A/N: I'm going to try my luck on a story that isn't a one-shot. Of course it has to be Tsubasa Chronicle, 'cause it's my favorite manga ever, but it seemed easier since I already have experience writing TRC fics. This story's plot is half stolen from my friend but I have a different twist to it. Sorry if I start in the middle of the plot with my stories; I feel no need to sit and write out their whole experience entering the world and finding themselves around town, so don't feel lost. Well, enjoy the story.
Whispers to the Moon
The Grand Ball
It was obviously a dreary night. Rain splattered down on the majestic stagecoach like eggs being hurled from a tall building, making the passengers jump with each landing. The group all sat in a semicircle--- Syaoran in his crimson high collared blazer with gold embroidery held a woozy Sakura as she tried to sleep through all of the ruckus. The princess was adorned in a rich silk ball gown with a high frilled collar that made the bottom of her chin itch, but nevertheless the group heard no complaints. The blue eyed Fai gazed anxiously out of the window of the coach, his narrow chin resting in the palm of his well groomed hands. A flash of lightning turned his attention elsewhere, coincidentally to the restless samurai Kurogane. "How much longer do we have, Kuro-pin?" he cooed, running a narrow finger down the seam of the samurai's well starched blazer.
"How the hell should I know?!" he snapped, flicking away Fai's touch as if it were diseased. The blonde glanced over to Syaoran, his eyes softening. "Hey… you don't have to watch her sleep constantly. I don't think she can harm herself while she's unconscious." This statement would have humored the boy if certain things were not on his mind. He bit his lip, tucking a stray lock of Sakura's hair behind her ear. Lately the princess had been haunted by bad dreams, which the Space Witch blamed on bad memories. But with the strange sightings of him in places he had never been, and the kiss that he supposedly shared with the princess that he himself never experienced kept his mind ablaze. Was it because the group was nearing the very last feather of Sakura's memory? He was not only anxious, but dreadfully afraid. If everything goes as planned… Sakura would be lost to him.
Forever.
The blonde raised an eyebrow at Syaoran, unaware of his current mind-babbles. "You do know that… right?" he asked, his voice a little unsure.
"Ah, of--- of course!" Syaoran assured, nodding his head furiously. Fai smiled in agreement, glancing back outside of the window. "I think we are nearing our destination…"
Syaoran peeked out of the wide windows of the stagecoach, his eyes falling upon a rocky hill, traced with a pebble road that the coach lurched upon. A vast, royal stone castle sat at the climax of the hill, enveloping the forest that encompassed the hill with its large, lurking shadow. Warm light glowed from each stained glass window of the castle, and the faint sound of a celebration could be heard from where they were. A crowd of important looking people filed in through the drawbridge, talking and laughing amongst themselves. "Mokona thinks there will be great food at the king's party!" the white creature piped, turning flips on the hem of Sakura's ball gown.
"Fai-san thinks that Kurogane just wants in for all the cute girls." Fai giggled girlishly.
"What the hell?!" Kurogane growled, but Mokona and Fai only laughed in his face. Syaoran looked down at the slumbering Sakura, reluctant to wake her. This may be the last time he could be this close to her, he thought to himself, as he gently nudged her shoulder. "Wake up, sleepy head…" he murmured ever so softly, and moments later her large jade eyes fluttered open. A soft smile crossed the princess' face as she awoke. "I prayed that you would be the first person I see when I awoke," she whispered in his ear. "I'm glad my prayers were answered."
Syaoran blushed heavily, turning his face towards the road so that Sakura could not see his beet red cheeks. Kurogane cleared his throat before he spoke, his voice low so that the driver could not overhear his words. "We have to keep on the lookout--- the king told us that the Masked Revere does not make his presence known until it is too late. We must keep on our toes and look for any one or anything suspicious."
"Gotcha!" Fai and Mokona chirped simultaneously. Syaoran wordlessly nodded, trying to keep his frown from being eminent. So many things were running through his mind--- capturing the kidnapper that was tormenting the kingdom of Recca, what will happen after the final feather is returned… and whether or not Sakura will truly forget him. With one last peaceful gaze into her loving jade eyes, Fai snatched the blushing princess by the arm and led her out of their royal stagecoach, smoothing out the wrinkles in her enormously voluminous and ornate ball gown. It was a gift, along with the other ensembles the group was wearing, from King Rastas, but it was also their disguise for the Revere. It was crimson and trimmed in gold, almost exactly matching Syaoran's nobleman's blazer, with a high frilled collar and sleeves. Mokona assisted Fai and Kurogane with the tail of the dress, so that the rain would not soil the hem. Syaoran reluctantly followed, half stunned by her beauty and half by fear.
As the group entered the grand foyer, time seemed to stop. Every eye was on the beautiful maiden and her handsome prince, accompanied by their party. No one knew the origin of the group, and moments after their arrival the low buzzing of their whispers made Syaoran nervous. A group of royal handmaids bustled by, their noses turned up as they crossed the group's path. Some followed suit; others were still stunned at the fact that unknown visitors boldly walked around the palace as if they owned the place.
