Magic Knight Rayearth Fan Fiction ❯ Maybe This Time ❯ Chapter One - Musing Over ( Chapter 1 )

Previously On Maybe This Time…

 

It was there and then, when their eyes met again; her Ocean and his Sky. They reflected each other's blue orbs, time seemingly stopped at that moment.

 

`Clef…' Umi whispered in her thought.

 

The Mage gazed at her in surprise, his heart pounding ferociously in his chest. `…Umi…'

 

---

 

 

[Maybe This Time]

Chapter 1: Musing Over

 

“Two old friends meet again

Wearin' older faces

And talk about the places they've been

Two old sweethearts who fell apart

Somewhere long ago

How are they to know?

Someday they'd meet again

And have a need for more than reminiscin'

 

-Maybe This Time, Michael Murphy”

 

---

 

Everything was vivid and blurry at the same time, as if her eyes had betrayed her vision. Could it be true, or was it just another dream? Umi stood near motionless; Selece, her Rune God stood side by side with the other Gods outside the balcony. That very moment, her thoughts wavered frantically, unsure of the picture brought before her. The marble floor, the intricate designs and arts of the Castle- they shot her immediately.

 

`It's almost unreal, like a fairy tale…'

 

Her breath choked in her throat, inhaling the frail scent of Cephiro's greens wind up in the air; the heated warmth of Rayearth's Volcano, Windam and his Wind and of course, her Ocean, hers and Selece. Umi can't believe the feeling. She was stunned; eyes wandering to every face she found familiar. There was Caldina. She barely changed; her rose colored hair tied up in a pony tail on her head and her Chizetan costume. Umi smiled. And the next person, blonde long hair- she couldn't be mistaken; her slender body, the curvaceous curves.

 

`Presea…' she eyed the female with much amusement, feeling herself grow back into little motion, her fingers flickering on her side.

 

There too, was Ascot. He was the same as when she had left. At least, by now, his body was appropriate for his age. This made her smile, wondering how much her little friend had matured over time. And a few steps from her, was Ferio and Lantis enveloped in Fuu and Hikaru's embrace. She felt alight, happy for them both. And on Caldina and Presea's side, was Lafarga holding hands with the rose haired lady.

 

“What the…”

 

She unconsciously muttered, her eyes fixated on Lafarga and Caldina's hands. Umi had no memories of them being this close when she was there a few years back, and now- they were, and they. Gasping, her hands fled on her mouth, holding there as surprise resided her big, bright blue eyes. Caldina chuckled as she saw the aquamarine eyed girl wheeze in astonishment.

 

“Heheh, I suppose you need an explanation, huh?” Caldina's cheeks flushed slightly, but against Lafarga's, his was obviously brighter. Umi nodded; Hikaru and Fuu turned their heads to them, with the same quizzical look on their faces.

 

“We, uhm, got married a few months after you girls left… so,”

 

Caldina leaped towards Umi, holding her hands tight on hers, grinning. Umi, felt awkward when Caldina raced up to her, gripping her hand before cuddling her relentlessly; her face being buried in the soft mounds of her breast.

 

“Can't… breathe…”

 

Umi managed to say in sparse intake of air. Everyone started to laugh, giggles surrounded the air whilst Caldina let go of the Water Knight. Umi, on the other hand was flustered like silly, glaring at Caldina with distaste and embarrassment automatically. She was barely there in spirit and thought, but she anyway managed to mutter a remark at Caldina.

 

“You pervert..!”

 

She coughed, pursing her lips into an annoyed pout, but eyes discerning with happiness at the thought of her friends missing her.

 

`I must be dreaming, this feels so real, it can't be true!' She doubted the situation, but she knows enough that this is real, very real.

 

Not far, Umi looked at Presea who seemed to be amused of her accusation towards the illusionist; Caldina, snorted playfully towards the blacksmith.

 

Without much ado after, Umi felt someone staring hard on her. She searched for that certain glare. Ascot seemed to have been staring at her for a while, but he was also too busy cheering for Ferio and Lantis to be the culprit. The Water Knight sighed, shrugging the feeling off her shoulder. As she turned to the side of the terrace, there he was- crystalline blue orbs, staring sharply and endearingly at her. A fluttering feeling warped in her stomach, like butterflies- and a cold shiver to her spine, nervous at the sight of him being there, gazing upon her intensely.

