Chapter 3 - "Fictional Figures"

"Enough. Cerberes, please." The sound is sweet, entreating, but it is the name that catches the young man's attention.

Cerberes? Isn't that one of those legendary guardians? But it can't be! They aren't real!

"Let him up, Cerberes. You know how I feel about this matter, and I had thought you of all people would be the last to resort to such actions."

Huh? What is going on here? Is she - is she actually defending me?

"Really now, you treat him as if he had a death sentence upon his head. I must say, you usually are not nearly so rude to guests."

The gasps that had appeared with the knife change into startled whispers, and there is little doubt that whatever rumors had begun would only recieve further backing.

The origin of the chaotic atmosphere frowns as well. Though ignoring the whispers, he is forced to admit to himself that he is as confused as any other in the room.

"Your highness, I must say I share the same sentiments as Cerberes. This 'plan' of yours is simply too risky."

Heads turn to the winged man, still perched on the steps leading into the curtains, slightly bowed in respect.

"As your guardians, we simply cannot allow you to continue."

"Yue, I trust your judgement. You know I do. Yet, as the princess of this kingdom and the inheriter of the throne, it is my duty to protect my people."

Yue? That's the second guardian! But that simply isn't possible! The guardians are myths! Fairytales! Fictional!

There is a pause, and the princess' voice softens slightly, though more determination backs it.

"Even though this is dangerous, I will carry through with it nonetheless. It is not today that I made my decision, and so much has already been put into action. You cannot possibly expect me to back down now."

"She's right, Yue." Giving him one last angry glance, the winged beast retreats from Syaoran enough to allow him to stand, claws clacking quietly on the inlayed tiles.

"Though I am as upset as you over these circumstances, there's been too much put into this to stop. The only direction we may go with this is onwards. Still..."

The frown deepens, and the golden eyes return to their prey, glittering dangerously, the fire threatening to leap out and devour him.

The young man of their concern, however, is too confused to take it in. What are they talking about? What plan? What do I have to do with any of this?

Hearing steps, he looks up, just as the princess turns from him to speak to a servant, her tiara and its trailing sheets of gossamer fabric blocking his view of her face. A small smile is barely visible.

She seems amused at my actions. Is she purposely hiding her face from me? What's there to hide?

Curious, Syaoran shifts position, only to hear a low growl at his side. The gold-eyed beast is there, tail flicking, eyes focusing on his every move.

"Try anything and you will die a cruel and terrible death, no matter what the princess has said."

Feeling another pair of eyes resting on him, his hazel ones drift away from the threat, meeting a kinder, gentler gaze instead, along with a smile, but the princess turns again, giving him but a glance.

What... beautiful eyes. I feel like I could lose myself in them. And that smile, it's- Wait! What's happening? I can't be thinking things like that about her!

Confused and shaken by the sudden emotion, the next command is barely heard.

"Escort him into the prepared room."

"May I ask which one, your Highness?"

"The one we set aside three weeks ago."

"You mean-"

"Yes, that's exactly the one I mean."

"As you wish, your Highness."

Before he can react, two servants are leading him down a long, gray hall. Too tired to resist, and considerably more calm, the young man glances back one last time, but the Princess and her attendents were gone, along with the two mysterious winged figures.

I wonder if life in this kingdom is always like this. No matter, I still have my duty. And I will not fail. If she is so ignorant as to leave an assassin in her palace, then she will by all means have an assassin in her palace.

"Here you are." The words are indifferent and placid, but the contempt and distrust is obvious in the cold manner, and the frown that keeps emerging.

Casting the behavior aside - I suppose I might as well get used to it. It doesn't seem like anyone cares much for me. Well, except...

The slamming of the door shakes him out of his ponderings again, and a yawn quickly reimmerses him in reality. Glancing around the spacious chamber, he locates the gracious bed, and - after examining it for hidden traps - falls asleep.