Title: Whenever I Call You Friend
Anime: Magic Knight Rayearth by CLAMP
Author: mizamiko
Rating of Chapter: PG
Whenever I call you Friend: Chapter 5
****Mokona****
Five worlds...
Five worlds, each created with a different set of rules to govern it. Earth, the world where the individual minds, hopes, and dreams rule. Cephiro, the land where the will is power, the future is in the hands of those who are strong. Fahren the land of magic, the severity of its lands rules keeps its monarchy strong. Autozam it is the land where the mind, the intellect, defines everything and keeps everything together. Chizeta beautiful, wild, a wish can become a reality, the physical form and skill has power.
Five planets where different forces govern the lives, the future of the lives of its people, so different yet so much similar. Each one has a path, a cycle that must be completed. Cephiro was the first to reach its full circle. It reached full circle and survived it. The next would be Autozam, then Earth, then Fahren, and lastly Chizeta. Each world must face the end, or the beginning, however you look at it.
Cephiro...
Cephiro was fortunate. It had the Magic Knights from Earth to help it when it had its turn. With the end of the old cycle, a new one began. It took the breaking of many beliefs but in the end the strength of all the people who fought, the belief of a better future, brought back to life that world again.
Now it is Autozam's turn. Slowly everything will be destroyed. The catalyst has awakened, like the love that Emeraude bore Zagato, it will be the spark that will start or end everything. Unlike the path for the Pillar, the fate of this world is more uncertain. I never made Autozam so that the mere will of one can immediately fix everything.
True they have learned to use mental energy but mostly only through their machines. Only a few has learned to harness its true power. That few was enough the last time. They survived the last cataclysm; they may not survive the present one. Too few remember, only one family remembers and their number may not be enough.
But then this time Autozam have the other worlds to support it. Maybe this time around it will survive as well. Maybe...
The cycle is the same as the last. Before it asked for the life of the four keepers, the two greatest scientists, and the bearer of light. A small price to pay for the continuing existence of their world but still their loss was felt, even to the present. Had the seven guardians survived, Autozam would not have come to this dead end that they now face. Much of the previous technology had been lost. The very earth is dying and they must build domes to live in.
If Autozam survives the people that will come out of its ashes may not retain their individuality for long. Everything from their past will be destroyed and unlike the other time they now have the other worlds to help them. With the other worlds help Autozam may become nothing more than a mere shadow of the other worlds. Its identity may be lost, merging with the culture of the others and the certain uniqueness that I had imbued in them will become no more.
Earth will be next to fall into the cycle. But it is still far off into the future. Dragons will be the catalysts in that world. I have left them to their own devices. They will survive or no, I can do nothing for them.
But for Autozam... Maybe I give them a fighting chance. Maybe, like in Cephiro...
Yes...
A chance... but in what form?
*****Hikaru*****
{We travel through this world alone
With the pain that turns pure hearts to stone
But my lonely thoughts return to you
Wondering if you feel the same way to me}
I heard the music gently gain volume as Umi touched a few buttons on her MDplayer. The voice filled the room; it reminded me of Dolby. With the help of an Autozamian machine that Zazu hooked it up on, it sounded as if the room itself produced the music.
Fuu and Zazu had a short discussion on how it worked. They seemed to have understood each other but the technical jargon that they used went way over my head. All I understood was that everything sounded better when the Discman was hooked up and that's all. That was all that was important anyway.
I turned my gaze back to Lantis. His tall frame lounging lazily at one of the divans that were against the wall. Long, dark bangs hid the blue-violet eyes that were usually so serious. He had been awfully quiet for the duration of this "impromptu listening session", as Umi called it. I knew he was listening very intently to the music, even if he seemed not to care. That was one thing I learned, in all the time we have spent together. He may not seem to see or care, but he does, he notices everything actually. He just rarely says his piece.
I smiled happily as I watched him. He has changed, I couldn't pinpoint it, but he has. I just knew that it had to do with our decision to think about the marriage more carefully. I needed to think it all through and he needed to clear it up to himself too. It was true that I once said that I wished to marry them both, him and Eagle-san. I know now it was a very childish answer, but it was the truth. I wished to be with them, all of them.
Now that I am older, I hope I was even just a bit wiser. I know now that they took me seriously. I had to think it all over. True, here in Cephiro, in this world, I could have them both. But would it be right? Was this what I truly want?
All I want is to have all the people that I love close to me forever. Is it wrong to yearn for all of us to be happy? It's idealistic, but this is Cephiro. The will of a person controls their fate.
I watched Lantis, hovering almost protectively over the sleeping figure beside him. Curled up on the divan, half-hidden by Lantis' cloak, Eagle looked small. It was an illusion, like the many other illusions that he used.
I had once said that I wished to be like him. This stands true still.
So gentle, he was such a gentle and kind person. That was if you weren't his opponent.
*If he wasn't I don't think he and Lantis would have lasted long as friends.* I thought to myself.
