Disclaimer etc: All righty! This is the third major story in a... series of Presea stories. It is HIGHLY recommended that you read Presea's Trilogy and Untitled first. All Rayearth characters belong to CLAMP. In this story Presea could be from the anime or the manga. It doesn't matter. ^_^ As for Stephen, Terria, Sui, and now Bindi... if you don't know, then don't ask. I'm just kidding...LOL. Hint: Crocodile Hunter. Any feedback is VERY appreciated. Enjoy the story... ^_^

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"Three days," said the man to his wife. "It's been three days since we heard that explosion." Stephen turned to his wife, Terria. "Something happened to Questria." Terria rocked the baby that was in her arms. "I know," she said softly. "You saw the smoke rising as clearly as I did. I don't know what could have happened." Stephen nodded. "We must go back. We must find out." Terria glanced out of the window. "Do you think," she said slowly, "That Braden told us to come back here for a reason?" "What do you mean?" "I mean… that do you think he knew that something was coming?" Stephen shrugged. "There's only one way to find out. Bring Bindi to Dylan. He'll watch her while we're away. I don't know what happened… but I don't want my daughter to see it." "All right then. Let's go."
And so Stephen and Terria made their way across the swamp to Questria. What they saw when they arrived… was almost too much. "Oh my God!" whispered Terria. "What… what happened Stephen?" Stephen looked around, as horrified as Terria was. Most of the buildings had been leveled to the ground. The castle still stood, but it was charred and slowly falling apart. But worst of all… bodies littered the ground. "They're all dead," said Stephen. "But how? Why? How could this have happened? What could have so much power to do this?" asked Terria, her voice a bit choked. "Oh no," said Stephen. "What is it?" "Let's get to the castle quickly. Braden might be there. And Kerry and Jacq and Rogue too. We must see if they're all right." The two ran through the carnage to the castle. "We'd better be careful," said Terria. "This place could fall apart at any second." They entered the castle. Almost everything had been scorched. The halls echoed with the sounds of the past… and smelled of smoke. "Braden!" Stephen shouted. "Kerry! Jacq! Rogue!" Bodies lied everywhere. "This is unreal," muttered Terria. Something stopped Stephen as they walked down the halls. He glanced at the wall… at the painting there. It was singed, but still clear. It was the wedding portrait of Braden and Presea. "They were so happy," he said. "Stephen!" shouted Terria. "What is it?" "I…Kerry and Jacq…" Stephen went to where his wife was standing. At her feet were two bodies. It was clearly their friends, Kerry and Jacq. "They're dead," said Terria, a few tears beginning to trickle down her cheeks. Two great warriors… Kerry, the beautiful young duelist, a master with the rapier. And her husband Jacq. Both members of the Underground Society… and both dead. "I think," said Stephen slowly. "That we should bury all of the bodies here." "Yes," agreed Terria. "When Presea comes back… I don't know how we're going to explain this to her." "When Presea comes back," repeated Stephen. "Come on Terria, we'd better get to work."
Nothing stirred in the Forest of Silence. Everything had cowered at the fight that had gone on near the house that stood deep in the Forest. Of course, everything was calm now. The battle had ended. And now… the young woman lay on the ground, trembling. Her brown eyes looked lost, her golden brown hair was matted. Her hands were scratched and bloody. The ground around her… was spattered with blood. So much blood… But why? Presea passed out.
Braden huddled in a corner of Hell. The great underworld… he could hardly believe that he was there. He was dead. Dead by the hand of his brother. Where had Tristan disappeared to after the fight? Braden couldn't remember. The last thing he saw was the shocked look on Presea's face. His wife… his beautiful wife… in pain. Braden slammed his fist on the cold stone. He had been wrong. He shouldn't have gone to the Forest of Silence in the first place. If he had stayed in Questria, then Tristan might not have found Presea as easily. But that was not the case. Braden picked up a piece of stone. He concentrated and then the stone began to glow. Clearly through the stone, he could see her. Presea was still in the Forest of Silence. She was out…totally. Braden's eyes welled with tears. He knew what had happened to her. It saddened him, but at least she wouldn't remember the pain.
Meanwhile, in Princess Emeraude's castle, Zagato paced. Lord Zagato, the high priest, had taken over the land of Cephiro after abducting the princess. He knew what had happened in the Forest of Silence. "Excellent," he said. "Now the Master Smith has been eliminated from Cephiro. The legend of the Magic Knights… is shattered." He turned toward the huge waterfall that surrounded the room. "Alycione!" he shouted. A woman appeared from the falls. Seven years had changed her greatly. She still had the same piercing blue eyes and the same dark black hair, but she had changed. Alycione, one of the best sorceresses in Cephiro, had chosen the dark side. She now served Zagato. "Yes?" she asked. "I want you to go to the Forest of Silence." "Why? We can't even use magic there." "I know. I want you to look around the site of that battle that occurred there. I just want a report on what happened." Alycione bowed her head. "Yes, Lord Zagato, it's as good as done."
Alycione sighed as she made her way to the Forest. She loved working for Zagato… only because she was in love with him. She would do almost anything to see him happy. But yet, she had faced many hardships with making her decision. She had betrayed Master Mage Clef, her most respected teacher. Worst of all, she had betrayed her father, Dylan. As the head of the Underground Society, Dylan had dedicated his life to fighting for good. And now his only daughter had turned on him. He denounced her. Alycione didn't like to think about it. It made her heart ache. Finally she reached the Forest. She stepped onto the hard ground. The Forest didn't seem to have any change to it. Alycione walked through it. The monsters seemed to have disappeared as well. Something had to have happened, but the Forest looked as it normally did. She came to a clearing. In the clearing there was a house. The surrounding forest looked a bit charred, as did the house. Alycione squinted. She could barely make it out…but there was a figure lying near the wall. She walked toward it, and realized that the figure was a woman. Blood was all over the ground, and from the look of it, the woman was hurt as well. Alycione knew that she shouldn't bother herself with such trivial things, but curiosity took over. She reached the woman and knelt down beside her. When Alycione turned the woman over, she gasped. That face… a face from the past. Seven years ago… A talented Weapon Smith. Her friend… magic… "Presea," Alycione whispered, her voice shaky. "So you are the Master Smith… and Zagato wanted you dead. I just… I can't do it." Alycione remembered clearly. It had been Presea who had encouraged her so much. Presea's kind words made her want to continue with her magic. Now she had been given orders to make sure that she was dead. But she couldn't do it. Not to someone who had been so kind to her. Presea's eyelids fluttered, and she opened them slowly. "What happened?" "Presea!" Alycione said. "Huh? Who…are you?" Alycione frowned. "You don't remember me? Presea, it's me, Alycione. Remember my father took you and Braden to meet me at the Mage School?" "What? I don't know you… and who's Braden?" Alycione gasped. Something was wrong. Presea's eyes closed once again. "She's unconscious," Alycione whispered. "I need to help her, even if it's against Zagato's wishes. I know where I have to go. I know what I have to do." The thought made Alycione's heart sink. "I don't want to go… but this is the only way."
