I'm back, everyone! This chapter took much longer than expected, but I hope you'll enjoy it!

I also received a review asking me whether I will be doing the filler episodes or not. I personally enjoyed most of the filler episodes, so they will be included, but the timeline of this story will follow the manga's. The reason why I like to mix both the manga and the animated version is because I want to incorporate the best parts of each in my stories. For example, in this chapter, I mostly did the scene where Kiishimu captures the Ryanban based on the manga version, because I felt that the anime version wasn't emotional enough. And the same time, I will be adding the episode where Tsubasa group returns to Ryonfi.

Though it's still very early, and I have no idea where I will add them, I have decided to make the Tsubasa group travel to at least two other worlds which won't be from any series, but worlds that I have "created". Those chapters may not be as well written as the other ones, and probably shorter as well, but please bear with me.

Well, with that out of the way, back to the story!

I don't own Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles in any shape or form, unfortunately.


You can now dream

Sakura appears, holding a feather near her chest.

Wield a brave dream,

Syaoran appears next to Sakura protectively, challenging anyone to harm her.

I'm in a world,

Tsukiko appears not far away, fan in hand.

and I race past the uncertain world.

Kurogane appears behind her whereas Fai stands next to her.

Tsubasa Logo appears within a storm of feathers, and both Mokona jump in front of happily.

It becomes saddening, fighting against reality.

The Tsubasa group arrived in a new world, appearing not far from a medieval village.

A hero is growing from within my heart.

Kurogane suddenly began chasing Fai and Mokona with Souhi in his hands as Tsukiko watched them with a smile. Meanwhile, Syaoran was helping Sakura up.

I saw a dream last night.

And the image it left me

We now see the village full of people whose alternate selves have met the group before going about their everyday life.

struck a pulse and told me "let's go!"

Then, Syaoran sees the feather floating just above the church's cross.

Defeat your own color and your shell;

Tsukiko is floating above an unknown magic circle, as if praying, her sword in front of her.

Will you keep a growing future

Locked up against its will?

Her eyes suddenly snapped open, and she took hold of her sword, unsheathing it, before hurling a wave of power towards Fei Wang Reed's minions who were going to attack.

You can now dream, wielding that brave dream,

Syaoran is the first to jump into the fray, kicking his way through the soldiers.

Go in and try, through troubles

aggressively, try to return,

Fai is dodging most of the attacks like he always does before hitting his opponents as if he were playing a game.

I'll go towards endless days along with you.

After cutting an opponent, Kurogane summoned his energy and used one of his techniques with Souhi.

Do you need to cry? Are you crying again?

Sakura looks at Syaoran fighting and puts her hands in a praying motion as Mokona comforted her.

Show me a day, fight!

Tsukiko defeats another soldier just as Syaoran jumped towards the feather.

Your dreams will become firm

Having retrieved the feather, Syaoran returned it to Sakura

Each time you fight loneliness and the tears fall.

The group was now gathered and Mokona takes them to another world.

As they disappeared, we zoom back to see Yuuko's group watching the events unfold from the shop. Watanuki was sitting next to Chan, and Chii sat next to her fiancé. Yuuko, who was in the middle with Black Mokona, turned around, and winked.


Chapter Four

(Tsukiko's POV)

"What pretty flowers!" Mokona exclaimed as he saw the white blossoms I picked for Chun Yan. "Pretty flowers, pretty flowers!"

Sakura smiled along with Mokona, enjoying this short moment of happiness and bliss under the gaze of Chun Yan. I looked out the window, savouring the little peace the night had to offer. All in all, we had a rough day, and some rest wasn't unwelcome.

"…Omoni!" Chun Yan said with shock in her voice, making everyone look at her.

"What is it?" Mokona asked worriedly.

I looked between Chun Yan and Sakura. Perhaps Chun Yan was reliving some memories of her mother, or had been reminded of her somehow. Speaking of which, ever since Sakura left the castle, there was another aura, wise, graceful and powerful, that surrounded her own. It wasn't like the remnants of the villagers' aura, but something more powerful, as if someone or something was trying to possess her…

"I wonder why I am reminded of my deceased mother when I am looking at Sakura?" I heard Chun Yan ask herself.

I concentrated a bit more on Chun Yan's aura. Hers was a mixture of forest green and muddied red, signifying anger and resentment. However, there was also some perceptive power in her aura that wasn't fully awakened yet. Perhaps that was how she unconsciously realized that her mother's soul is currently residing inside Sakura? In any case, if the new blue aura came from Chun Yan's mother, then it's fine. Whatever she has in store will surely not endanger us.

"I guess Sakura-chan entered into the Ryanban's castle when she was unconsciously searchin for her feathers," Fai said right next to me.

"Does that mean that there's a feather inside of the castle?" Syaoran asked with barely concealed excitement.

"Chun Yan said so herself, that the Ryanban suddenly got strong all of a sudden," Fai reminded Syaoran and Kurogane. "Hearing that, I believe it has something to do with Sakura's feather. My guess is that he got a hold of it and used it for his own purposes."

"That wouldn't make sense," Kurogane objected. "It was only a few days ago that she lost her memory feathers across the different worlds."

"But we're in a different dimension, the flow of time might be different as well," Fai suggested.

