Big Puppy
By: Eroko Nashuri
A/N: I own nothing; I'm just borrowing the characters from CLAMP.
Chapter 1: Eriis; City of the Craft
The country they landed in was cold, but it wasn't that cold; Jade country had been colder. Despite the weather they were still out searching for the feather only to return to the hotel at night to relax over hot food and hot chocolate and sleep. It was a beautiful world full of wonder and magic; people would weave clothing out of spider's silk and make glass out of ice. But even with the beauty there were also darker and more sinister corners in this world. At night people would lock up, hiding from the events that took place outside, scared half to death of the darker crafts that transpired outside.
At night people deemed 'witches', 'sorcerers', 'mages', 'wizards' and other variations of the name gathered and preformed rituals of various sorts. None of those from the lighter part of the country dared look into the events for the fear of being killed or worse. But very unfortunately for the dimensional travelers is that at night was when the small white rabbit-like creature known as Mokona sensed the feather, its blue eyes widening as it made the cute little sound as usual, declaring the presence of a memory feather.
They all glanced at each other as Mokona began to panic. They'd have to go out at night. As it was rather than referring to the lithe tall blonde with blue eyes known as Fai, mage or wizard, Kurogane, the tall, burly ebony haired ninja with crimson eyes had to refer to him as other things such as 'oi' or 'idiot' so the townspeople didn't panic.
"I'll get the Princess' feather back; I don't care the danger." Syaoran, the brunette young boy with brown eyes declared brazenly as he glanced out a window to see and eerie purple glow being cast around.
Sakura jumped up at that, her green eyes gleaming and her orangey brown hair swaying as she ran over to Syaoran, clinging to his arm. "But you might get hurt Syaoran-kun. What if we looked during the day instead?"
"But Mokona didn't feel it earlier. Mokona thinks that they have it." The white fluff ball was sitting on Syaoran's shoulder, pointing out the window as it spoke.
"We could easily use a disguise of sorts; it shouldn't be too hard as long as we challenge them on our terms instead of their own." Fai smiled widely, glancing out of the window as well.
Kurogane huffed. "Will that work? I'm not fond of the idea of meeting a bunch of wizards in a brawl; they use long range moves." The ninja sat in a corner with his back to the wall.
Fai smirked, unnerved by the figure clad in black. "It's hard to tell, it really depends on if we catch them off guard or they catch us; I'm not too sure about the traditions here."
"Even if we're not sure we must get Sakura's feather back." Syaoran's voice was firm as he placed a reassuring hand on Sakura's shoulder.
Fai smiled lightly at his 'family'. "We should wait and pick up some clothing in the morning to fit in more; they'd probably see us as suspicious with what we're all in right now." Sakura nodded handing Fai his big fluffy coat, seeing as he had let her borrow it because of the weather. Fai smiled. "Well off to bed now; we do have a busy day tomorrow." Fai ushered the younger two to bed, Mokona following to sleep in with Sakura.
Fai stretched with an over dramatic yawn. "Well I'm heading to bed too. Try not to stay up to late Kuro-rin."
Kurogane grunted as Fai walked off to the shared bedroom; the house had three bedrooms, one for Sakura, one for Syaoran and one for the two adults, but Kurogane was considering sleeping in the living room just to have some privacy for once.
*~*~*
Sakura glanced in a mirror; she wore a light pink heavy dress with tan fluff around the collar and the cuffs. He wore tan stockings and soft pink boots with a fluffy light pink hat. She blushed lightly; glancing over at Syaoran who wore a green coat with brown fluff on the collar and cuffs, brown pants and regular brown boots, a brown scarf tied around his neck. They both jumped when they heard Kurogane practically stomp out of the changing room, face aflame with a blush. His coat was regular black with black fluff, black pants and black boots going with his plain black scarf and gloves. "Damn that sales woman!" He sat down on a chair, glaring out at nothing in particular.
Fai bounced out with Mokona on his shoulder, his outfit matching Kurogane's only in white. "Hyuu, now Mommy and Daddy match!" He smiled back at the sales lady who winked at him. They quickly paid for the clothing having earlier sold old clothing for the country's currency, leaving as soon as they finished with that, walking around the town. "So should we attempt research or do you think it's too risky?" Syaoran glanced at Fai who smiled.
"Who knows; it couldn't hurt to hunt around but we'd have to be careful." Fai was walking aside Kurogane who hadn't spoken since the clothing shop.
The first place they came up to was a little café deciding to grab breakfast as they dug around for information. They were eating contently when Syaoran decided to bring up the subject to the waiter when he came to check and see how he was doing. "Excuse me but my friends and I arrived in town yesterday and we were wondering why everyone is advised to stay inside at night."
