Hello everyone! It's me, Rob (aka Shinigami) and I'm back! YAY! Ok, here's the long awaited sequel to my last story. Now, I'm only going to disclaim things when I first have to. The disclaimer then extends over following chapters, like the last one.
Now, I'd like to give a very special thanks to Azure-san for helping me get this fiction off the ground. I had no idea what to do before I talked to her and now I have most of it planned out. Once again, thank you Azure Rosas!
Disclaimer: Clamp owns CCS, not me. Cyan owns D'ni and all related material, not me.
Chapter One, Prologue
Rob's Mansion
Tomoyo, Meiling, Eriol, and Li were all in an open meadow watching Sakura and Rob train with their weapons. She had gotten extremely good at using her abilities and sword, but still required practice. Tomoyo thought that he might be working her too hard, but the rest knew the value of hard practice. Tomoyo winced when Rob's scythe traced a bright red line in Sakura's leg.... again.
"Rob! That's the tenth time you've cut me! Could you lighten up just a little?" Sakura whined.
"We'll stop as soon as you can cut me, not before," he replied coldly and attacked again.
Sakura knew that he wasn't normally like this, but he could be extremely cold and demanding during a training exercise. She still loved him though, and knew that he would heal her and give her a hot bath later.
"You're faster than this Sakura!" he yelled at her and attacked more fiercely.
"You are really starting to get on my nerves! We've been doing this every evening for the past FIVE YEARS!" she yelled back.
Yep, it was true. It had been five years since the destruction of Akuma. She'd finished High school and had just finished her last year of college. Rob opted to stay with her for most of the time, but did occasionally go off to attend his godly duties.
Perhaps I should recap the important stuff for you. You're all probably wondering why Sakura loves this creep Rob and for that matter, who Rob is. Well, Rob is Shinigami, the God of Death. He came about five years ago to defeat an evil called Akuma. Along the way, Rob revealed himself to the gang, and Sakura fell in love with him. In the midst of battle, he also gave Sakura a gift. He made her the Goddess of Life, whose energy he took from her over 800 years ago. Don't worry, more will be explained later if you're still confused. Needless to say, Rob has been training Sakura to make sure that she can carry out her new position of a Goddess, but she is growing tiresome of it.
Sakura finally managed to slice him across the stomach. It was only a flesh wound that didn't draw much blood, but it was enough to satisfy her boyfriend.
"Alright. If you like, we can stop now," he told her.
"YAY! Thank you!" she squealed and hugged him in thanks.
"Next time I might not be so easy on you," he said to her playfully and began to tickle her.
"AHHH! NO! Stop! I'm injured! Don't tickle me!" she cried out as she laughed.
"Alright, alright!" he chuckled out at her.
"Ok, now heal me and let me take a bath, please," she said to him.
"Can I join you?" he asked playfully as he healed her.
"Sure," she said as her last wound healed.
He was a bit surprised at that. They had only seen each other naked a few times before and had never bathed together, but didn't question the prospect. "Cool," he managed to say before following her in.
"Wait a minute, did that just happen?" Li asked.
"Yeah, I think so," was Tomoyo's reply.
Li had gotten over Sakura a while ago, but was still stunned by her reaction.
"Interesting," was Eriol's comment.
"You think so?" Tomoyo asked him playfully.
"Hey Tomoyo, you want to have a bath with me?" Eriol asked his girlfriend.
Tomoyo climbed on top of him and gave him a very seductive look, simply replying, "No."
"Oh well, it never hurts to ask, ne?"
"You two wierdos!" Meiling called and shoved Tomoyo of Eriol playfully.
The force accidentally made her roll onto Syaoran.
"Uh, hi Syaoran!" She called happily.
"Um, hi there Tomoyo. Comfy?" he asked, barely stifling laughter.
"Cute little descendant," Eriol said, "What are your intentions toward my girlfriend?"
Syaoran put his arms around Tomoyo and drew her closer. "She's MINE!" he said cracking up.
"Ok, you can have her," Eriol said, sitting back down in his original spot.
Tomoyo had a look of shock on her face as she yelled, "HIIRAGIZAWA ERIOL!"
"I was kidding! Jeez. No one can take a joke these days," he mumbled as he pulled Tomoyo off of Syaoran.
They continued to joke with each other for a while as they waited for a newly cleaned Rob and Sakura to come back out and meet them once more.
