The Ramarian Crisis
By DarkHorse

Chapter 1: Wormhole Discovered

*Present Day on Cephiro*


  Hikaru Shidou, First Knight and Pillar of Cephiro, looked
around at the land with wonder on her eyes. She was
currently dressed in a resplendent battle dress with a long,
billowy cape. It was similar to what she wore when donning
her rune-god but all white. She didn�t like wearing it but
Umi and Fuu insisted. With a smile she decided it was the
last time she was going to allow them to talk her into
something like this.

  Refocusing on the land, it was hard to imagine that not
too long ago, Cephiro was a crumbling planet, its entire
surface more barren than the bleakest desert on Earth. Now,
the land was green and lush again. The myriad flora and
fauna was once more vibrantly rich with colors and scents.
If it was possible, Cephiro was even more beautiful now than
when she first saw it from the back of giant flying fish all
those...weeks ago. *It seems like it was years ago*, Hikaru
thought, with a slight crease on her brow.

  Her memories took her back to those moments leading up to
the moment she became the Pillar and how she made her final
wish: to make the people of this world the true masters of
their destiny. She could never forget the power she felt
inside. It was totally unlike her Fire magic. She felt that
power well up inside of her making her feel giddy and almost
faint when suddenly, in an explosive rush, it streamed out
of her towards the sky. Before her very eyes, Cephiro began
to change.

  The joy and feeling of fulfillment she, and she was sure,
Umi and Fuu, felt were unparalleled. They had succeeded in
saving a whole world. She remembered looking at Lantis, her
saying out loud that she loved him. She remembered him
telling her that he loved her too. She was reaching out to
him and all of a sudden, she felt the undeniable pull of her
own world, of Earth finally laying claim to its children.

  As soon as she got to Earth, she vowed that she would
return to Cephiro. She didn�t know how she would manage it,
knowing that the power that would have allowed her to return
was the very same power that would allow her to breach the
dimensional barrier between Earth and Cephiro. It was only
when she woke up the next day when she felt the stirrings of
power in her. With surprise and wonder she realized that she
continued to possess the power after all. With a bit of
shame, she felt happy but only because now, she had to power
to return to Cephiro. Calling Umi and Fuu, they were equally
ecstatic. But still, nothing would compare to how they all
felt when they returned here, to Cephiro, the very next day.

  Looking at the people brought additional joy to her
heart. They were so very obviously buoyed and happy and
enthusiastic. This was what she, Umi and Fuu, and all the
others fought so hard for. This was why they had to return,
to see for themselves the fruits of their labor. The beauty
of Cephiro was finally restored, all because of the people.
Or was it?

  Hikaru turned to her companion, Master Mage Clef, who
accompanied her to survey the reconstruction of one of many
villages that were lost together with the last Pillar.

  "What is it, Princess?" Clef asked without taking his
eyes off the happy scene before them. It was Hikaru�s sharp
intake of breath that finally caused Clef to look at her and
smile already knowing what caused her surprise and
subsequent discomfort.

  "You called me *Princess*," Hikaru cocked her head
mischievously at the mage, as she was wont to do.

  "But of course for you *are* the Pillar."
  
  "But I�m still Hikaru," insisted Hikaru.
  
  Clef shrugged nonchalantly and smoothly changed the
subject: "You have a question to ask of me?"

  With a twinkle in her eyes that made it clear she knew
what Clef had just done, she smiled and then looked back at
the people. "I have given the power of the Pillar to the
people so that it will be they and not the Pillar who will
ultimately determine their fate and the fate of this world."

  "And you are wondering whether you have succeeded in
doing that." Clef glanced momentarily at Hikaru in time to
see her nod slowly. "Tell me, Hikaru, what are you feeling
now?"

  As Hikaru was about to answer, she caught sight of a
little girl running towards her carrying a garland of white,
delicately scented flowers. She was still afar off but
already Hikaru knew who it was. It was Mira, the little girl
who gave her a flower as a token of gratitude for saving her
from a monster. With a wide and enthusiastic grin, Hikaru
waved at her.

  Normally, Mira would just run up to her and jump into her
arms for a big hug. This time, however, Mira stopped three
feet away, knelt on one knee and with her head bowed down
offered up the garland. Hikaru, of course, would have none
of that and she promptly scooped Mira up into her arms,
which delighted the little girl tremendously.

  "Oh Mira, you don�t have to do that," Hikaru said as she
hugged Mira.

  "My mother said that you were the Pillar and that I
should behave myself in front of you," was Mira�s breathless
reply. Hikaru smiled affectionately at the little girl with
shoulder length hair.

