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Disclaimers, Spoilers, etc: This is the fifth and final Presea story in the ongoing series that has taken me a year to write. All Rayearth characters belong to CLAMP. Why did I spell Alcyone's name differently in this story? I have no idea. I just started spelling it one way and then realized it when I was far into the story. SPOILERS!!! This story has many spoilers to Rayearth2. Some dialogue is taken from Rayearth2 as well. So, if you don't want to be spoiled, then I guess you shouldn't read this. There's also some minor cursing here and there. Well, enjoy the story. Feedback is always welcome! ^_^
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Lightning split the dark sky that overlooked the swamp. Presea stared out of the window of Stephen and Terria's house. The swamp was drying up� disappearing. At this rate it would completely disappear within a few weeks. She stood up and slowly rotated her arm. Presea had only been out of her splint for a couple of days and she was working hard to restore her arm to full strength. She was also happy to have new clothes. Her red bodysuit had been replaced with a white bodysuit that had long sleeves. Her smith's apron had been replaced by a longer one that was almost like a dress with big slits up the side which made it easy for her to move. Thunder rumbled outside. Cephiro had never seen such violent storms before. Presea shook her head. Something was terribly wrong. Had the Magic Knights been defeated? Slowly she wandered into the living room where everyone was gathered, having tea. Presea smiled at Stephen, Terria, and Braden. Rogue had since left Stephen and Terria's house. He was out wandering the land. Presea worried for him. Cephiro was becoming a very dangerous place. Nobody spoke for a moment. Lately everyone had been quiet and apprehensive. Finally Terria broke the silence. "Presea, Bindi should be awake from her nap. Would you go get her from her room?" "Sure." Presea walked back down the hall and entered the baby's room. Terria was right, Bindi was awake. Presea smiled. Terria really was a good mother. She had that instinct. Presea bent over the crib and Bindi cooed at her. "Hey Bindi-baby. Are you ready to get up and see your mom and dad?" Bindi smiled her adorable baby smile as Presea picked her up. She and the child had bonded ever since Presea had come home from the Forest of Silence. Presea was happy to have a diversion. Her mission to make the weapons for the Magic Knights was over for now and Presea could focus on other things like her family and friends. Presea carried Bindi into the living room and was surprised to see that a guest had joined them. It was Dylan, head of the Underground Society. His face was grim. "Hello Presea," he said. "Hello Dylan." Presea glanced at Braden. He locked eyes with her. They had a lost look in them. "What's going on?" Presea asked, a bit scared from the looks on everyone's faces. Dylan faced her. "Princess Emeraude has been killed." "What?" "The Magic Knights killed her. That is what the full legend was about. The Pillar of Cephiro is the only one who knows the summoning spell because only somebody from another world can kill her. It was Princess Emeraude's wish to die� so that she could be with High Priest Zagato." The group gasped. "Zagato?" Presea muttered. "High Priest Zagato� the one who caused all of the monsters?" Dylan nodded, then became gravely serious. "Now that Princess Emeraude is dead, Cephiro has no Pillar. And without a Pillar�" "Cephiro will crumble," Presea finished. Dylan eyed her. "That's right." "That's why the storms have been so violent. Cephiro has already been crumbling. It's crumbling as we speak. What have I done?" "Presea?" Braden asked. "My weapons� The weapons that I created� killed the Pillar." "It was her wish," Stephen said. "I know, but� I can't help feeling guilty." Braden walked over to Presea and drew her and Bindi into his arms. He kissed her cheek. "It was your destiny. You know you can't fight a destiny like that. Now, whatever happens will happen. And we will take it on the chin and be strong." Presea smiled and Bindi giggled. "Yes, Braden. We will be strong."

TWO WEEKS LATER�

Everybody was still apprehensive. The horrible storms had seemed to make everybody become "on edge." Rogue had returned. The storms were too intense for people to be out of doors. Terria had started packing up the house. Stephen had been watching the skies. Presea and Braden packed as well. They knew that there was no way that they were going to be able to stay there for much longer. Finally, the fateful day came. The day started as most days had�no sun, just the rumble of thunder. Presea was eating breakfast in the kitchen. As she ate, Sui came up beside her. Presea smiled at the dog. "Hey there, Sui." Sui looked up at her. Presea noticed that even the dog's eyes were anxious. "So you sense it too?" Sui whined softly and Presea patted her on the head. "Everything's going to be all right," she said, wanting to believe her own words. Then she heard a loud knock on the door. "It's starting," she whispered. She leaned out of the kitchen door and watched as Terria went to the front door. It was Dylan. Terria let him in. "It's time," he told Terria. "We've been told to evacuate everyone to the big castle. It's not safe to live here anymore." Terria nodded, a bit tearful. "Yeah. Um� I'll go get Stephen and we'll be ready in a few minutes." Presea had never seen Terria act this shaken before, but she knew that Terria didn't want to leave her home. However, she also knew that Terria knew of the danger and knew that they had to go. Slowly, Presea stepped from the kitchen, Sui at her heels. Terria glanced at her as she walked by. "You'll get Braden?" she asked. Presea nodded. "Yes. I'll get him now."
