Magic Knight Rayearth Fan Fiction ❯ Maybe This Time ❯ Chapter Five - Dilemma ( Chapter 5 )

Previously On Chapter Four…

 

Ferio basically dragged the two girls carefully to their destination, the flushed exterior of his face still fuming bright red.

 

“Are you keeping something from us?” Fuu glared seriously at him.

 

Clearing his throat out, he spat the words out in panic; “No, no, why would I? He-he-he…” he answered nervously, but obviously, Fuu didn't buy it- of course, this was against Hikaru's point of view, just being excited over-all to be reunited with Lantis again.

 

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[Maybe This Time]

Chapter 5: Dilemma

 

“She's smilin' like she used to smile

Way back then

She's feelin' like she used to fee

Way back when

They tried, but somethin' kept them

Waiting for this magic moment

 

-Maybe This Time, Michael Murphy”

 

---

 

“Umi, where have you been?”

 

Fuu gave a head start, as Umi entered the spacious lounge. She had no idea why Fuu and Hikaru looked at her so gravely, and it made her wonder. She sat next to Ascot, who was now in a much better condition unlike he had been the other day. Umi assumed that her presence might make him uneasy, though it didn't show. She hadn't been paying attention to Hikaru and Fuu's interrogative questions, and completely forgot to answer the first question Fuu shot at her when she came in. At last, Fuu cleared her throat and Umi turned to face away from Ascot and now, to Fuu and Hikaru.

 

Umi blinked several times; confused, “What?” she finally began to say, and almost hopeless, Fuu dropped her head down and sighed.

 

“You haven't been listening to me, are you?”

 

The Water Knight honestly nodded her head, blankly staring at her friend. She had no idea what the fuss was about, and she did noticed Ferio's utter nervousness as he shifted his gaze to and fro her.

 

“W-what's going on..?” Umi's voice was loomed with curiosity, stuttering her words our shakily, knowing that there was something wrong they weren't telling her. She looked at Hikaru to read her expression, but as always, she had her self immersed in Lantis; by now, Umi's head darted towards everyone else's, prying for answers she had been asking herself.

 

“What?” she asked again and everyone sighed heavily. “Is something wrong?”

 

Caldina stifled a forced laugh and leaned towards her, “Fuu got worried `cause you went missing for a couple of hours.” This time, Umi was certain that it wasn't just that, which made Fuu incredulously pin those questions; she could clearly see the worry in Fuu's eyes, watching her expression change from doubt to plea.

 

“Uhm, Fuu…” Umi was about to ask Fuu, when the door opened behind them as Clef came in. He stood by the door, perplexedly looking over at them, not used to the new environment of silence around them.

 

Hikaru smiled at Clef as he resumed in his usual seat. It was amazing how Umi and Clef had the same expression when they entered the room, but she didn't bother prodding more interest in it when she heard Fuu growl at Umi angrily. She was shocked and was forced to hold on to Fuu, when she partially stood and slammed her hands on the coffee table.

 

“Fuu, what's wrong?” she innocently asked, rubbing her friends shoulders to calm down.

 

The rest of the people inside the lounge was pretty much as shocked as Hikaru was, more so, was Umi who had no idea where all this anger and frustration came from. “I don't understand where you're getting at Fuu, but you didn't have to shout.”

 

Now, Umi was slightly over her temper; her curiosity was now turned into anxiety. And Fuu's indirect ploy at the matter didn't help either; this was so unlike her, she used to be always straight to the point. Though, this raised a question to her mind-

 

`Fuu, what's gotten into you… is it this serious you're playing red tape with me?' Umi sank in her seat, hands clenching on her skirt.

 

---

 

…Fuu couldn't help but wonder where Umi was; the past few days, she wasn't herself. She knows she was keeping something from her and Hikaru, but to what it was, there was no clue. Umi was good at this kind of game. But this time, the emotions would always pour out from her eyes and she couldn't keep the sorrow any longer; and Fuu can't help but get worried.

 

“Calm down Fuu, I'm sure Umi would be back soon.”

 

She turned to Hikaru who sat on the couch lazily, her head propped on one of the hand rests. “Really, I need to go to Guru Clef's room and see if Umi is there.”

 

When Fuu was about to turn the knob open, Ferio abruptly stopped her, “she's not there, I was- uhm, she already left when I dropped by there.” Fuu wasn't so sure, but Ferio did pass from Clef's hall and who knows better if Umi was still there, but him.

 

“Okay, I guess I'll check her room.”