  "I�m still just Hikaru, Mira."
  
  "I made this for you myself!" Mira said as she raised the
garland, innocently dismissing Hikaru�s remark. Hikaru
smiled and bowed her head and allowed Mira to drape the gift
over her neck.

  "This is really pretty, Mira. Thank you. Thank you very
much!" Mira beamed at that and gave Hikaru a kiss on the
cheek.

  "I gotta go now. I�m sure Mother is looking for me." At
that the little girl wiggled free from Hikaru�s arms and
ran. "Bye Princess!"

  "It�s Hikaru!" Hikaru called out but Mira was already out
of hearing distance. "Oh well." She caught several of the
villagers� awe-struck eyes on her but as soon as she glanced
back at them, they all turned shyly away.

  "It�s not funny!" Hikaru said, sensing rather than seeing
Clef�s grin. "I�m not sure I like being the Pillar." Clef
nodded sagely but didn�t say anything, knowing that there
was more that Hikaru needed to say. "I have this feeling. Oh
Clef! You know how hard it is to describe the magic in one�s
heart. This is something like that except it�s...it�s deeper
and more powerful and...frightening."

  After several heartbeats of silence, Clef finally spoke.
"I have served two Pillars before you. I had the momentous
honor of guiding Princess Emeraude. And now there�s you.

  "It is a great effort to maintain the peace and order of
an entire planet. To do that, the Pillar must think of
nothing and pray for nothing but the welfare of this land
and its people. The Pillar is not allowed to pray for her
own happiness.

  "These past few days, I have watched you closely,
Hikaru." To emphasize his point, Clef turned to fully face
Hikaru. "You think that you have successfully transferred
the power of the Pillar to the people. I�m not entirely
certain you succeeded. What I am certain of is that the
power you possess is far greater than the past two Pillars
have ever had. With minimal effort you are able to maintain
and protect this world." At this, Hikaru�s eyes widened.

  "That�s what frightens me, Clef," Hikaru said glancing at
the mage before turning her eyes back to the people. "No one
person should ever have this much power. I mean, what if I
make a mistake? I might just sneeze, for instance, and cause
a volcano to erupt or something. I am only fourteen years
old in case you�ve forgotten!"

  "Hikaru, I know your heart. We, here at Cephiro, who you
have been with, have seen you act in times of sadness, fear,
anger and happiness. We all know your heart and it is a good
heart. Do not burden yourself with too much worry. Your
heart knows what is right, true and just. And always
remember that we will always be there for you."

  "Oh Clef, I have so many questions--"
  
  "And all will be answered in due time," Clef took her arm
and guided her back to her coach, which is really like a big
bowl with wings, much like what Mokona conjured up for their
journey to the Water Shrine way back when. "It is time to
return to the palace and prepare you for your journey home."

  With one final look and wave to the villagers, who
happily waved back, Hikaru reluctantly boarded the flying
coach.

                          * * * * *
  
  Fuu was looking out from one of the many balconies in the
palace towards one of the many mountains of crystal floating
in the sky. The one she was looking at in particular was the
sky shrine of her rune-god, Windam.

  "It�s beautiful, isn�t it?" Fuu was startled out of her
reverie, but pleasantly so for the voice came from someone
she cherished. She felt Ferio�s arms slip around her waist
from behind, his cheek pressing against her cheek.

  "Yes, its beautiful. Everything is so beautiful."
  
  "Then why are you sad?"
  
  "I�m not sad." Fuu said with a smile on her cute lips.
  
  "Well, when someone has an expression on their face like
what you have, it normally means they�re sad," Ferio quipped
with a twinkle in his eyes.

  The allusion was, of course, not lost on Fuu who grinned
remembering a similar conversation on the back of a griffin
flying away to escape from Fahren. It wasn�t a very nice
memory but looking back, it was really romantic the way
Ferio risked his life to rescue her, even though, to this
day, she thought it very reckless. After all, wasn�t she a
Magic Knight capable of taking care of herself?

  Fuu turned to look deeply at Ferio�s hazel eyes. "I�m sad
because I�m going back to our world soon."

  "And why exactly is that making you sad?" Ferio asked,
feigning innocence and deliberately failing. Although
equally saddened that Fuu would leave soon, he wanted to
make her smile, cheer her up.

  Fuu looked away, a smile already forming on her dainty
lips. She was, of course, aware of Ferio�s game. "Oh you
know. There is this guy I�ll be leaving behind and I�m going
to miss him terribly."

  "Really," Ferio slightly tightened his arms around Fuu.
"He�s a really lucky guy for someone like you to be missing
him. What�s he like anyway?"
  