 

`Please, stop… you're making me weary…' voicing herself in her thought, she watched him with plea; hopeless and flushed, she turned away from his gaze with remorse. `I don't want to remember. I'm over you already!' She made herself believe in her harsh thought, no longer wanting to relive the emotions that once vacated her heart.

 

She looked back once again, this time their eyes locked in utmost misery and romance, their gaze was a tell-all conversation between them. It was strange, but they never truly knew how they did it; but it was there- and each others grief was torturing them both, especially him who sought through her breaking heart.

 

`Umi…' The wind brushed against his pale lavender hair softly, his kind, affectionate eyes watching her carefully with no intensions of letting her leave his longing gape. `You're back, but are you truly back..?' He asked himself towards her, when she, his object of attention spun on her heel to draw her back on him.

 

“Don't question me any further, please…”

 

Her words fled to him and only him. The silence of her whisper travelled to his ears with sadness and grief. Clef stepped towards her, but she was soon scooped away by Presea and Caldina along with the others.

 

---

 

Later on, the skit ended a little over ten minutes when they arrived. Finishing their initial greetings, the girls were led by their friends to the huge lounge.

 

The Magic Knights stood there in flabbergast; the Castle had changed a lot since their departure. It was beautiful when they first resided for some time there before, but now, Cephiro was back in its true nature, perhaps a greater deal than it was before, had their jaws drop at its fine exquisiteness.

 

“Cephiro has changed a lot since we were last here.”

 

Fuu, the Magic King of Wind complemented with a smile, as she sipped on a cup of hot tea. The fresh invigorating scent tickled her nostrils delightfully, watching the small ripples subside when she left it back on the table. Hikaru, on the other hand was ecstatic as ever, having her self immersed outside, in the garden; flailing and running about with Lantis on her side. They all laughed for a bit, except for a certain Blue Magic Knight who stood in the balcony in her quiet resolve.

 

“What's wrong with Umi?” The blonde blacksmith asked of Fuu in wonder. It wasn't like her to be so consumed in silence. Everyone, including the Master Mage stared at Fuu, as if they'd get the answer straight from her eyes.

 

Fuu shook her head. “I'm not so sure myself,” she started, gazing at the person in question worriedly. “She was acting strange-” but she was cut off; azure orbs staring at her closely.

 

“Who's acting strange?” Umi asked innocently, hovering over Fuu. The Wind Knight smiled wryly, rejoining her. “No one; I was just…”

 

“Oh.” Umi said in a bland manner, knowing it's her they're talking about. Eyes still connected on her four-eyed friend. “I'll be going to my room now. Today's been very tiring for me.” With that said, Umi trailed to the door to leave in peace, still wrapped complete silence she's not known for.

 

The very energetic Fire Knight popped back into the room just as she was about to exit. With a huge smile on her face, she scooted over Umi and started to wrap herself around her arm. Umi blinked, drawing her hand quickly away, questioning her friend. Hikaru said nothing, but ventured over her again and took her by the hand, tugging her to a nearby couch next across their friends.

 

“No Hikaru, I'm tired…”

 

Swatting her friends hand away, Umi left without a word and fled to her room with a mindful of thoughts.

 

---

 

Entering her spacious room, she stood meekly behind the door, recalling how long it had been since she was last there. With half closed eyes, she observed the ornate hall. It looked the same as when she had left it. The plush floor felt good on her now bared feet. She smiled half-heartedly, beaming upon the huge tapestry on the wall with Selece's symbol, with the intricate beads of sapphire and gems completing the arduous pattern. Everything was perfect, and she felt sleep slowly creeping upon her. With one swift move of her feet, she gaited tranquilly towards her bed. She slowly lounged downwards, inhaling the sweet scent of lavender on her linen. A smile washed the frailty on her lips, taking another whiff of the inviting fragrance.

 

“Lavender…”

 

Choking on her word, a hot surge of liquid trailed off on her cheeks. Eyes watery with sobs and hiccups on her throat. Umi laid there, hands balled into fists, clenching the smooth satin blanket of her bed. With a sigh, she wrapped herself under the sheets, crying her heart out all over again like this morning.