The waiter glanced at them and gave a nervous smile. "Well you see sir, when the night sets a bunch of dark magic usin' people come out and do sacrifices to their moon goddess. Anyone who's not in the religion is deemed 'unfit' to see their sacred rituals and is killed… or worse." The waiter was nervous but continued. "Some say they worship a goddess that is part beast but it's really hard to tell. If you want more information I'd suggest talking to Mistress Ethel. She learns about this stuff to keep her town safe; she has a pact with them because she's the founder of this town."
Syaoran nodded. "Thank-you for the information, I'm sorry it made you nervous to tell me."
The waiter chuckled heartily. "Ah, don't worry about it; as long as you guys aren't planning on joining the religion I'm fine." With that the waiter returned to his work, leaving the group to finish eating.
*~*~*
The mansion was old and depressing looking as they walked up the long trail into a clearing with an elderly lady in it. She turned to them and smiled, the wrinkles around her grey eyes practically multiplying, her long silver hair gleaming in the sunlight. "So you are the ones passing through. I was hoping I could meet you and it seems my hope has rung true. It's a pleasure to meet you; I am Ethel Lionize." Before they could introduce themselves they were brought into the mansion and had hot chocolate set in front of them as they all sat on a long couch.
"I'm Syaoran, and this is Sakura." He gestured to Sakura, whom sat on his right side, sipping the hot beverage.
"And I'm Fai Flourite and this grouch here is Kuro-doggie." Fai poked the ninja to express his point. Kurogane let out a growl, his eyes narrowing.
"And Mokona is Mokona!" Mokona jumped onto Kurogane's shoulder and cuddled to the ninja.
Ethel chuckled lightly patting the white fluff ball on the head. "So I'm informed by Yuuko-dono that you are here searching for the memories of your friend and I'm to help you."
They all glanced up and blinked. "Why help us?" Kurogane gave the elderly woman a suspicious glance.
"I owe Yuuko-dono for helping me make a pact with the moon worshippers. This was my payment. I can tell you as much as you need to know but I can't take you to them at night."
Syaoran nodded curtly. "Thank-you madam, it's greatly appreciated." He thought for a moment. "If we wanted to get the feather back how would we challenge them so it's in our favour?"
"Give them a specific challenge; tell them you are going to challenge them, name what challenge you want, name what you want and they will name what they want if they win." Ethel spoke as if it was straight out of a textbook.
"What can we expect for them to ask us for?" Fai was generally interested as he absently stroked Mokona's head.
Ethel sighed lightly. "They are searching for the one who represents the legend of the moon goddess. If they win they'll probably demand for a sacrifice."
Sakura gasped. "What kind of challenges do they accept?" She was nervous; she didn't want Syaoran getting hurt.
Ethel smiled. "Sword fights, magic battles, word games. They don't challenge kids though so don't worry little one; the older two will have to challenge."
*~*~*
Night came around and the four of them left Ethel's place, Ethel having let them stay there. The streets were eerily quiet, footsteps all they heard for noise as they walked into the town's main plaza, a group of people clad in purple standing around a fire that hovered in mid-air. They all turned to the new arrivals, all of the purple clad figures visibly tensing, one of them stepped forward. This one seemed to be the leader; gold trimmings on the cloak along with a gold pendant hanging around the neck. "What is it you outsiders want? We haven't all night for our goddess does not wait; she plays trail over us even as I speak."
Fai stepped forward. "You have something that's important to one of our party. I ask that you hand it over otherwise we'll be forced to challenge you."
The leader chuckled and pulled back his hood, revealing long fire red hair and deep crimson eyes. "I am Kiouku, challenge me now and claim your challenge. If you win we will hand over what you seek. When I win then may the closest one to you suffer a more... befitting form." Fai swallowed; maybe he should have let Kurogane challenge Kiouku. "Back out of your own challenge and victory will be proclaimed on our behalf; what will it be, mage?" Fai tensed; Kiouku had known despite him keeping it hush-hush. Kiouku let out a soft chuckle, his crimson eyes seemed sentimental. "I am also from Celes so there is no reason to wonder. I saw Ashura-ou's madness ahead of time and left, having nothing too grand in Celes anyways. It was not running away for me; it was giving me greater possibilities."
Fai almost relaxed as he tried to think of a challenge without using magic. The only thing he could think of in the present moment was one thing; word problems. "I have decided; I shall challenge you with puzzles."
The red-head smiled lightly. "Then allow us to commence; we shall ask one another a puzzle 'till one makes a mistake. The victor being the one not to mess up, challenger shall start."
"The beauty which rests in the mouth that never talks, one that always runs, but never walks." Fai knew it was fairly simple but it was a good start off.
"A water lily; I expected harder for ma D class wizard."I have many legs and many arms; I dig all day and I sway on a breezy day." Kiouku had a satisfied smirk as he recited his puzzle, his eyes never leaving Fai.
"A tree; I also expected better from a Celestian. I can be loud or calm - I can live and die; I'm everywhere all the time."
"Wind." There was a light pause in Kiouku's voice as he thought for a moment. "I control myself yet I'm uncontrollable. I change as time goes on. I'm always a part of something more and I'm always ever present."