Bathroom
Rob and Sakura were in a hot bubble bath together. They had just cleaned each other and had a quick make-out session. Now they were just soaking and waiting for the water to get too cold for them to stay in. Sakura started talking about their training together and the heavy load she had.
"Honey," she began, "I know that it's necessary, but all the training that we've been doing has been a lot of work. Can we take a break or something?"
"Sakura, in another five years I'll have to present you to the Council of Gods. You need to be ready for their trials by then."
"But I'm almost as powerful as you! Do I really need to train so much?"
"I see what you mean. Alright, how about a month-long break?"
"Yay!" she called as she hugged him tightly in the bathtub"
"You're welcome Sakura," he said while chuckling, "Now, where did you want to go or do?"
"I hadn't thought that far ahead," she admitted sheepishly.
He chuckled again, "Well, I'm not just going to let you be a lazy bum for a month. You have to do something or else we resume training as usual."
Sakura thought really hard for a few minutes and finally got an idea. "You said that you were born in D'ni right? A huge underground cavern?"
"Yep. About 800 years ago, give or take a decade."
"Well, why don't we all take a trip there?"
"That's an idea, but it's all in ruins now. Not much to see."
He was only telling a half-truth. Even the ruins of his home would greatly impress her. He just didn't want to see what he had done to such a proud city. He still felt guilty of his near-genocide of the D'ni race and the destruction of the city, but was slowly getting over it.
"Yeah, I guess it would have been more impressive intact with all of the people still there," she said disappointedly.
"Yes, back then it was the most beautiful city you'd have ever seen." He closed his eyes and remembered the beautiful city, with it's glowing lake and high walls.
"Too bad that we can't go back in time," Sakura mused.
Rob's eyes snapped open and smiled widely.
"What is it?" Sakura asked.
"Why can't we go back in time?" he asked her.
"Huh? Can we do that?"
"Yes, we can go back in time. We'd need help from an old friend of mine, but we could do it!"
Sakura immediately brightened and she said, "Could we bring everyone with us?"
"Hai! We could!" he said happily.
"COOL! That would be such an awesome vacation!"
"Although, the guardian might not be so keen on me bringing so many through."
"The guardian?" Sakura asked.
"Yes, the Gates of Time have a guardian to make sure that anyone who passes through is worthy."
"Are we worthy?"
"Well, as gods, we can get through without a problem. But our friends may have difficulty if I can't convince her to just let us pass."
"Is she difficult?"
"Very."
"Well, I hope we can get through."
"Don't worry, I'm sure that we can."
"Yay! Then can I tell everyone about it?"
"Sure. Today is Wednesday, we'll leave for the gates on Saturday."
The two talked for a few minutes more before getting out of the tub and dressing. Once clean, dry, and dressed; they headed out to tell their friends about the vacation. They walked out holding hands.
Outside
Sakura and Rob walked up and sat by their friends on the hill overlooking the field. A few years ago, Syaoran would have cringed at seeing the two holding hands and being a couple, but he had long since gotten over his rejection. Yes, it was true; Sakura had actually chosen Rob over him. However, he had begun to date again in the last year, though he had yet to find a stable girlfriend. Sakura began to talk about their vacation.
"Hey guys! I've got great news!" Sakura squealed.
"Oh? What's going on?" Syaoran asked.
"We get to have a vacation!" Sakura squealed some more.
"Where are we going Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked.
"We're going to D'ni," Rob answered for her, not wanting her to squeal again. His right ear had always been quite hypersensitive and had gotten no better in the past 800 years.
"I was under the impression that D'ni had been destroyed," Eriol stated.
Rob cringed when he heard that. They all knew that D'ni was his home, but only Sakura knew that he had been the one to destroy it. It had been in a fit of rage over the murder of his parents, but he still felt guilty. (Did I just repeat myself? Oh well, sorry!)
"Yes it was destroyed, but we get to do a little time travel!" Sakura said quickly, seeing Rob's reaction to Eriol's comment.
"We can do that?" was Meiling's question.
"No," Rob said, "But I have a friend that can."
"Sugoi!" Tomoyo called.
"This is going to be an awesome vacation!" Meiling chirped.
"Oh, Tomoyo," Rob asked to get her attention
"Hai?" she replied.
"Since I know that you'll want to make at least some of our clothing for the trip, I'll give you some examples of D'ni clothing for you experiment with," Rob told her.
"Really? That would be so AWESOME!" Tomoyo yelled with stars in her eyes.