 

“Oh Clef…” she muffled in her tears, insensibly drifting off to slumber unknowingly.

 

Little did she know- a tall, dark clad figure stood by her door. His heart sank miserably on his chest, watching her fall to sleep with tears drying up on her face. Biting his lips, he barely dared to breathe as his eyes absorbed her curled up form beneath the sheets, weeping even as she dozed off.

 

“Forgive me. I'll make it up to you, if it's the last thing I do…” The Mage took one last look at her before leaving.

 

---

 

Back in the lounge, Hikaru rubbed the hand Umi swatted earlier. Her eyebrows were furrowed, her animated cat ears twitching like an upset little kitten. Taking a glace at Fuu, she asked;

 

“Is Umi gonna be okay?”

 

Her friend nodded, smiling at her assuring the Fire Knight. “She will be. Just a bit under the weather, I guess.” Fuu was not sure, but she had to stall Hikaru before she gets really worried.

 

“O-okay…” Hikaru pouted, leaning her head against Lantis' arm. Her feet twitched playfully on the carpet, smoothing her locks on her lover's firm arm.

 

“Do you think, she really…” Hikaru paused for sometime.

 

The Mage had returned, and heard the conversation for quite a while as she stood by the door.

 

“I mean, if Umi wanted to really go back here?”

 

Ferio laughed, stomping a hand on the hand rest of his couch with Fuu on his side concentrating on Hikaru. “Of course she does! We all know Umi; she wouldn't do something she doesn't like.”

 

Everyone looked towards the Prince, all of them agreeing and nodding in response. Presea, with much concerned for her favorite Fire Knight hovered over her and gave her a peck on the cheek.

 

“Don't fret. Ferio has a point; if our Water Knight didn't want to return, she would've told you, right?” Presea smiled over at Fuu, who was contemplating in awe for her friend.

 

“…Right?” She repeated, now looking at their friends gathered there.

 

Hikaru moved her head, “You're right, she's probably just ill.” Smiling gleefully this time, she nuzzled back on Lantis, somehow feeling better with the response of her dear comrades.

 

Mage Clef quietly resumed a seat away from everyone, his face rested on his hand, listening to them converse; but he knew better. Umi probably didn't want to go back. He sighed, massaging his temple lightly.

 

`Darn Clef, this is not the time for that! She's here, and it's your chance!' He wandered to her again. Remembering how her long, beautiful silky hair reminded him of the gorgeous falls; as well as her azure eyes that resembled the deep, wonderful oceans of Cephiro. He smiled, chuckling to himself slightly; a hint of happiness glowed in his eyes as she recalled her childish antics- her terrible temper and nuisance towards him. Yes, it was her. The one girl that made his world go `round. One of a kind was she. And he loved her for it.

 

---

 

That same night, Umi woke feeling a familiar pain in her stomach.

 

“Hungry…” She held her stomach, tossing her body around out of the covers, looking up at the high ceiling above her. Umi rubbed her eyes, her chest heaving for breath, remembering her hard time breathing earlier because of crying. She felt bad, sighing whilst she got up quickly. Moving towards the door, she found her reflection on the mirror, still garbed in her Earthly clothes. Umi examined herself carefully, shaking her head here and there, not liking what she saw. After a minute or two of examining herself, she dashed towards her walk-in closet, knowing there're tons of Cephran clothes there for her to choose from.

 

“I know its here somewhere…”

 

She told herself eagerly, searching for her favorite blue knight gown in the array of clothes arranged neatly in their hangers.

 

“Aha!”

 

Finally, after what seemed like hours of searching, Umi found her dress in a jiffy; but her impulsive trait makes things a lot longer than it really is, but she didn't mind the time. The Magic Knight, being vain and simple would not, could not, and dearly cannot go out of her room looking `plain' and `un-presentable'. With a smirk, Umi changed into a white, dress, nearly similar to Princess Emeraud, except it being plain and shorter without the intricate gems, was cut a little under her knees, with slits perfectly placed before her legs at the right length.

 

Though it made her look like a little too sexy-seductive, she simply shrugged it off, knowing all-too-well that she's the only one who'd see this picture of her on her mirror's reflection. She giggled, watching as the flowing dress draped beautifully on her body; it being a snug around her little waist. This made her forget her worry for the time being, as she slipped on her flats and tip toed out of her room.