He knew just what to say, how to act, and what to do. He wasn't like me who have probably blundered, and broke, every rule in proper decorum. I cringed as I remembered a few episodes where I had probably embarrassed him in front of everyone. He had always been able to carry off those episodes without batting an eyelash. I was both glad and ashamed that he was present when it happened.
He was practically everything I wasn't. Clumsy, tends to space out, sleeps a lot, Eagle didn't seem to take anything seriously. Sometimes, it seemed like there was nothing in between his ears except the word "FUN". This seemed especially true now that he was out of the Deep Sleep. But if he really was all that then he wouldn't be the person I wanted to be like. Even if he did tend to be like that how ever did he become the person he was?
He's clumsy and spaces out, but he became the commander-in-chief of the NSX and was the strongest commander of Autozam. He sleeps a lot and doesn't seem to take anything seriously, but he now worked as the Ambassador of Autozam here in Cephiro. Guru Clef said he even proposed several projects for Cephiros' reconstruction. If all he thinks about was "FUN" then he wouldn't be drop dead tired from working right now.
I shook my head, he was playing dumb. Even though we all knew he wasn't dumb, we were inclined to forget it sometimes. We tended to believe that that was all he was sometimes.
Maybe that was why I liked him so much. He was nothing like me. Just a little on the weird side.
***** Umi *****
{I only want to love you - that is certain
though it seems that nothing has been promised}
*How true* I thought, thinking of a certain Yil. I hate it when I am in my melancholic mood. It must be the lyrics or the two lovebirds over there. I wanted to snort at that, but Umi Ryuuzaki does not snort. *She would scream and go crazy but she does not snort.*
Hikaru had been glancing at the two since the beginning of the listening session. Now, she was openly staring at them, unknowingly on her part I'm sure. She seemed to have plenty of questions on her mind to be staring at them outright.
*Hikaru, what are you thinking off?* I growled. It wasn't my business but I really thought that she has decided on giving them space. I thought she wanted to think it over. So, what in the world was she doing?
Stop staring at them!
Stop It!
Stop IT!
STOP IT!
I knew I was throwing daggers at her direction but there was no other way. I had to get her attention before the two notices her.
"Forget it, Umi." Someone said behind me. "I don't think she'll notice you anyway."
I nearly screamed. I whirled at the person who had sneaked up on my chair. I knew I was drawing attention to myself, but this person was dead.
I had the guy by his collar before I noticed that it was Ascot. His hair was a mess by the time I was finished shaking him.
"Don't do that." I bit out as I dropped him. "You want me to die from a heart attack?"
Everyone turned to look at us. Lantis spared the two of us a glance before turning his attention back to wherever. Caldina and Lafarga were staring at us both with knowing grins. Grins that I wanted to wipe off. Ferio and Fuu, or F and F, gave me perplexed looks. I swear they are becoming more like each other everyday. Anyway, at least I had Hikarus attention now.
"S-s-sorry, Umi!" He sputtered, face all red.
*If he wasn't such a nice boy... * I sighed. I gave him a small smile and a shrug. "Sorry, Ascot. I just don't like being sneaked up on. Errr... you okay?"
He didn't say a word, just nodded vigorously. I gave him one last look and shook my head. I will never understand Ascot. He seemed to feel awkward whenever I was present. I really don't bite, but he acts as if he expects me to. Maybe that slap that I gave him once had something to do with it.
I shrugged and returned to my seat. At least I didn't disturb Eagles sleep. It would have been unfortunate if I had. Though, I would be glad to have him out of that jerks paws. The nerve of that guy, pawing Eagle after telling him of the another girl in his life.
I felt a tapping on my shoulder and turned to face Ascot. I would rather that he disturb me some other time but I knew it was hard for Ascot to even touch me. I had no idea why, but he just seemed to feel that way.
"Yes, Ascot?" I asked, taking care to remove the slight irritation that I knew would color my voice.
"Well... You see... There's this party... I mean a grand ball."
"You mean there's a ball being held here in Cephiro?" I asked, and got a quick nod in response. "When will it be held?"
"Uh... Zazu said it would be in three Cephiran days."
I nodded, trying to calculate what it meant in Earth days, and asked. "What's the party for? I haven't heard a peep from Eagle about that."
"A visiting dignitary." Ferio answered from across the room. I winced as it more than drowned the music from my Discman.
This act, I might add, earned him a glance from Lantis. More like a glare actually. Ferio quickly made calming signs towards Lantis and made motions that he was going to shut up. I giggled a little at the situation. Ferio made wiping motions on his forehead and I bit my lip from laughing out loud. If I were in his place, I think I would be wiping up a ton of sweat too. Lantis can be one mean hombre if you tick him off. I, for one, wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a lightning bolt. The best way to go about getting a lightning bolt after you was by irritating Lantis. The fastest way to irritate him is by disturbing Hikaru or Eagle in anyway.