People milled about the halls of the Underground Society, as usual. Dylan sat in his study, baby Bindi in his arms. What a beautiful child Stephen and Terria had. It reminded him… of his own baby. Twenty-seven years ago…that beautiful girl had come into his life. But then…only a year ago, she had been taken from him. Her heart led her to the other side. There was nothing that Dylan could have done to save Alycione. His thoughts were interrupted by the opening of the door. Stephen and Terria entered, looking weary and drained. They had told Dylan what had happened, and the Underground Society had worked together to bury all of the bodies. Stephen sat and put his head in his hands. Terria sat as well, looking very grim. Finally she spoke. "I think we buried them all. There was no sign of Rogue though. Or of Braden. Perhaps they escaped whatever killed the rest of the people. I don't know what to tell Presea when she comes home. I don't know if we should just go to the Forest of Silence to tell her now. Imagine…coming home to find that your home has been wiped out." Dylan nodded. "Yes, we must contact her as soon as possible." Stephen was silent. Those horrible images plagued him. Whatever had leveled Questria… was quick and powerful. One of the most beautiful prosperous kingdoms in all of Cephiro had been wiped off the map. There was a knock on the door. "What is it?" called Dylan. "Dylan, sir, there's someone here to see you," came the voice from the other side of the door. "Right. I'll be there in a second." He handed Bindi to Terria, and went to the door. He opened the door, and took a step back. Standing there…was Alycione. Coldness fell over Dylan's heart. "I thought I told you to never return to the Underground Society again." Alycione nodded. "I know, but this is important." "Oh what could it be? Have you figured out that the way of the evil never wins? Or has Zagato abandoned you? Either way, you're getting no sympathy from me." Alycione was trying to hold her composure. "That is all good, father, but this isn't about me." "Well then what is it?" "It's about…her." Alycione revealed Presea. "Presea!" came the cry of surprise from the other side of the room. "Presea," muttered Dylan, and then looked his daughter in the eye. "What have you done to her Alycione? Did you hurt your friend and expect us to come fix your mistake?" "No! Give me a chance please! I found her like this in the Forest of Silence! I have nothing to do with the condition she's in! I brought her to you because I knew that she'd be safe here." Terri quickly handed Bindi to Stephen and went over to Dylan. "Dylan, I think we have a situation here that needs fixing. I know that you feel a certain way about things, but this is not the time for it. Alycione has brought Presea to us, and from the looks of it, Presea is in need of help." "She's been unconscious since I found her," added Alycione. Dylan looked at both women and sighed. "Oh… all right. But just this once." He gave a sharp look to Alycione. "Don't expect me to help you like this always." He walked to the other side of the room, leaving Terria with Alycione. "Here let me help you bring her in," said Terria. Alycione nodded and they brought Presea in. They lied her down on the floor. Terria looked at her and shook her head. "She's in awful condition. Something horrid must have happened to her. I just don't know…" "What is it?" asked Stephen. "Something seems to be out of place. But I can't pinpoint it. What could it be?" Alycione kept looking across the room to her father. Then she said, "I don't know. I found her in the Forest of Silence. The forest around her home was burned. She was surrounded by blood, and it was spattered everywhere. I don't think that she was alone at one point." "Well perhaps she'll talk about it when she awakens," said Stephen. "Right now we should get her home so that she can rest up." Terria nodded. Alycione looked doubtful. "May I… come with you?" she asked. "I know that I shouldn't, but I'm really worried about Presea." "Of course you may come," said Terria. "And you too Dylan. We need you for this." Dylan sighed, but then agreed. "Come on. There's no time to waste." Dylan snapped his fingers and the group teleported to Stephen and Terria's home.
Once at their house, Stephen and Terria took charge. They let Alycione hold the baby while they found all of the things that they would need for Presea. At one point the old dog, Sui sniffed at Presea's unconscious body and whined. Terria took notice of this, and realized that Sui knew that something was out of place. Dylan helped Terria clean Presea's wounds. Then they carefully tucked her into bed, hoping that she would awaken soon. Sui jumped up on Presea's bed and lied at her feet. "What's wrong girl?" asked Stephen. Sui looked at Stephen with sad eyes. "You sense that something's amiss don't you?" Sui sighed and lied her head on her paws. Stephen turned to everyone else. "Well I guess this is all we can do for now. We should have someone stay with her at all times. We can work this out in shifts. Who wants the first one?" The small group looked at each other. Finally Alycione spoke up, a bit timidly, so unlike her hard character. "I will take the first shift." "All right," said Stephen. "I'll come in for the second shift then." Alycione gave Bindi to Terria. Then she pulled up a chair and sat beside Presea's bed. "Are you sure?" Dylan whispered to Stephen and Terria. "Dylan, have a bit of faith in your daughter. If she wanted to kill Presea, then she would have done it already," said Terria. Dylan sighed. "You're right." He shot a glance at Alycione. She looked back at him. "Don't worry. I'd never hurt Presea. You of all people should realize that…" Dylan lowered his head and left the room. Stephen exited as well, and Terria followed him, but not before giving Alycione a reassuring smile.