The grand ballroom was an amazing sight. An enormous chandelier hung from the high rounded ceilings of the vast room, giving off a romantic and majestic glow. A large symphony sat on oak risers on the third floor balcony, providing the guests below with fine entertainment. The throne and the court sat at the foot of the grand stairwell, occupied by a burly but jolly man adorned in gold rings, jewels, and fine clothing. As Syaoran and the others approached the throne, crowd parted like the Red Sea, still whispering and gossiping among themselves. The man stood, opening his arms out as if he were about to give them all a warm embrace at the same time. As taught, each of the travelers bowed or curtsied, bowing their heads and smiling. Pleased, the king nodded and gestured them to rise. "It gives me great honor and pleasure," King Rastas boomed, his voice filling and silencing the whole room, "to welcome our guests of honor to the kingdom of Recca: Prince Jonas Günter and Princes Molly Jinks, accompanied by Sir Bowie and Sir Fiddlesnips!"
Kurogane shot a death glance over to the grinning blonde as the room filled with applause, the whole crowd enlightened after hearing their "titles." Syaoran was very displeased with their new aliases, but as always he never complained. A crowd of the king's friends gathered about, greeting them all with cheer. All of the girls loved Mokona, and a group of girls had even taken a liking to Sir Fiddlesticks. While Kurogane withheld his urge to rip Fai's head from his shoulders, Syaoran and Sakura became separated from them in all of the confusion. "They make such a cute couple," commented a stout, middle-aged servant to a tall, slender butler. "I dare say their children will be absolutely adorable!"
"Ah--- n-n-no ma'm," Syaoran stammered, his face becoming hot. "We're n-not—"
"Yes, yes of course!" piped another. "We must see the couple dance!"
"Ah, no, th-th-that's not necessary! I mean, really I---"
"Come on, Syaoran-kun!" Sakura begged, tugging onto his sleeve. "Let's just play along." Before he could give a definite answer, Sakura was leading him into the waltz, a dance that seemed as hard to him as it was trying to slam a revolving door. Sakura grasped his hands, pulled him close, and instantaneously began moving her feet delicately to the music. "I can… I can remember," she whispered, her chin resting on his shoulder, "Having to learn the waltz for a ball by brother was having. It was so hard because I'm such a klutz." The two giggled, Syaoran bursting inside with happiness at how close they were. "Anyway, my brother insisted that I learn the waltz for the stupid party, so I practiced and practiced and practiced… but I never got it until I practiced it with someone else. I… I just can't remember who that person was…"
It was me, dammit.
"I… I can see myself spinning and laughing and finally doing it… but it just looks like a blur when I try to remember who my partner was. I wish I could remember so that I could thank them, because it seem as if I am the most graceful when I waltz, thanks to them." Sakura smiled, the memory running happily through her mind.
Thank me! Thank…
Me…
Suddenly, a strange chill ran through Syaoran's spine, and at the same time a pain came to his blind eye that felt as if someone were gouging it out with a blunt object. Syaoran grasped Sakura's shoulder tightly as he tried to keep balance, dizziness from the pain and the chill making his knees weak. Fai and Kurogane caught sight of him and snatched him up before he fell to his knees. Mokona burst into the air, his eyes becoming big and intense. "Mokona senses a feather," he said gravely.
No later than he uttered those words, the all of the windows to the grand ballroom swung open, letting in an enormous gust of icy wind. It whipped dresses, tablecloths, and anything else that was not weighted down around like Styrofoam on a windy day. The gust blew out all of the candles that lit up the hall, and the only light that shone was the glow of the full moon high in the sky. A great tumult arose as people scattered about, screaming and stampeding towards any exits. As the traffic built up at each door, word traveled quickly that all of the doors were locked. The haunting wind whistled throughout the hall, and the faint murmur of maniacal laughter ran fear through everyone's hearts. Syaoran feebly attempted to stand, grasping his eye with one hand and holding Sakura's with the other. "Look!" yelled someone in the crowd.
The whole party turned to face the northwest window, for in its sill stood a tall and slender silhouette, leaning on the post in a nonchalant manner. When it noticed that all eyes were on it, it swung by some unknown force to the peak of the grand staircase, kneeling down. "Do not fear, great citizens of Recca," said a familiar voice, "for I, your saviour, has arrived." Instantly, all of the lights in the hall went aflame, and standing at the peak of the staircase was, shockingly, a handsome figure, dressed in a long, royal blue high-collared coat accented with a ruffled breast tuxedo shirt and leather gloves. Fine jet black leather legging clung to his slender legs, and a wide brimmed fedora hat covered his head. When he figure lifted his head, his face was covered with a black, raccoon-like mask, an all knowing smile on his face. The guests gasped, some uttering "It's… It's—"
"No, no, no, my dears," the masked figure assured. "There is no need for you to introduce me. I can do it better myself." The whole room became silent, even more silent as when the king addressed them. "As I said before, your saviour has arrived--- the Masked Revere has entered the building!"
And as Syaoran glanced up to the Revere, so much pain surged though his body that he passed out.
To be continued…
A/N: There it is! The first chapter. I hope I did ok, and I hope this story doesn't fall off like my xxxHolic fic. I will finish that fic though, like I'm gonna finish this one. Random comments make my heart go whoosh. :)