Fai thought for a moment, smirking broadly. "A heart. I--" Fai broke off sharply in a gasp as he saw Kiouku shake his head sadly.
"Love. I'd figure one such as yourself should have known that puzzle. I am sorry for what I have to do but perhaps this is the only way for you to understand." Kiouku was already drawing symbols in the air as Fai collapsed to his knees in disbelief; now the one closest to him would...
Fai heard Kurogane reach for his sword and Fai placed a hand on his to stop him. "We're out numbered as it is. Doing something like that would be stupid."
"And you'd give up just as simple as that? Even when your beloved is trying to spare you the pain of dealing with this; trying to spare himself the pain of putting you through this. What a pity it came down to this... it's a real pity." Kiouku finished the spell with a magic Fai had never seen; it made a final flash and stopped with nothing happening. The four dimensional travelers blinked in confusion - wasn't something supposed to happen?
"Oi, what the hell did you do?" Kurogane stepped forward, his eyes narrowed.
Kiouku sighed. "What I am meant to do. You can make a challenge for the feather if you wish; you are not the mage so you are still open to challenge."
Kurogane grinned darkly, drawing his sword. "Then it's a challenge," He thought for a moment; he wouldn't have it to the death because of his 'curse' it'd have to be something less serious. "First one to hit the ground is deemed the loser. You know what I want so what will you have in the off chance you will win?"
Kiouku nodded, summoning a red rapier and sighing. "If I win I shall have your sword."
Kurogane sneered; he'd defiantly not lose if that was Kiouku's price.
They both lunged at each other, the red-head ditching off to the side before they connected. Kurogane turned just as Kiouku came at him, blocking he blow to find the sword arm behind the blow rather weak. All speed and no power.
Kiouku went to draw back, misjudging the reach of Kurogane's sword and getting smack with the back of it. He reeled, off balance slightly but dodging another blow, regaining his balance. He went to lunge again, getting the hilt of Kurogane's sword in his gut and then thrown off to the side, landing hard.
Kiouku stood with a blank look on his face. "I am the looser; the victory goes to you." He summoned up the feather and walked over to Sakura, letting her body absorb it. "May only the best of luck follow you on your journey for nothing is as it seems; illusion and lies are everywhere, no matter what world you venture to." He glanced back at Kurogane. "I'm sorry for what has been done but it must be done. Then perhaps... a frozen heart can be warm again." Kiouku wandered over to Fai and he held out his hand. "Come now; you are going to get cold and wet sitting on the ground like that." He smiled when Fai took the hand, Kiouku brining the blonde to his feet. Kiouku nodded and went back to the other figures in purple. "I can give you a safe passage on your way. None of my people will bother you now I suggest you all go get some sleep."
They left then, Syaoran carrying Sakura as they hurried back to the hotel they were staying at. Syaoran put Sakura to bed and soon followed with Mokona on his shoulder, leaving the older two together once again. Fai was strangely quiet as Kurogane sat on the couch, glaring out at nothing. "Go to bed mage."
Fai shook his head. "I need to make sure nothing bad happens; I've never seen that magic before and I'm not sure when it will take effect."
"You sure he didn't just chicken out when using it?" Kurogane got comfy and closed his eyes, attempting sleep.
"I'm positive." Fai paused for a moment, glancing at Kurogane. "Go to sleep in the bed, I'll be up for a while anyways."
A grunt was all the response that Fai got. He glanced at Kurogane and remembered back to Kiouku's words: "…Even when your beloved is trying to spare you the pain of dealing with this; trying to spare himself the pain of putting you through this…" Fai shivered; the one defending him had been Kurogane so that meant Kurogane would…
Fai shook it out of his head and glanced at the ninja. Even though he'd tried pushing Kurogane away he was still Fai's closest friend.
Fai drifted over to Kurogane, who was obviously awake. The blonde mage sighed and nudged the ninja. "Go to bed Kuro-sama; you deserve the sleep." Kurogane lifted one eyelid and glared at Fai; he'd been content on just staying there but if the mage insisted. Kurogane sat up and glanced at the wizard; something seemed to be bothering him and it was pretty obvious.
"So what do you think that red head did?" Kurogane was glancing at Fai with a hard expression.
Fai winced; he didn't even want to think of that. "I don't know… the only way to really tell would be to wait." Fai paused for a moment, looking generally upset. "I'm sorry Kuro-sama…" Fai bit his lip, seemingly on the verge of tears; he didn't want to be the cause of someone's unhappiness. He leaned against the bigger figure, his head resting against the ninja's shoulder.
Kurogane was tempted to throw the mage off, to ask what the hell his problem was but he didn't; for once Fai wasn't hiding behind a mask, for once the mage wasn't playing along with his façade. He leaned back, getting rearranged on the couch so both he and Fai were situated and closed his eyes.