After everyone had left, Alycione sat in the chair, just looking at Presea. "My friend… what has happened to you? Why didn't you know who I was? I know your memory is greater than that." She looked up at the ceiling. "You know what? My father doesn't believe in me anymore. I guess I should accept that. I mean, why should he believe in me? I'm against him now." She laughed softly. "I was going to be one of the most respected sorceresses. How I worked for where I am today. It's just that… well if you saw Zagato you might understand. His power is so awesome. I guess love is just blind…" A tear slipped down her cheek. "He wants you dead, Presea. But I won't do it. You're one of my dearest friends. I know that we haven't had any contact for seven years, but I didn't forget about you. I'll protect you until you're strong enough to fight again." Sui's ears perked up as she listened to Alycione. Somewhere…there was hope.
Two days passed. Presea hadn't awakened yet. They were all beginning to wonder if she might never wake up. It was Terria's turn to stay with Presea. She brought Bindi with her. As she sat in the chair, she noticed Sui, still at the foot of the bed. The dog hadn't moved from that position since Presea had been brought there. No matter how much they coaxed her, she wouldn't budge. Terria smiled as Bindi cooed on her lap. "Look Bindi," she said. "See that woman. That's Presea. She's a very special person, you know. I hope that you'll grow to be as strong as she is." This made Terria smile even more. Presea was indeed a special person. Her ability with weapons was amazing. Any weapon that was created by Presea was sure to be the best. That was why she was the Master Smith. What else made Presea such a wonderful person? She was smart, pretty, understanding, caring, charming, and a great leader. She and Braden had run the Kingdom of Questria wonderfully. "Questria…" Terria whispered. That poor kingdom… gone. What would Presea's reaction be? And where was Braden? A slight movement caught Terria's attention. Was it really…? It was! Presea was stirring. "Stephen! Dylan! Alycione! Come in quick!" Instantly the three were in the room. "What is it?" asked Dylan. "Did something happen?" asked Stephen. "It's nothing bad. Look, she's coming around!"
Blinding light… I can't see. Presea felt her eyes opening. Her head was throbbing. Her vision cleared and she saw four faces peering at her own. Was this an illusion? Who were the people and what were they doing here? "Presea!" said the woman with the baby. Presea recognized her name, but nothing else. She sat up slowly and looked around the room. Four pairs of anxious eyes stared at her. The people were smiling, as if relieved of a burden. Presea blinked twice. "Where am I?" "You're at our house," said one of the men. "We're so happy to see that you're finally awake," said the other. Presea shook her head. "Wait a minute who are all of you anyway?" The four people cast strange looks at each other and then looked back at Presea. "You…you don't remember?" asked the woman with the baby. "This is like déjà vu," said the dark haired woman. "I don't understand what you're all talking about," said Presea. "But I have no idea who you are or what you want." The woman handed the baby to one of the men and looked Presea in the eye. "Presea, it's us. It's me Terria. And Stephen and Dylan and Alycione. Don't tell me that you can't remember. You haven't been away that long. Look even Sui's here." Presea's eyes widened. "I swear I've never met any of you. You said that I was away. Where was I? Are you saying that I come from somewhere else?" Terria turned to the other three. "You guys we have a problem." "Tell me about it," said Stephen. "Perhaps she has temporary amnesia," suggested Dylan. "It's a possibility," said Alycione. Presea just stared at all of them, wide-eyed. "Well," said Terria, turning back to Presea. "Since you…don't know us, then perhaps we should all introduce ourselves. I'm Terria." "And I'm her husband Stephen. That's our dog Sui and this is our baby, Bindi." "I'm Dylan, head of the Underground Society." "And I'm… Alycione." Presea smiled. "It's nice to meet you all." "Do you think that you can get out of bed?" asked Stephen. "Yes I think I might be able to." Presea swung her legs over the side of the bed. Then she carefully stood up, wobbled a bit, and straightened. She bent each knee and took a few steps. "I think I'm all right. What happened anyway?" Everyone looked at each other. "Well we were hoping that you could tell us," said Dylan. "But it's evident that you don't remember… right now at least." Presea sighed. "My mind is all fuzzy. I feel like I'm supposed to remember something, but I don't know what it is. My mind is blank." "Then," began Dylan. "Hold it," said Terria. Dylan raised his eyebrows. "I think that we should give Presea some time. Let her go clean up and change. Then we'll all talk." Terria turned to Presea. "Is that all right with you?" Presea nodded. "Yes. It doesn't bother me at all."
After Terria had given her a change of clothes, everyone left Presea in her room. She changed slowly. Breeches and a tunic… her normal attire. Presea looked at her red body suit and her Smith's apron. They were all dirty and there were bloodstains on her apron. "I don't understand," she whispered. "Whose blood is this? Is it mine? Or could it be someone else's?" Presea touched the headband on her forehead. "And where did this come from?" Suddenly pain pulsed through Presea's veins. She dropped to the floor, breathing hard. "Presea!" shouted a voice. It was a man. "That voice… I know that voice. Why can't I remember who it belongs to… What happened to me?"