Everyone else just sweatdropped.
"But, I'm afraid that you won't have to make anything for Sakura," Rob added.
Tomoyo's expression instantly dimmed and gave him a questioning stare.
"I'm sorry Tomoyo, but I will arrange her clothing, it has to be special and traditional. It would be easier for me to worry about it," he explained.
"Oh... Alright" Tomoyo said reluctantly.
"So when do we leave?" Syaoran asked.
"Oh, we leave on Saturday!" Sakura answered.
"Is that alright with everyone?" Rob asked.
"My cute little descendants and I are here alone, so we don't have to ask anyone's permission," said Eriol.
"I had a month of vacation planned anyway, I'm sure that I can go," Tomoyo explained.
"And we can convince Touya that I'm safe with you so that I can go!" was Sakura's response.
"OK then! We'll all meet in this meadow Saturday morning around 10 AM. Eat a big breakfast because once we embark, we cannot stop."
"OK!" was everyone's response to Rob's caution. They talked a few minutes more, and then dispersed to each other's homes. Rob went with Sakura to talk with Touya.
Kinomoto Household
"I'm home!" Sakura called.
"I'm home, too!" Rob called right afterward.
"Daddy! Onii-chan! I've got a few questions to ask you!" Sakura said as she walked into the living room to find her family plus Yukito.
"What is it Sakura?" Fujitaka asked, standing to properly greet his daughter's boyfriend.
"Oh, I think I'll let Rob take care of it," was her cryptic reply. Rob was starting to rub off on her.
"Konbanwa Robahsu-san," Fujitaka greeted, "What's this all about?" (By the way, Robahsu Fehstern is Rob's D'ni name)
"Well, I'd like to take Sakura and her friends on a long vacation," he stated.
"Where did you have in mind?" Sakura's father asked.
"My home, D'ni," he stated simply.
"Is it far?" Touya finally made his presence known.
"Oh, half way around the world, a few miles underground, and around 800 years in the past!" Sakura chirped cryptically.
The family knew that Rob was a god and that Sakura was now a goddess, yet they still didn't believe what they had just heard.
"Huh?" was Fujitaka's next question.
Rob chuckled and continued, "Yes, it's true. It is halfway around the world and there is a bit of time travel involved, the trip shouldn't take more than six hours."
"Well, how long will she be gone?" was Touya's question.
"Only about a month," Sakura answered for her boyfriend.
"Well, I trust you Robahsu-san, so I'll give you my blessing," Fujitaka finally said.
"Can you guarantee her safety?" Touya asked suspiciously.
"Don't worry Touya. The D'ni are a peaceful race and either way, she's immortal, what could happen?" he replied.
"You're not inspiring my confidence," Touya said sternly.
"Don't worry Onii-chan! If I don't go, I'll just get my butt whooped during his training sessions! Those are more dangerous than this trip!" Sakura pointed out stubbornly.
"She has a point..." Rob trailed off.
"Alright, as long as you promise to protect her!" Touya said to Robahsu.
Robahsu knelt before him and said, "Upon my honor, I swear to return her to you unharmed."
Touya finally gave in and gave his consent. Sakura became very happy and jumped on her brother and hugged him tightly. It was getting late so Sakura showed her boyfriend to the door.
"Goodnight, my cherry blossom," he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Oyasumi, my love," she replied, putting her arms around his neck.
He bent down and Sakura reached up, their lips meeting in a quick, but sweet kiss. They gave each other one last hug before he left. Upon leaving her house, he unfurled his wings and took off for his house.
Daidouji Mansion
"Hey Mom!" Tomoyo called as she walked in.
"Oh, hi darling!" her mother called back.
"Mom, I need to ask you something!"
"Oh, what is it?"
"I've been offered a trip overseas and I'll be gone for about a month, is that alright?"
"Who else is going?" Sonomi asked, switching into full mother-mode.
"Sakura, Robahsu-sama, Syaoran, Eriol, and Meiling."
"Will I be able to reach you?"
"Uh, no, probably not."
"And why not?"
"They don't have telephones where I'm going."
"Then take your sat-phone."
"Yes ma'am. Does that mean that I can go?"
"Hai."
"YAY! Thank you mom! You're the best!" Tomoyo squealed as he tackled her mother to the ground, hugging her.
Sonomi couldn't help but break out into laughter and hug her daughter back. Tomoyo thanked her again and got up once she heard the doorbell.