I heard Ascot clear his throat so I turned back towards him. He was beet red and seemed nervous all of a sudden. He played with the collar of his shirt and gave me a really tremulous smile. I had the sudden urge to tell him to spit it out.
I had an inkling on what he wanted to ask me, but I just wish he'd just say it. There was nothing wrong in asking a friend out to a dance. It couldn't be that hard, could it? I then remembered being all nervous when I had wanted to ask my fencing sempai out to lunch. I sighed, I guess it was hard. If Ascot was still worrying over that old episode, asking me would be just as hard.
"Well... If you have nothing to do that day..." He slowly started.
"Yes?" I said encouragingly.
"Well... wouldyouletmeescortyoutotheball?" He said in a rush.
I barely understood what he said. I blinked several times; it took me some time to figure it out. Ohhhh! He DID just ask me to go with him. I smiled brightly at him in relief. I was glad for him.
"I'd be happy to go with you." I gamely said.
"YES!" Ascot screamed, much to my surprise and irritation.
Out of the corner of my eyes I could see Eagle jerk-up and wake, ungracefully falling flat on his rump to the floor. Alea lacta est. I slowly inched away from my soon to be toasted friend. This will not be pretty. I got away none too soon when a flash of light hit Ascot.
I knew Lantis would never truly harm a friend but he will certainly let them know when he's pissed. One Ascot extra-crispy.
I turned to find a slightly disoriented Eagle, tangled up in his makeshift blanket. Lantis was down on one knee, calmly checking him for injuries. *INJURIES?!? He just fell!! The worst that could happen is Eagle getting a bruise.*
Then I remembered. It was Eagle we were talking about, with him a simple fall could mean a broken bone. Accident-prone just didn't describe him. He was the embodiment of it. He tripped over pebbles and near nothingness.
I looked at them and growled. Why that two timing, good for nothing excuse of a boyfriend. He even had the guts to be familiar with Eagle when he was going with another girl, besides Hikaru.
*Keep your hands to yourself.* I thought angrily. Lantis was never in my good graces to begin with. Frying Ascot just added another point against him this day. Purposefully, I stomped towards them. I was going to give him a piece of my mind. *JERK.*
I guess I was too slow as Ascot got to him first. Ascot had Lantis by his shirtfront and was trying to haul him up, or down since Lantis was taller. If I knew how to paint I would have loved to do Ascots face at the time. It was a mask of rage that looked so comic because of all the soot and the rags that he now wore.
Before Ascot could start a fight Eagle was up and was between the two of them. He was a mask of worry and was like a mother hen as he asked and checked Ascot for injuries. I didn't know how he did it but sure enough he had everything under control again. Deftly preventing the mass destruction of another part of the castle.
I hated to say it but Cephiro could be as crazy as that drama/comedy series Ranma 1/2. Though I hated soaps, my mother watched that particular soap everyday. Not that things get blown up here as frequently but with crazy Presea, touchy Lafarga, mercurially tempered me(so I admit it), scheming Caldina, throw in an occasional hot tempered Tarta and Aska, it was amazing that the castle still stands sometimes. Lantis only gets involved in the craziness when Hikaru or Eagle gets it accidentally or when he gets pissed. The latter was the rarer occurrence.
I hated him, I simply couldn't see what my two closest friends see in him. He was cold and aloof. He never laughs and he was a double crossing jerk.
*Jerk. Jerk JERK.*
*****Lantis*****
{I've got my eyes only on you
since the day we met - now and forever
when you're next to me I need nothing else}
*what is bothering you?* I asked him in my mind, wondering if he was ignoring me, is really asleep, or just couldn't hear my thoughts. I was nowhere near in finding that out. He lived life to the fullest everyday, as if it were his last, barring the fact that he slept away half of it. Then in an instant he would keep to himself all of a sudden, then just as suddenly snap out of it. He seemed to have changed little, if his napping beside me were any indication.
He was only half-asleep, actually. Probably had a lot on his mind. He needed this nap and he knows it too. But some news seemed to be disturbing him. Last night he left the castle on some errand. He returned several hours later, seeming worried and looking fragile.
I knew it was none of my business where he went but I'd be damned if something happened to him. He was my best friend, if nothing else. I was not about to let him carry the weight of the world by himself. And the Creator knows that this 'little bird' would do that unhesitatingly. It was an irritating, yet endearing, trait. At times I felt like I'd like to tie him to his bed and lock his door just to make him stop. Though the repercussions would be dire.
I remember being trapped with him once, back at Autozam. We wound up being trapped inside the school training hall for two days. Two very odd days I might add.
It was early on in our friendship. He was just the quieter of the Vision twins then. It was just over a two weeks since I first got in Acer University. True, I had no papers to get in, but the battery of exams that I passed simply told them I was a qualified student for some of their undergraduate classes.
