three young men. "He'll make it, little one. He's a lot stronger than you realize." Caldina huffed and said, "Yeah right, Farga. If you say so."

Lafarga sighed, taking her hand in his, he said, "Oh my little one. Whether you like it or not or even want to admit it, Ascot has grown up. He's not a little boy any more." Caldina wiped a tear from her cheek and with a shaky smile she told him, "I know, but," sighing, "it's hard." He hugged her and said, "I know, sweet. But look now." He nodded toward where the three men stood waiting. "He doesn't look nervous at all. In fact, he actually looks excited." As Caldina looked up, the trumpets sounded. The waiting was over.

Everyone in the banquet hall turned their attention to the main doors as Clef entered. "Ladies and gentlemen," Clef said calmly, "At this time, I am honored to introduce our very special guest. The Legendary Magic Knights of Cephiro." An excited murmur rose from the crowd. As Fuu stepped into the doorway, Clef introduced her. "Magic Knight of Wind and future bride of Prince Ferio, Miss Fuu Hououji."

Ferio stepped forward, presented her with a deep red rose, bowed, kissed her hand and escorted her to the side. As he stood behind her, he whispered, "You look beautiful tonight, my love." Fuu smiled and whispered back, "Thank you, so do you." "Magic Knight of fire and future bride of Magic Sword master Lantis, Miss Hikaru Shidou." Once Hikaru entered the hall, Lantis did exactly as Ferio had and whispered, "I can think of four things I'd rather be doing with you than this."

She smiled and whispered, "I guess you'll have to wait until our honeymoon to see what I'm going to do to you, hon." Lantis blinked and tried not to smile as he asked, "Sounds interesting. Do I get any hints?" She smiled and whispered back, "All I'm going to say is use your imagination." Lantis eyes grew wide for an instant then he chuckled quietly.

Hikaru just continued to smile sweetly. Only Lantis noticed the sexy twinkle in her eyes as she glanced up at him. "And finally, the Magic Knight of water and future bride of Master Summoner Ascot, Miss Umi Ryuuzaki." Caldina gasped as she watched Ascot. He did as the others had and smiled. "The Magic Knights have returned not to destroy the pillar, but to make Cephiro their home. Now and forever," Clef said.

Suddenly the room erupted into cheers, applause and excited murmurs. Lafarga stood with his arms around Caldina. Slowly she searched the room for Umi and Ascot as tears rolled down her face. "Oh Farga. Where did they do?" she whispered. Leaning against him, she sighed. "When did he grow up? I didn't even notice." Lafarga kissed her hair and said, "I know, love. It's all right. He'll understand."

Ascot and Umi came walking up just the. "Caldina? Are you ok?" Umi asked worriedly. "Lafarga?" Ascot questioned. Caldina looked up and smiled. "Oh Ascot, Umi, Congratulations!" Caldina said giving them each a hug. "Yes. Congratulations you two," Lafarga said.

"Thanks you two," Umi said as she smiled. Ascot took Caldina's hands and looked her straight into her eyes. "I'm sorry, Dina. Clef didn't want any one to know about the knights until everything was settled in case something went wrong. And so I couldn't even tell you about asking Umi to marry me. Can you ever forgive me?" he said.

Caldina smiled gently up at Ascot and placing a hand on his cheek, she asked, "Oh my sweet, little brother. When did you grow up on me? Of course I'll forgive you. But," Caldina looked at Lafarga, "we have some news to. Lafarga has asked me to marry him." Lafarga cut in and said, "And she said yes."

Ascot and Umi hugged them and gave them their congratulations. Lafarga asked Ascot, "So, when are you and Umi getting married?" "That's a good question," Ascot laughed. Pulling Umi into his arms, he kissed her then asked, "Umi, sweetheart, Lafarga and I want to know how soon you will marry me?" Umi kissed his chin and said, "Anywhere from two weeks to a month, but it depends on what Fuu and Ferio say."

