Hello everyone! Thank you for the wonderful reviews. I read all of them. I noticed some of you are also people who have read Spellbound, so it's awesome to see you again!
Enjoy!
"I wouldn't trust him if I were you." A familiar voice spoke from within her house.
Sakura jumped and span around, finding Syaoran sitting in her favourite seat with his legs crossed. In his hands was a hot cup of tea.
She stared at him with confusion. "How did you get into my house?" she asked.
"I've been here the entire time." He stated simply.
"What? But I would have noticed if you were in my house." Sakura frowned.
"Not if I kept myself hidden from you." Syaoran shrugged and sipped his tea.
Sakura groaned. "I don't understand this at all..."
"What will you do about the prince? He seems intent on wooing you." He said dully, with extra emphasis on 'wooing'.
Sakura sat down. "I have no intention of ever marrying." She whispered.
Syaoran looked at her with knowing eyes, as if he knew exactly what her reasons were. Sakura met his soft amber gaze and she saw the sadness in his eyes, the sympathy and knowing.
She didn't understand why he looked at her with such sadness, why he seemed to care about her so much.
"Why are you here, anyway?" Sakura suddenly asked.
He blinked and then sighed.
"As for that, there's something you should know."
She tipped her head to the side with confusion. "What is it?"
His face suddenly became very serious.
"You're already aware that you're different to all of the other villagers. You have abilities no one can explain, and you've outlived countless humans over the last century." He spoke.
Sakura stared at him with wide eyes, wondering how he could possibly know that. They had only met a few days ago, but it seemed like he knew everything about her.
"The reason for this, runs in your blood."
"My...blood...?" she repeated.
He nodded. "Sakura, you have godly blood running through your veins. You're a goddess."
Sakura stared at him with utter shock. At first, she'd wondered if it was just another awful joke, but searching his eyes she found nothing but absolute honesty.
"You're not lying, are you?" she barely managed to whisper.
"No. I would never do that to you." He stated with complete, heart melting honesty.
A million questions started to rise in her head, and he could tell she wanted to ask him. Her stomach growled, and he smiled with amusement.
"Before you start asking questions, how about you tend to your stomach?"
Her face turned an intense shade of red and she stood quickly, but then hesitated.
As if knowing her worries, Syaoran smiled gently.
"Don't worry. I'll give you all of your answers."
Seeing his gentle honesty, she moved to make something to eat.
"Should I make you something as well?" she asked quietly.
"No, I'll be quite alright." He answered.
She nodded and walked over to the bench. She considered making a proper meal but decided that bread with cheese spread across it would suffice, along with an apple.
When she walked over to sit down, she noticed a warm fire burning in her fireplace. She looked back to Syaoran knowing he was the only one who could have done that while she was busy, since she hadn't bothered to light it beforehand.
"Oh-thank you." She smiled.
"It's fine." He replied. "What do you want to know?"
Sakura wondered what she wanted to know most. She pondered for a moment, trying to figure out what she should ask first, so she settled for something simple.
"Who are you?" she chose to ask.
He sighed gently. "Well, as a goddess you have the right to know." He murmured. "I'm the God whom watches over Alyrias, as is my duty to do so."
She simply stared at him, forgetting to chew her bread. She swallowed after a moment, still taking the news in.
"You're not lying?" she asked quietly.
He gave her a pointed look and she remembered his honesty just moments earlier.
"Sorry, I just find it a bit of a shock, is all." She confessed.
"That's understandable." He said softly.
Sakura took another bite of bread and chewed it slowly before swallowing. With that answer came a whole bunch of new questions, along with some anger.
"Have you always known about me?" she asked.
"Yes. Most of the gods do." Syaoran answered.
"Why have you waited so long to tell me this?" She whispered. "I've been praying for answers for so long..."
Her voice shook with pain and anger.
He lowered his eyes, guilt taking over his features.
"I know. I always heard your pleas for answers, but I was told not to tell you yet. It was an agreement made by all of us. I'm truly sorry, Sakura. I did want to tell you much sooner."
Sakura studied Syaoran's expression. He seemed truly sorry for keeping her in the dark for so many years, and she felt her anger dissipate.
"May I ask why it is that I'm being told now?" she asked quietly.
He nodded. "We all came to an agreement that you should be told, and that you should be trained to control your abilities to prevent another incident occurring."
Sakura flinched at the mention of the incident she wished to forget.
"I know how upset you were, and still are, about it." He spoke very gently, kindly. "So, it would be in your best interest to learn how to control your abilities."
She lowered her eyes. "I never want something so awful to happen again."
He nodded. "I'll be helping you train, as will one other."
Sakura looked at him with confusion. "One other?"
"Yes. Her name is Meiling, and she governs water. The lake you were tossed in by those men is her home." Syaoran explained.
"Oh, my goodness! She's not angry, is she? Ohh, I'll have to apologise to her..." Sakura fidgeted anxiously as she worried about having another goddess being angry with her.