"Oh hi Rob! What are you doing here?" Tomoyo said as she opened the door.
"Oh, I just came by to drop these off," he said, offering her a large box that was oddly light.
"What is this?"
"This is a box of old D'ni clothing. I have tags on each one to show what the purpose and meaning behind the garment is. Have fun!"
"Thank you!" Tomoyo squealed and stars appeared in her eyes. She turned around and slammed the door, heading up to check out the new clothes.
"Ummm, ok..." Rob said slowly as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. He gave up after a minute and left for home.
(Dang, these kids have understanding families, don't they?)
Narration
The next few days passed quickly for the group. Tomoyo had worked long and hard to make a few dress-outfits in the D'ni style. She had one for each person, save Rob and Sakura, and Rob provided casual wear. Everyone soon packed a few bags and convened in Rob's meadow once more to leave.
Rob's Meadow
"Well, everyone, I'll give you some last minute instructions before we head to the gate," Rob said, "I expect all of you to heed these rules while you're there."
"Alright!" was everyone's reply.
"Okay, first off, limit the use of magic as much as possible. Secondly, don't start any fights. Even though the D'ni are peaceful, they are naturally stronger than an average human. I, with the help of Eriol, will cast a spell so that you'll all speak and understand D'ni fluently. Once we get there, expect to get odd stares and looks. D'ni look roughly human, but you'll all still stand out. We'll be staying at a family retreat on an island just off the shore of the main city. Before that, though, we'll have to get through the Gates of Time. I should be able to talk the guardian into letting us pass, but she has the right to challenge any of us in a one-on-one duel. Tomoyo, make yourself invisible so that she doesn't get any ideas about you. Do not interfere with a battle in-progress. Now, is that all understood?"
"Hai!" They all answered in unison.
Rob walked up to Sakura and gave her special instructions, "You may see my old girlfriend, Taigahn there. She looks a lot like you; so don't be surprised when you see her. Stay in your full goddess robes while in the main city. They know not to pick on you if you wear them. Clear?"
"Crystal," she replied happily.
"OK! Now, everyone form a circle around Sakura and me. Sakura, come over here and give me a hug. Ascend to Angelic level while you're at it."
Sakura nodded and a pink light surrounded her. She emerged a changed person. She now had a pair of beautiful white wings with random pink highlights. Her hair lengthened and became a golden pink in color. Her hair also formed a tight braid as it lengthened to her waist. Her emerald eyes turned a bright pink and a set of white robes with pink trim covered her body. They covered as much as Rob's black robes, but they somehow managed to accent her curves that drove Rob wild.
Rob soon decided to take his angelic form as well, and it was a very different transformation. He grew a pair of massive bat wings that were dark as pitch. His hair lengthened to match Sakura's, but it became a dark golden as it braided itself. His eyes changed from their normal dark green to garnet red. A deep, dark red that made his glare nearly unbearable.
The couple was quite a contrast. Sakura's form inspired hope and love, while Rob's inspired only apathy and fear. It was true; their energies were complete opposites. He was the God of Death and she was the Goddess of life. But even as they looked like complete opposites, one could see the love in their embrace.
Tomoyo, Meiling, Eriol, and Syaoran formed a circled around them and a bubble surrounded them all. They slowly started to levitate, then faster as they gained altitude. They were soon in space moving at a very impressive speed, accelerating all the time.
"Where are we going?" Tomoyo screamed and grabbed Eriol.
"The Gates," Rob whispered simply. The creepiness in his voice made her hold Eriol tighter.
"The Gates are on the planet Pluto and are guarded by the royal family there. Namely the Princess of the family," Sakura replied much more warmly than Rob had.
"Uh, ok..." Meiling said. She too was scared and had gone to her cousin for comfort.
They continued on their path to Pluto, passing planet after planet along the way. Soon, the dim gray sphere came into view and they headed for the ground. The trip had taken about five hours so far. But instead of landing, they went through the ground and entered a small underground cavern. Ahead was a very large door that was half open, only darkness could be seen beyond it. Soon a cloaked figure stepped from the shadows and spoke to them.
"By what right have you come here?" it demanded in what seemed like a feminine voice.
Fin Chapter One
I'm sorry to crowd so much into Chapter One, but I'm eager to move on. So, what will we find in D'ni? Will we see some of the racism that Robahsu spoke of in "Watakushi wa Shinigami desu?" But, before we get there, will the Guardian of the Gates of Time stop the group? More exciting action and possibly my first battle scene in the next chapter!