Everyone was gathered in Stephen and Terria's living room. Stephen and Terria sat side by side on the couch. Bindi was napping on a blanket on the floor. Sui was at their feet. Dylan sat in a chair, arms crossed, looking very firm. Alycione sat in another chair at the other side of the room. She seemed preoccupied. Then Presea walked into the room. "Hello Presea," said Stephen. "Sit down. We all need to have a talk." "All right." Presea sat in a chair. "You don't remember a thing about your life?" asked Terria. "About your family? Your childhood? Your friends?" Presea shook her head. "It's all fuzzy. Nothing's really there. I…I don't know who my family is. I don't know where I come from. All I know is that my name is Presea." "Presea, you had a wonderful mother and father. And six brothers and sisters." "Six! Really?" Terria nodded. "And," said Stephen, "You had wonderful friends. There was Rogue and Kerry and Jacq. You are an extremely talented young lady." "Come on!" said Alycione. "Get to the good part. Presea, you're the Master Smith of Cephiro. You are the one who can handle any weapon. You're to make the weapons for the Magic Knights." "Magic Knights?" "Yes," added Dylan. "And don't tell us that you forgot about Braden." "Braden?" "Your one true love. He's your husband Presea." "I'm married?" Presea gasped. Braden… it did sound familiar in a way. Her head ached. She wanted to remember… but she couldn't. "I swear to you all that I know nothing of what you're talking about. I haven't the faintest idea of what you're saying. It all sounds like some fairy tale to me. I can't make anything of it!" tears streamed down Presea's cheeks. "I just had… a horrid thought," said Terria. All eyes were on her. "What is it?" asked Stephen. Terria pulled out her sais. "Come here Presea." Presea went to Terria, and Terria handed her the sais. "Can you tell me what these are Presea?" Presea tilted her head to one side. "Um… knives?" "What do you do with them?" "I don't know." "Let me try this a different way. How would you fight with them?" Presea twisted the sais around. Terria shook her head. "That's all I needed to know." Presea shrugged. "If that's all then I'm going to my room. I'm still tired." Terria nodded. "Go ahead." Presea left the room, and Terria sighed. "This is worse then what we imagined." "I think I'm beginning to understand," said Alycione. "Presea has lost her memory. It's all been erased by something or someone." "Exactly. Did you see how she handled the sais? She had no idea what to do with them." "And if she can't use the weapons…" said Dylan, a bit of alarm in his voice. "Then she can't make the weapons." "But if Presea can't make weapons, then Cephiro will fall," said Stephen. Everyone suddenly realized the grim reality. Cephiro needed Presea to make the weapons for the Magic Knights. She was the only one who could create weapons out of escudo. Without those weapons, the Knights wouldn't be able to revive the ruin gods. They all realized that if Presea didn't know how to make the weapons then Cephiro was doomed. "It's settled," said Dylan. The others looked at him. "We must get her memories back at all costs."
Alycione walked down the hall after the meeting with Stephen, Terria, and her father. She felt very uneasy about everything. She stopped in front of Presea's door and knocked hesitantly. "Come in," said Presea. Alycione stepped inside the room. "Hi Presea." "Hello Alycione. Hey! Can I call you Aly?" Alycione almost laughed. "Well if you want to…" "Great!" Then Presea clutched her head, as if she was in pain. "Presea! Are you all right?" asked Alycione in a concerned tone. "It's weird… my mind. I feel as if someone's trying to speak to me, but I can't understand them! Why can't I understand!" Alycione could do nothing but try to comfort the frightened girl. "It'll be all right Presea. It's probably just a side effect from when I found you. You were in pretty bad condition, but you're doing all right now. Don't worry." "Thank you Aly. I think I need all of the help I can get…"
Meanwhile in the living room, Dylan had transported a great amount of books. Now he, Stephen, and Terria were perusing them, trying to find a way to unlock Presea's memories. They had gone through a great amount of the books already. Finally Dylan slammed a book down. "I found it! Come here quickly!" Stephen and Terria joined Dylan and they all looked at the book. "It says: 'If one's memories are erased, there is only one way to unlock them once again. One must go to the person who erased the memories and ask for them back. It is only then that a person's memories can be unlocked.'" He looked up at Stephen and Terria. "This is just insanity. How in the world are we going to figure out who erased her memories?" They all sighed. This was going to be tougher then they imagined.
Braden looked sadly into his piece of stone. His poor Presea… she was so lost. He wondered… should her memories have been taken away? Or should she have just been left with the painful memories… He could feel a tear slip down his cheek. Braden was frustrated with everything… especially himself. He watched Presea cry and Alycione try to help her. Alycione… she had really changed over the years. But she was helping Presea and that's all that mattered. Braden put down the stone and closed his eyes. What if his decision had been the wrong one?
Back at the house everyone was at a loss. Stephen had flopped over the couch and just lay there thinking. Dylan kept rereading the book. Terria had picked up Bindi and now was just walking around the room, also thinking. Then Alycione brought Presea in. "So have you guys come up with anything?" she asked. "We have to find out who locked up her memories," said Dylan. "It is only then when we can get them back." Presea looked at each of them. "I'm being a burden aren't I?" she asked, a bit alarmed. "Maybe I should just leave. I'm pretty much healed by now…" "No," said Terria. "You're not and will never be a burden. Just stay with us." In the back of her mind Terria smiled. Presea hadn't lost everything. Terria remembered that Presea never wanted any of her worries, fears, or other things be a burden to anybody. Maybe she wasn't totally gone. "What should we do now," Stephen groaned. "There has to be something!" But nobody could answer him. Everyone was at a loss for words. What could they do? Suddenly there was a huge flash of blinding light. Everyone shielded their eyes half in fear and half in curiosity. The light cleared, revealing a small man dressed in Mage's robes. Alycione's eyes widened and she shrank back to the other side of the room. "It's Master Mage Clef!" Dylan almost shouted and rose from his chair. He kneeled to Clef. Clef smiled. "Dylan… one of my most honored students. You don't have to kneel." He glanced across the room. "Alycione? I didn't think I'd find you around here." Alycione didn't reply. She just looked at the ground, as if defeated. Stephen and Terria just stared at the little man. "You're really Master Mage Clef?" Terria asked. "Yes." "What are you doing here?" asked Stephen. "I've come to see Presea." Stephen and Terria looked at each other. Clef walked to Presea, who was sitting on the floor. She looked at him with big eyes. "Do…do I know you?" she asked, her voice a bit shaky. "Yes you do. Presea, why aren't you at the Forest of Silence? The Magic Knights could arrive any day now." "What are you talking about?" Clef gasped and turned to everyone else. "So it's true then?" The group nodded. "I heard about what had happened to Questria. Then I heard about Presea. I was worried so I came to make sure that no harm had come to her, but that's not the case." "Do you know who took her memories?" asked Dylan. Clef thought for a moment. "I'm not totally certain, but my instincts point to a certain person." "Who is it?" asked Terria. "Braden." "Braden!" everyone cried at once. "But why? He loved her so much!" said Stephen. "That's exactly why he did it." "I don't understand," Alycione muttered from across the room. "Something horrible must have happened," said Clef. "Braden wouldn't normally have the power, but… if it was his dying wish…" "He's dead?" asked Dylan. Clef nodded. Presea gasped. Braden… it sounded so familiar. When Clef spoke his name, her heart ached as if she was missing something. But why? Clef turned to Presea. "Without your memories, you cannot make weapons. We need your skills or else this world is doomed. Therefore, I myself will go to the underworld to ask permission to get your memories back." "You…you would do that?" asked Presea. "Yes I would. So long as it's all right with you." "Yes! It's fine with me. This is so exciting!" Clef shook his head. "She sees this as fun and games. It's a natural thing I suppose, but… if I get the permission this could be a very painful experience." He addressed everyone in the room. "Are you all ready for this?" he asked. They all nodded. "All right then. I will go to the Underworld."
