Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura or any related characters. I am simply using the series cast and basic ideas in my own way to have some fun and entertain fellow CCS fans. No money was made or credit obtained in the writing of this piece of fiction.
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
Seen Change…
Archangel
Chapter 6: Syaoran
Eriol cleared his through to get everyone's attention.
"Well now that we are all here together and out in the open why don't we sit down to explain and discuss some things?"
"KERO! I told you to stay hidden."
Sakura grabbed Kero out of the sky by the tail and held him up to her angry looking face.
Kero puffed up his cheeks in anger and retaliated back at Sakura.
"Ingrate! This is the thanks I get for worrying about you. You don't deserve a guardian beast as great as me."
Kero was flailing back and forth as he yelled waving his tiny arms in the air. Trying to discern if he had heard correctly Syaoran snuck around Sakura to get a closer look at the talking creature she was yelling at.
He made no attempt to hide the mocking tone of his voice when began poking Kero in the side.
"This thing thinks it's a guardian beast? It looks like some kind of kid's bath toy."
Infuriated, Kero pulled himself from Sakura's grasp and flew up to Syaoran.
"Just who do you think you are talking down to kid? I Keroberous am the greatest guardian beast of all. Now tell me what you did to Sakura."
"Yeah, you must be real dangerous." Syaoran rolled his eyes while he spoke. "What do you do? Make your enemies laugh to death?"
Kero growled before biting down hard on Syaoran's pointed finger.
"Ow get off you stupid stuffed toy."
Syaoran shook his hand around trying to shake Kero off his finger. Eriol watched the scene play out with amusement.
"As you can see ladies my friend Fang here is very skilled at making new acquaintances." Eriol said this with a smile on his face.
Souppy nodded in agreement.
"Yes, this legendary skill is why friend Fang usually travels alone."
Eventually Sakura talks Kero down and the four humans and two guardian beasts sat around the kitchen table together. Sakura, Kero and Tomoyo sat on one side while Eriol, Souppy and Syaoran sit on the opposite side. Tomoyo placed a tray of cookies in the center of the table and poured everyone a cup of tea before taking her seat.
Kero stared down the opposite party who all seemed unfazed with the exception of Syaoran who glared back at the creature who left teeth marks in his finger.
Eriol broke the silence by clearing his throat.
"Being that we gentlemen are in the ladies debt and company I believe it best we explain ourselves first. Don't you agree Syaoran?"
"Explain what? I've got nothing to explain. And who told you to use my real name in front of …"
"Trust me Syaoran. Each of us knows something the others need to hear and time is short. If we do not act soon we may be too late to act at all."
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked concerned by the cryptic nature of Eriol's words.
Eriol began to explain his mission to the capital to investigate the Archangel rumors and gather intelligence from the old library. Eriol went on about his encounter with the Demon King and his minions and how Sakura had saved him. At this part he turned to Sakura.
"Miss Sakura I believe I already know the answer but I would like confirmation from you. Are those not the Clow Cards of the royal house you used to arrange my rescue and interfere with the vanguard?"
At this last statement Syaoran and Sakura both jumped up from their seats.
"What was that? Are you telling me this weird girl has the Clow Cards?"
"How do you know about my cards?"
Eriol smiled and sipped his tea unfazed by the other two mages.
"I know because I have been looking for them. I even hired Fang here to dig up information for me. He's now upset because he lost out on a big pay day am I right?" Eriol looked over to Syaoran who sat back down turning his glair on Sakura.
Kero stood up next to his cup of tea.
"I am the guardian beast of the Clow Cards I acknowledge Sakura as our new master because I can no longer recognize the legitimacy of the royal line or condone the cruelty that has come to the kingdom. I will offer no further explanation to how she became our master. "
"Meaning the cards will no longer respond to the blood of the royals. It is an excellent idea to keep them safe and out of the Demon King's reach, although problematic for the prince."
Sakura, Tomoyo, and Kero all looked at Eriol with bewildered expressions. What did he mean by prince? The Demon King had no children and the royal house had long been destroyed. Eriol with an 'I know all' expression on his face smile at their confusion.