"He's right, Kurogane," I turned towards the ninja. "When I first traveled through dimensions to Hanshin Republic… I stayed there for two days, but when I came back, only twenty minutes have passed. If time passes more quickly here, Fai's theory is flawless. There's also the fact that the magical pressure in the area is very similar to that of the feather in Hanshin. However, it has been tampered with the Ryanban's aura, so unless if I know what to look for, I wouldn't have been able to tell."

Syaoran stood up with determination. "I'll go check whether the Ryanban has the feather or not, and if he does, I'll get it back."

"Wait!" Sakura pulled on Syaoran's sleeve as he was about to leave the room. "You're still hurt from ealier," she said anxiously.

"I'm fine," Syaoran reassured with a smile.

"But still…"

"It'll be fine. Like I said, if there's a feather, I'll bring it back for you," Syaoran told her kindly.

"Syaoran-kun…"

"Just wait a moment," Fai stopped Syaoran in his steps. Seeing that Syaoran had a more guarded expression, Fai smiled that fake smile of his. "Ah no… You can relax. I'm not trying to stop you. It's just I think we made a mistake last time. You've got to take down the hijutsu being used on the gate of the castle."

"Can't you do something about it?" Kurogane asked in a bored tone.

"Impossible!" Fai replied, sparkling like when he suggested taking the Ryanban's son as a hostage. I chuckled a bit at his expression. Fake smile or not, he sure has a way to make others feel less tense…

"Quit acting like you have a plan when you don't!" Kurogane told him angrily.

"Mokona will ask!" Mokona declared happily, glad to be of use.

"Who? The Space-Time Witch?" Fai asked.

Mokona nodded before heading on the porch outside, everyone else following him. His ruby red jewel began to glow, and he made a hologram of Yuuko-san appear in the sky. And, of course, she wasn't alone. Another familiar girl was sitting right next to her, making me smile.

"My, my, Mokona, what's up?" Yuuko, now dressed in one of her party outfits, turned towards us.

"S-She spoke!" Chun Yan said with surprise.

"Hyuu! Mokona sure is convenient at times!" Fai pointed towards Yuuko-san. "We can talk to different dimensions!"

"There are limits to how convenient this thing could be!" Kurogane retorted angrily, making me sigh. Men…

"So these are your companions, Tsukiko?" The other person, Chan, asked sceptically. "The two in the middle I approve, but the child and the temperamental ninja…"

I simply smiled. "They're actually quite decent, Chan. Fai always lightens up the mood, and Kurogane is like a bodyguard, I guess. By the way, Yuuko-san, did you receive the liquor from the Hanshin Republic?"

"I did," the witch smiled. "It was very good."

"Watanuki and I had to stop Okaa-san and Mokona from destroying the place," Chan said in exasperation. "Please don't send liquor again."

"Well, it's the main type of gift that's most suitable for Yuuko-san after all," I told her. "Speaking of which, I got something for you guys from this world too."

"And what world are you in?" Chan asked. "Your clothes look Korean."

"We're in the town of Ryonfi in the country of Koryo," I told her as I searched through my beaded bag. "We also met the Arashi and Sorata from this world. They're supposed to marry soon." I took out the small packages. "However, our main concern is to destroy the hijutsu barrier around the castle of the Ryanban to retrieve a feather and overthrow the corrupt official."

Chan sweat-dropped. "You always did like it when corrupt officials were finally taken care of…"

"So you want to take out the hijutsu and enter through the gate?" Yuuko-san repeated.

"Yup, that's the problem," Fai said smiling.

"Why would you need to contact me?" Yuuko-san asked us. "Fai can use magic, can't he?"

"I turned over the source of my magic to you," the mage lied smoothly.

"That tattoo was not the source of your powers, mage," Chan's face turned harsh. "It was the source that controls your magic, keeping it in check. Without the presence of that device, your magic is back to normal."

Fai's smile faltered momentarily as I heard some familiar voices.

"Be that as it may, I've vowed not to use magic," he told us. "After all," he smiled, "who can expect you to be able to wield your magic if it isn't controlled?"

Chan glared at the mage fiercely, surprising even me. I know that she didn't like people who lied too much, but it was the first time that I saw such animosity emanating from her. I mean, I thought that she would at least be more understanding since Fai was… I stumbled a bit, forgetting what I had been thinking. This was the second time, I frowned. What was wrong with me?

"Fine," Yuuko-san declared. "I'll hand over something that will help break the hijutsu surrounding the castle. But I'll expect payment in return."

"But… we don't have anything to give you!" Syaoran protested.

"How will this do?" Fai lifted his golden staff.

"Fai-san!"

"It's fine," he told Syaoran. Turning back to Yuuko-san, "It's a magical device, can you use it?"

Both mother and daughter looked at the staff critically and exchanged looks before making their decision. "I think that will do. Send it through Mokona."

"Here goes…" Fai aimed at Mokona's open mouth, and threw it.

Then, Mokona sent a mud ball back at us. Syaoran caught it decisively. "So this can take down the castle's hijutsu?"

"Judging by the item, I'm guessing that you're having a picnic over there?" I asked. "Although… It's not only mud… There's also spirits, aren't there?"

"Observant as always," Yuuko-san praised.