The group was ready only a few minutes later. They had been smart in packing early. Now the group of them, Presea, Braden, Rogue, Stephen, Terria, Bindi, and Sui stood ready to go. Dylan gave them all a reassuring smile. "This won't be forever," he said. Stephen nodded in agreement. "Let's go," Dylan continued. As they walked in to the rain, Presea glanced back at the lonely house. That house� the place that she had called home during her worst times. It was always warm and inviting. Yet now it stood cold and distantly against the gray sky. Then Dylan extended his arm. A portal appeared. "Through the portal," he said. And they all stepped through�
Suddenly, Presea felt warmth and comfort. As their surroundings reformed, she was surprised at what she saw. They were standing in a�garden. "This is the inside of the castle?" she asked. Dylan nodded. "But it's so beautiful. It doesn't feel cold or unfriendly at all." "I feel better already," Terria admitted. "Come with me," Dylan said. "There's someone who wants to see you. And there's people who want to meet you." "This isn't half-bad," Rogue commented as they walked down the corridors." "Is this castle really going to hold all of the people of Cephiro?" Braden asked. "Yes," Dylan said. "There are huge living quarters in this castle." Braden was impressed. They reached a large door. "In here�" Dylan pushed the door open and suddenly� "Puu!" Presea's mouth dropped open in surprise as Mokona jumped out at her. "Mokona!" she cried. "Puu! Puu! Puu!" "I can't believe that you're here!" "I can't believe that you're here," said another voice. It was Master Mage Clef. Dylan took this moment to leave. He had more people to evacuate. "Clef!" Braden said. "All of you," Clef said. "It's good to see all of you. Presea! It was rumored that you were dead!" "I thought that there would be rumors," Rogue chimed in. "What happened to you then?" Clef asked. "I was very injured. I was basically unable to do anything," Presea answered. "I see." "But Clef," Terria said. "Dylan told us that Princess Emeraude was killed and that Cephiro is crumbling. What's going to happen?" "Cephiro will crumble unless a new Pillar is found. That's another problem. Nobody here seems capable. Also, there are foreign countries invading: Autozam, Fahren, and Chizeta. They all hope to become the Pillar." "This is horrible," Stephen said. Clef nodded sadly. Then he cleared his throat. "Anyway, there's some people that I'd like you to meet." A door on the other side of the room opened. Four people walked in. One was a teenager with green hair. He wore robes of royalty. Following him was another kid with brown hair that covered his eyes. He wore the clothes of a Palu, one who is a beast master. The woman behind him was very tan and had pink hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was dressed as a dancer. Then the last man entered. He had blonde hair, wore armor, and carried a big sword. He was a sword master. Clef smiled at them and then turned back to the other group. "I'd like you to meet Prince Ferio, Ascot, Caldina, and Lafarga. Ferio was Princess Emeraude's younger brother. Ascot is a Palu, Caldina is a dancer and illusionist, and Lafarga was Princess Emeraude's head guard." Then he turned to the four. "And I would like you all to meet Presea, the Master Smith of Cephiro and former Queen of Questria, her husband Braden who was the King of Questria and minor sorcerer, Rogue the master spy, Stephen and Terria the animal and medicine specialists and their baby girl Bindi and dog Sui." Everybody shook hands in greeting. Then Terria said, "So, where are we going to stay now? I'd like to get settled because Bindi's getting restless." Clef nodded. "Mokona will show you where you can stay." Mokona jumped up and down. "We'll see you later," Stephen said. Then he, Terria, and Sui followed Mokona out. Meanwhile, Rogue was talking to Ferio. "Do I know you from somewhere?" he asked. Ferio shook his head. "I don't believe that we've met before." They continued talking. Lafarga was talking with Braden. Ascot was acting very aloof for some reason. "Hey Ascot! What's eatin' ya?" Caldina called. She turned to Presea. "I don't get it. He's usually very talkative but now he's just withdrawn." Presea thought for a moment. "Perhaps I can talk to him and ask him about it?" Caldina shrugged. "You can try, but I dunno what he'll do." "Then come with me." Presea and Caldina walked over to Ascot. "Hey Ascot," Presea said, her voice gentle. "Is there something wrong? You seem quite nervous." Ascot hesitated. "Come on, Ascot. You're worryin' me," said Caldina. Ascot sighed. "Presea's the Master Smith." "What?" Presea asked. "You are the Master Smith who made the weapons for the Magic Knights." "I�I'm sorry for what my weapons have done. I didn't know�" "No, no it's not that," Ascot said. "Well what is it?" asked Caldina. "A few months ago� my beast attacked in the Forest of Silence. It was supposed to kill� I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I didn't know what I was doing! I was a stupid kid!" He began to cry. Caldina looked a bit downcast. Then she looked at Presea. "You