Syaoran shook his head. "No, she's not angry with you at all. She's quite worried about you, as is someone else I know."
"Oh...that's a relief. I'm glad she's not angry with me." Sakura sighed and then smiled.
He returned her smile. "What else would you like to know?"
Sakura thought for a long moment. She wasn't sure what to ask next. It was all too much to take in.
"It's ok. Take your time." He spoke softly.
"Do you know...everything about me?" Sakura asked.
"Yes, I do." He replied honestly.
"I see..."
Sakura didn't know what to feel. She had just been told that she was a goddess, and that was why she didn't age, and that she needed to learn to control her abilities. All this being told to her by the person who claimed that he was the god who watched over Alyrias.
It was too much to take in. How could it even be real?
But then again, she wasn't exactly normal herself-a fact she was reminded of every single day.
Syaoran watched her with gentle patience for a very long moment.
"Would you like some time to think?" he asked softly.
She nodded.
Syaoran stood, "I'll give you a few days to yourself. If you find your mind plagued by any questions, come to the heart of the forest-preferably during daytime hours. The forest can be quite dangerous at night." He explained.
She nodded without much thinking. Sakura looked up when she felt a gentle hand on her cheek and emerald met amber. She saw gentle warmth and care in those eyes of his, and something else...
"Sakura, you're not alone."
Those were the last words he spoke to her before he disappeared in the blink of an eye, the warmth of his hand still lingering on her cheek.
...
Syaoran had been with Sakura the entire time the prince was in her tiny little house.
Sakura had been so surprised and confused when the men showed up, unknowing of who they were. He had been a little amused with her ignorance, but he wasn't surprised either. Sakura didn't socialise with the villagers much.
He had, however, been worried about her. After all, she had let three men into her home and no one lived with her. They could have easily over powered her and hurt her-though he wouldn't have let them do anything of the sort.
But even so…
He had watched the Prince interview all the women in the village, and while he appeared kind to them, Syaoran knew he hardly cared. When the prince had asked of the woman who was rumoured to have strange magic powers, the village elder was flustered and pointed him in the direction of Sakura's home. It was then that Syaoran started to become worried.
He headed to Sakura's home, a place he had been countless times without her knowledge. Sometimes he would be standing right beside her while she mixed herbal remedies, watching her work hard. Other times he would sit with her while she read, all while knowing she had no idea of his existence.
He found her asleep in her favourite chair. Her expression was sad as she slept, and slowly a tear crept down her cheek. Gently, he cupped her cheek and lightly kissed her forehead. Syaoran stayed at her side, holding her while she slept all the while without her knowing. He didn't know when, but over the years of staying close to her, watching, he had fallen in love with her.
He pulled away when he voices outside the door. A knock sounded, startling Sakura awake, and she seemed wary. He knew why-after all, last time she had been dragged from her house and tossed in the lake.
He watched her as she answered her door, and upon hearing that the man outside her door was a prince, she was very surprised. He watched with distaste as the prince showed a very obvious interest in Sakura, and he was pleased when Sakura stated she couldn't marry him because she didn't love him. But, the prince wasn't going to give up.
Syaoran had a basic idea of what his intentions were, but first he needed to confirm them. But before that, Sakura needed to know. She needed to know who she was, why she was different to everyone else. She deserved the truth he had been hiding from her for so many years.
And so, he told her.
Syaoran was patient with Sakura. He knew she would have many questions, and it was a lot to take in. He wanted to tell her everything, but most of all, he wanted her to know she wasn't alone anymore. She had him.
As he left her home, he located the prince easily.
Prince Kei was lazing about in the only inn the village had, with his feet up on the coffee table in his room while he relaxed in his chair. His two retainers weren't doing much else.
"I can't believe that girl didn't know who I am." The prince growled. "So rude and ignorant."
Syaoran stayed where he was in the corner of the room, listening. The man with hazel eyes smiled kindly.
"Do you really intend on wooing her, your highness?" he asked.
The prince snorted. "Of course, I do. Her powers-or whatever you call them-are needed in order to keep our country safe."
A laugh sounded from the slim man. "It seems as though you merely want her as a weapon and not your wife."
"She is a weapon. She should be used for the benefit of this country. Although...she is quite attractive-no, very." Prince Kei grinned. "I can't wait to have her."
Syaoran wouldn't let that happen. He would never allow this prince to hurt Sakura.
"Be careful your highness-you might upset the gods of this place."
Prince Kei rolled his eyes, "Ugh, the gods don't exist. They're just some made up fairy tale to keep people in line." He stood and walked over to his bed.
As he passed, Syaoran stuck his foot out, effectively tripping him.
The prince swore as he stumbled. "What the fuck?" he hissed.
"Don't go around saying the gods don't exist. That's what happens when you piss them off."
"Oh, shut up."
His two retainers laughed while he sulked, and Syaoran smiled with satisfaction.
After a while of listening to their banter, Syaoran left and returned to the forest. He spent much of his time performing his usual duties, watching for dangers and keeping the area pure. He was sure Sakura would end up staying awake all night thinking about what he had told her, and therefore would likely be exhausted the next day, so he made a mental note to check in on her secretly the next day.