Caldina smiled and asked, "Are you sure you can wait that long, Ascot?" Ascot grinned and said, "As long as Umi keeps kissing me the way she has, sure. But can you?" Caldina was speechless as Ascot, Umi and Lafarga laughed. "Caldina might but I'm not sure I can. So be quick and let us know, ok?" Lafarga asked. "I'll let you know as soon as we find out Lafarga," Ascot said and laughed. "Ascot!" "Lafarga!" the girls cried in unison, laughing and blushing.

* * *

Lantis held Hikaru close and smiled. "You look great," she whispered. He kissed her forehead and said, "So do you, but I think that dress would look better on the bedroom floor at my place." Hikaru gave him a thoughtful once over and said, "Hmm. You may be right. I'll let borrow if soon so you can find out." Lantis burst out laughing and held her close as he said, "By the Gods how I love you Hikaru."

She giggled and hugged him back. "Aw my love, my life, when are you going to marry me? Lantis tenderly asked her. "Soon my heart, soon," she answered, snuggling closer in his embrace. Lantis kissed the top of her head as she said, "How much longer do we have to stay here?" "Are you getting sleepy, my love?" he asked as she closed her eyes. Sleepily she nodded, trying to stop a yawn. "I'm sorry Lantis. I didn't get much sleep last night," she murmured leaning farther into his embrace.

At that moment, Presea came walking up and said, "Congratulations you two." Lantis thanked her and then asked, "Presea, Hikaru is literally dead on her feet. Would you please give our apologies to CLef and everyone while I take her home?" Presea assured him she would. He picked Hikaru up as Fuu and Ferio walked up. "Sir Lantis, is Miss Hikaru ok?" Fuu asked. He nodded and said, "She's ok, just tired." Ferio wrapped and arm around Fuu's waist as she laid her head against his shoulder and said, "That makes two if you include Ferio and I."

"Don't you mean four?" Umi said as she and Ascot walked up. "Try five sweetheart," Ascot yawned. "Six if you include Ikanie," Lantis said as he looked at the sleeping dog near by. "All right, that's it!" Presea said, "I want all of you to go get some sleep. And that means you Mr. 'Granted I have bags under my eyes but I don't need sleep because I'm the Magic Sword men of Cephiro.'"

Ascot, Ferio, Fuu, Umi and Lantis looked at each other then at Presea and said, "Yes mom." Presea tried to send each of them a fierce glare but they only smiled back. "You realize that you will all pay for that remark, don't you?" she asked. They each grinned widely as they walked out of the banquet hall and said, "Yes mom." Presea watched them leave as she muttered, "Ornery kids."

Turning away to look for Clef, she was almost ran over. "Hey!" she yelped as someone banged into her. Two strong arms were suddenly wrapped around her and she was encased in a very strong male embrace. "What the! Whoa there!" Eagle exclaimed. He looked down and found himself looking into a pair of caramel colored eyes.

Presea looked up and thought, Molasses, his eyes are like warm molasses. "I'm sorry miss...?" Eagle quietly asked. "Presea, and I'm the one who should apologize. I wasn't watching were I was going. I was trying to find Master Clef" she said. Oh! Great. I'm babbling, she inwardly moaned. Eagle smiled and said, "Presea. That's a pretty name for a very pretty lady. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going either. I was watching the happy couples. Lantis was carrying Hikaru, I hope everything's all right."

Presea smiled and said, "Everything's fine. She just fell asleep." Neither one said anything for a few second. Then Presea said, "Um...Sir?" "Eagle, my name is Eagle," he said. "Eagle. Ok. Um...you can let me go now," she commented with a grin. Eagle blinked and looked down. Giving her a cheeky grin, he said with a slight chuckle, "Well now. I'm comfortable right where I am." Presea tried not to giggle and give Eagle a stern look.

Eagle tried to look innocent, but it didn't work. He let her go with a regretful sigh. When he looked at Presea again, their eyes met and they both started to laugh.