I had no idea whose fault it was, our being trapped there. I was just going home after finishing researching in the University Library. That was when I herd something that I never thought I would hear, so far from home. The sound of a sword cutting through the air. I followed it till it led me to the training hall and the last person I would ever imagine holding a sword.
He seemed oblivious to everything around him when I saw him. At first I thought it was Hawk, since of the two he seemed to be the more likely to practice the art. Being the more active, at least to me then, and the more out going of the two, Hawk was my first guess. That was until I saw his eyes.
I had looked into the eyes of both twins before and what I saw then did not match either ones. There was steel in those eyes, a commanding presence that I have never felt before. Hawk did not show that presence, not in the two weeks that I was getting to know him at least.
I did not see much of 'the other twin' since his schedule differed radically with mine. Add the fact that Hawk left earlier that day with the Geo, I concluded it was him. The only time I ever actually saw him in the day was in the morning when the twins, Geo, and Zazu met up before going to their individual classes. In fact, of the four, Eagles classes were the least complimentary in any way with the others. While even I had a class or two in a day that matched with at least one of them, he didn't.
At the end of the day, often he would simply try to catch up to the three, wherever they went to. It was odd, and yet even if they rarely saw him it was as if they felt closer to him than to each other. And though Hawk was more popular in the University I had gotten the impression that Eagle was something special too, only no one spoke much of it. And the fact that many kept away from him has given me pause many a time. I did not know much about Eagle then, at least not as much as I did now, and I still learned things that I did not know about him every once in a while.
When I saw him with a sword, moving like dancer through the forms, I knew he was no dabbler. The precision, in which he moved, the power of each strike to his unseen opponent, it all spoke of practice and dedication. Plus the blade that landed near my cheek was but an inch away after he threw it at me, I knew he was good.
He smiled sheepishly when he saw it was me. He apologized and asked me to come in.
"I didn't know you fenced." I had said as I walked nearer. He giggled then and answered that practically everyone fenced in Cephiro.
"Even Zazu knows how to fence, though that didn't mean he liked to." He added then as he took a break, slipping a card into the vendo-machine for some drinks. He then threw me a can of ice-coffee, the type that I had started to drink when I got there.
I didn't know everyone fenced, though I knew there was a
fencing class since I had one as one of my classes. I simply nodded at the fact.
I asked him why he was practicing there and at that time of all times. He
blinked once at me then smiled. His answer was 'it was his only spare time.' It
was the end of the school week and most students were out having fun. Few used
the training hall
at that particular time and at that particular day. I found out that it was like
a routine for him to practice every week.
We had ended up talking about fencing on our respective worlds. There was
something about him that reminded me of the princess that I left. There was
strength in him that was hidden under a layer of weakness. The Vision twins had
a way of making
people feel comfortable. It was at that time that I learned that Eagle had that
knack that his brother had. He just didn't use it as much. We ended up sparring,
using practice swords of course, with him losing several times. Though now I
wonder if I
had really won any of those matches. Even now, I wonder if any of the matches
that we have had he purposely lost. He was good and we had both lost track of
the time, that was until the doors suddenly locked itself automatically.
He looked on in utter shock when everything double locked. He asked the time and
sank to his knees when I told him it was passed midnight. It was then that he
announced that the locks would only open after the weekend. I turned to him then
and asked
him if he was joking. His only answer was a wide-eyed look. Then he went back to
normal all of a sudden. It was like all he needed was a few minutes to adjust to
the idea then he was ready to go on with his life again. In fact the next
question he
uttered floored me. He asked where we could find pillow since we already had
mats available for beds.
I didn't know how I survived those two days. Remembering back, it was as if I
told him everything then. What else could I have done with him poking around in
my head with that rapt expression on his face. It felt like I had his full
undivided
attention then. We sparred, we talked, then we ate. It was fairly simple life, I
was glad for the near unlimited power of his card. It bought us food and drinks
from the vendo-machine. I guess that was one of the perks of being born in a
rich family.
Had he not had that, we would have starved.
"YES!!!" The shout snapped me out of my dreams. It also snapped him out his
dreams. He fell to the floor, still wrapped up in my cloak. I growled in
response. That was it. Ascot was toast.
I sent a lightning spell after Ascot. Hmmm... It gave him a nice tan. Toasting
persons certainly turned them into a very nice shade of brown or red if they got
mad at you. Ascot was turning from brown to red as I watched.
I checked Eagle for injuries, you never knew with him, and noticed how pale he
was compared to me. He was almost as pale as Umi. The girl that he... I stopped
short. I could not even finish the thought. They were a better match. Maybe...
But that
didn't mean I had to leave his side.
The next thing I knew I was being hauled down to meet glinting green eyes. I
gave Ascot my best glare. It was his own fault; he woke Eagle up. That was
enough reason for me to fry him.
**** Eagle****
<Don't say you love me
you don't even know me
if you really want me
then give me some time>
I stood up quickly and tried to diffuse the situation. I had no idea on why
Ascot shouted but I didn't think it really warranted that lightning bolt from
Lantis. It was a low-level blast, I was sure, but it was very surprising. I have
never been on
the receiving end of the blast before, but from other people who had, they said
it was just a big jolt.