Chan sighed. "We did a "100 ghost stories" session not too long ago, but Mokona here ate half of them." She turned around before turning back. "And the two idiots over there say hello."

"Well, tell them hello from me then!" I smiled. "Mokona, please send these to Chan and Yuuko-san."

I threw the packages in its mouth and saw Chan receive them. "It's your birthday present, so enjoy!"

"Don't die on me, Tsukiko!" Chan waved good bye.

"See you!" Yuuko-san told us. "Oops! Wait a sec. Kurogane…" She turned around, her voice ominous. "You could have Mokona fix your crude language."

"So that was the good friend you told me about?" Fai asked me.

"Sorry about her reaction, she's usually a bit nicer at least…" I sweat-dropped again. "She's terribly blunt too, and inherited Yuuko-san's irritation and annoyance to certain things."

"Well, I guess you can't please everyone," Fai told me. "By the way, who is Shizuka-kun?"

"He's a classmate, Doumeki Shizuka, that is," I sighed. "Watanuki has some kind of one-sided rivalry with him. Shizuka-kun is a Shinto priest and although he's unable to see spirits, he has a purifying aura and may or may not have purification powers."

"I see…"

"Is that friend of yours also…?" Kurogane asked me.

I shook my head. "She inherited her magical abilities from her parents, and they're different from mine. She's been stronger than me for a long time now, and continues to progress. She's also a dream seer."

Fai seemed suddenly taken aback by that last comment. Maybe it was because he feared that Chan told me about him or something…

"She never tells me about her dreams though, since it might tip the balance and change the course of events. But she sometimes tells me about the people she's met through them, but it's rare," I shrugged. "Her father was one too, you know, so I guess that it's inherited. Oh yes, Kurogane, she wants me to tell you that Tomoyo-hime wishes you luck."

"What?" Kurogane looked really shocked.

"Don't ask me," I lifted my hands in a surrendering motion. "I'm just the messenger."

(Fai's POV)

When Tsuki-chan first told me of her friend, I expected someone like her just with Kuro-tan's temper. It never did occur to me that her friend was magical, and very powerful, and the Dimensional Witch's daughter to boot. Since she's a dream seer, I guess that I can understand why she disliked me so much… Her glares were quite scary.

"I want to come with you!" Chun Yan protested.

"The Ryanban's castle is under a spell," I told her. "It will be very dangerous."

"I know that!" Chun Yan's determination was a sight to see. "I want to come too!"

"Hmm… That's quite a headache," I admitted. Mokona and I turned towards Kuro-puu. "I'm no good with kids." He turned around as well.

"Because you're easily embarrassed," Mokona teased.

"Enough, you two," Tsuki-chan chastised us.

"Please let me come!" Chun Yan took ahold of Syaoran's arms. "I want to defeat the Ryanban! I want to avenge my mother! We'll go together! It's alright, right? Syaoran!"

Syaoran-kun smiled at her sadly and made her let go. "You can't. Please wait here with Princess Sakura."

"But… Why does she get to go?" Chun Yan asked, pointing at Tsuki-chan.

"Tsuki-chan already proved herself to be a capable fighter," I pulled her close.

"See you later, Chun Yan, Sakura," Tsuki-chan bowed. "We'll be going now."

"You should've told her," I said as we walked through the empty streets. "That we didn't want to cause her any more trouble by bringing her with us. She lets us stay in her house, yet she can't come. If we can't defeat the Ryanan, how can we face her when we return?"

"For someone who is so "happy-go-lucky", you sure are a pessimist," Tsuki-chan told me.

"Anyway, all we have to do is face off against the Ryanban and his cronies," Kuro-puu declared.

"And then, if the Ryanban really has Sakura-chan's feather…" I continued, but Tsuki-chan interrupted me.

"Not if, Fai. The Ryanban definitely has her feather."

"I'm taking it back," Syaoran said with determination.

"This is it," Kuro-pipi said as we arrived in front of one of the eight gates. "Let's go then." He went in front of the doors, and began to push.

"You shouldn't just push it open…" I tried to warn him, but the doors were no longer closed, and behind the entrance was a big fog. I sighed. "This castle is being protected by spells. Not only this entrance, but all of them. That's why…" I gestured to Syaoran with Mokona. "It's time for the Dimensional Witch's gift to make its appearance!"

Syaoran took out the ball from his tunic.

"How are we supposed to use this?" Kuro-sama asked.

"Throw it!" Mokona said as she went towards Syaoran.

"Huh?!"

"Throw it with all your strength! Throw it into the castle!"

"Mokona, if I throw this away…" Syaoran tried to protest.

"Don't worry, Syaoran," Tsuki-chan told him. "It will only work if you throw it against the barrier surrounding the castle."

Nodding, Syaoran threw the ball into the air, then, as it fell down, he did a mighty kick and… It hit the castle! We could now clearly see the barrier cracking in to pieces.

"We got in okay, but how long are we supposed to walk this hallway?" Kurogane grumbled. "We've been walking a lot."

"I'm doing all I can, but I still can't figure out where it leads to," Fai chirped. "There isn't even a door."

"Kurogan is useless!" Mokona declared.

"Stop perching on top of our heads!" Kurogane exclaimed.