Chapter 13

"Are you sure I can do this?" Ascot asked nervously. "Yes," Ferio said calmly. "You nervous?" Ascot asked as he looked towards the throne room entrance. "Severely," Ferio replied. "You don't look like it," Ascot said. "I also haven't moved in the past five minutes," Ferio said. Ascot took a closer look at Ferio, blinked and smiled weakly. "Good point. Lantis? What about you?" Ascot asked.

Lantis was leaning against the wall, wearing dark glasses. Slowly he raised his hand and lowered the glasses a little bit. Ascot looked into Lantis's bloodshot eyes as Lantis said, "No sleep. I'm to tired to think. Let alone move." Then he slowly replaced the glasses and lowered his arm. Ascot shook his head then jumped as Lafarga entered the room. "Well gentlemen. It's time," he said smiling.

They took their places at the alter as the organ began to play. No backing out now, Ascot thought as he looked towards the entrance. "Wow," Ferio whispered as Fuu entered. Ferio couldn't take his eyes off her. She's...stunning! he thought.

Then she smiled at him. Suddenly Ferio didn't know whether he was going to cry, laugh or pass out. All he did know was that he was the luckiest person in Cephiro. It also humbled him to know that of all the men on both Cephiro and her former home world, she had chosen him. Even before he was a prince, she cared for him. HIM! How did I get so lucky? he wondered as he smiled tenderly back at her.

Oh my! Fuu thought, I can hardly believe this is happening. I'm getting married. To Ferio! Fuu smiled at Ferio with all the love she held in her heart for him. He is so handsome. I love him so much, she thought as she slowly walked towards him. She took a deep breath as she reached the alter, and Ferio. Ferio took her hand, raised it to his lips and kissed her palm before placing it in the crook of his arm. Together they stepped aside as Hikaru stepped into view.

Hikaru took a deep breath and stepped into the door way. Raising her eyes, her gaze locked with Lantis's. Wow! she thought, He is absolutely gorgeous. Hikaru started toward the alter and suddenly realized she was trembling. Oh dear lord. Don't let me faint! Please! As these thoughts ran through her head she lowered her eyes, breaking eye contact with Lantis.

No baby. No. Look at me, he thought as she slowly walked toward him, Please love. look at me. By the gods you are so beautiful. Lantis took a deep breath, willing her to look at him. When Hikaru was half way to him, her steps faltered. Fuu gasped tightening her grip on Ferio's arm. Lantis quickly strode to Hikaru's side.

"Hikaru? What's wrong? Are you all right?" he asked anxiously. "Hot," she whispered, "It's so hot in here." Lantis looked at over at Caldina. "Please get me a glass of water. And hurry," he said as Hikaru swayed towards him. CLef held out his hand to Lantis and a glass of water appeared. "Bring her a chair," Clef quietly stated.

Lantis held the glass to Hikaru's lips. "Here love. Drink this. Slowly now," he told her. Hikaru complied taking a few sips of the cool water. "Thank you, my love. I'm fine now," she said leaning against him, "I'm so sorry, Lantis. I've ruined everything." Lantis scooped her up into his arms and carried her over to the chair.

He smiled and said, "Oh sweetheart no. You haven't ruined anything." Lantis sat her down in a chair, wiped a stray tear away from her cheek and giving her a tender loving smile he told her, "Hang on. It won't be long now. Then we'll get some fresh air. You're so beautiful and I love you . Ok?" Hikaru gave him a shaky smile and said, "Yes love." Lantis stood and stepped behind her chair. He laid his hands on her shoulders as Umi started towards the alter and Ascot.

Ascot froze as he made eye contact with Umi. She took his breath away. He felt his knees start to weaken then two strong arms gently but firmly grasped his upped arms, holding him up. "Steady Ascot, steady," whispered Lantis. "Don't go down now," Ferio murmured quietly so only they would hear.