 

Hikaru gave her a nod and told Fuu she's to wait for Lantis there instead. And before Ferio could stop her, she had already closed the door behind her and walked straight to Umi's chambers. The room seemed untouched and tidy when she got there; obviously, Umi wasn't there. Fuu heaved a sigh; it was so like Umi to leave without telling. And now was one of those days when she'd just disappear without giving them notice, sometimes, she wonders where Umi goes and what she does.

 

She smiled, as she saw a picture of her, Umi and Hikaru displayed on her side table. It was the once taken at the first day when she and Hikaru moved in her unit a couple of years ago. They were all so happy, and Umi kept the memory dear to her heart as she always reminisced that day when the three of them gathered around and talk about their lives together.

 

“Umi,”

 

Fuu seated herself on Umi's bed, and continued to hold the picture in her hand…

 

---

 

…She's smilin' like she used to smileway back then…

 

“Fuu…” Umi and Hikaru chorused, calling out Fuu worriedly. The emerald-eyed girl glanced at them both, tears forming on the rims of her eyes.

 

“We promised to stay true to each other,” Fuu began to say and stared at Umi. “But Umi, how could you keep from me and Hikaru?” At first, Umi was surprised and didn't know how to react. Clef, who was seated on the other end of the circle, had the same look. His heart raced, but it wasn't that he's afraid, if the truth comes out, he'll face the consequences.

 

…She's feelin' like she used to feel way back when…

 

“Fuu,” Clef interjected Fuu's next comment and stood up, taking Umi's hand in his. “If Umi kept something from you, I am at fault.”

 

Everyone turned their heads to Clef, surprised and unknowing of his said faults. Umi was just as awestruck as they were- `would he…' right now, she could feel the beat of her heart getting louder and louder on her chest.

 

…They tried, but somethin' kept them…

 

Hikaru was more confused than the rest, the turn of events was so swift, and she couldn't keep track of them anymore. But instead of breaking the ice and lighten up the mood, she sat there quietly next to Lantis, listening to Clef's speech.

 

“Umi and I are in love,” he sighed happily, looking down at Umi blushing and lovingly gazing up at him. “I didn't make it clear to her if she can tell anyone, so she might have assumed that I don't want our affair to be known. But now, I am proud to say that-”

 

…Waiting for this magic moment…

 

Clef went down on his knees and kissed Umi's hand, “I love her, and I want to marry her.”

 

Caldina gasped, Presea clasped both her hands together, Ascot smiled, Lantis and Lafarga exchanged looks of approval, Hikaru squealed in happiness, Ferio sighed in relief and Fuu…

 

“I'm sorry if I accused and got mad at you, Umi-chan. Forgive me.”

 

Umi was yet again out of her body again. She froze on her seat, eyes still locked with Clef's. She couldn't believe the last words he said, `M-marry… me…?' she felt her throat dry up, as she found herself choking on her words. It was hard for her to speak, still enthralled by the sudden proposal. But as she opened her lips to speak, Clef placed a finger on it and smiled.

 

“Save it for later. I can do better than this, y'know.”

 

She smiled at this and nodded; he was such a romantic, and a gentleman at that. Soon, everyone was congratulating and shaking hands with them. Presea and Caldina came to her earlier and hugged her tight, saying how happy and pleased they are. Even Ascot came to her; he was a good guy for wishing them the best. He told her that he's fine now, and he can't be any happier for her. Lantis, Lafarga and Ferio were now discussing things with Clef in the balcony, and she could see Clef's blush emanate from the distance when Lafarga whispered something to his ear. He was so cute when he blushes.

 

“Umi,” Hikaru was now holding her hands, eyes watery with tears. “I'm so glad you and Clef are finally together. I'm so happy; I feel buckets of tears coming along!”

 

They both giggled and pulled each other in a tight embrace, sobbing and sniffling through their happiness and joy. Fuu stood behind Hikaru all the way, and kept her eyes on Umi. The Water Knight beamed on the Wind Knight, knowing all too well how happy she is for her.

 

“I'm sorry if I made you worry.” Umi's eyes dropped to her side, averting her gaze away from her best friends. “It's alright Umi, I understand.”

 

Hikaru and Fuu sat beside Umi and kept themselves in each others hand.

 

---

 

“Clef,”

 

Umi opened the door to his room and allowed herself in. She found him standing outside his balcony, deep in his thoughts. He was unaware of her presence, and the mischievous Water Knight found this amusing and snuck up behind him, and jumped on his back as she playfully placed a kiss on his cheek.