Now, I'd like to give a very special thanks to Azure-san for helping me get this fiction off the ground. I had no idea what to do before I talked to her and now I have most of it planned out. Once again, thank you Azure Rosas!
Disclaimer: Clamp owns CCS, not me. Cyan owns D'ni and all related material, not me.
Chapter One, Prologue
Rob's Mansion
Tomoyo, Meiling, Eriol, and Li were all in an open meadow watching Sakura and Rob train with their weapons. She had gotten extremely good at using her abilities and sword, but still required practice. Tomoyo thought that he might be working her too hard, but the rest knew the value of hard practice. Tomoyo winced when Rob's scythe traced a bright red line in Sakura's leg.... again.
"Rob! That's the tenth time you've cut me! Could you lighten up just a little?" Sakura whined.
"We'll stop as soon as you can cut me, not before," he replied coldly and attacked again.
Sakura knew that he wasn't normally like this, but he could be extremely cold and demanding during a training exercise. She still loved him though, and knew that he would heal her and give her a hot bath later.
"You're faster than this Sakura!" he yelled at her and attacked more fiercely.
"You are really starting to get on my nerves! We've been doing this every evening for the past FIVE YEARS!" she yelled back.
Yep, it was true. It had been five years since the destruction of Akuma. She'd finished High school and had just finished her last year of college. Rob opted to stay with her for most of the time, but did occasionally go off to attend his godly duties.
Perhaps I should recap the important stuff for you. You're all probably wondering why Sakura loves this creep Rob and for that matter, who Rob is. Well, Rob is Shinigami, the God of Death. He came about five years ago to defeat an evil called Akuma. Along the way, Rob revealed himself to the gang, and Sakura fell in love with him. In the midst of battle, he also gave Sakura a gift. He made her the Goddess of Life, whose energy he took from her over 800 years ago. Don't worry, more will be explained later if you're still confused. Needless to say, Rob has been training Sakura to make sure that she can carry out her new position of a Goddess, but she is growing tiresome of it.
Sakura finally managed to slice him across the stomach. It was only a flesh wound that didn't draw much blood, but it was enough to satisfy her boyfriend.
"Alright. If you like, we can stop now," he told her.
"YAY! Thank you!" she squealed and hugged him in thanks.
"Next time I might not be so easy on you," he said to her playfully and began to tickle her.
"AHHH! NO! Stop! I'm injured! Don't tickle me!" she cried out as she laughed.
"Alright, alright!" he chuckled out at her.
"Ok, now heal me and let me take a bath, please," she said to him.
"Can I join you?" he asked playfully as he healed her.
"Sure," she said as her last wound healed.
He was a bit surprised at that. They had only seen each other naked a few times before and had never bathed together, but didn't question the prospect. "Cool," he managed to say before following her in.
"Wait a minute, did that just happen?" Li asked.
"Yeah, I think so," was Tomoyo's reply.
Li had gotten over Sakura a while ago, but was still stunned by her reaction.
"Interesting," was Eriol's comment.
"You think so?" Tomoyo asked him playfully.
"Hey Tomoyo, you want to have a bath with me?" Eriol asked his girlfriend.
Tomoyo climbed on top of him and gave him a very seductive look, simply replying, "No."
"Oh well, it never hurts to ask, ne?"
"You two wierdos!" Meiling called and shoved Tomoyo of Eriol playfully.
The force accidentally made her roll onto Syaoran.
"Uh, hi Syaoran!" She called happily.
"Um, hi there Tomoyo. Comfy?" he asked, barely stifling laughter.
"Cute little descendant," Eriol said, "What are your intentions toward my girlfriend?"
Syaoran put his arms around Tomoyo and drew her closer. "She's MINE!" he said cracking up.
"Ok, you can have her," Eriol said, sitting back down in his original spot.
Tomoyo had a look of shock on her face as she yelled, "HIIRAGIZAWA ERIOL!"
"I was kidding! Jeez. No one can take a joke these days," he mumbled as he pulled Tomoyo off of Syaoran.
They continued to joke with each other for a while as they waited for a newly cleaned Rob and Sakura to come back out and meet them once more.
Bathroom
Rob and Sakura were in a hot bubble bath together. They had just cleaned each other and had a quick make-out session. Now they were just soaking and waiting for the water to get too cold for them to stay in. Sakura started talking about their training together and the heavy load she had.
