I added a prologue... I was originally going to use this scene later on, as a dream or a reflection of the past, but when I actually wrote it, it seemed more effective as a prologue, so here it is.
There might be a reference back to this in chapter 7, and it will become more important as the story wears on, so, heads up.
May 20 - "Summary" (of a sort) up. It may pose more questions than it answers, but what's life without some mystery?
Summary:
Ten years ago, a fire took Sakura's life.
A mysterious stranger then urged him to "seek the green-eyed princess".
For ten years, that's all Syaoran has thought about: revenge.
But when his assassination attempt goes awry...
the dead...
is somehow alive?
Or did she ever die?
Who is this green-eyed princess, and what fairytale kingdom does she rule over?
What magic has bounded the trees, that time loops itself?
Where is the lost soul, that was lost long ago, in the curse - or is it a blessing?
As enchantment and plans fall apart, love draws everything together,
as one last, desperate journey seeks to answer all questions.
But in a world where time itself is at stake, what is the price of succeeding?
And can there ever be...
a happily ever after?
Prologue
"Sakura!" He can just barely see her, can just barely see the short orange locks, the familiar brown eyes. "Sakura!"
Footsteps ring out sharply behind him, and the boots seem to fall closer and closer as the seconds drag on. But he can't lose hope - not now! He must keep running! He has to try harder! He will reach her! "Sakura! I'm here!"
Does she see him? Can she pick out his voice among the shouts of the guards and the crowd?
"Hey you! You, boy! Stop running this instant!"
Elbows flinging as he digs through the crowd, the one addressed ignores the cries, focusing his energy on breaking through the barrier of people between him and her. At least now she's found him.
"Syaoran!" Both her hands are on the edge of the cart, he can see her leaning as far toward him as the wood allowed. "Syaoran!" He can see also, the stake and torches looming ahead, and the fear in the little girl's eyes. Too young. Two young. Two orphans with just each other left.
Will she leave him too?
"Sakura! I'm coming!" It's a battle, against the people - spectateurs, watching the 7-year-old "witch" being brought to "justice". Angry as he is, the young boy can barely glimpse the cart being pulled farther and farther from him, as an iron grip clamps down on his arm.
"You're coming with us, you little rascal!" the thick-mustached man frowns, dodging the kicks and blows thrown by his captive. "You've caused enough trouble for today!"
"Let me go! Sakura!" Jerking his arm away, the brown eyes watch desperately as the cart is wheeled from his sight. "Sakura! Sakura!" He can't even hear her anymore.
Dragging the boy down the street, the two guards enter the prison fighting to maintain control. Behind them, a jet of flame bursts into the sky.
"Sakura!!"
"My lord," the two bow before the finely dressed man conversing with the constable. "We're sorry to interupt, my lord, but we have a prisoner."
Cool steel-blue eyes glance over the bedraggled youth, but there is nothing said. After a moment's silence, the constable clears his throat. "Right, now then, this way, you two. Cell 59 should do. Disturbing the peace, was he?"
The 'disturber of the peace' remains silent throughout the ordeal, a bitter look etched into his features - the flames dancing still before his eyes. There was none at the scene, but in his heart, he could hear - could feel - her scream. And then there was the fear in her eyes - fear he could not erase. It had been a hopeless fear. She knew he couldn't save her.
Guilt.
"Seek the princess with the green eyes."
He looks up at the one speaking, the three others having left.
For revenge?
There's no reply to the question, but...
"Seek the princess with the green eyes."
The door clangs shut, leaving three slants of light, and the rest in darkness.
He was nine.
Side-Notes:
In this story, Sakura originally has brown eyes...