I sighed at their antics and continued to scout the hallway. I've had a certain sense of unease ever since we came in. The feather, well, its energy, anyways, has been pulsing for some reason. Was it to indicate that the Ryanban was using its power? Or was it reacting to Sakura's presence nearby?

"We just came back to where we started," Syaoran explained as he saw my curious look.

"Uh?" The other there chorused.

"It does look like we're back in the same place," Kurogane said, now that he looked around.

"But we have been walking in a straight line," Fai pointed out.

"Anticipating this, I dropped this on the ground before," Syaoran told us as he picked up the baduk piece from the floor.

"Hyuu, Syaoran-kun is very good," Fai complimented.

"This was the thing that Fai and Kurogane had played in Chun Yan's house," Mokona declared.

"You just said "Hyuu" with your mouth, right?" Kurogane asked. "This isn't whistling."

"I don't know how to whistle," Fai shrugged.

"Hyuu!"

"Don't you start with that!"

"I wonder how many layers of illusion this castle has," I mused. "There obviously has to be a switch, or an exit nearby, but even then, I doubt that it'll be easy for us to pass the next checkpoint. There'll probably be enemies waiting for us on the other side…"

I looked at a certain wall, feeling the energy pouring out of it. A barrier? Or was it something else? In any case, it must be there, no?

Fai walked towards the wall as Kurogane complained about constantly walking in circles and we're just wasting our energy.

"Yeah, I'm tired too," Fai agreed as he put his hand on the wall. I went next to him and did the same, sensing a familiar energy, but it wasn't a feather, though the source of a feather's magical pressure does seem to be beyond that wall.

"I'm tired to death!"

"You haven't walked at all!" Kurogane pulled Mokona's cheeks rather roughly.

"It's here, isn't it?" Fai's words brought me back to reality.

"It certainly seems so," I agreed.

"Did you find anything?" Syaoran asked us.

"I sense a very strong power on the other side of this wall," Fai replied. "Perhaps the Ryanban is in here?"

"No, he isn't," I objected. "He's further inside. The one that is on the other side is certainly powerful though, and we'll have to defeat that person to pass through. I think that he or she is partly responsible for the illusion on the hallway since this kind of magic usually exists where magical powers are strongest."

"Oh well," Fai smiled. He waved at Kurogane. "Come! It's time for Kuro-rin to show off his strength and break this wall!"

Kurogane just glared in response. "I thought that you wouldn't use magic."

"This isn't magic per se, it's more like intuition," Fai answered innocently.

Kurogane then turned towards me, his eyes asking whether Fai's words were true or not.

"Well, it's not exactly intuition… The ability to sense magic can be used even if the person in question doesn't have a lot of it," I explained. "However, it has to be trained and not everyone has the affinity to sense it. On the other hand, some people who don't possess magic are able to sense it without training, but they just don't know what it is. In other words, Fai doesn't need to use magic to activate this ability since he already possesses it."

Nodding, but still skeptical, Kurogane went in front of the wall, and punched. You know in those movies and series where a character is so strong that just putting a certain amount of pressure on an object can make it crack into itty bitty bits? The effect was similar, just on a bigger scale, and with louder noises.

After having given us an archway to the room, we entered cautiously and saw a pillar of light centered on one being sitting on the floor, surrounded by a silk curtain. She was the very definition of nobility and grandeur, her black robes showing off her forms and her hair pulled up to make an extravagant hairstyle with jewels dangling from side to side. Of course, her crown gave no doubt of her status, even though the purple stone at the center emitted a very strange magical power.

"So you made it, you slimy little worms," she greeted us a bit haughtily. Then again, now that I know who we're dealing with, I certainly cannot say that I'm surprised. I am surprised at the potency of a single feather's powers though, if even she had no choice but to submit.

"Just who the hell are you?" Kurogane asked.

"After 100 years of history, humans are still so like little insects, so be careful how you use that mouth, is what I'd like to say," the woman replied. "However, it's been a long time since I've had guests, so I'll tolerate it."

"What are you saying?" Kurogane asked, confused at her manner of speaking. "Tch. Just spit out where the Ryanban is, then."

"Kurogane, not that I doubt your abilities, but if you aren't careful, you'll die," I told him quite plainly. "Speaking of which," I bowed my head, "you are certainly one of the last people I'd expect to fight during my journey, Kiishimu-sensei."

"Well, isn't this a familiar little insect," Kiishimu judged me with a critical eye. "I dare say that your powers have greatly regressed since we last met. If you aren't careful, your head won't be on those shoulders any longer."

I raised my head. "Don't worry, I'll pay extra careful."

Looking at Kurgoane and Fai argue, Kiishimu-sensei spoke. "Really cute little children."

Their reactions were quite different.

"She complimented us!"

"She said we were little kids!"

Syaoran stepped forward. "I believe that the thing we are seeking is in this castle. Do you think you could please tell us where the Ryanban is located?"

Kiishimu-sensei reached out her hand and put her fingers around Syaoran's right eye. "You have pleasant eyes… Very bright. But, I cannot let you pass this place." She stood up.

"Well then…" Fai spoke up. "It seems to me, that if you aren't going to let us pass, you plan on doing something pretty rough to us."