Never taking his eyes off of Umi, Ascot whispered, "Thanks guys. I'm fine, I'm fine." With his heart in his throat he sighed thinking, Beautiful. Just beautiful. Ascot stood a little taller and a little straighter as he watched Umi glide toward him. Silently he thanked whatever twist of fate had brought her into his life.

When Umi reached him, he raised her hand and kissed it. Tucking her small hand into the crook of his arm, they faced Master Clef. "What's wrong with Hikaru?" Umi whispered. Ascot looked at Hikaru out of the corner of his eye and whispered, "I'm not sure. Lantis? Is Hikaru all right?" "Yes. just the heat. Now shhh," Lantis whispered back.

As Master Clef began, each of them prayed that they would be able to be everything that they needed to be. They also thanked the powers that be for each other and for their mates.

* * *

The ceremony was over in less then thirty minutes, almost before they knew it. As the three couples turned to face their friends, Master Clef announced, "Friends, may I proudly present Prince Ferio and his wife, the Magic Knight of Wind, Princess Fuu; Master Swordsman Lantis and his wife, the Magic Knight of Fire, Hikaru; Master Summoner Ascot and his wife, the Magic Knight of Water, Umi. All of Cephiro welcomes you."

Chapter 14

"I feel like such a total dufus. I ruined your wedding day. I'm so sorry Umi, Fuu. Can you every forgive me?" Hikaru asked sadly as she hugged her friends. Ascot walked up to them and said, "Would it make you feel any better if I told you we were nervous too?" "How bad?" Umi asked, shooting a skeptical look at Ascot. "Ferio stayed in the same spot for five minutes," he said, slipping an arm around Umi's waist.

"You're kidding, right?" Hikaru asked as Ferio walked up. "Actually, it was ten minutes. Ascot came in half way through," Ferio told her, "Ask Lantis how he slept last night. Fuu, are you ready to leave yet?" "When ever you are. Miss Hikaru, oh! I can't call you Miss Hikaru anymore can I?" Fuu said. They all laughed. "Hikaru, don't worry, today was perfect. Now, we will see you all later."

As the first set of newlyweds left the party, they called over their shoulder "Bye everyone!" Lantis had walked up beside Hikaru and placed his arm around her waist. Giving her a kiss on the forehead, he smiled saying, "Sweetheart are you ready to go?" Hikaru put her arms around his waist and leaned against him as she asked, "Love, Ferio told me to ask you how you slept last night. Why?" Lantis and Ascot both chuckled. "That's because I couldn't. I didn't get any sleep at all last night. So if you don't mind, I'd sure like to leave and maybe catch a couple hours of sleep before we head to my cabin," Lantis said.

Hikaru smiled and kissed his nose as she said, "Sounds good to me. We will talk to you later. Bye." Lantis and Hikaru left leaving Ascot and Umi. "So, how nervous were you?" Umi asked. "I went for a walk earlier this morning," he said with a sigh. "Where did you go?" she asked. He kissed her deeply and smiled. "Just someplace quiet to think," he said as Caldina walked up.

"Hey you two. Umi you sure make a beautiful bride. And you Ascot," Caldina smiled, "look pretty terrific too." "Thanks," Ascot said quietly. Umi nudged him in the ribs and asked, "Hey, are you ok hon?" He looked at his wife as he said, "Sorry, I was just trying to figure out why the others left in such a hurry." "They probably left to consummate the marriage, Ascot," Caldina said.

"Consu-what?" Ascot asked with a puzzled look. "Consummate," Caldina repeated. Umi grinned, leaned over and whispered the words meaning in Ascot's ear. Ascot's eyes widen and his mouth dropped open. Caldina snickered at his astounded look. Snapping his mouth shut he first looked at Umi then at Caldina.

Both women nodded in agreement. Ascot started to blush as what Umi had told him finally started to register. "Um...Uh..Um," He stammered trying to look calm. Both Caldina and Umi laughed as Umi gave him a hug. "Now that he's talking, how do you shut him up?" Caldina asked.