...
Sakura had spent the entire night thinking about what Syaoran had told her, so much so that she'd hardly gotten any sleep.
A goddess. It certainly explained a lot.
She remembered the gentle patience he had for her, and the warmth and care for her in his eyes. She blushed as she remembered the warmth of his hand against her cheek. She wondered when she'd see him again, and then briefly wondered if she should go to the heart of the forest.
'No, I have to work on that tapestry today.' She sighed, and then proceeded to get out of bed to begin her day.
She spent most of her day with thoughts about what Syaoran had told her swimming in her head, and that night's sleep wasn't much better. She tossed and turned, until a wave of sudden comfort enveloped her. Her eyelids drooped and finally she managed to fall asleep.
She woke late the next morning. After dressing herself in a creme dress, she made herself some sandwiches for lunch and placed them in her basket along with a book, and hurried out the door.
She smacked into someone as she ran around the corner.
"I'm so sorry!" she apologised, and looked up to see Prince Kei standing in front of her.
"It's quite alright. You're not hurt, are you?" he replied kindly.
"No, I'm alright." She smiled.
He spotted her basket. "Oh-are you busy?"
"I'm about to head to the hill to do some reading." Sakura answered honestly.
He raised his brow. "Oh really? Why don't you come and have lunch with me? It's my treat."
Sakura felt uncomfortable going along with his invitation, but she didn't want to seem rude if she rejected it.
"Please?" he begged as he noticed her apprehension, "Just this once."
"Alright..." she replied uncomfortably.
Sakura found herself sitting inside the little cafe with the prince across from her. He had ordered her the best dish on the menu-a luxurious plate of seafood with a range of different sauces and herbs. Sakura wasn't fond of seafood-she avoided it often-but she couldn't avoid it now.
"The fish here doesn't have as much flavour as it does in the capital." The prince spoke.
"Oh...really?" Sakura asked, praying for someone to come and take her away.
All she wanted was to eat her sandwiches and read her book in peace.
"Yes. The chefs back at the palace could cook you whatever you wanted, and you'd never be able to find anyone better." He continued.
Sakura slowly lifted a prawn to her mouth as he spoke, going on about how grand palace life was.
"Look out!" came a shout.
Before either of them had time to react, something crashed into the table. Food flew all over Sakura, dirtying her dress, and the prince was soaked in water.
Sakura felt confused.
What had happened?
Prince Kei seemed just as confused as she did, and quite furious.
"Your highness!" The owners of the cafe ran over to him with towels.
The wife turned to Sakura with a look of disgust, "Get out!" she shrieked. "Begone you witch!"
Sakura stood from where she was, picking up her basket, and hurried away.
Her feet carried her to the shrine in the heart of the forest, and when she came to a stop she realised she was still covered in seafood and sauce.
"My apologies for what happened back there." A soft melodic voice sounded behind her.
Sakura turned to see a beautiful young woman with crimson coloured eyes and jet black hair.
The woman smiled. "My name is Meiling. Syaoran asked me to help you out, as he's a little busy with something at the moment. He shouldn't be long."
Sakura remembered that Syaoran had mentioned that there was another god in the area.
"Thank you," Sakura smiled.
Meiling smiled. "I didn't intend for you to end up covered in seafood. I'll fix that now."
Sakura was about to say something as Meiling lifted her hand; soft, gentle streams of water surrounded Sakura, cleansing her clothes. When the water disappeared, her clothes were dry, and she was no longer covered in her meal.
Footsteps sounded and Syaoran appeared from the trees.
"Sakura-good, you're safe." He murmured.
She nodded, unable to form words upon seeing him. She blushed and was about to look away when she saw what he was holding; a small bundle of fur. Out popped a little feline head, its large blue eyes looking around startled before it buried itself back in the crook of his arm.
"What...?" she pointed to the little animal.
He smiled. "This is just one of the mountain cats that act as messengers between gods. This one is just a kitten though, and she seems to have injured herself. I'll be taking care of her in the meantime." Syaoran explained as he stroked its fur.
"Oh..."
He turned his attention to Meiling. "Meiling, thank you for helping Sakura."
"Just call me if you need me." she replied before promptly disappearing.
Sakura blinked for a minute and then turned to Syaoran, who was eyeing her with gentle concern. "Have you been struggling with what I told you?"
Sakura lowered her eyes. "I just don't know what to think. Maybe it will start to sink in more if...if I'm able to learn about this." She said.
He smiled softly. "Come inside."
"Look at my cat, my cat is amazing. Just don't lick it, because it probably doesn't taste like raisins." -Syaoran, probably.
Sorry, couldn't help myself :P what do you all want to happen to the prince? Die a painful and horrible death? Be cursed for the rest of his life? Do you want Syaoran to turn him into a carp for Meiling's lake? Or maybe a snail?
I'm curious to hear your thoughts xD (mostly for my own amusement)