 

---

 

After having her fair share of a hearty meal, Umi smiled with satisfaction, enjoying the feel of the warm food soothe her hunger. With that done, the Knight cleaned up and put away the dishes and wandered off in the empty corridors. She fluttered across the pathways, dancing on her feet as she whirled around and savored the fact the she's back in Cephiro. In her heart, this was truly her home. Nothing can falter her from that thought, except for one thing. With a shake of her head, she pushed back the thoughts, only wanting to take pleasure in being there.

 

With her thoughts strained away from the bad, the beautiful maiden heaved a sigh and darted her eyes to a nearby fountain out in the garden. She stopped in her tracks, dumbfounded with joy, her feet leading her to the direction of the water-works forth her. A memory crept back to her; the fountain, tribute to Selece and his Knight. Certainly, how could it not be her favorite place in all of Cephiro?

 

---

 

Clef stood by his balcony, the deafening silence rung in his ears uncomfortably. He admired the twinkling objects in the heavens; the night sky filled with numerous stars, shining brightly upon Cephiro's sleeping region. The flashing tiny sparks of gas mirrored in his eyes, his sapphire orbs smiling in astonishment at the wonderful scenery. He then, turned his back from the view and leaned against the patio, his elbows on it for support. His eyes stared down on the floor in deep thought. He thought about her, again. Over and over, he recalled his moments of being with her; being it was just another silly argument or a simple conversation, he cherished them. It always brought a smile on his face, unlike any other.

 

“I will… for you…” He whispered, his eyes straying outside the garden where he caught a glimpse of a blue flash running out towards the center fountain.

 

And there it was, standing before the majestic fountain of the Water Knight; Umi, the Magic Knight of Water herself. The huge beautiful craft was made in tribute for Selece and the Water Knight of Cephiro; it was built way before the Magic Knights came to this land, it had been there for so long, no one knows when. There were also homage's for the Knight of Fire and Wind, which were located somewhere in the Castle as they see fit.

 

His thoughts came back to reality, as he saw her strut around the fountain; Clef watched her in silence, regarding the Blue Knight mentally for her splendor. It never crossed his mind `till now; how strange was it that the Magic Knight of Water's mark of respect was built right outside his room. Odd, but he didn't mind; he loved it, now realizing this fact.

 

He observed her with curiosity, wondering what's on her mind. His gaze followed her, as she swayed and moved gracefully around the fountain, her hands dancing in the air as she commanded the water to dance with her, waltzing splendidly with her fine skills. The water heightened, and with a simple gesture of her hand, it splashed up in the air and created a light mist, favoring her body as she freely gazed up with open arms, and welcomed the tiny droplets to fall over her seamless face; her bright eyes watching the stars above in amusement.

 

Umi giggled softly, taking a deep breath of the fresh evening air outside. The moist, fragrant air was delightful; it was like nothing that she had ever felt. It was perfect. The stars shone brightly in the horizon, reflected by the water which shimmered under the moon light. She was at peace; her soft hair waved in the air whilst she danced. There was that weird feeling of being watched, but she thought it was nothing but a feeling of flattery for her self. As the haze soothed her body, she once again looked up, but to her surprise, saw someone standing before the balcony. It wasn't just a gut feel, she was being watched.

 

“Clef,” she whispered his name softly. It sounded like a mellow chime to his ears. Had it been that long since she last called him like that?

 

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother.”

 

Clef felt a little devastated, knowing that she might want to have her time alone and was about to turn to leave when he heard her speak.

 

“No, it should be my apology. I shouldn't have been running around here, especially outside your room… Forgive me, I'll just-” He cut her off, “No, there's no need. It's alright.”

 

There was so much longing in their eyes, but none made a move whatsoever to cease this bordered demeanor. Instead, they both stood there, watching each other, eyes locked upon each other; their breath's being taken away by each others presence.

 

`Oh god, please don't let her leave just yet…' Clef prayed in his mind, his eyes flickering with hope.

 

Umi stared at him in the same manner; eyes loving, yet mournfully longing for more. `If I were to die, please let it be now… I'm so happy just to be here, with his eyes lingering on me like that.'