Even though Clef was the most powerful sorcerer in all of the land, it still took him some persuasion to get into the Underworld. What Clef didn't fully understand was why Braden had been sent to Hell instead of Elision. Braden had always been a good man. He was a wise, gentle, and loving ruler, always putting his people before himself. Yet he had ended up in Hell. The only way that one as good as Braden could end up in Hell was if someone had sent him there. Clef didn't know it, but the one who sent Braden to Hell was his very own brother Tristan. Clef walked swiftly through the dark corridors of Hell. The dead seemed to know that there was a living person in their realm, for they cried out in agony. Clef ignored the pleading and wailing as he pushed on. Hell was a dark cruel place. How Braden was surviving there…Clef didn't know. Finally he sensed Braden. The man was huddled in the corner. His clothes were practically rags, his hair mussed and dirty, and his eyes sad. The once proud King of Questria now sat in ruin. "King Braden," said Clef. The man's eyes brightened. "You're Master Mage Clef! I remember you…" "Yes." Braden stood up and walked to the short man. "What are you doing here?" "I've come to talk to you about Presea." "Presea…" Braden said, remembering everything about his one true love. "Is there something wrong? Is she ill?" "In a way. Not physically, but… I think you know why I'm here." "You're here because of her memories aren't you?" Clef nodded. "We want to return her memories, but we cannot without your permission." Braden's eyes dulled. "I can't do it." "Why not?" "I don't want her to feel the pain… I saw her eyes when I died. You couldn't possibly imagine what happened. Tristan had her frozen in one spot. There was nothing she could do but watch me die. I saw her eyes. They cried out in horror and pain. My last memory of her is when she was holding me, crying and crying. It was then that I decided that she shouldn't have to suffer like that. So my dying wish was for her to forget everything. That way she wouldn't have to deal with everything that happened." "Braden, you're letting her run from the past." "And why shouldn't she?" "Because without her memories, everything dies. She needs to make those weapons or all of Cephiro will fall. You understand that don't you?" "I don't want her to feel any pain! I love her!" "You're being selfish." "What! You just want me to unlock her memories so that you all can survive! Who's being selfish there?" "Braden, I want to unlock her memories because all of those that know and love her miss her terribly. They can't deal with her not remembering them or anything else. The weapons are only part of it. Don't you see that Cephiro needs her?" Braden cast his eyes on the floor. He reached down and picked up a slab of stone. "See for yourself," said Clef. He touched the stone with his rod and it began to glow. Soon Braden could clearly see the situation going on in the mortal realm. Presea was there, head in her hands as if she was trying to remember something. Alycione was next to her, saying something, trying to encourage her. Stephen was looking at his sais and then to Presea and then back to his sais. Terria kept glancing worriedly first at Stephen and then at Presea. Dylan was in a chair, staring straight ahead. "What's going on?" asked Braden. "They're all worried sick. The thought of never having the true Presea around again is eating them all up alive." Braden put his hand over his heart. "If I did give you permission to give her memories back… you'd all watch out for her wouldn't you?" "Of course we would." "I don't want her to be hurt…" "You understand that eventually she will find out everything that happened back at Questria though? It will probably be a time of great sadness for her, but I promise you that we'll help her along the way." "I do trust you, Master Mage Clef." He looked into the stone. "I love you Presea. I give you permission, Clef, to return her memories. Presea, I hope that everything will be all right." Then he looked away, a single tear spattered on the stone. Clef nodded. "Braden, you've done the right thing."
Clef returned to anxious eyes. All eyes were staring at him as the bright light cleared. "What happened?" asked Terria. "We've got permission." A sigh of happiness was heard around the room. "What are we waiting for?" said Stephen. "Let's do this!" Clef nodded. "First we have to put Presea to sleep." He went to Presea and chanted a few words. She was asleep instantly. "Now we must carry her to a bed. I don't want her to hurt herself during the returning process." Stephen and Dylan brought Presea to her room. They all crowded around the bed. "Are you all ready for this? It's possible that she won't react that well." "We know," said Alycione. "Just bring her back." Clef nodded and began chanting…
Presea heard it. Far away… a voice chanting something. She didn't know what the voice was saying. Then another voice spoke. "Presea… remember…" it said. It was that voice she kept hearing. Suddenly light began to flash through her head. So many people ran through her head. Two kind faces looked at her. Benedict and Gwyneth Aldrain…mother and father. Six brothers and sisters: Trent, Gavin, Lily, Caitlin, Rusty, and Sierra. Run as fast as you can Presea. No why am I being separated? I'm cold and hungry! Who are you and why did you almost give me a heart attack? Your name is Rogue… the thief who took me in and helped me. What's this? A duel! You're giving me your rapier? But sir, I don't even deserve it! Rogue, you think we should go in the castle. All right! Rogue, this didn't work! I'm stuck in the castle… Don't look at me like that Prince Tristan! You frighten me. Prince Braden, how did you just jump out of the wall? Master Smith Riley, I am honored that you noticed me. Now I'm your apprentice… thank you so much. This headband is just beautiful. Magic Knights from another world? I'll get to make their weapons…that is so cool! Tristan, I don't like sitting next to you and I don't want to go to the ball with you! It makes me sick. What's going on Braden? The castle's under attack! Riley's dead…no… Rogue! It's been a while. The swamp. I'm bitten! Stephen and Terria and Sui you're all wonderful. Thank you for letting us stay with you. It's nice to meet you Dylan, head of the Underground Society. You'll help us take Questria back right? We have to pass a test? I hate heights! Braden, I'm falling! Help me! You saved me… Braden, you're going off to Mage's school? That's great! Sure I'll go see it with you. You were one of the best sorcerers Dylan? Whoa… It's nice to meet you Alycione. I'm sure you can do anything so long as you put your mind to it. Eva…it's not nice to meet you. I get bad vibes. It's time for me to go home. I still don't trust Eva. There's just something about her. Hello Underground Society! My name's Presea and I'm going to teach you a few techniques. Your name is Jacq…it's nice to meet you. This is how you sword fight. Stephen, Terria, I really get to go help reptiles with you? But that crocodile's huge! What is all of this escudo doing in my room? I still don't trust Eva. A sword. I can't control what's happening. This is my chosen weapon, made from my blood. More demonstrations. You came from Questria too Kerry? You're telling me that my mother and father and Rusty and Sierra were killed? No… Two months. It's been two months since I've seen Braden, but that'll all change tonight. All right Kerry, it's duel time! One, two, I'm almost there… Braden! Damn I lost concentration. Looks like you won this one Kerry. I don't like you Eva. What do