"Honey," she began, "I know that it's necessary, but all the training that we've been doing has been a lot of work. Can we take a break or something?"
"Sakura, in another five years I'll have to present you to the Council of Gods. You need to be ready for their trials by then."
"But I'm almost as powerful as you! Do I really need to train so much?"
"I see what you mean. Alright, how about a month-long break?"
"Yay!" she called as she hugged him tightly in the bathtub"
"You're welcome Sakura," he said while chuckling, "Now, where did you want to go or do?"
"I hadn't thought that far ahead," she admitted sheepishly.
He chuckled again, "Well, I'm not just going to let you be a lazy bum for a month. You have to do something or else we resume training as usual."
Sakura thought really hard for a few minutes and finally got an idea. "You said that you were born in D'ni right? A huge underground cavern?"
"Yep. About 800 years ago, give or take a decade."
"Well, why don't we all take a trip there?"
"That's an idea, but it's all in ruins now. Not much to see."
He was only telling a half-truth. Even the ruins of his home would greatly impress her. He just didn't want to see what he had done to such a proud city. He still felt guilty of his near-genocide of the D'ni race and the destruction of the city, but was slowly getting over it.
"Yeah, I guess it would have been more impressive intact with all of the people still there," she said disappointedly.
"Yes, back then it was the most beautiful city you'd have ever seen." He closed his eyes and remembered the beautiful city, with it's glowing lake and high walls.
"Too bad that we can't go back in time," Sakura mused.
Rob's eyes snapped open and smiled widely.
"What is it?" Sakura asked.
"Why can't we go back in time?" he asked her.
"Huh? Can we do that?"
"Yes, we can go back in time. We'd need help from an old friend of mine, but we could do it!"
Sakura immediately brightened and she said, "Could we bring everyone with us?"
"Hai! We could!" he said happily.
"COOL! That would be such an awesome vacation!"
"Although, the guardian might not be so keen on me bringing so many through."
"The guardian?" Sakura asked.
"Yes, the Gates of Time have a guardian to make sure that anyone who passes through is worthy."
"Are we worthy?"
"Well, as gods, we can get through without a problem. But our friends may have difficulty if I can't convince her to just let us pass."
"Is she difficult?"
"Very."
"Well, I hope we can get through."
"Don't worry, I'm sure that we can."
"Yay! Then can I tell everyone about it?"
"Sure. Today is Wednesday, we'll leave for the gates on Saturday."
The two talked for a few minutes more before getting out of the tub and dressing. Once clean, dry, and dressed; they headed out to tell their friends about the vacation. They walked out holding hands.
Outside
Sakura and Rob walked up and sat by their friends on the hill overlooking the field. A few years ago, Syaoran would have cringed at seeing the two holding hands and being a couple, but he had long since gotten over his rejection. Yes, it was true; Sakura had actually chosen Rob over him. However, he had begun to date again in the last year, though he had yet to find a stable girlfriend. Sakura began to talk about their vacation.
"Hey guys! I've got great news!" Sakura squealed.
"Oh? What's going on?" Syaoran asked.
"We get to have a vacation!" Sakura squealed some more.
"Where are we going Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked.
"We're going to D'ni," Rob answered for her, not wanting her to squeal again. His right ear had always been quite hypersensitive and had gotten no better in the past 800 years.
"I was under the impression that D'ni had been destroyed," Eriol stated.
Rob cringed when he heard that. They all knew that D'ni was his home, but only Sakura knew that he had been the one to destroy it. It had been in a fit of rage over the murder of his parents, but he still felt guilty. (Did I just repeat myself? Oh well, sorry!)
"Yes it was destroyed, but we get to do a little time travel!" Sakura said quickly, seeing Rob's reaction to Eriol's comment.
"We can do that?" was Meiling's question.
"No," Rob said, "But I have a friend that can."
"Sugoi!" Tomoyo called.
"This is going to be an awesome vacation!" Meiling chirped.
"Oh, Tomoyo," Rob asked to get her attention
"Hai?" she replied.
"Since I know that you'll want to make at least some of our clothing for the trip, I'll give you some examples of D'ni clothing for you experiment with," Rob told her.
"Really? That would be so AWESOME!" Tomoyo yelled with stars in her eyes.
Everyone else just sweatdropped.
"But, I'm afraid that you won't have to make anything for Sakura," Rob added.