I checked Ascot for injuries and sighed in relief when I found none. Lantis had
a temper that could match Umi's. I wanted to laugh but I doubted if the
situation would warrant it, plus the fact that Ascot would have sent his pets
after me.
Everything was set. I had spoken with Zazu that morning, and told him some
excuse or another on why I had to leave for Autozam. I just needed to tell the
others about it. And of course that meant that I had to broach the subject to
Lantis. That was
reason why I was curled up on his lap in the first place.
I had a short talk with my twin through the NSX lines that morning. The summons
that he gave me was just the type of excuse that I knew Zazu would accept. And
now, I had to tell the others that I had to go back to Autozam as soon as
possible. But how
should I start? How was Lantis going to react to this?
As it was, he was not that happy whenever I left for Autozam, even for a few
days. And this... this would certainly take more than a few days. Though I had
no intention of telling any of them this, I knew that Lantis would be able to
see right through
me. Times like this I wish I had my twin's gift for fabrication.
My twin...
He looked well when we spoke.
It was funny. I kept calling Hawk my twin when in truth we were not even born on
the same day, or from the same mother for that matter. But we looked a lot
alike. That was usually enough for everyone. My mother... His mother... They
were the twins.
And Hawk never knew which of them was really his mother. Maybe they kept it that
way so that father would have to accept the both of us into the family. The
family knew that one of us was an illegitimate child, which one was a matter of
conjecture.
The twins, our mothers, kept their secret well, they brought it to their graves.
But I knew... I found out about it in my mother's diary. I was an only child.
It was funny. It was ironic. The clan favorite, the clan heir, was the bastard
child.
When I first time I read about it, it was father who showed it to me. He knew
but he also said that I was still his son, though illegitimate. He had no wish
for me to be disowned and outcast. But since then, I strove to be the best that
I could ever
be, to not bring shame to him and the clan. I had much to prove, even if they
did not know what I was. Against Bluebird, against Hawk, I was nothing.
I felt Lantis' hand press against my back and smiled inwardly. We had been
dancing around each other the past few weeks. I didn't know if he noticed it,
but I most certainly have. We talk, spent time with each other, and simply not
touch on what
needed to be brought out.
Lantis.
Did he know how much I wanted to just stay here in Cephiro? And how impossible
that was for me? Has he any idea how much I care? Was my caring for him even
important to point out? At times we walked pass each other and I could not find
the words that
would make him want to stay beside me.
I shook my head gently and found Umi looking at me from where she sat. Of course
Ascot was there before me so that could be why she was looking at my direction.
Umi...
She knew how it felt to be alone. To be surrounded by people and feel like a
circus oddity. Knowing what you were and how different you really were to all
the others. One could feel isolated. Geo, Zazu, and Hawk did not understand why
but they did not
permit me to cut myself off, even when I tried to distance myself. Lantis, he
accepted me as I was, it did not matter to him, what was family lines to him.
The fact he had no idea about the politics beneath the ones he knew about that
surrounded my
family could be one reason for it. Umi, she knew how it felt to be so lonely,
though hers was not exactly like my situation, she understood how I felt. That
was enough.
Hikaru, I could never tell her about it. Even if she really has matured I had no
wish to expose her to the crazed world that I lived in. Actually I couldn't tell
anyone about it. But if I could, Lantis and Umi would be the first to know.
Hawk, Geo,
Zazu, and Blue I knew wouldn't even bat an eyelash so it would not matter when I
told them.
I had talk to Umi earlier about my leaving. She of course gave me a list of
things she wanted me to buy for her while I was there. The last time it was one
of those hair clips that she saw one of the female crew of the NSX wore. This
time it was to be
some pastry book she found on the catalogue that I showed to her once.
Translating it to a script that she understood was another matter though.
I bent down beside the divan and got Lantis' cloak. If I wanted to tell Lantis
about it within the day I had better pull him to some place private now and got
it over with. Carefully folding his cloak, I turned to him with a gentle smile.
He knew the
smile that I had. He always took it as a 'I have decided to tell you what's
troubling me' smile. Which, of course, was not all that far off the mark.
***** Lantis*****
{These eyes still remember
the blue smoke, over the horizon
so if I close my eyes, I return
a time of warmth, memories...}
He had that smile again.
I was both worried and relieved. Relieved that he had finally decided to tell me
what was bothering him. Worried about what bothered him in the first place.
That smile... It had that effect. It made one want to protect its bearer. A
smile that made its bearer look so incredibly fragile and vulnerable. It took
all the steel out of his eyes. I could almost forget that he was almost a Kailu
by Cephiran
standards. Though that did not mean much since the kind of 'magic' he wielded
was more on machines and not on real magic.