   Fuu turned her head ever so slightly to watch Ferio�s
expression from out of the corner of her eye. "He�s very
tall, with jet black hair and dark eyes." Ferio was so easy
to bait. His frown was already deepening.

  "Are you talking about Lantis?" He demanded.
  
  Fuu turned around in his arms, tapped his nose teasingly
and said: "Gotcha!" She impulsively leaned forward and gave
Ferio a quick kiss on the lips, which surprised both of
them. They pulled back from each other instinctively and
stared at each other, Fuu�s face was turning as red as her
friend�s Hikaru�s hair.

  "Um, I...ah...gotta go! See ya!" With that Fuu turned and
fled from the room leaving Ferio watching incredulously.
When she had left the room, Ferio touched his lips with a
finger.

  "Well, whadda y�know," he said, a grin plastered on his
face.
  
                          * * * * *
                              
  Ascot silently commanded Fyula to swoop down fast under
an outcropping of rock causing Umi to hold on much tighter
on his arm. *It worked*, Ascot smiled inwardly. He chanced a
glance at Umi. This trip was truly exhilarating for her. Her
face was flushed, her light blue hair billowing in the
wind...she was truly beautiful. And the more she was with him,
the more deeply he felt for her.

  Umi, noticing that Ascot was looking intently at her,
playfully jabbed his side with her elbow. "Hey Ascot,
shouldn�t you be watching where we�re going?"

  Ascot quickly averted his eyes. "Oh don�t worry. Fyula
knows what�s he�s doing."

  "I�m not worried," Umi said with a smile. She wasn�t
really sure how she still felt about Ascot. That she was
enjoying herself with him was enough for her.

  "Umi..." Ascot began but it was clear he didn�t know how to
continue.

  After a moment, Umi couldn�t take the awkwardness
anymore. "Yes what is it Ascot?" She turned her blue eyes on
him, which seemed to unnerve him even more.

  "Uhm, well, you see...it�s just, you know..." he stammered.
  
  As thrilled as Umi was that Ascot really liked her, she
was getting a little impatient. "Yes?"

  "I�m going to miss you!" With that declaration, Ascot
brooded morosely, attempting to shut out everything to cover
his embarrassment.

  "Well, I�m going to miss you too Ascot," Umi said
gleefully. "Just like I�m going to miss Clef, Lantis, La
Farga, Caldina, Presea and everyone else!"

  Ascot rolled his eyes. *Not again!* He thanked the gods for
the hair that covered his eyes otherwise he wouldn�t have
been able to hide his consternation. *Honestly, is she doing
this on purpose?*

  Umi knew that Ascot was getting really exasperated with
her but she couldn�t help teasing him. Even though he had
grown physically, she couldn�t help but picture him as that
young boy who she slapped those many weeks ago. Well, she
was not worried. Perhaps it was because she was used to the
attention she got from boys. Right now, she just wanted to
have fun. Riding Ascot�s beast felt wonderful. It took her
mind out of the melancholy she was feeling about her
imminent departure from this beautiful world.

  Her thoughts wandered to the recent events leading up to
Hikaru�s crowning as the Pillar. She was extremely proud of
her best friend. Proud that was she there at her side
throughout their ordeal up to their triumph over evil. She
didn�t feel envy at all. She didn�t think she had the
strength of will to sustain this entire world after all. On
the other hand, she knew with all her heart that Hikaru was
destined for this very responsibility. Knowing Hikaru,
however, she knew it would not be easy for her, which was
why she vowed to herself that she would always be by her
side when needed.

  It was hard for Ascot to feel dejected for long. Umi�s
joy was truly contagious. Looking around, there was every
reason to be joyous. Cephiro has been restored. For a time,
he thought it was hopeless, that he would lose the world
that he truly loved. But then, at the bleakest hour, Hikaru,
Umi and Fuu came through for all of them. Ascot smiled. Who
would have thought that that little wisp of a girl, Hikaru,
would end up being the Pillar.

  "I see the palace." Umi said, interrupting Ascot�s
thoughts.

  Ascot merely nodded. "Do you have any idea when you�ll be
back again?"

  "Not really. Although, I understand Hikaru can conjure up
a portal that will take us back here anytime we want or
need." Pause. "If I had my way, I�d be back here even for
the slightest of reason."

  "I�m glad." Ascot looked at Umi. "I really haven�t had
the chance to thank you personally for saving our world."