Tomoyo's expression instantly dimmed and gave him a questioning stare.
"I'm sorry Tomoyo, but I will arrange her clothing, it has to be special and traditional. It would be easier for me to worry about it," he explained.
"Oh... Alright" Tomoyo said reluctantly.
"So when do we leave?" Syaoran asked.
"Oh, we leave on Saturday!" Sakura answered.
"Is that alright with everyone?" Rob asked.
"My cute little descendants and I are here alone, so we don't have to ask anyone's permission," said Eriol.
"I had a month of vacation planned anyway, I'm sure that I can go," Tomoyo explained.
"And we can convince Touya that I'm safe with you so that I can go!" was Sakura's response.
"OK then! We'll all meet in this meadow Saturday morning around 10 AM. Eat a big breakfast because once we embark, we cannot stop."
"OK!" was everyone's response to Rob's caution. They talked a few minutes more, and then dispersed to each other's homes. Rob went with Sakura to talk with Touya.
Kinomoto Household
"I'm home!" Sakura called.
"I'm home, too!" Rob called right afterward.
"Daddy! Onii-chan! I've got a few questions to ask you!" Sakura said as she walked into the living room to find her family plus Yukito.
"What is it Sakura?" Fujitaka asked, standing to properly greet his daughter's boyfriend.
"Oh, I think I'll let Rob take care of it," was her cryptic reply. Rob was starting to rub off on her.
"Konbanwa Robahsu-san," Fujitaka greeted, "What's this all about?" (By the way, Robahsu Fehstern is Rob's D'ni name)
"Well, I'd like to take Sakura and her friends on a long vacation," he stated.
"Where did you have in mind?" Sakura's father asked.
"My home, D'ni," he stated simply.
"Is it far?" Touya finally made his presence known.
"Oh, half way around the world, a few miles underground, and around 800 years in the past!" Sakura chirped cryptically.
The family knew that Rob was a god and that Sakura was now a goddess, yet they still didn't believe what they had just heard.
"Huh?" was Fujitaka's next question.
Rob chuckled and continued, "Yes, it's true. It is halfway around the world and there is a bit of time travel involved, the trip shouldn't take more than six hours."
"Well, how long will she be gone?" was Touya's question.
"Only about a month," Sakura answered for her boyfriend.
"Well, I trust you Robahsu-san, so I'll give you my blessing," Fujitaka finally said.
"Can you guarantee her safety?" Touya asked suspiciously.
"Don't worry Touya. The D'ni are a peaceful race and either way, she's immortal, what could happen?" he replied.
"You're not inspiring my confidence," Touya said sternly.
"Don't worry Onii-chan! If I don't go, I'll just get my butt whooped during his training sessions! Those are more dangerous than this trip!" Sakura pointed out stubbornly.
"She has a point..." Rob trailed off.
"Alright, as long as you promise to protect her!" Touya said to Robahsu.
Robahsu knelt before him and said, "Upon my honor, I swear to return her to you unharmed."
Touya finally gave in and gave his consent. Sakura became very happy and jumped on her brother and hugged him tightly. It was getting late so Sakura showed her boyfriend to the door.
"Goodnight, my cherry blossom," he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Oyasumi, my love," she replied, putting her arms around his neck.
He bent down and Sakura reached up, their lips meeting in a quick, but sweet kiss. They gave each other one last hug before he left. Upon leaving her house, he unfurled his wings and took off for his house.
Daidouji Mansion
"Hey Mom!" Tomoyo called as she walked in.
"Oh, hi darling!" her mother called back.
"Mom, I need to ask you something!"
"Oh, what is it?"
"I've been offered a trip overseas and I'll be gone for about a month, is that alright?"
"Who else is going?" Sonomi asked, switching into full mother-mode.
"Sakura, Robahsu-sama, Syaoran, Eriol, and Meiling."
"Will I be able to reach you?"
"Uh, no, probably not."
"And why not?"
"They don't have telephones where I'm going."
"Then take your sat-phone."
"Yes ma'am. Does that mean that I can go?"
"Hai."
"YAY! Thank you mom! You're the best!" Tomoyo squealed as he tackled her mother to the ground, hugging her.
Sonomi couldn't help but break out into laughter and hug her daughter back. Tomoyo thanked her again and got up once she heard the doorbell.
"Oh hi Rob! What are you doing here?" Tomoyo said as she opened the door.