But even if I wished to I doubted if I could protect him. He needed to be
protected. Even if he was an excellent fighter that was nothing when brought
against the monsters that roamed Cephiro. Given Eagles tendency to NOT bring his
more offensive
weaponry, only that stupid shield of his, I and the others tended to worry
whenever he takes 'short' walks outside of the castle.
I didn't believe in destiny but seemed like my world revolved around it. I was a
Kailu destined to protect the Pillar of this planet, and yet the Pillar needs no
protection from me. Hikaru, even if she abolished the Pillar system was still
the
Princess. But she was also a Magical Knight; she could protect herself. If she
couldn't she would not have been chosen. Add to the fact that Guru Clef gave
them magic, they were a match for any monster that might attack.
But Eagle... He didn't have these advantages. I remember, back in Autozam,
several times I visited him after some accident or another. Some crazed
extremist or some bomb, things that I knew that had I been present would not
have caused him to be sent
to a hospital.
I did not believe in destiny, but I think he was mine. From the moment I saw
him, standing calmly in the middle of a pack of hoodlums using only his charm to
keep them at bay, I knew. Somehow I knew our paths were forever tangled
together. I didn't
know why I, I just knew. Like I knew my place by his side as my place with the
Pillar was at her feet, now Hikaru's feet.
"Ne, Lantis. I think I had better get back to work." He said as he handed me my
cloak back. "I have to check the disks that Geo sent. I'm not sure if I'll be
joining you for dinner so don't wait up."
That was as close to an open invitation to join him as I was ever going to get.
Not eating dinner was always the opening he used to imply that he would like to
talk. At least to me it was. He used a different line with Geo, something like
taking a
nap. With Zazu it was along the lines of going for a walk. Odd, I thought at
first, but I caught on after a while.
I watched him as he took his leave, telling the Magic Knights that he might not
be round when they left. Then I watched him as he exchanged meaningful glances
with Umi. Why that... that... aaarrrgggghhh. Umi had Ascot at her beck and call.
She almost
had Guru Clef in her clutches too. Now did she have Eagle too?
But Eagle... He seemed to return the favor.
He walked slowly away and turned to give me a simple smile before he closed the
door. I made to follow him when I heard someone call my name. I turned to find
Hikaru jogging up to me as the others started to come too.
"Lantis! Let's go to the gardens. Umi prepared a basket of goodies for all of
us."
I looked at her and had no idea what I was to do. In one hand I knew I had to
accompany her. Though we had agreed to think things over, she was still the
Pillar. I had a duty to perform. In the other I knew Eagle wished to speak to
me, most likely
waiting for me somewhere... He rarely wished to talk about his problems, it
usually had to be pried out of him with a blade. So now I had a problem.
"Hikaru! I think Lantis-san needs to go somewhere. Am I not right Lantis-san?"
Fuu interjected for which I was glad.
"Hey! Weren't you supposed to help Guru Clef with something..." Ferio added with
a sly wink.
"Well yes... I do need to do 'something' right about now..." I joined. I wanted
to kiss the two for giving me a chance to escape. I guess they weren't as dense
as I thought they were.
"But you need to relax and have fun! So you're coming with us. Ne!" Hikaru
returned, much to my displeasure. Right about then I wanted to pound my head
against one of the castle pillars. Why in the world could she not notice the not
so subtle hints
that everyone was dropping?
***** Umi*****
"But you need to relax and have fun! So you're coming with us. Ne!"
"Hikaru..." I growled under my breath.
She may have the strongest heart that is pure gold, but she certainly lacked a
little sensitivity when it came to hints.
"Sometimes things have to be pounded in..." I muttered as I made ready to do
battle. Though personally I would rather have that JERK with us and away from
Eagle, I knew Eagle wanted to talk with him.
"Hikaru. I think Lantis has some important errand to finish and I know it just
can't wait." I said louder so as she could hear me clearly. "Unlike us Hikaru,
Lantis has more important jobs to fulfill. You should give him a chance to
finish things. He
can just catch up when he finishes."
I saw the grateful look that he sent me. I wanted to pound his face to the
earth. The things I would do for my friends. Eagle, you idiot, you owe me one.
"But everyone's coming! Even Guru Clef! So the two of them can just talk while
we're all having fun outside." She answered brightly. "Eagle is the only one
with a very valid excuse to not be present."
Then all of a sudden she grabbed Lantis' arm than started to drag him away.
"Let's go!"
What a sight! Tall dark and grim was being dragged off by joy-joy herself. I
could almost pity the guy. I doubted if he could get away from this. From the
resigned look on his face I guess he knew he was going nowhere.
*Tough luck!* I thought. I turned to F and F, then shrugged. We tried. I walked
towards my MDplayer and started to pull out the disc when we all heard the
shouts.
"Eagle! EAGLE! EAAAGLLLE!"
All of us turned as one as Zazu Torque slammed into the room, nearly sending
Hikaru and Lantis to the floor. He stopped right there, panting, pale, and
generally distraught. He looked as us wildly, till he spotted Lantis.