see, Ascot, Lafarga, and I�used to work for Zagato. We were his minions I guess you can say." "You� I get it!" Presea said. It all became clear to her why Ascot was so upset. His beast had been the one who collapsed her house in the Forest of Silence. He had been the one who almost killed her. But now� "I forgive you," Presea told Ascot. "You do?" he asked, not expecting forgiveness at all. "I do. I know that you thought that you were doing the right thing at the time. We all make stupid mistakes, but I'm glad that you overcame yours." This made Ascot smile. Then Presea gasped. "Wait a minute. You say that you worked for Zagato� did you know a woman named Alcyone?" Caldina and Ascot exchanged glances and nodded. "Is she here?" "No," Caldina said. "We haven't heard from her since after Emeraude's castle collapsed." "She was mean," Ascot added. "She killed one of my beasts just so that she could promote herself." "She was a master sorceress� practically right up there with Zagato," Caldina said. "I knew that she loved him. He didn't love her at all. Still, she was driven to succeed for him. And she was a bitch�" "Oh!" Presea said, surprised. This did not sound like the Alcyone that she had known. "But why do you ask?" Caldina asked. "Just curious. I mean, she is Dylan's daughter. I just wanted to know." Caldina and Ascot accepted her statement and didn't ask any further.
"Hey, hey, hey! What's up Presea?" Rogue asked. Presea raised an eyebrow at him, as did everybody else. "Rogue? Have you gone insane?" she replied. He rolled his eyes. "Excuse me for a minute," he said to Ferio. Ferio nodded and Rogue went over to Presea. He took her arm and pulled her away from Caldina and Ascot. "What are you doing?" Presea whispered. "What's wrong?" Rogue asked. "What are you talking about?" "I can tell that something's up. I saw that look on your face." "What's going on?" Braden interrupted. Presea shrugged. "Something's up," Rogue said. "I saw that look too, Presea," Braden added. Presea backed up from both of them. "There's nothing wrong at all. I don't know where you all have gotten that idea." "Your face was worried and angry at the same time. I know that look," said Braden. "Hey, we've all been a bit on edge lately. It's just nerves," Presea answered. "I'm not convinced," Rogue muttered. Braden continued, "Look, if there's something wrong that you're not telling us, then�" "Stop! Guys! I'm fine. Would you please back off? I need my space!" Presea turned from both men and stalked angrily out of the room. The guys stared after her. Everyone else joined them. "I don't know what ya said to her, but she's looks really mad," Caldina said. "Something's out of place," Braden said and sighed. "You both seemed a bit harsh with her," Lafarga said. This time it was Rogue's turn to sigh. "Presea's been through so much. I just wanted to protect her� I don't want her to worry anymore. I just want her to be happy." Braden nodded. "Yes, and as her husband, I say that we go and apologize, Rogue." "Definitely. We went way too far�"
Presea walked blindly down the hallways. "I don't get it," she said to herself. "I am worried�I really am. But why do they jump on my back at the first sign of it�" She kept walking. After a while she heard a noise and stopped to listen. One�two�three� "A waltz?" she asked aloud. Presea listened again. It was music�a waltz. Suddenly she was drawn to it. It truly did intrigue her. She followed the sound until she reached a door. Without hesitation, she opened it. Her eyes went wide with surprise. The waltz was playing and children were dancing. Even in the troubled times the children tried to keep high spirits. Presea admired their courage. But she was in for an even bigger shock. "Presea!" a voice shouted from across the room. "Queen Presea!" "What in the world�" Suddenly a girl dashed to her and hugged her tightly. Auburn hair�there was only one person who had auburn hair that would call her 'Queen.' She was older now�but her face was still the same. "Kaylee?" Presea whispered, half shocked. The girl smiled. "You remember me!" "Kaylee!" Presea said again. "Oh God! You survived the attack on Questria too? How? I can't believe this!" "My family and I were visiting another kingdom when the attack happened. Oh Presea, it was assumed that you were dead! But I believed in you!" "I'm so glad that you're here, Kaylee, you have no idea�" "No, Presea, I'm happy that you're here." She took Presea's hand and led her over to the other children. "Hey you guys! This is Presea! She's the Queen of the kingdom that I lived in." The children gathered around whispering things like, "Wow, a real Queen!" Presea smiled at all of the children. "It's nice to meet you all. What are you doing?" "Dancing," Kaylee said. "The monsters and storms outside frighten us. But we forget it all when we dance. One of the sorcerers cast a musical spell in this room. You just clap your hands and the music starts. Isn't that cool?" Presea nodded enthusiastically. "I know! Let's all dance," Kaylee shouted, excitement in her voice. "Everyone get a partner!" Presea watched as the children chose partners. That innocence� Kaylee looked at