"Precisely." With a move of her fingers, we were no longer standing in the castle, but on pillars of stone surrounded by bubbles of pink liquid. The water below us was composed of the same liquid, and I could see an all too familiar pagoda in front of us. I sweat-dropped. This scene was truly all too familiar.

"An illusion…"

"No, it's hijutsu," Kiishimu-sensei corrected him. "The illusion was just to throw you off. My hijutsu is not merely pretty to look at." She sent a bubble flying towards Syaoran who, unable to evade covered his face with his arm, resulting in his sleeve melting.

This caused the other two to be more attentive to their surroundings.

"Because the damage my hijutsu inflicts is real," she finished.

"So, if we get badly hurt…"

"You die," both Kiishimu-sensei and I replied.

She raised her hands, and made the bubbles begin their assault. Syaoran was able to evade easily, jumping from pillar to pillar. Kurogane, being a more seasoned fighter, didn't need to jump too much to evade the bubbles. Fai was very much the same, confident in his defensive stance, and evading the bullets as though they were Kurogane's punches. As for me, I was forced to jump around, because Kiishimu-sensei was very intent on getting me fall into the water. After what happened during my first trip down there (I was ten at the time), swimming in that place does not seem very appealing.

Unfortunately for Syaoran, he discovered another property of the stone pillars, other than being able to hold a tall adult man without crumbling: it can disappear. Of course, falling in the water means finding out about the acidic properties of the pond.

"My foot…" Syaoran said as he landed on another pillar.

"If you come in contact with the water in this pond, it'll have the same effect," Kiishimu-sensei explained as bubbles shot towards Fai and Kurogane. I was safe, but only for a moment, as they also came towards me with alarming speed.

"You'll melt if you touch the pond water," Kurogane summarized. "Same if you touch the droplets."

"Kuro-puu, break this for me," Fai said from a lamppost.

"Why?!"

"If we're unarmed, all we can do is evade the attacks, right?" The mage asked with a smile.

"Do it yourself!" Kurogane shouted as he destroyed the post into four, grabbing a piece as he landed on another pillar. Fai also grabbed one, but his was longer.

"This way, you don't have to touch the drops of water," Fai said as he attacked. "Just hit them away."

Kiishimu-sensei smirked and sent some missiles towards Syaoran and myself who were the only ones unarmed. Kurogane defended Syaoran spendidly as Fai came to my side and destroyed the bubbles. "Hyuu! You're awesome, Kuro-sama!"

"Stop saying whistling sounds with your mouth!" Kurogane retorted.

"Well," Fai said as he turned his staff in circles. "There's no use in staying here to play with water forever. Syaoran-kun, Tsuki-chan, you and Mokona go first."

"But you and Kurogane won't last!" Syaoran protested.

"It'll be fine, Syaoran," I reassured him. The both of them are capable of handling Kiishimu-sensei. But you should go before you can't move that foot anymore. You do want to get Sakura's feather back, don't you?"

"But what about you?" He asked. "The way you'Re talking is like…"

"I am the one who is most familiar with Kiishimu-sensei's universe and her fighting style," I told him. "Between the three of us, we should be able to catch up soon, so please don't worry."

"…Thank you, guys!"

"The magic is weaker up there," Fai pointed towards the ceiling. "Syaoran, you should be able to kick your way out."

"it's so high," Mokona popped out of the boy'S clothes suddenly. "Can Syaoran get up there?"

"Damn! Why are you playing hide-and-seek in his clothes?!" Kurogane demanded angrily.

"Then, it'S all right, don'T you think?" Fai asked.

I, however, looked back towards the pagoda. When I was training in this universe, I was never allowed to rest, always having to fight back and evade. However, the assault has ceased temporarily. What was Kiishimu-sensei planning? Unless… I concentrated on the purple stone. That energy… Not only are its waves familiar, but the patterns made by its magical power, could it be…?

"I don't know what you're talking about," Kiishimu-sensei said suddenly, reminding the others of her presence. "But don'T let me get too bored, little children."

"Sorry, we'll be done soon," Fai told her.

"Tch. Calling me a child like that…" Kurogane grumbled under his breath.

"I'm going!" Syaoran jumped on Kurogane's rod. Then, the ninja, using his anger against Kiishimu and Mokona swung Syaoran towards the ceiling and the boy jumped. He successfully broke through the ceiling, landing on the other side safely.

"So, one of you has escaped," Kiishimu-sensei stated. "It couldn't be helped. Then I'll just have to teach the remaining children a lesson…"

The bubbles (or water drops, whichever you prefer) burst and assemble into bigger ones, making it rain acid.

"This rain really hurts, huh?" Fai asked. "Looks like this is getting to be a pretty serious crisis."

"When it hits, it melts clothes and our bodies too, it seems," Kurogane stated.

"You can't escape the way that child just did, little children," Kiishimu-sensei told us as she sent even more bubbles towards us.

Fai tried to destroy the one that was heading towards him, but it didn't burst. Kurogane, seeing that, used his rod to push Fai away from the bubble and onto another pillar as I resumed evading.

"You're so mean, Kuro-muu," Fai said as he clutched his stomach.

"If I didn'T do that, you would be burnt by now," Kurogane stated plainly.

"I know, but you could have pushed me in a nicer waaay."