"Lantis! <pant> Where's <pant, pant> Eagle!" He asked as he grabbed Lantis'
shirt, or whatever they called that white thing he was wearing. "WHERE?"
I looked at Zazu in surprise. I had never seen him this... panicked!
"Talk." Was all Lantis said as he took hold of Zazu's arm.
Zazu shook his head and pried his arm out of Lantis' hands. Panting still, he
simply repeated himself. "Where's Eagle?"
"I'm here..." A soft voice from beyond the open door spoke before Lantis could
retort. Slowly Eagle entered the room. He looked different. It was as if I was
looking at that picture of him that I saw in Geo's files. It was a shot of a
younger Eagle,
all battered and bruised, sitting in front of what seemed to be a first-aid kit,
in an obviously empty training hall. There was sadness etched on his face at the
same time firm determination as he poured something on his arm. The caption that
came
with it said something like 'Congratulations to the new member of the Vox pax'
Geo translated. I asked him what Vox pax was. The sudden proud smile and the
bright 'A traditional fighting style group' was his only answer. There was more
to it than that
I was sure but he didn't elaborate. For one why would Eagle be sad if he got in?
"There was a bombing of one of the reactors back in Autozam. And ((((( ((((((
((..." Zazu's speech suddenly became unintelligible to everyone. Everyone except
Eagle it seemed. Right then I wanted to use him as a pincushion for my rapier.
He just left
us all hanging. Add to that Eagles expression didn't even change.
*Idiot*
I turned my gaze to Lantis and watched his gaze harden on Zazu. Everything was
turning to be a very bed replay of an afternoon soap. Lantis' slow turn to gaze
at Eagle was enough to make me worried. I knew any minute now he was going to
drag Eagle
somewhere and have a 'heart to heart'.
Three
Two
One
"Eagle could I have a moment with you."
*Right on time* I thought wryly. A look at Eagle had me groaning. The idiot was
in lala land. What was it with him. I didn't know if Lantis understood a word
that Zazu said but it seemed like he intended to find out.
*****Zazu*****
I fidgeted as I waited for Eagle's orders. When Lantis butted in I wanted to
shout at him to shut up. The first of my report was no big news, the whole crew
found out about it the moment we received transmission. The second part of it
was more on a
confidential vein. The assassination attack on his father by amok machines.
Eagles father survived the attack but needed to be detained at home for a while
to recover from the strain.
I looked expectantly at Eagle. Not once in the time that I have served under him
have I found Eagle to be at a loss on what must be done. And it seemed like this
was like any other moment, he may look like he was dreaming but I knew the gears
were
working overtime. He was a commander, first and foremost, the best that we had,
it would take more than this to break him.
"I leave tonight. Have the NSX ready by then." He said, in a language that
everybody understood. He simply leveled a gaze at Lantis then turned back to me.
Then in the same language that I used he added. "{Tell no one else of the
attempt.}"
He turned to face Lantis, then smiled. It was the smile that I have learned to
hate. It was the smile that we both used when we had to face people that we knew
were better off ignorant. I gave him a sharp salute then started my walk back to
the NSX. I
needed to give the crew their orders then pack up myself. Something told me that
this trip was going to take a while.
"Zazu! Wait!" Someone shouted and I heard the pounding of feet. As I turned a
red bundle of energy slowed to a stop before me. "Zazu..."
I gritted my teeth and prepared to do battle with the most stubborn, but cute,
Magic Knight. "Yes Hikaru?"
"Zazu. What was that all about? What bombing? Did anyone get hurt?"
I knew I had a quick temper, but I also knew she didn't deserve it. She was
still too innocent, even if she thinks she's all grown up. She had no idea how
much Eagle has protected her. Actually everyone had strict orders never to
discuss Autozam's
problems other than those pertaining to the slow disintegration of its
environment. And the less said about it the better. Only the three of us, Eagle,
Geo and me, really disclose things concerning Autozam.
My temper was getting the better of em. 'Did anyone get hurt?' was never a
question brought up. A reactor was bombed. Everyone knew that if anything
happened to any of the reactors the dome supported by those reactors will have
all of their systems
crashing down. This usually caused a chain reaction causing multiple explosions
on various building that was supported by the reactors as well. All the
explosions and the sudden influx of the uncontrolled environment could kill
people instantly. More
than 50 people died in the incident. It was that most civilians had been drilled
for this possibility. It decreased the number dramatically. Thousands could have
died. I had explained this in detail several times to them already. No reactor
bombing
would ever be without casualties.
I like Hikaru very much. So sweet. Actually all of them were so sweet. They were
the last persons that I would ever want to burden, hurt, or disillusion. I would
protect them at all costs. From my world and at times from their own selves.
They were my
second family. They rank fourth among my loyalties. My people, my family, my
commander, though it was not exactly in that order at times.