her. "Oh, I think I'll sit this one out," Presea said. Kaylee frowned, but her eyes brightened again. "Well, all right. You choose the song then. Think of a song and then clap." Presea thought for a moment and then clapped. Music suddenly filled the room. It was a familiar song, which everybody recognized. The song was Cephiro's "official" waltz. The children all knew the dance well. In fact, children actually learned the waltz at a young age. It was almost tradition. Presea stood on the side and watched the children dance. She danced when she was little� that same waltz� "You guys! I want to dance too!" "Presea, you're only five years old!" "Oh, come on! Please!" "Hey Presea, I'll dance with you." "Trent! Thank you!" She had been young and innocent like that. Trent�her older brother had always included her in everything. She missed her family and suddenly felt very lonely. I feel so empty� Presea didn't even notice the tall figure standing beside her. "You want to dance, don't you?" a male voice asked. Presea jumped at the sound of his voice. She looked to her right. Standing beside her was a young man, maybe her age. He was very tall with dark brown hair and bright blue eyes�just like Braden. He wore armor, telling Presea that he might be one of the guards or soldiers� He was watching the children. "Did you just speak to me?" she asked. He looked at her. "Yes." Presea was taken aback for a moment. For just a split second, he reminded her of her brother. Yet there was something very eerie about him. "I know that you want to dance," he said, "My brother had the same look when�" he suddenly stopped. "When?" Presea repeated. The man shook his head. "It's not important." Presea didn't know the man, so she felt that she shouldn't intrude on his private life. It wasn't her business. Before she knew it, the man had extended his hand. "May I have this dance?" Presea eyed his hand�and then took it. They waltzed around the room. That waltz really was one of Presea's favorites. Something was bothering her though. "Is something troubling you?" the man asked. Presea didn't let the shock she felt show. How did he know�? "Oh no, it's nothing like that. It's just that you seem very familiar to me. What's your name? We haven't introduced ourselves yet." "Lantis," the man replied. "I'm Presea." "Yes, I know." Presea pulled away from him. "You knew? I thought that it was rumored that I died." "I know that the Master Smith wouldn't die that easily." Lantis reached behind his back and pulled out a sword. "You even forged this sword years ago." He handed the sword to Presea. Suddenly she felt power course through her veins�like lightning. I did forge this�but this power� Her knees gave way and she fell to the floor, the sword fell beside her. "Presea!" came the simultaneous shout of Braden and Rogue from the doorway. Presea couldn't speak. They ran to her. "What did you do?" Braden asked, anger rising in his voice. "Wait a second," Rogue said. "This is Lantis." "Lantis?" "Yes. Lantis the only Magic Swordsman in Cephiro. The younger brother of High Priest Zagato� who just came back from Autozam!" "Autozam!" Presea cried, and was up on her feet at once. "Why didn't you tell me?" "I knew that you'd figure it out," Lantis replied. "Cephiro's in danger. I'm back to help�" "I'm sorry about your brother, Lantis." "It's all right. He's happy now. This is what he wanted." "Hey!" a tiny voice exclaimed. "What in the world," muttered Braden. Something flew by them and floated in front of Presea. "A pixie?" asked Rogue. Indeed, it was a pixie. "Not just any pixie!" it said. "My name is Primera. Usually I'm a nice girl, but I'm not nice when you try to come between me and Lantis!" "I�I wasn't�" Presea sputtered. "I'll let it go this time, but don't try it again!" Lantis sighed. Rogue and Braden were a bit dumbfounded. "Presea," Lantis said, "You're lucky that you have people who care deeply about you. Protect them well." Then he turned and walked away. "Lantis!" Primera shouted and flew off after him. Presea and the guys stared after him. "Whoa," said Rogue. "What was that about anyway?" Braden asked. Presea shook her head. "I don't know, Braden. I have no idea�"
It was a little while later and now Presea, Braden, and Rogue were sitting in one of the castle's many gardens. Caldina had joined them as well. "You're sure that there's nothing wrong?" Braden was asking Presea. She nodded. "Everything's ok. I was just a bit tense. Especially since the condition of Cephiro is really deteriorating." "We're sorry for jumping on your case," Rogue called. "We were worried." "It's ok you guys. Thanks for being concerned." Presea lay back on the green grass. "Who would've thought that the inside of a castle could be like this?" "Ours was," Braden said. "Yes, it was kind of like this. I loved our castle. I almost wish that everything was like it used to be�" "Me too." Meanwhile, Rogue was sitting silently. Presea rolled over onto her stomach. "Rogue, what's eating you? You seem awfully quiet. Too quiet�" Rogue smiled. "Actually, it's Ferio." Caldina sat down next to him. "Ferio? Why's he botherin' ya?" "Oh, he's not bothering me directly. I