 

“I dropped by to say goodnight. Hikaru, Fuu and I are staying together in my room, so I can't linger here for long.”

 

She slid off him easily as he turned to face her. Clef immediately pulled her in his arms, hugging her tenderly. Umi smiled and rested her head on his firm chest, enjoying the feel of his protective arms wrapped around her. There were no words said, and they remained standing there under the horizon; the stars beaming down upon them as if giving them their graces for the love they shared together. Clef brushed a few strands of hair away from her face and smiled.

 

“Clef, aren't you tired of this?” Umi asked, referring to him being the Master Mage of Cephiro. “I mean, you're over seven centuries old; and all those time, most, if not, all of it… you spend in service to Cephiro.” She looked into his eyes; welling up with emotions and need.

 

Clef nodded, “I know,” he held her even closer, inhaling her sweet frail scent. “That's why I want to be with you.” After that, he breathed a heavy sigh and looked down at her, fret and agony impending his gaze. “But I don't think Cephiro is ready for such a drastic change; especially for someone who has been around before they were even born.”

 

“Oh, I see…” was Umi's monotonous respond, whose face is now buried in her lover's chest.

 

“Maybe you should go back, they might be waiting for you.”

 

Umi nodded, reaching up as she planted a soft kiss on his lips. Clef seemed to like this and pulled her up to him, kissing her back with a little more passion. He didn't want to let go, but knew she needs to spend time with her friends.

 

“I'll see you tomorrow.” He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “I love you.” She smiled, “I love you too.”

 

With that, Umi walked back towards the door and gave Clef one last look as she blew him a kiss before she left the room. She lingered behind the door for a while, recalling the words he said and finally shook her head to off the tears in her eyes.

 

“I thought everything was fine already…”

 

---

 

“I'm back.”

 

Umi gleefully masked her pain, as she leaped her way to Hikaru and Fuu, who had arranged the coffee table with snacks and goodies for the night. They haven't had a full-fledged sleep-over together in months. And now was the right time to commence one.

 

“Umi,” Hikaru crawled towards Umi away from her cushion, with a load full of curiosity in her eyes. “Mind telling us how you and Guru Clef came to be?”

 

At first, Umi was a bit hesitant to tell them, but later on, the story came out more fluidly, with Umi exhilaratingly explaining them the twist and turns of events during the past nights of their stay in Cephiro. While Hikaru couldn't help but get visibly amused, Fuu remained seated across them, listening to Umi.

 

“And yesterday, was our first day together.”

 

Umi giggled, `I'll forever cherish those memories…' she thought, as Hikaru clung to her arm happily. “So that's why you've been gone for so long.” Hikaru teased, nudging on Umi. Fuu's eyes lit up and came closer, repeating Hikaru's question her own way.

 

“Uhm, yeah; I was in Clef's room the whole day. We went on about everything, and soon he got back to his work. That's when I went to the lounge where I found you.”

 

Fuu snapped her fingers and looked at Hikaru, “Now I know why Ferio ceased us from going there.” Hikaru blinked and put this in thought, laughing as she remembered how flustered Ferio was.

 

“H-he went to Clef's room? What do you mean?” Umi asked and the two girls nodded with a sheepish grin. “No worries Umi, we understand.” And they gave Umi a wink, which she didn't understand was for.

 

Later on, the two explained themselves about the topic, and Umi's face was as a red as a tomato now and she had no choice but to cover her face with her hands, as she embarrassingly squirmed in disbelief of her friend's thoughts. Hikaru and Fuu laughed all the more, which made Umi blush even harder.

 

When the laughing subsided, they all regained their composure and Fuu got the same serious look on her face as the one she had on earlier in the lounge.

 

“Actually, it wasn't the affair I was onto when I started at you earlier…” Fuu grimly said, sighing heavily. “I had no idea about you and Clef until he revealed that for himself.”

 

Hikaru tilted her head to the side and glared at Fuu, “Fuu…” her expression grew dark, recalling Fuu's confession during Umi's absence a while ago.

 

“I went here to your room in search of you, Umi, and…” Fuu pulled out a magazine under her cushion and showed it to Umi. The Water Knight's eyes grew wide in surprise, it was the size of dinner plates and you can quite tell she was petrified in awe. She stopped dead in her tracks, as her body began to tremble, taking the magazine from Fuu's hand; her image printed on the cover.

 

“Fuu, I…”

 

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To Be Continued…

 

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Author's Note: Cliffhanger! Watch out for the next chapter. Don't forget to Review, and tell me what you think. Oh, and don't forget to make a guess what's on the Magazine!