"Oh, I just came by to drop these off," he said, offering her a large box that was oddly light.
"What is this?"
"This is a box of old D'ni clothing. I have tags on each one to show what the purpose and meaning behind the garment is. Have fun!"
"Thank you!" Tomoyo squealed and stars appeared in her eyes. She turned around and slammed the door, heading up to check out the new clothes.
"Ummm, ok..." Rob said slowly as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. He gave up after a minute and left for home.
(Dang, these kids have understanding families, don't they?)
Narration
The next few days passed quickly for the group. Tomoyo had worked long and hard to make a few dress-outfits in the D'ni style. She had one for each person, save Rob and Sakura, and Rob provided casual wear. Everyone soon packed a few bags and convened in Rob's meadow once more to leave.
Rob's Meadow
"Well, everyone, I'll give you some last minute instructions before we head to the gate," Rob said, "I expect all of you to heed these rules while you're there."
"Alright!" was everyone's reply.
"Okay, first off, limit the use of magic as much as possible. Secondly, don't start any fights. Even though the D'ni are peaceful, they are naturally stronger than an average human. I, with the help of Eriol, will cast a spell so that you'll all speak and understand D'ni fluently. Once we get there, expect to get odd stares and looks. D'ni look roughly human, but you'll all still stand out. We'll be staying at a family retreat on an island just off the shore of the main city. Before that, though, we'll have to get through the Gates of Time. I should be able to talk the guardian into letting us pass, but she has the right to challenge any of us in a one-on-one duel. Tomoyo, make yourself invisible so that she doesn't get any ideas about you. Do not interfere with a battle in-progress. Now, is that all understood?"
"Hai!" They all answered in unison.
Rob walked up to Sakura and gave her special instructions, "You may see my old girlfriend, Taigahn there. She looks a lot like you; so don't be surprised when you see her. Stay in your full goddess robes while in the main city. They know not to pick on you if you wear them. Clear?"
"Crystal," she replied happily.
"OK! Now, everyone form a circle around Sakura and me. Sakura, come over here and give me a hug. Ascend to Angelic level while you're at it."
Sakura nodded and a pink light surrounded her. She emerged a changed person. She now had a pair of beautiful white wings with random pink highlights. Her hair lengthened and became a golden pink in color. Her hair also formed a tight braid as it lengthened to her waist. Her emerald eyes turned a bright pink and a set of white robes with pink trim covered her body. They covered as much as Rob's black robes, but they somehow managed to accent her curves that drove Rob wild.
Rob soon decided to take his angelic form as well, and it was a very different transformation. He grew a pair of massive bat wings that were dark as pitch. His hair lengthened to match Sakura's, but it became a dark golden as it braided itself. His eyes changed from their normal dark green to garnet red. A deep, dark red that made his glare nearly unbearable.
The couple was quite a contrast. Sakura's form inspired hope and love, while Rob's inspired only apathy and fear. It was true; their energies were complete opposites. He was the God of Death and she was the Goddess of life. But even as they looked like complete opposites, one could see the love in their embrace.
Tomoyo, Meiling, Eriol, and Syaoran formed a circled around them and a bubble surrounded them all. They slowly started to levitate, then faster as they gained altitude. They were soon in space moving at a very impressive speed, accelerating all the time.
"Where are we going?" Tomoyo screamed and grabbed Eriol.
"The Gates," Rob whispered simply. The creepiness in his voice made her hold Eriol tighter.
"The Gates are on the planet Pluto and are guarded by the royal family there. Namely the Princess of the family," Sakura replied much more warmly than Rob had.
"Uh, ok..." Meiling said. She too was scared and had gone to her cousin for comfort.
They continued on their path to Pluto, passing planet after planet along the way. Soon, the dim gray sphere came into view and they headed for the ground. The trip had taken about five hours so far. But instead of landing, they went through the ground and entered a small underground cavern. Ahead was a very large door that was half open, only darkness could be seen beyond it. Soon a cloaked figure stepped from the shadows and spoke to them.
"By what right have you come here?" it demanded in what seemed like a feminine voice.
Fin Chapter One
I'm sorry to crowd so much into Chapter One, but I'm eager to move on. So, what will we find in D'ni? Will we see some of the racism that Robahsu spoke of in "Watakushi wa Shinigami desu?" But, before we get there, will the Guardian of the Gates of Time stop the group? More exciting action and possibly my first battle scene in the next chapter!