just feel as if I've met him. I don't know where from� Then there's the whole thing with Princess Emeraude." Caldina sighed. "So much tragedy is happenin'" "You worked for Zagato, right?" Braden asked. Caldina nodded. "Why?" "Well, for money. A girl's gotta make a livin' somehow ya know?" "Caldina," Presea said as she sat up, "You speak with an accent. Osaka dialect� Are you from Cephiro?" "Ya noticed� I'm from Chizeta." "But isn't Chizeta one of the invading countries?" Caldina nodded. "I've got nothin' to do with them though." "Hey Presea," Rogue interrupted. "What?" "That guy back in that room. Lantis�he's bothering me too." "Oh, so you met Lantis!" Caldina piped up. "Yup," said Presea "I can't believe that he was Zagato's brother. I was shocked," Caldina babbled on. "It was a bit strange," Braden said. Presea sighed. "Everything is strange now, I think. Everything's changing. Change is good, but it really seems as if things are getting worse." "Hey, Mrs. Optimist," Rogue said, "Brighten up. You're the most optimistic person I know. That means that I don't want to see you unhappy." This made Presea laugh. "Yes sir!" Soon they were all laughing. "You two seem like relatives� are ya related?" Caldina asked. "No," Presea said. "We grew up together as thieves!" "Thieves�and y'all are royalty now?" Caldina looked at Braden. "I was the prince of Questria," he spoke up. "Presea and I met almost accidentally. When we married, Rogue became an ambassador and a soldier of sorts." "Ah, I see." Suddenly Presea changed the conversation. "What are we going to do now?" "What do you mean?" Rogue asked. "About Cephiro. It's going to crumble. We need to find somebody who's qualified to be the pillar or we'll all die." The four were silent. Cephiro was heading toward a dark and gruesome future. If they didn't do something soon� "Presea!" Presea jumped up. "What is it?" asked the other three. "Clef!" "Presea," Clef's voice said again. "I need you to come to the throne room immediately. The Magic Knights have returned." "The Magic Knights!" Presea turned. "Clef wants to see me. I've gotta go." She ran to door, opened it, and dashed out. "I'll see you all soon!" she called over her shoulder. Rogue looked at Braden. Braden looked at Caldina. They all shrugged. "The Knights� have returned?"
Presea walked down the hall at a quick pace. The Magic Knights had returned? How was that possible? Were they going to be the ones to save Cephiro? She reached the throne room and pulled the heavy doors open. Suddenly she heard the shocked voices of the Knights. And then� "Presea?" Hikaru asked. Presea smiled. "It's been a while." "Presea!" Hikaru shouted and ran to her. The red headed Magic Knight threw her arms around Presea in a rush of emotion. Presea hugged her back. "Are you really Presea? This isn't a lie? You really are Presea?" Hikaru asked, tears streaming down her cheeks. "It's true. I'm here holding you now, right Hikaru?" Hikaru sniffed and bowed her head. "Presea, I've been meaning to apologize to you. During that one battle�I couldn't�protect you, Presea. I'm sorry that I couldn't save you!" Presea was touched and saddened at the same time. Those three girls from another world�the terrible truth of the legend of the Magic Knights. In truth, Presea felt sadness not only for Cephiro, but for the Knights as well. She managed a small smile. "It wasn't you're fault, Hikaru. So please don't cry anymore." Hikaru wiped her eyes. Meanwhile Umi was thinking hard. "I'm sure," she said slowly, "That Presea disappeared in Hikaru's arms back then." "It was Princess Emeraude's wish," Clef spoke up. "The Legendary Battle which forced the summoning of the Magic Knights was a result of Emeraude and Zagato falling in love with each other. Right before she died, the princess wished the resurrection of all spirits who died in the battle. She felt that everything was a sin committed by their two hearts." Presea was silent, trying to figure how Clef came up with that story. It must have been one of those rumors that had been going around. Almost all of Cephiro had thought that Presea was dead�until that day when she emerged, quite alive, from the Underground Society. For the past couple of months, she had basically been dead. Her wounds were so intense that she was unable to leave her bed. But�if Clef wanted to tell the story his way, then so be it. Presea cleared her throat and faced the Knights. "I heard it from Master Mage Clef. It really was a trying battle for you. As Master Smith, I knew about the Legend of the Magic Knights from another world. But I didn't know that there was such a horrible truth behind it." She suddenly felt guilty again and knelt down to the Knights. "I'm sorry. The weapons I created were a cause of your grief." Hikaru shook her head. "That's not true. They were the weapons that you gave your life for. So it can't be true." "Presea and all of the others who lost their lives have been resurrected," Clef said. "However, the miracle will only happen once. Currently, there is no Pillar in Cephiro. None who pass away before the birth of the new Pillar will be resurrected. Furthermore, we don't know if the