Umi smiled and kissed him with all the love in her heart. "So that's how, but isn't there a down side?" Caldina asked once Umi broke the kiss. "No, not really," Umi said as she faced Caldina. Ascot wrapped his arms around Umi's waist and whispered, "Is that what you were telling me about the honeymoon?" Umi gave him a very sexy smile and whispered back, "That's only the beginning husband mine, only the beginning."

Ascot blinked and slowly grinned. Suddenly, Ascot picked Umi up and said, "Caldina, we'll see you later." Then they disappeared. Just then Lafarga walked up behind Caldina and said, "I hope they surface in time for our wedding." Caldina hugged him and laughingly agreed.

Chapter 15

Ferio walked into the throne room and smiled. There you are Fuu, he thought as he watched her talk to Presea. Two years of marriage and she still amazes me. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck as he said, "Happy Anniversary, beautiful." She sighed and said, "Happy Anniversary to you too, Ferio."

Presea smiled as she said, "Morning Ferio." He smiled and asked, "Morning Presea, what's up?" "Hikaru and Umi went into labor about half an hour apart," she replied. He slid his hands over Fuu's swollen belly as he said, "I wonder when our little one will be born." Fuu gasped as she felt a slight pain in her stomach.

"Would today be to soon?" Fuu asked, shutting her eyes tightly. Ferio froze as Presea asked, "Wait a minute, you mean!" Fuu nodded and said, "My water just broke." Presea blinked and without taking her eyes from Fuu, started talking, "Ok. Ok. Stay calm. Ferio we need to -Ferio- get you--" Presea suddenly turned to look at Ferio. He had stopped dead and had went completely white.

Presea yelled at the top of her lungs, "FERIO! Snap out of it! Fuu needs to get to the hospital!" Ferio blinked, never taking his eyes off his wife. Fuu sucked in another quick breath. Raising her hand toward him, she looked at him and in a painfully shaky voice, she very quietly said his name. it broke the spell. As a tremor shot through him, he exploded into action. The race to the hospital was on.

Four hours later, the three couples sat together exhausted but completely happy. Content and in awe of the miracle the had been through. Together.

Epilogue

NEWS BREAK! Today Cephiro welcomed it's four new country men. Make it two men and two women. Born to Prince Ferio and Princess Fuu is Prince Lance and Prince Aura. The identical twins twins were delivered prier to the birth of Matthew Zagato, son of Magic Swordsmen Lantis and Magic Knight Hikaru, and Kieya, Daughter of Master Summoner Ascot and Magic Knight Umi. The newborns, as well as their mothers, are doing fine. The fathers are expected to make a full recovery. On a side note, Lantis and Hikaru's registered husky, Ikanie, also gave birth. the four pups, two male and two female, coincidentally where born half an hour after Matthew Zagato. Nothing like keeping it all in the family.

* * *

AScot couldn't help but smile as he watched his daughter sleep. "She's so small," Umi said softly. He kissed Kieya on her forehead and said, "Yeah. She's our little miracle." Umi smiled and said, "Mm-hmm. I just wonder how Caldina's going to react." He gave her a gentle kiss and chuckled as he heard a knock on the door.

"I have a feeling we're going to find out," he said as he walked over to the door. Umi couldn't help but smile as Ascot opened the door to find Caldina waiting patiently. "Hey Caldina. Come on in," Ascot said. "Thanks Ascot. I just stopped by to see how Umi and the baby are doing," Caldina said. "Ascot, you and Umi are so lucky," she told him as they walked into the living room.

"Oh," Caldina quietly sighed as she spotted Umi sitting on the couch holding Kieya. Umi smiled as Caldina knelt beside her to see Kieya. "Oh Ascot, Umi. She is so beautiful. And so tiny! Why, she's no bigger than a minute! You are so lucky," Caldina said softly.