"Very clever, little children," Kiishimu-sensei's voice sent chills down my spine. I quite disliked it when that happens. It usually meant that someone is going to die. I hopped away, hoping to gain a bit more security whilst doing so. "It looks like I can end this without being bored for a long time."

"Kurogane, Fai! She's going to do a massive assault!" I warned them as more drops formed from the pond and began to head towards them.

"We're in a real pinch here," I could barely hear Fai's voice as he said so.

"Ah… Fast movements, and on top of changing shapes, swelling and shrinking constantly," Fai declared.

"The only people who were able to bear up like this were your companion and that infamous Shinban from Ryonfi," Kiishimu stated as she watched the two struggle. Coming from her, that was high praise.

"Might you be referring to Chun Yan's mother?" Fai asked.

"Now that you mention it, she did mention she had a girl named that," Kiishimu-sensei recalled. "What this country truly needs is not that stupid Ryanban and his son, but people like that Shinban and you children. Right now, I cannot leave this place. I have no choice but to obey the outrageous orders being thrust upon me from he who controls me. I cannot reason, and my spirit has been manipulated, like a puppet. My own heart doesn't tell me what's right or wrong."

The purple stone shone, making me frown. Well, that is one theory proven correct… But how to break the spell?

"And although I've treasured these momants we've shared, children," she raised her hand. "It is time for us to part ways."

Waves of the pond combined with the drops that were previously floating, and attained outrageous proportions. They were so high that there was almost no doubt in my mind that we were going to die. Key word: almost.

"Whoa! Is this what you would call the most dangerous crisis?" Fai asked as he studied the waves.

"Well, if we just stand here and take that, we'll die," Kurogane declared.

"Well, that'll be a huge problem," Fai scratched his head. "Since I don't want to die!"

"You don'T want to die, but you still don't use your magic even in this crisis?" Kurogane asked.

"Yup! Sorry."

"It doesn'T matter to me," Kurogane looked at the waves before nodding at me.

"What about Kuro-mii?"

"I'm not gonna die either, 'cause I need to go back to Japan."

They were probably waiting for me to add my own statement, but I found myself incapable of doing so, as my legs suddenly buckled, making me lose my balance and plunge into the water below.

"Tsukiko!"

Strangely, the water around me wasn't as bad as I recalled. It wasn't even as bad as the rain earlier, and that was saying something. I felt as though I could also breathe, though it shouldn't be possible, with it being underwater, but I was fine. Tentatively, I opened my eyes, only to be met with the sight of a small altar that was underneath the pagoda. Curious, I swam closer to it and saw a sword, not unlike the one I had in Hanshin Republic thanks to my "kudan". The handle, the hilt, the sheath… Even the blade was exactly the same, I noticed upon closer inspection. But how did Getsuryuu get here? Unless…

With newfound determination, I began to swim towards the surface, sword in hand. However, before I could reach it, I fell into Fai's arms. Wait, Fai's arms? I looked around. We were back in the room we had arrived in. Kiishimu-sensei was kissing a very confused Kurogane on the cheek, and Fai was smiling quite happily (and sadistically on the inside, I imagine).

"You bitch. What spell did you just cast?" Kurogane asked as Kiishim-sensei opened her eyes.

"That was my way of saying thank you," she explained. "I was being held captive down here underground, by the Ryanban, who placed hijutsu on that stone." Said stone was broken to pieces at their feet.

"I see now," Fai declared. "And Kuro-pon broke it."

"And now, I am free," Kiishimu-sensei finished. "There is nothing stopping you from reaching your destination, for you children have much more backbone than that idiot father and son. I'm sorry for blocking your way?"

"Since the spell is broken, Kiishimu-sensei, could you please tell us the location of the Ryanban?" I asked.

Kurogane, who didn't notice my presence yet, looked at me in surprise.

"He is located on the top floor. I guess the smallest child will arrive first," she replied. "But they're going to use some cowardly, unfair method again… Those insects…" She looked back at us. "You two may go ahead, however, I would like to speak to the girl."

Fai's grip on me tightened, making me look at him in surprise. His face was still smiling, but his eyes… They were as deadly as Kurogane's, no, they're even deadlier.

"Um, Fai, you can put me down now," I told him gently. "I'm not injured."

He did so reluctantly, his eyes never leaving me as I set my feet on the floor and approached Kiishimu-sensei. However, before I got too close, Kurogane blocked me.

"It's fine. The only reason she attacked was because of the hijutsu," I told him. "Even if she did attack, I have this." I showed him the sword. "And I certainly won't go down quietly. You can wait right outside if you want to."

Kurogane studied my expression carefully, and let down his arm. "Tch. If you need help, we're outside." He then proceeded to take Fai with him. Once both were out of sight, I turned back towards Kiishimu-sensei.

"They were quite worried about you, and were very intent on avenging you," Kiishimu-sensei told me. "You have found yourself good companions."

"They can be a handful at times, but that's what makes them so special, I guess," I smiled fondly.

"Your friend, the seer, asked me to take care of that until you came to retrieve it. She wanted me to tell you that it has become but a shell of its true form. However, despite that, she firmly believed that it is the weapon only you can truly wield," she gestured towards the blade. "I have been waiting to return it to you for many, many years."

"The time difference between dimensions can be exhausting," I stated as I slipped the sword on my belt. "Thank you for being so patient."

