Departure
Cherry blossom petals peacefully drifted on the light breeze from the small growth surrounding the glade, casting a magical pink hue on the four travelers. Another feather had been returned to Sakura, and the bizarre group tied by fate was ready to set out again. Syaoron's face had relaxed when the Princess graciously accepted another memory, but now that talk of heading to the next world became their next move, his genuine look of determination had returned.
Mokona let out his usual whoop of excitement and anticipation as his wings flared out and wrapped around the traveling companions. As a final brief gust of wind rippled through the clearing, the comrades were unceremoniously swept away.
The four characters stepped into the new world and cautiously took in their surroundings. A narrow square pond was set out before them, and surprisingly small man-made hills flanked them on both sides. A mild snowfall had coated most of the ground and continued to gradually pile up. Flat cement slabs had been placed in the pond as a short, diagonal walkway much like a bridge connecting to the other side looking over a set of wide stairs. The grass surrounding them took on a magical frosted look and seemed to pick up every faucet of light from the pale sky with a soft flickering glaze. A building seemed to wind its way around the area and, although the land had recently been tread across judging by the numerous footprints, the grounds seemed rather hushed and empty.
After surveying the scope of this new terrain, Kurogane grunted between gritted teeth, "Just what exactly IS this place?"
Syaoran quietly spoke up with his reassuringly determined tone, "I think it's a university campus."
The group said nothing, but turned their full attention to him with expectant expressions awaiting his explanation.
"It's like a school," he continued, "but far more elite and advanced. A tuition, or payment, is required, and not everybody is admitted. It's meant for people to further their academics in more specific fields. My father attended one far before I came about."
"Wheet-woo!" came Fai's predictable response. The sweet mage was unable to whistle, but his choice in words was taken as a sufficient substitute.
"Syaoran sure knows a whole lot about education!" exclaimed Mokona in his usual beaming tone. A harsh glare from Kurogane however set him into a sulking and brooding mode and as he tucked himself back into Sakura's cloak he allowed a whiney tone to overtake his cheerful nature long enough for an evident pout.
It was then that the group noticed a bench not far to the right upon which a young woman was poised. In her hands she wielded a small black hard-cover novel. Thick, although petite, brown glasses perched precariously upon her nose framing her deep chestnut eyes, and her dark auburn hair flared outwards in unrealistic curls looping just above her shoulders. Crisp denim pants covered most of her black and silver buckled boots with a loose cut and her brown v-neck top was hidden almost entirely by a hunter green velvet coat with subtle flowers printed delicately down the shoulders that fell nearly to her knees. The collar was turned up to block out the wind and a cobalt-colored scarf kept her neck bundled up and warm. Her jewellery seemed simple enough, as she bore only a set of small silver hoped earrings and a few rings on each hand. The girl seemed unaffected by the unannounced arrival, perhaps only for no other reason than that she seemed completely immersed in her novel.
The group exchanged meaningful glances amongst themselves until finally Sakura spoke up. "It's my turn to confront someone. They're my feathers, and I can't possibly ask you all to take care of me forever!"
Shyaoron was quick to voice his strong opinion against this however with a noble comeback, "Princess, you're still far too weak to be approaching strange people. We have no idea how this country operates, and it would be less than convenient to have you hurt again."
As usual, the young boy's voice of reason managed to reach Sakura in a more meaningful way than anyone else's might have, and her protests died before they even rose from her throat. At that point, Fai spoke up.
"And naturally you should stay with her highness, Syaoron-san. Your concern for her stays evident with your expressions even when you look like you're lightening up." The sweet wise mage continued cautiously with a slight mocking tone directed towards Kurogane, "and you Big Puppy, are far too scary to talk to that poor lovely lady perched on that bench." After a slight pause and disregard of the ninja's rebellious comments about his nicknames, Fai continued his slow deduction of characters by pointing out that they were still unsure of how Mokona's presence would be viewed in this strange new world. Eventually he voiced the conclusion they had all reached with a slight acknowledging glance in her direction. "I suppose that would leave me to take the dubious honour of interviewing her."
He casually began his short jaunt to where the girl was positioned. Snow had powdered his white robes already, creating a sparkling border to outline the brim of his hood, and his clear gold hair smoothly flowed around his face, framing his pale features. The young woman didn't seem to notice his approach.