you think you're doing! You're a demon! I knew it! Die! Why does this surprise you Braden? I'm glad you're back though. What do you mean he left Stephen? Hurry Society! Braden's gone to take back Questria alone! I'm going to save him… and the kingdom. Don't look so shocked Braden. I only came through the wall. Tristan, it's been a while. So it was you who betrayed the kingdom. You're evil. I'm going to get you. The tower… Tristan has to be there. I hate heights. Where are you Tristan? Ahhhh! Pain… glass window… I'm cut. Tristan what are you doing? You're going insane! No! Please don't lean me over the balcony… I hate heights. Braden! You're here. Tristan, not the dagger! My shoulder… what have you done? The blood. The balcony's no longer underneath me. I'm over the edge, clinging on for dear life. Only one thing to do. I'm flying…with nothing below me. Through the window. The glass shatters around me. Hang on. I'm coming! Of course I'm alive. Tristan, Braden! You've disappeared. Grab my hand Braden. Now you Tristan. You can't do it. Why am I so weak? Don't cry Braden. Princess Emeraude! I have to go back. Thanks for the medical help Terria. You love me, Braden? I love you too. So much… Riley, are you proud of me? I've done as promised. Rest in peace. Congratulations on becoming king, Braden. You want me to become your queen? Of course I will! I love you! My family! Trent, Gavin, Lily, Caitlin! You're all alive. I'm so happy! Wedding plans…stress. I can't believe that I just got married. We'll always be together Braden. Seven years of happiness and peace. Life is perfect. Congratulations on your marriage, Jacq and Kerry! Rogue quit teasing me! Terria, you're really pregnant? That dream… it's time for destiny? What? Who are you? Master Mage Clef! The time of the Magic Knights is at hand! This isn't good-bye Braden. I'll be home soon. The Forest of Silence… what a scary place. Makona! You're so annoying sometimes! I wonder what the Magic Knights will be like. Who's that coming? Braden…and Tristan? What? You both look sick. I can't move! What have you done to Questria, Tristan? I didn't abandon it! No Braden! Tristan stop it! No! A dark man… Tristan's gone. Braden! You're dying. It's my fault! Why did it have to happen this way? No…dark man… don't take him away! Please! Stop… Why can't I remember…
Remember…remember…remember… It echoed through Presea's mind. Her body convulsed. The group looked worried. Then her eyes opened with a start and she bolted upright. "Braden!" Her worried eyes darted from person to person. She was breathing heavily. "Presea?" asked Terria. "Terria! Stephen, Dylan, Alycione, Clef! What's going on? We have to get Braden! They've taken him!" "Calm down," said Clef. "I remember everything now…" Presea muttered. She shook her head. Alycione touched her arm. "Presea?" she asked. "Aly…I…Braden's gone." Tears poured out of Presea's eyes. "I couldn't save him! He's dead. I saw him die. I couldn't do anything! I was frozen. It was all because of Tristan. Tristan killed Braden! There was nothing I could do…" Terria quickly handed Bindi to Stephen. "Come on now Presea. You must have been through something awful, but it all couldn't have been your fault." "It was. Oh no… something horrible has happened to Questria. I can feel it. Tristan mentioned it as well. What's happened? I must go to Questria immediately!" "No. You need to rest. The return of memories can be quite overwhelming," said Clef. "You must calm yourself in order to clear your thinking." Presea took a few deep breaths and nodded. Suddenly Sui jumped up on the bed. "Sui! Oh it's Sui!" She threw her arms around the dog. Sui licked her tearstained face. Stephen and Dylan smiled. Presea had always had a bit of a connection with Sui ever since they had met. "Come on," Terria said. "We should give Presea some time… and a bit of air as well." She winked at Presea and Presea smiled. "Thanks you guys." Dylan, Stephen, Terria, and Clef left the room. Alycione smiled at her friend. "I know that this must be painful for you, but I'm glad that you're back." "Alycione… I haven't seen you in seven years. You've changed." "I know. I've made a few hard decisions, and it's true that I've taken the dark side. I do side with Lord Zagato, but it's because I love him so much. It's hard for many people to accept that. My father has shunned me, but I keep going on." "Aly, I know that it was you who rescued me from the forest. Thank you. I know it must have been hard for you to come here." "You mean that you understand?" Presea sighed. "I don't know if I fully understand everything, but I won't stop you. You saved me out of friendship and that means a lot to me. I won't hold any grudge against you because I still believe in you. I know in the end you'll do the right thing." "It's strange," said Alycione. "I'm supposed to destroy anything having to do with the Magic Knights so that the legend will cease, but I can't destroy you. I'll let you make the weapons. I won't let any harm come to you. But the Knights… I will destroy them." Presea nodded. "I can't stop you. It would just be too hard. I've lost too much already to lose anything else…"
After resting for awhile, Presea finally found her way out of her room. The first people she encountered were Terria and Bindi. Terria had smiled at her… it was a motherly smile that Presea greatly appreciated. "Presea," said Terria. "Why don't you come sit by me?" Presea obeyed and sat on the floor next to Terria. "Is this… the baby?" asked Presea. "Yes it is. This is Bindi." "She's so beautiful." Terria pointed to Presea. "Look Bindi. It's Presea and she's all better now. She's come to see you." Presea reached out her arms. "May I hold her?" "Of course." Terria handed the squirming baby to Presea. Bindi stopped squirming in Presea's arms and looked at her with bright blue eyes. Presea smiled. "She's just wonderful… but I knew she would be." Terria laughed. "I always told Bindi stories about what a hero you were while you were gone. I don’t know if she could understand any of it, but it still felt right." Presea looked a bit distant. "Am I really that much of a hero? I let so many people down… my husband. I couldn't do anything for him. I was powerless…" "Presea, you're being way too hard on yourself. Of course you're a hero. You helped rule your kingdom. You always put your people in front of yourself. You brought so much good to this land. How can you deny that?" Presea shrugged. "I just have doubts… I'm still overwhelmed." Terria nodded. "I understand. You've been through a lot." Presea handed Bindi back to Terria and glanced out of the large window. "Terria," she said, her voice a bit shaky. "Yes?" "I…I want to go to Questria." "What? So soon?" "I think that it's better if I just go back. It might help me clear my conscience. If there's anything that I can do to help, then I must do it. I am the Queen. I should be there for my people." Terria looked a bit saddened by Presea's words. Little did Presea know, but everyone that had been living in Questria had been killed and now Questria was nothing but ruins. "Presea, when we take you to Questria… well… don't get your hopes up too high." "What do you mean?" "It's…a lot worse then you think." "Don't tell me. I don't want to know. I just need to see it for myself." "Well all right. Just remember that we're all here for you." "Thank you." Presea stood up and walked outside onto the dock. What did Terria mean about Questria? Had Tristan really…destroyed it all? Was there nothing left? Presea refused to think about it. Now was the time to concentrate on the positive…if there was any positive left.