  "Oh enough of that Ascot! You played a huge part in that
too." Umi leaned and planted a kiss on Ascot�s cheek. A
rather platonic kiss in Ascot�s estimation though.
Nevertheless, it didn�t fail to send sparks along his spine
at the slight touch of Umi�s lips on his skin.

  All too soon, the ride ended as Fyula landed smoothly at
the palace entrance. Ascot helped Umi down.

  "Thank you for that wonderful ride, Ascot!" Umi said
cheerfully. "You have to promise that we could do this again
when I get back."

  "Sure thing, Umi."
  
  "Well, I�m off to see Hikaru and Fuu." Umi reached out
and touched Ascot�s cheek. "Take care of yourself okay?"

  "I will. You take care too," Ascot said. With a last
smile, Umi walked away. *What a magnificent woman*, Ascot
thought. He felt Fyula nudge him on the back playfully.
Looking up, he saw the twinkle of amusement in the
creature�s eye. "Yeah yeah! I�ve got it bad." He slapped
Fyula�s beak affectionately. "The gods forbid you would have
to go through this too."
  
                          * * * * *

  Hikaru, Fuu and Umi stood at the center of the Grand
Hall. Everyone was there to see them off. Despite the fact
that all knew they would be back, none of them could hold
back the annoying mistiness in their eyes. The return to
their own world was inevitable. They had to still live their
lives in a normal way. They all hoped that their destinies
would be revealed to them soon and that it would lead them
back to this world permanently.

  The three Magic Knights were in their school uniforms;
Hikaru in her red top and black skirt, Umi in her navy blue
top and light blue skirt, and finally Fuu in her green
ensemble. For a time Hikaru didn�t think that she could
return to her own world after becoming the Pillar but Clef
assured her that she had the power to maintain peace and
order in Cephiro even from Earth.  For some reason, deep
within her, she knew it to be true. Why exactly it was
possible was something she had yet to comprehend. After all,
of all the people in the universe, why would she have that
power, which apparently exceeded the two other Pillars Clef,
had served. On top of that, Clef told her that her powers
had yet to grow. She definitely felt the weight of
responsibility on her shoulders now.

  Hikaru stepped forward, gazing, almost regally, at
everyone gathered to see her off. She had learned to love
each person here; Presea, Clef, Ferio, Caldina, La Farga,
Ascot and Lantis. Lantis. His eyes were the ones she held
onto the longest. Her love for him was definitely different
from the love she felt for the others. Nova, her evil and
hyper-aggressive alter ego, had made that very clear. Lantis
had his fists clenched, his body tense as if he was stopping
himself from doing something. In the end, he walked solemnly
towards Hikaru and gathered her in his arms.

  "Oh Lantis," Hikaru whispered, glad that he did this
because it was something she really needed.

  "You take care of yourself, Princess." Lantis whispered
back as he pulled away but not too far away to gaze into
Hikaru�s sienna brown eyes. She was already feeling
extremely giddy inside but was accentuated even more so by
the way he uttered the word "Princess". It sounded like a
promise. Of what, that is something that she was now sure
they will both discover in due course.

  All too soon, Lantis stepped back in line with the others
to say their farewell to the three Magic Knights from
Another World. Hikaru looked out the large window
overlooking all of Cephiro. Earth was her world, but Cephiro
was now her home.

  Clef stepped forward, to stand in front of three Knights,
addressing them. "If we ever have need of you, we will send
you a signal. That signal will manifest itself on the
ornaments on your gloves." The three Knights nodded.

  To Hikaru, Clef said: "You already know you can come back
here anytime you want. Only you have the power to do that.
Be strong Hikaru. Always remember, your strength gives all
of us here strength. Your peace is our peace. And your joy
is our joy." With a serene smile, the highest-ranking mage
in all of Cephiro stepped back and nodded to the Pillar.

  With a nod of her own, Hikaru took a deep breath to cast
a spell to open a portal to her world for the very first
time. She smiled at everyone nervously. "Well this is it." *I
hope this works. It sure would look very bad if I fail to
pull this thing off.* Hikaru closed her eyes and searched for
the magic in her heart, a little surprised that it was
actually there to find and so easily at that. Stretching her
right hand in front of her, she felt the power course
through her being, leaving an indescribable but pleasant
sensation throughout her body. She heard the collective
gasps of the people around her and as she slowly opened her
eyes, she knew the reason. Right before her was the portal,
its blinding light initially stunning her. But, like
everyone else�s, her eyes adjusted.

  Hikaru looked back at Umi and Fuu. "Ready?" When she got
their nods of assent, Hikaru, First Knight and Pillar of
Cephiro stepped into the portal followed closely by the
Water Knight and the Wind Knight.

                          * * * * *


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