new Pillar will wish to revive those who die in battle� because one does not need to be from Cephiro to become Pillar." "What?" Hikaru asked. "The condition for becoming Pillar of Cephiro is to have a stronger heart than everyone else. Fuu, who had been silent during the entire conversation now spoke, "Then if someone from one of the invading armies was to become Pillar�" "I get it!" Umi jumped in. "Cephiro is already beginning to crumble. I was wondering why the other countries were starting their invasions now." "If they become Pillar, they can rule Cephiro as they wish," Hikaru said. "Then how can we protect Cephiro?" Umi asked. "The only way is to find someone to pray for Cephiro's peace," Fuu answered. "Exactly," Clef said, "While protecting Cephiro from invaders, we must find a new Pillar who will lead Cephiro to peace as soon as possible." Hikaru nodded and then turned to Presea. "Presea, I want you to lend us weapons. I will fight to save Cephiro!" "Presea, lend us weapons," Umi said. "We will fight as well," Fuu added. Presea glanced at Clef and he nodded. Slowly, she raised her arms into the air and concentrated. A ball of light appeared between her hands and slowly began to twist and change into three swords. The three swords floated down to each of the Knights. They gasped as the weapons landed in their hands. "These are the swords that we�" Hikaru whispered. "Yes, the weapons that you evolved," Presea said. "They are the weapons of the Magic Knights, ones that only you can use." The weapons were quickly sucked into the ornament on each of the Knight's gloves. "Just as before, if you wish for them when you need them, they will reappear in your hands." "If we wish for them," Hikaru repeated. Suddenly there was a bright flash of light. "What is this?" Hikaru shrieked. The gems on the Knight's armor began to glow. "The gems!" Fuu cried. "What exactly is this?" Umi shouted. The three girls screamed and then disappeared. "Hikaru!" Clef exclaimed. "Umi! Fuu!" Presea called. The Master Mage and the Master Smith stood in silence for a moment. "Where have they gone?" Presea asked. Clef shut his eyes momentarily. "The Ruin-Gods. Rayearth, Selece, and Windam�have called them back. They're going to go out to meet the leader of Autozam�Eagle Vision."
Braden was sitting in the residential area with Stephen and Terria. Bindi was crawling now, and she sped around the room on her hands and knees, Sui at her heels. "So the Magic Knights have come back?" Stephen asked. Braden nodded. "That's what Presea said when she left us." "But how? There's no Pillar� so how can they be summoned?" "I have no idea. The door opened and Presea stepped into the room. "Hi Presea," said Terria. Presea smiled. "Did you see the Magic Knights?" asked Braden. "Yeah." "You sound worried. Presea sat down with Braden and her friends. "They're already out investigating Autozam's invasion." "So soon?" "Yes. I�I returned their weapons to them. I had to. They really want to fight for our country." "Autozam," Terria said. "I remember studying about that country a long time ago when I was in school." "Me too. They're very advanced with technology. They have fighting suits that look somewhat like the Ruin-Gods. Except that everything's mechanical. Eagle Vision is their leader. His machine, the FTO, is the most advanced suit�and the most powerful," Presea said. "In fact," she continued, "I studied many countries. I know about all three of the invading ones. It was one of my favorite subjects." "Not one of mine," Braden commented. Presea punched him playfully. "Yeah all you cared about was getting out of studies." "Me?" he mocked. "Don't deny it," Presea said and then smiled brightly. That smile�lit her whole face up. It was one of the best things about her. "You look beautiful when you smile like that," Braden said. "I haven't seen that smile lately. It's good to know that it's still around." This made Presea smile even more. Braden always knew the right thing to say. "Wait, what about the other countries?" Stephen interrupted. "Spoil the moment," Presea laughed. Terria rolled her eyes. "Anyway," Presea said. "The other countries� Chizeta is a small country. The two princesses, Tatra and Tarta have come in their ship, the Brevada, to claim the position of Pillar. They have guardian spirits, genies I think they are. They're weird�kind of scary if you ask me. Fahren is oriental. The princess, Aska, is just a child. Still, she has also come to take Cephiro. I don't know why everyone wants to be the Pillar of this country." "I agree," said Terria. "When you're Pillar, you have to give everything up for Cephiro's sake." Braden closed his eyes. "What is it?" asked Presea. "Telepathic signal," he said. "Looks like not everyone has evacuated to the castle. I have to go out and help rescue them." He opened his eyes. "What? You joined the rescue force?" He nodded. "And I'm on call. I have to go now." He stood, and Presea stood as well. "Please be safe," she said, worry in her eyes. He held her face in his hands. "I'll be all right. Please don't worry." He kissed her forehead. "I love you, Presea." "I love you too." And then� he was gone.