Presea woke up early the next morning. Thoughts of Braden and of Questria plagued her mind, causing her restless sleep and nightmares. But she felt a bit of confidence. She was ready to return to her kingdom. Stephen, Terria, and Alycione would accompany her to Questria while Dylan would watch Bindi. Clef would stay with Dylan as well. "Are you sure that you're ready?" Stephen asked for about the millionth time as they neared the edge of the swamp. "I'm sure," Presea replied, and drew a deep breath. Her stomach had a sinking feeling. The small group walked across the large field… and into Questria. Presea was not at all prepared for the sight that fell before her eyes. Questria… the whole kingdom had been barbecued. Her mouth dropped in disbelief. "This can't be," she muttered. She turned to her friends, question in her eyes. Stephen spoke up softly, "It was worse. When we got here we found hundreds of dead people. We buried the bodies though so that when you returned… you wouldn't…" He couldn't speak. Presea understood, but her heart ached. "My people. This is… I can't believe it…" A thought shocked Presea. "My family! No!" She dashed down the streets to where Trent and Gavin had reopened the blacksmith shop. It was gone, as they were. "Trent, Gavin, Lily, Caitlin… this can't be happening. I'm the only one left." She looked over at Terria. "What about Rogue?" "We didn't find him. He could still be alive… or just missing. We don't know." Presea swallowed and bravely walked through her charred kingdom. She couldn't keep a straight face though. Her cheeks were tearstained by the time she reached the castle. All that she and Braden had worked for… was wiped out. The castle was crumbling bit by bit. That once magnificent castle was reduced to nothing. "Be careful," said Alycione. "It looks as if it may collapse at any minute." Presea nodded and entered. There wasn't a soul left. The abandoned castle echoed with the sounds of peace and prosperity. A haunting feeling settled on Presea's shoulders as she walked through the silent halls. She gasped. "Kerry and Jacq?" she asked. Stephen shook his head. "They were among the dead." Presea collapsed. "Why? Why did this have to happen? My best friends, my family… gone in an instant. There was nothing I could do to save them. If I had been here I could have helped them. Why does it have to be this way?" Her tears were uncontrollable. Stephen, Terria, and Alycione glanced at each other. There was nothing that they could do. Each of them knew that this would happen. And each wondered if Presea should have waited before returning to Questria. Then Presea stood up and continued down the halls and through the various rooms of the castle. The throne room, the meeting room, the ballroom… everything was silent as the dead. Through the halls… Presea walked blindly. How could everything that she loved just disappear like that? Then she stopped in front of the portrait. The wedding portrait. She and Braden were so young and in love. The portrait had been charred and ripped. Presea fought back more oncoming tears. It wasn't fair. She took off running down the hall. She reached her and Braden's room. Presea flung open the heavy doors and ran inside. The roses that had grown outside the windows were gone. The room was in pieces. Presea threw herself on the bed and cried hysterically. Stephen, Terria, and Alycione could do nothing. They decided not to interfere with Presea's mourning. Presea cried and cried… and soon fell asleep on the bed, overwhelmed with everything that she had seen that day.