"You were and still are my only student," Kiishimu-sensei touched my cheek. "Do not bring shame upon my people by being killed."

"I won't. Well, I'll try my best," I amended. "After all, it is only the start of my journey."

"You should return to your companions, little girl," Kiishimu-sensei told me. "I'm sure that we will meet again."

(Fai's POV)

"You care for her, don't you, mage?"

I quickly hid my surprised look and smile brightly. "Of course, Kuro-pii! She is one of our companions after all."

"You know that wasn't what I meant," Kuro-tan declared. "When she fell, you were the one who called out for her first. You were really worried and angry back then."

"What about you, Kuro-puu?" I asked in return. "You reacted quite violently, didn't you?"

"Even back in Hanshin, you kept a close eye on her," Kurogane reminded him. "But you won't do anything except watching."

I smiled sadly as I looked at the wall in front of me. Too many things were at stake. Things that he doesn't and will never know, because I'll keep them locked in my heart, forever.

"You know, if we stand here all day, we'll never get Sakura's feather," Tsuki-chan's voice said from between us.

"Woah, that was fast," I exclaimed as I put my hands behind my head. "So, what did Kiishimu want with you?"

"She just wanted us to catch up a bit," Tsuki-chan shrugged. "It has been a long time since we last met. For her, anyways."

"Well, now that you're here, we better get going," Kuro-chan decided.

"Kiishimu-sensei also told me that the both of you were worried," Tsuki-chan suddenly said as we went up the stairs.

Kuro-pii blushed a bit, and I could feel my own cheeks heat up a bit, though she didn't notice.

"All I want to say is… well, thank you for caring," she told us.

"It'd be troublesome if something happened to you. Especially since you're on such good terms with the Witch," Kuro-chii grumbled.

"But still, thank you." Tsuki-chan's smile wasn't radiant like Sakura-chan's, but it was soft and serene. It was a smile people would want to protect, because that smile would always comfort them in their dark times.

We arrived at the top floor a few minutes later, only to see a crowd of villagers gathered in the room along with the Ryanban, Syaoran, Mokona, Chun Yan and Sakura.

"Huh? Why are there so many people here?" I asked curiously.

"You two are so slow!" Mokona butt-headed Kurogane.

"We had quite the situation ourselves, Mokona," Tsuki-chan told her.

"Hand over the feather," Syaoran-kun demanded. "That is Princess Sakura's memory. Hand it over."

"Syaoran-kun…" Sakura-chan looked at him with surprise.

"Wait! Wait a second!" The Ryanban exclaimed. « With this, we can heal Chun Yan's mother. If I am injured or dead, it can't be done!"

I mentally scoffed at that. If that were the case, I would have revived him a long time ago… That man was truly a fool…

"By using this power, her mother will definitely…"

"You killed her! You killed my omoni, who was trying to protect this town!" Chun Yan-chan exclaimed, tears flowing on her face. "Omoni said it before! No matter what kind of power you use, the life that is lost cannot be restored. No matter how much I want to be with her, I can't! But…! How dare you try to trick me!"

"Chun Yan," Syaoran-kun spoke. "Do you want revenge?"

My eyes grew wide for a moment. Those were words that I certainly never expected him to say.

"It might help you erase the pain, but, this kind of person is not worthy enough for you to kill," he told her.

Chun Yan-chan closed her eyes, trying to blink away her tears. "This kind of low-life… He will dirty my hands if I hit him!"

Having heard her answer, Syaoran-kun continued to advance on the Ryanban.

"No… Don't touch me! No… Don't come any closer!"

A hand with long nails covered his face. "This is the end." Kiishimu made her apparition. "How dare you imprison me inside this castle."

"Ah!" The Ryanban cried out in fear.

"Give him to me," Kiishimu told us. "I will treat him very nicely."

"N-No!"

"Looks like we can trust this witch after all," I said.

"STOP IT!"

"Don't worry. I owe you a slow, long debt. I will make sure you and your son receive a royal treatment in the country of spells," Kiishimu told him as they neared the portal.

"HELP…!"

"Are you the one called Chun Yan?" Kiishimu looked towards the two girls.

"…That's right."

"Your mother was a great Shinban," Kiishimu said fondly. "Although she passed away when she fell into the trap set by this Ryanban, she told me she had learned a lot from our battle. She's looking forward to the day when you will become a more powerful Shinban than she was. Be strong. Strong enough to rival me."

"I will," Chun Yan replied confidently. "I definitely will!"

"Well then," the two sunk further into the portal of goo, for the lack of a better waord. "Good bye, dear children."

The Ryanban tried to reach out for the feather one last time, but was pulled in, and the portal closed. The sphere of glass around the feather broke completely, and Syaoran-kun retrieved it before returning it to Sakura-chan who then fell unconscious.

"Well, if there is one lesson that we have learned today, is that we should never, ever become stupid enough to anger Kiishimu-sensei," Tsuki-chan declared.

"Is she scary when she's angry?" I asked.

"Quite, but she has a good temper. Believe me when I say that neither father or son will be enjoying their time in her world," she replied, shuddering. "Some of her methods are a bit… brutal."

(Tsukiko's POV)

The next day, the whole town was much happier than before. Everywhere we went to was filled with smiling people.