Presea left Stephen and Terria about an hour after Braden left them. She walked down the halls, in no particular direction. Then she saw Dylan walking toward her. "Hi Dylan!" He seemed preoccupied with something. His face was a mixture of sadness, anger, and defeat. "Dylan?" Presea asked. He stopped in front of her. "Hello Presea," he finally said. "Something's wrong?" "In a way, yes." "Is there some way that I can help you? If there's anything that I can do, I'll do it. I don't like watching and waiting. I'd much rather be doing something." "No, it's all right. The evacuations are going smoothly. Everything's ok as far as that's concerned. My problem is Alcyone." "Alcyone?" Presea was confused. Dylan didn't speak much of his daughter, partly out of shame, and partly out of sadness. "Is there news of her?" Presea asked. "Yes. The Magic Knights saw her. She attacked them." "Are they all right?" "Thankfully. They were out investigating Autozam when she showed up and attacked them. Then she said something about Lady Debonair." "Who's Lady Debonair?" "Nobody knows. I found all of this out a few minutes ago. The Knights have already gone out to Autozam's ship twice. Alcyone attacked them the second time." "But Zagato's dead. Why would Alcyone still be attacking?" "I don't know. I'm not sure if I care anymore." Presea was taken aback. "Dylan! You have to care�she's your daughter! You can't give up on her." "It's been seven years, Presea. What can I do now?" "Believe in her!" Dylan walked on, leaving Presea standing in the hall. "I can't do it," he whispered. "I can't."
Day quickly turned to night in Cephiro. It had been that way lately�the skies black. Presea sat in bed, listening to the thunder. Braden was lying beside her. "You're still nervous," he said. "I can't help it. I'm worried." "I am too." "I'm worried about the Magic Knights� about all of us. And Alcyone." "Alcyone?" "I guess you haven't seen Dylan recently. She's alive." "Where is she?" "Nobody knows, but she's still working for the side of evil." "High Priest Zagato's dead�" "I know. That's what I said. But� I can't give up on her like Dylan is going to. She saved my life after that fight with Tristan. I need to believe in her. I owe her that much." "Yes, I agree with you." Braden sat up and put his arms around his wife. "You're stressing yourself out." "But all I get to do is sit around and wait for a miracle�the miracle when Cephiro will be safe again." "I know. We can't lose hope." "You're right." They were silent. The only noise was the thunder and the rain beating against the windows. Finally Presea tilted her head toward Braden. "We're always going to be together. We will survive, right?" He held her tighter. "Yes, we'll always be together. I promise you. Now get some sleep or you'll make yourself sick."
"I hate everything that Hikaru loves. I will destroy them all!" "What?" Presea whispered. The voice sounded strangely like Hikaru's. She saw a shadow. "Who are you?" "I will destroy everything that Hikaru loves. Hikaru loves all of her friends. Therefore, she loves you� and I will destroy you." "Where do you come from? Why do you hate Hikaru?" "I don't hate Hikaru! I love her! But I hate you!" And then there was a flash of light. No more was to be seen.
Presea's eyes opened wide into her dark room. She sat up in a cold sweat. As she slowly let her heartbeat return to normal, Presea glanced beside her. Braden was there, sleeping soundly. She let out a small sigh of relief and then got up. "What a strange dream that was," she muttered. There was no way that she was going back to sleep now. She wandered down the halls. Lightning flashed through the many windows. Then Presea saw Hikaru coming toward her. "Hello Hikaru," she said. Hikaru looked a bit frightened, but smiled at Presea. "Hi Presea." "Bad storm isn't it?" "Yeah. I thought that Cephiro never had storms." "Cephiro only has storms when evil is at work." "Evil�" "Yes." Hikaru was a bit hesitant before she spoke again. "I had a weird dream. There was a girl and an evil lady," she said. "I had a strange dream too." "Everything's changed since the last time," Hikaru said sadly. "Hikaru, don't blame yourself for anything that happened. It was destiny." "I know, but I can't help it." Presea hugged her. "It'll be ok." "Today when we were investigating Autozam, Alcyone appeared." "Alcyone?" Presea pretended to be shocked. "I thought that she had died." "No, she's alive. She's even more evil then the last time. It almost seemed as if something was possessing her soul." "Possessing her soul?" Hikaru nodded. "I feel a bit bad for her. Hey, where are you going anyway Presea?" Presea shrugged. "I'm not sure. I'll know when I get there." "I think I'm going to go to the gardens." "You should. You'll feel better." "Thanks Presea." "No problem Hikaru." Presea watched the Magic Knight walk down the hall. Such a burden on the shoulders of those Knights� Presea knew the feeling. She continued down the hall� Rogue was sitting beside the window of his room. He was having a sleepless night. It wasn't the storms anymore. He was used to them now. It was the sinking feeling that he felt that bothered him� the feeling that something horrible was going to happen. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He forced himself to get up and open it. "Presea?" he said. "Hi Rogue." "You look terrible." "I haven't been able to sleep." "Let's take a walk then." Rogue shut the door of his room and walked down the winding hallways with Presea. He glanced at his friend. She looked overtired and drained. "Are you all right?" he asked. "Yes. I'm tired though. I had a strange dream and I couldn't get back to sleep." "Did you wake Braden?" "No. I figured that one of us needed to sleep. I don't want him worrying about me." "Then why did you come to me? How did you know that I was awake?" Presea stopped and faced Rogue. "I just knew." They continued walking. Rogue laughed to himself. Of course Presea knew�she had some sort of sixth sense for things like that. "Anyway," Presea said, "I also know that something's been bothering you. I figured that we could talk. We are like family, so spill. Because you're one of the people that I'm worried about." "I feel special!" "Rogue�" "All right. I told you all before that it's Ferio. I get a weird feeling from him. I feel as if I know him, but I don't know where from." "Are you sure that you've never run into him before? Like while you were on a trip or something?" "Positive." "That is strange. Everything is. We need to find Alcyone." "We do? But isn't she still on the wrong side?" "That's why we need to find her. She could be in danger." "How do you know all of this?" "I've got a feeling. I also have a feeling that you're going to find out why Ferio has been bothering you." "Well, if you say so. What about the dream that you had?" "There was a�thing. A girl. She kind of sounded like Hikaru. I ran into Hikaru before I came to you. She had a weird dream too� about some lady. I don't know what to make of it." "You're saying that you can't figure out your own dreams, but you can sense future events? Yup, you're messed up." "Rogue!" Presea smacked his arm. He laughed. "You know that I'm kidding." "I know." The two found themselves in front of Presea's room. "We just walked a complete circle," Rogue commented. Presea nodded. "Yeah I guess we did." Then she yawned. Rogue crossed his arms and stared into Presea's eyes. "Rogue, what are you doing?" "Yes, I'd say that you need to get into your room and try to go to sleep." "I can't." "You have to. That's an order. Do it or I'll tell mom." Presea laughed. She knew that he spoke of Terria, and she also knew what a lecture she'd get when everyone found out that she was making herself sick with worry. So Presea saluted her friend. "Yes, sir!" Rogue rolled his eyes. "Presea, you scare me sometimes." "Oh, go to bed!" "Fine." "Ok then." Presea stood in the doorway of her room. "Good night, Rogue, and thank you." "See you later Presea." Presea shut the door and went back to bed. She tossed and turned for the rest of the night. And Rogue� wandered the halls. He couldn't sleep at all. Everybody was on the go the next day. Braden had met the Magic Knights that morning, and now was working around the castle. The Magic Knights, in turn, were out fighting for Cephiro. Only the strong could venture out of the castle. Presea was exhausted from her sleepless night, but put on a smile for everybody. Of course, those that were very close to her knew that she was just trying to be cheerful for everybody else. Presea knew in her heart that she had to stay cheerful for her friends and for the Magic Knights. The Knights still felt extremely guilty, so Presea had decided that she must stay happy for them. But it was difficult�almost too difficult. Hikaru's strange dream was on her mind as well. Did their dreams have some sort of connection? What did it all mean?
Evil was brewing on the dark side of Cephiro, an alternate universe created by fear. A great shadow was in command�Lady Debonair. A manifest of aching hearts, Lady Debonair was getting stronger every day. Cephiro would be hers soon�very soon. Then she could dispose of that heartbroken fool Alcyone. She had been too easy to manipulate. Alcyone was so empty that it had been easy for her to let Lady Debonair into her heart. And Lady Debonair kept Alcyone around only because�she was the key. But when Cephiro was in her hands, she would� "Mother!" came a shout. Lady Debonair sighed. "What is it, my child?" "Mother, I'm so alone. May I go play with Hikaru now?" "Nova�" "May I mother?" "Hikaru is surrounded by people who love her. What will you do about it?" "Smash them. I hate everybody that Hikaru loves. I want them to all die. Then it'll just be me and Hikaru." "That's good, my daughter. So, do you have a plan?" "I always have a plan, mother. Crush Hikaru's friends� then her heart will be crushed. And then she'll need me and only me!" "Then I give you permission, Nova. Go on, go and play." "Oh! Thank you mother!" Nova giggled. It was time to put the plan into action.

*****

Part 2