 

Both their muted wishes were audible in their eyes. They both knew what each other had in mind and they knew it quite well. Clef, unable to let this silence resume any longer, voiced out, smiling at her in kind.

 

“It's getting cold out there.” He started, quite unsure what to make out next. Umi stood there and bobbed her head in response, glaring at him still.

 

“I have some tea over; I don't mind sharing with you.”

 

Clef's heart pounded in his chest, but he concealed it; he showed her his resolve of the calm Clef she knew years ago. He didn't want to scare her from him; knowing Umi, at her now current state of evading his presence, would prefer to flee than to stay with a love struck Mage. Watching her look down for a moment, he waited for her reply anxiously.

 

`Please say yes! Please…'

 

As if she heard his prayer, Umi looked up at him in question. “You wouldn't?” She asked.

 

“I wouldn't.” He smiled, thanking the gods for answering his plea.

 

The blue haired female looked up with a shy look. He darted his attention to her, jumping in joy somewhere in his mind when she smiled at him.

 

“I suppose I could join you…”

 

Clef didn't waste time and hurriedly took his staff, tapping it on his floor; Umi watched him do this, the next thing she knew was the floor dissipating on her feet and now, she was next to him, so close and so warm against him.

 

---

 

…Two old friends meet again…

 

Clef stared at Umi, and she did so as well. It was magic when they stood together, with untold love concealed deep within their hearts. It had been the first time they were so close for a long time- it felt so long ago. And they meet again; after years of separation, they were now inches apart; him hovering over her, and she, living in the moment happily.

 

…Wearin' older faces…

 

`Oh god, she's so wonderful. I love her!'

 

There, they peered into each other's azure, searching their soul. They both had change. If it hadn't been for his eyes and soft lavender hair, Umi would've took him for someone else. But she wouldn't; she knew him by heart, and she could easily tell it was him even with blindfolds on.

 

`He's so wonderful... I love him…'

 

He saw her smile, and it made him smile as well. She had changed. The beautiful girl he used to muse about had grown up into a much more beautiful lady. She still had that breathtaking look in her eyes, not to mention her smile. Clef, the Master Mage of Cephiro was overwhelmed by a girl from another World; it was rather ridiculous, but he cared less. Her presence made him whole, and he yearned to be complete with her.

 

`She ran away with my heart, but now she's back…'

 

Master Mage Clef took her hand in his, leading her to a seat. He wouldn't be adhered as one of Cephiro's if he wasn't a true gentleman. With a courteous smile, he pulled out a seat for her, which she delightedly bowed her head to, resuming her place.

 

`I fled from this land years go, but left my heart in return. And now I'm back…'

 

She blushed, reminiscing how she had almost blurted out her feeling to him before she left. Whether or not it was a bad decision that she didn't- doesn't matter. She's here. And ready to negate everything for him. All she has to do is tell him. A lie would do them good, though hurtful.

 

Clef poured out some tea for her and smiled.

 

“So, how was it back in your world?” He asked, having the urge to know what she busied herself with. Drawing his cup to his lips, he looked at her, wanting to pry the answers from her. He has to, he needed to know. He's dying out of anxiousness, being so alone without her made him weary all the more.

 

Umi, who warmed up her hands on the cup smiled in remorse. “After I came back from here, I left Tokyo.”

 

…And talk about the places they've been…

 

Clef raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her answer. “Why did you leave?” He asked casually, taking her slowly not to push her to feel obligated to answer him. But he wished she was obligated, committed to him. He'd love that. He titled his head slightly, insisting on response.

 

“It got depressing there…”

 

She retorted; surprised by her answer, he stifled a laugh, washing her annoyance away hopefully.

 

“I went to Europe. It was wonderful to travel around the countries with my parents; it truly was.” She forced a smile, not looking him in the eye.

 

Clef fell silent, not fully understanding what she meant, and especially this `Europe', but he was happy for her nonetheless. She deserves it. Umi, being the one who easily feels ones uneasiness, looked at him from the corner of her eyes as she looked out the balcony. She thought: `He looks so cute when he's confused and vulnerable like that.' And with a little smile, she faced him.

 

“Europe is far from Tokyo. The countries spoke in different languages, different from Japan. It's kinda like Cephiro, but without the Magic and floating Mountains.”