"It was our destiny to be together! When you broke that link, everyone was doomed. And now... Now you will be sacrificed to the demon... The demon you released! You sent all of Questria to death. You, selfish Presea... You!" It wasn't true. Presea's mind screamed. No… Tristan's haunting face kept appearing. Again and again Braden died before her eyes. And Tristan… his arms reached out for her, to pull her into an abyss of darkness. He was coming closer and closer… "NO!" Presea screamed. She sat up quickly, drenched in cold sweat. It had been a dream… all a horrible dream. Presea was breathing heavily. Night had fallen. Presea could see a faint light from outside of the room. She knew that it was Stephen, Terria, and Alycione. Once again Presea's mind began to twist into illusions… or were they visions? It was Braden. "Help me Presea!" he said. She wanted to speak to him, but her lips wouldn't form words. She could see him clearly…in a cold, dark, evil place. "Braden's in Hell," her voice came as a whisper. She gasped. "That can't be! He never harmed a soul! He was a good man… why is he in Hell?" "Good question," came a voice from a darkened corner of the room. Presea gasped. "What in the world…" A figure moved in the dark. Presea had no weapon… nothing to defend herself. She couldn't speak… she couldn't scream. There was a small click and suddenly the room lit up. The man… leaned against the room with his arms crossed. When he looked up Presea could see his sparkling black eyes. "Rogue!" she whispered, barely able to breath. He smiled. "You… you're not a ghost are you?" He laughed. "Presea, it's me. I'm here and quite alive." "Oh my god… Rogue!" she bolted from the bed and into his arms. "I can't believe that you're here! You're all right!" Tears streamed down her face. "But how did you escape? Kerry and Jacq, they're dead, and…" "Presea, you're talking a mile a minute." "Sorry." "Presea?" called Terria's voice. "Terria, Stephen, Aly, come quick! Rogue's here!" The sound of running footsteps was heard and Stephen, Terria, and Alycione entered the room. "Rogue," said Stephen. "How did you get here? How did you escape the destruction?" Rogue looked at each one of them. "It was an accident really. I was just returning from an errand that Braden had sent me on. Anyway, while I was returning I saw Braden riding out of Questria at full speed. He was heading in the direction of the Forest of Silence. I became concerned because I knew that we weren't supposed to bother you, Presea, while you were on your mission. But I decided that I would follow Braden to make sure that everything was all right. I was only a few miles from Questria when I heard the explosion… and saw a huge cloud of smoke rising. I kept following Braden, but got sidetracked. I heard all of the commotion going on deep in the forest, and regretted that I couldn't help. You see, while I was in the forest all of a sudden this huge horde of monsters attacked me. I had to fight them off. By the time that I was done with the monsters, everything had been silent. I knew that I would have gotten lost in the forest if I didn't leave, so I went on my way. I came back a few days ago and have been going through the city. Then I saw that you had returned and I came to see you and make sure that all was well, but it's obviously not. I assume that Braden died and is in Hell from what you say Presea, but I just can't see how it's possible." He turned to Presea. "You're hurt…I can tell." Presea nodded. "I just want you to know," continued Rogue, "That I'm always going to be here if you need me. I won't leave you alone Presea. You're like my little sister… I gotta look out for you." Presea cracked a smile. "Thank you Rogue." Then her tone turned serious. "Braden's in Hell. He's not supposed to be there. What I want are answers. I want Braden out of Hell. I want him to go to Elision where he should be." "But Presea," said Terria. "You can't just move him from Hell. There must be some unseen reason as to why he's there." "I know." Presea started for the door. "And that's why I'm going to go get him out."
"Presea! Wait!" shouted Stephen as the group rushed to keep up with her. Presea was walking swiftly through the castle halls, a mission in mind. They followed her down the winding stairs… to the forge. Presea pushed the door open and went inside. Her heart began to ache again. She had so many fond memories of the forge… it was her favorite place to be. And Riley… the previous Master Smith who had taught her everything. Presea cut through the main part of the forge and into her old room where she had lived when she was an apprentice. There, hanging on the wall and still intact, was the rapier. Presea's rapier was her favorite weapon next to her sword. But she didn't have time to retrieve her sword from the Forest of Silence. The rapier was the next best thing. "Presea!" said Stephen. "This is almost like a suicide mission." Presea swung the rapier a few times. "I have to do this." "But Hell is like no other place… it's dreadful," said Terria. "Demons will try to take your soul. You'll be tormented to death before you reach Braden," protested Alycione. Presea looked at her friends. "I know that there are risks. But I'm willing to take them. After all, I've been to Hell and back already. This should be nothing." Rogue sighed. "Don't try to stop her, you guys. When Presea's made up her mind to do something like this, it won't change. Believe me, I know." Suddenly Clef appeared. "Presea, what do you think you're doing?" "Going to Hell." "What?" "I'm going to help Braden. He's being tormented when he shouldn't be. I need you to show me the way." "But this puts your life directly in danger. And that puts Cephiro directly in danger as well." "I know. I've been informed of that, but…" Presea paused and thought for a moment. "If you don't show me the way, then there's nothing you can do to stop me from taking my rapier and slitting my wrists right at this minute." Clef and the others looked shocked. They could never imagine Presea committing suicide, but she looked deadly serious. Clef held up his staff. "Very well. I can see that this means the world to you, and if it helps you heal then I won't stop you." He muttered a few words in another language and suddenly the group was transported to a huge volcano. "The entrance to the underworld is down this volcano," explained Clef. Presea nodded. Suddenly Terria was hugging her, followed by Alycione, Stephen, and Rogue. "Please be careful Presea," said Terria. "You have to come back," said Rogue. "I'll be careful. I promise you. I'll come back in one piece. You'll see." Presea secured her rapier and walked to the edge of the volcano. She turned momentarily and smiled. Her smile lightened the hearts of her friends for the moment. Then Presea turned and looked into the volcano… a huge abyss. She took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing," she muttered, and jumped into the volcano.
Presea was falling and falling…one of her worst fears. The transition between the Underworld and the mortal world was strange indeed. At first Presea felt as if she were dropping like a rock. Then the fall suddenly slowed and she was floating down. She sighed in relief. The transition was going smoothly. Presea could see the ground now. It was still a bit of a long way, but she was almost there. And then the feathery feeling stopped. She sped up again, and was crashing. Presea felt her body make impact with the hard ground. Her body screamed and then she saw nothing but black.
The small group stared at where Presea had jumped into the volcano. "I can't believe that we just let her go like that," said Terria. "I know," said Stephen. "I wish we could see her. Just to make sure that she's all right." Terria turned to him. "I need to get home soon. I want to be here for Presea though. But I can't leave Bindi with Dylan forever…" Just as she said that, Dylan appeared holding Bindi. "Did you think I was going to sit around at home?" he asked. "I picked up on what was happening and decided to join you all." Terria took Bindi into her arms. "Clef, is there any way that we can watch Presea from here?" asked Rogue. Clef looked at the volcano and then nodded. "I believe that there is a way that we can watch her." He raised his staff and a medium sized orb appeared. The orb swirled and bent for a moment and then stabilized. They could all see Presea now, unconscious on the ground. "Oh no," muttered Alycione. "She must have hit the ground hard. It's a long fall." "What is that?" asked Stephen, and pointed. Everyone could clearly see shadows heading toward Presea. "Demons," said Dylan. "The demons know that she's there. And now they've come to take her to their realm…"

Part 2