Even if I had to hurt them. Eagle taught me that. Sometimes we have to hurt
those we care for to make sure that they will not get burned. They might never
understand why or even know. That wasn't important. What was important was that
they stay safe
in their own little worlds. To keep them smiling, to never let them bear the
brunt of the pain that was what we should do.
"A bombing of a reactor. A time-triggered bomb destroyed unit 5. Yes, fifty
people." I said, all business like. It was cold, I knew but I really didn't want
to get too in-depth, or delay much longer. I started to turn away.
"No wait!" She said, catching my sleeve. "Is there anything we could do to help?
If anything was destroyed, I'm sure the others would agree to help in repairing,
or helping the wounded."
"No. There is nothing any of you can do to help." I didn't want to dash her
hopes but it was the truth. I doubted if even Fuu would be able to make a
compatible machine with those used by us. The very basic ideas were the same but
the execution was
very different. I was afraid that they were only going to get in the way of
those who would be working there. The destruction of a reactor was not news to
any of us. It was a fact of life that we all had to live by. The help that we
needed was ways to
heal our world. The government had set up enough contingencies to keep
everything in order. It would all be fixed in a matter of days.
I nodded at her then started to walk away. I knew it was cruel but I had my
orders. Eagle leaves tonight. So the NSX will bring him to his destination.
****Hikaru****
I stared at Zazu as he started to move away from me. He had brushed me off. I
had thought I would get more answers from him. It seemed like I was wrong. I
didn't understand. Why?
I could have sworn that he was angry. Yet I didn't do anything wrong. Why? It
was as if he was closing me off. But we were all friends here. If something was
troubling him then shouldn't we be the ones he should talk to?
Zazu was acting just like Eagle. Didn't they care about how we all felt? They
were being selfish again, they were thinking only of themselves. What of us? Our
feeling?
No!
I wasn't about to give up. Lantis will take care of Eagle. Zazu was mine. I'd
pry him open even if I had to use a my fire arrow on him.
I looked back for a moment only to see Eagle at the other end of the hall,
walking away. Lantis stood in front of the door where we listened to the music.
He was watching Eagle as he walked away then looked back at me. He was looking
torn between
running after and staying with me. I looked at Zazu's departing figure then back
at him. I then smiled as he gave me a nod. We both turned to run after the two.
These stupid Autozamians. Why in the world were they so hell bent on doing
things by themselves. I smiled as I ran. They can be so stubborn and yet so
charming. I guess that was why everyone fell for them. Idiots everyone of them,
but idiots with big
hearts.
Something came up and they were protecting us from it again. The bombing must
have killed some people. They were probably claming up on us, to show us a brave
face. Shielding us again.
Idiots.
*Idiot.* I thought as I got closer to Zazu. * I'll have you talking if it's the
last thing I do.*
****Geo****
"What!!!" I shouted at the cutely smiling face before me. Tatra was the sweetest
girl that I knew. It came as a surprise when I learned that she was the best at
martial arts and learning in the whole Chizeta. She turned out more like Eagle
than I
thought. And just as devious in getting her as him. "What do you mean we're
engaged!"
I have gotten used to pretty faces giving me pretty smiles. She was not going to
get her way with me as Eagle does. No. No NO!
"Of course we are. Our Engagement Party is set on the day after tomorrow."
I paled. What in the world did I do to deserve this? I was surrounded by
delicate, pretty faced people that had me wrapped around their delicate little
fingers. All my life I was begged, dragged, and shanghaied to do their bidding.
A practical slave
to their whims. A willing slave Eagle would say but a slave still. And now,
here, thousands of miles away from Eagle and I was still being shanghaied. If I
didn't know better I would say they were all part of a big club. Tatra even had
Eagles smile.
The next thing I knew she had me by my hand and was dragging me to one of the
carpets. I sweatdropped when she brought out a teapot. She just had to like tea
too.
I had to talk with her parents about this. I cannot marry he. Pretty as she may
be I had my duties to finish first before I could ever think about marriage.
*Eagle! HELP!*
*****End part 5*****
December 29, 1999
*********
Disclaimers: All characters belonged to their original creator, CLAMP, I just
commandeered some of the characters for a night out into my own demented world.
Note: Thanks to the UAWC/SP for checking this one out. The songs are not mine
and are from the following groups: Marcoss 7 - "Submarine Street", Slam Dunk-
"Endless Chain" by BAAD, Slam Dunk- "Anata dake Mitsumeteru" - Maki Ohguro,
Kidou Senshi Gundam
F-91- "Eternal Wind ~ hohoemi wa hikaru kaze no naka" (ending theme), "Don't say
you love me" by M2M. Please don't throw anything at me. These were playing in
the background while I was typing this part, I just couldn't help it. It was the
only thing
giving me inspiration. Uhhh! Gomen the translations are rough at best.
Note: The story idea is a figment of my imagination please don't use it for your
own purposes without asking.
*********