Umi chuckled asking Caldina, "Would you like to hold your niece?" Caldina's eyes grew wide as she gasped and said, "H-h-hold her? N-niece? Wh-what do you mean?" Ascot laid his hand on her shoulder and said, "Caldina, sit down. Hold Kieya and just enjoy her. You are the closest thing I have to a sister and that makes you Kieya's aunt." Caldina sank onto the couch beside Umi looking totally awed. Umi chuckled as she placed Kieya in Caldina's arms.

"You better get use to holding a little one, Caldina. For when you have some of your own," Ascot said. Caldina blushed but never taking her eyes off of Kieya , she quietly said, "Actually little brother. It will be sooner than you think." "What did you say?" Ascot croaked. "I'm pregnant. Lafarga and I will be parents in about six months," Caldina replied. Ascot gasped at her and he sank into a chair.

"Caldina! That's wonderful! Congratulations! You will be a wonderful mother. Does Lafarga know yet?" Umi asked as she squeezed Caldina's arm. Ascot was still staring at Caldina then at Umi. Caldina nodded as she said, "He knows ant you two are the first to know besides him." "How did he take it?" Ascot asked after a few seconds. "First he was silent then he hugged me and said he was happy and that he loved me," Caldina said."

"At least he didn't say he wasn't going to let you out of his sight until the baby's born," Umi said with a loving look at her husband's back as he left the room. "He started to but I stopped him and said if he does that, I won't let him hold the baby for nine months," Caldina said and gave Kieya back to her mother. "That doesn't stop me from worrying Cal," Lafarga commented stepping into the room behind Ascot. Caldina rolled her eyes and gave Umi a "see what I mean" look. Both women smiled then giggled as their husbands reighed looks. Kieya slept on.

Umi gave a slight yawn and said, "I hate to break this up, but I need to get some sleep." Ascot walked over and helped Umi stand up as Lafarga said, "I ran into Lantis and he said that Hikaru and their son are doing fine." Caldina's eyes started to close as she said, "That's good." Lafarga picked Caldina up and carried her out of the room as he said, "Hey Ascot, don't forget to tell Umi about Fuu and the twins." As Ascot said goodnight to Lafarga and Caldina, Umi said, "Fuu? Twins? Ascot."

Ascot walked up to his wife and said, "I talked to Presea after Kieya was born. She asked me to tell you that Fuu went into labor half an hour after you and had a boy and a girl." She placed Kieya in her crib and asked, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" "I was going to," he said as he sat on the bed, "but the instant I saw you holding Kieya, it slipped my mind. You two took my breath away."

Umi sat down beside Ascot. He continued to talk softly as she took his hands in hers. "She is a miracle...and so...so beautiful. Just like her mother." Ascot looked up into Umi's eyes. His were bright with unshed tears as he said, "Oh my one true love, thank you." Ascot pulled Umi gently into his arms and hugged her close.

Before she could say anything, a tear slid down his cheek and said, "Thank you for loving, for believing in us and for our precious, beautiful little miracle, Kieya. I love you, Umi." "Oh Ascot, I love you so much," Umi said as she held him. Through their tears they watched Kieya sleep.

"Did Presea say anything about how Fuu was doing?" she asked, wiping her tears away. He kissed her and said, "She said Fuu, Ferio and the twins, Lance and Aura, are fine, but I thought you'd like to go see her and Hikaru tomorrow. As well as Ikanie's four pups." "Pups? Oh how wonderful! Of course we'll go tomorrow," Umi said with a tired smile. As she started to doze off, Ascot told her that Presea had something to tell them tomorrow. Umi snuggled closer to Ascot and murmured, "Hmmm. I wonder what that's all about."

Ascot tenderly kissed her and yawned as he said, "I don't have the foggiest idea, but we'll know tomorrow." Umi sighed, "Mmm, Tomorrow." Then all was quiet as the new family slept, dreaming of their tomorrow's. Together.

The End