"Listen up!" Sorata exclaimed from in front of his inn. "Today we celebrate the success of our long goal of toppling the Ryanban! Let's get this party started!"

We heard the villagers happily cheer in response as we stood beneath a tree not too far from the inn with Chun Yan. It felt good to be able to help others like this, like I actually accomplished something.

"Thank you so much for defeating the lord," Chun Yan thanked us.

"But I didn't even do anything!" Syaoran protested.

"If you didn't break the hijutsu surrounding the castle, we could not have been able to get near him," Chun Yan pointed out. "It's all because of you guys."

"No, really, I didn't…"

"And Kuro-pin was very powerful too!" Mokona exclaimed.

"Yup," Kurogane said smugly.

"Uh-huh. You really helped out by fixing the roof."

"What now?!"

"We have to thank you too!" Fai added. "The medicine you gave us worked really well!"

"Those medicines were made by my omoni!" Chun Yan told us. "I don't know how to make them yet, but I'll work hard! I will become a powerful Shinban who will not let omoni down!"

"Of course you will," Sakura held Chun Yan's hands. "Absolutely!"

"You'll have to work hard though!" I told her.

Three people wearing straw hats came towards us.

"We were finally able to enter the town," the blond one said with relief.

"Who are you?" Chun Yan was immediately on the defensive.

"We are the Amen'osa," the blond one replied. At his right was a boy with dark blue hair, and at his left, one with black hair. They were around my age though.

"Ah? Don't be silly," Chun Yan said, clearly remembering her previous mistake. "The Amen'osa who work for the government could never be such children-"

"It's Mito Koumon!" Mokona jumped in the middle boy's hands. "So, which one is Suke-san? And which one is Kaku-san?"

The three just looked at him with confusion.

"And where's Ukkari no Yashichi? Oh, and what about Kagerou Hachibee? And the Kazaguruma no Ogin?"

I chuckled. "Mokona, you're talking too fast. Even if you didn't, they still wouldn't understand."

True enough, "What is he talking about?" The black-haired one asked his companions.

"Who knows," the blue-haired one replied.

"Okay then, show me the seal you always break out!" Mokona amended.

The blue-haired one took out a pentagram seal with a five-point star inside and a yin yang symbol at the bottom.

Mokona's reaction to it was quite comical, as it was not what he wanted.

"That's the seal of the Amen'osa!" Chun Yan exclaimed.

"That's not the hollyhock seal…" Mokona whined as he fell on the ground.

"This guy… Why is he making such a big deal out of nothing?" Kurogane asked.

"He's just at that age," Fai replied.

"First, Mokona is female," I told them. "And remember when I mentioned what Mito Koumon was, earlier? Mokona is a big fan, so he's a bit disappointed to not be able to meet his idols. I find it quite comical, actually."

"S-So, you really are just kids," Chun Yan stuttered.

"The Ryanban placed a magical barrier around the entire town after he suddenly got ahold of such power," the blond one explained.

"Because of the barrier, people who possess hijutsu became unable to enter the town," the black-haired one continued.

"But the barrier fell…" The blue-haired one said.

"And we were finally able to come into the town," the blue-haired one finished. "Compared to the villagers, he was more afraid of the Amen'osa from the outside."

The blonde one, who I guess is their leader, approached Chun Yan and took her hands. "I apologize profusely for being late."

His own hands were covered with scratches and other small injuries, not to mention quite dirty.

"These cuts… You really did try your hardest to get in the town," Chun Yan realized.

He smiled. "Compared to your pain and suffering, this is nothing…"

"You came after all," Chun Yan told them. "Thank you."

"The one that became the Ryanban by deceit is gone," the blue-haired one declared.

"We have to choose a new Ryanban," the black-haired one told the villagers.

"It's all right," Chun Yan reassured them. "We don't need a Ryanban!" She ran in front of the crowd. "We're going to combine powers and turn Ryonfi into the most beautiful city in all the lands!"

The crowd replied with enthusiasm and cheers.

The blond Amen'osa then came towards us and stopped in front of Syaoran. "May I ask a question?

"Why did you, who are just travelers, put your lives on the line to save the town?"

"That's a very good question," Fai said.

"Who cares," Kurogane declared.

"I just hate people who rely on powers that weren't theirs to begin with," I shrugged. "And Chun Yan helped us too, so it's natural to return the favor."

"Please take it from here," Syaoran told the Amen'osa before leading us back to Chun Yan's place.

After we've changed into our normal clothes, we packed and left to the forest where the Sorata, Arashi and Chun Yan joined us to say goodbye.

"Thank you for everything, Chun Yan," Syaoran told her one last time. "We have to leave now."

"But… Where are you going?"

"Wherever the wind takes us, I suppose," I told her.

"Modoki Mokona can't wait!" Mokona's wings began to appear.

"What? Why does she have wings?" Chun Yan asked us.

"This is goodbye then," I told them. "Take care."

"But, you've just arrived…"

"We've got a mission to accomplish."

"Take care, Chun Yan."

And like last time, we were enveloped in light, and disappeared from the country of Koryo.

Next chapter is Fog Country! I think that it'll only take one chapter, but who knows... If you're lucky, that one will be done and over with by the end of the weekend!

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