 

Umi began to talk. He loved it. Clef felt his heart race, as her voice played a melody in his ears. He continued to listen, watching her; imagining the places she addressed in her travels. Aside from the interesting tales she told, he was consumed by her. Somehow, he heard her tell something about living with Hikaru and Fuu, but his attention was on her, and her alone; all the words that escaped her lips went in a flurry of notes the eased his mind. Everything felt so right and so good then. A sigh escaped her lips and continued.

 

“I left and went back to Japan, for the same reasons I moved away from Tokyo for.”

 

True enough, Europe and its surrounding and tales reminded her of Cephiro; and it pains her to see those memories linger in her, especially if it was him she was reminiscing about.

 

…Two old sweethearts who fell apart…

 

“So,” she broke him in his trance. “How've you been?”

 

Clef, startled, began to draw a surprised on his face. Umi smiled in her thought, keeping the casual look displayed on hers. The tea was really good. She hasn't had a good drink like this when she came back to Tokyo, or in any part of the world.

 

“I've… been good…” He muttered something about missing her, but obviously, he didn't make it audible enough for her to hear. Instead, he pried back her attention with a query. “You've been good there too, aye?”

 

Nodding, she answered him in silence and glared outside, her lips opening to say something. “I missed you though…” Her hands trembled on the armrest, clenching fists around the end, afraid she had done yet a stupid remark.

 

Clef couldn't believe what he heard. He sat there, recalling the memory of her remark in his head. Over and over he listened to it, wanting her to say it again, but to his face.

 

… Somewhere long ago…

 

“It's been a long time, Clef…” Umi frowned, her eyes piercing him like never before.

 

He agreed, “Yes, a very long time.” Clef groaned in panic. What was he to say? This is his chance. He wanted to tell her- now; this very moment under the pale moonlight; beneath the stars in the sky. Now is the time.

 

…How are they to know..?

 

“Umi I-”

 

Clef rose from his seat and Umi moved away quickly from him, as he was about to reach for her hand; eyes downcast, apart from his. He felt deprived of her, he wanted to hold her. But what's bothering her?

 

“Clef, I love you…”

 

His eyes almost popped out. He smiled, like he had never smiled before. She loves him, and she said it; finally, she said those words. Words she left unsaid years ago. Clef moved close to her, but she inched away; venturing far from his hold.

 

“As a friend, Clef- As a friend…”

 

Umi repeated twice, her heart crushing in despair, as a tidal wave of tears started to rim around her delicate eyes.

 

…Someday they'd meet again…

 

“No, Umi…” Clef stopped in his tracks; a sharp stabbing pain attacking his heart, eating his love away. He trembled, his legs shaking, as she walked to her; his own voice betraying him.

 

`I do love you… I truly, honestly, do. More than you know; more than anything I know…' Umi cringed, a hand covering her mouth to refrain her sobs to her heard. She didn't know why she did this, but it felt wrong to love him as if it was a sin. She wants him, ever so dearly. But she can't. He had his life without her, and the sooner she gets rid of her love for him, the better. Her eyes began to water, and she needed to get away, now.

 

Clef retrained her wrist, wanting her to look at him. `Take it back, please…' He chanted, not believing her words. But she pulled away and ran off to his door.

 

The Mage watched her turn to leave. He could see the tears shimmering away from her, as he too, felt himself welled up in tears.

 

…And have a need for more than reminiscin'…

 

“Umi, I love you…” He said. The door slammed shut before him, with the Magic Knight of Water running back to her room, crying. Clef felt agony seeping in his heart. He cried for her, but she turned to leave when she returned. Their first meeting, it was memorable. He found her annoying, but now, there he was, reaching for the love of a girl from a different world.

 

Umi cried; now back in the comfort of her room. Pounding on the soft material, she muffled her screams of pain on her pillow. She cursed, grunted and hated herself. But she was right. Wasn't she?

 

As the night passed on, the two broken lovers reminisced, but craved to have more. But what else is left for them? The night faded and they both slept in tears, into a dreamless slumber. Hearts bleeding, and minds hurting in torture.

 

---

 

To Be Continued…

 

---

 

Author's Note: Chapter 1! Oh, I didn't expect to have this in angst, but hey, love isn't all about Sunshine and Butterflies, is it? Anyways, Read `n Review please. Thanks.