"The rumors that circulate from the Rebel Militia are not false. The prince born the night the capital city fell still lives. Both friend Fang and myself have been in the Prince's company."
Eriol went on to explain that the last prince hade been saved though he did not know how. The rebel militia was formed by a man who knew and protected the prince. This man sheltered the prince and raised him in a secret location. The prince was now beginning to assist the militia but only the militia leader and a few chosen messengers were allowed to meet with him. The location of the prince was the militia's most vital secret. Eriol explained that both he and Syaoran were 'favored' messengers of the prince even though the rouge mage Fang refused to claim official affiliations with the militia.
Sakura asked if she should return the cards to the prince but Eriol shook his head.
"The cards are lost to the royal blood line and that is something we will have to accept. Besides this way they are out of the Demon Kings control even if he should acquire them."
Sakura was relieved by Eriol's answer. She had grown to love Kero and the cards more than anything and she was unwilling to part with them. Even if Eriol had demanded she surrender the cards she would not have complied.
Kero seemed to share her feelings and displayed them by resting on Sakura's shoulder. This was a clear sign in Eriol's mind that the guardian beast was unwilling to part with his current master.
"Besides the Clow Cards are no longer a primary concern of this war, for I have discovered a far graver danger."
"What are you getting at?" Syaoran asked while noticing the serious look that came across Eriol's face. Only someone who knew the Panther well would notice the unusual glint in Eriol's eyes. Fear, Eriol had discovered something during his time in the capital and it frightened even him.
Eriol took a sip of his tea before beginning.
"I am saying the king will not need the cards to solidify his reign come the harvest moon. He has found another way. I overheard their plan in the library. Nine months from now on the night of the spring solstice the King's seer will cast a spell across the astral plan. This spell will effectively cast her mind controlling treatment on every mage across the kingdom. They are confident no one will be able to resist her mind's touch, even the prince. If all the mages fall to them the resistance is lost. We will all become his slaves."
The table was silent as each person took time to contemplate what Eriol was saying. Mages who worked for the king willingly were favored with land and wealth. Those who worked to remain free lived with the fear of capture and being subjugated by the seer's treatment. For a free mage, to be controlled by the king and his seer was the worse fate imaginable. The king's puppet mages killed and used their powers as they were told with no consciousness or will. They were kept like animals in overcrowded bunkers and dispatched like weapons to the vanguard at request.
The very idea made Syaoran's blood boil and caused him to slam his fist down on the table.
"No, I would rather die than have that happen to me."
"I agree." Sakura said in a shaky voice that had fear creeping in. "Such a fate would be worse than any death could bring."
"I'll go to that castle and slit their throats, both the king and his dammed seer."
Syaoran began to stand as he spoke but stopped when Eriol touched his shoulder.
"Friend Fang if it were that easy the militia would have seen it done a long time ago. You know that."
Syaoran sat back down grumbling but his actions were a silent acknowledgment that Eriol was right.
Everyone at the table knew what Eriol meant. Assassinations were simply not possible. The king and his seer never left the sanctuary of the castle. The castle had dozens of armed vanguards covering every level. On top of that the king's puppet mages stalked the halls covering the castle with wards that would warn of any unauthorized intrusion. To top off the triple threat, the most powerful of the king's demons were stationed around the palace ready to hunt down anyone who came within their sensory range. Demons on the same level as the one that struck down Eriol. No lone wolf assassin was going to breach that palace. Only a sizeable army could even hope of penetrating the defenses and conquering the king.
Tomoyo looked around at the others. She was not a mage so she would not be effected but the thought of something so horrible happening to Sakura, or worse Sakura hurting herself to prevent it, it was all too much.
"Can… can anything be done."
The pleading look in those amethyst eyes gave Eriol pause. Somehow he felt the desire to become lost in those eyes. Eriol broke eye contact to regain his composure.
"My dear Tomoyo something can always be done."
Several Hours later Outside the Cottage…
Sakura looked at the growing pile of 'needs' Tomoyo was collecting. Among which was cookware and dried food for travel, utensils, and excessive piles of clothes fit for every occasion along with various accessories. Tomoyo insisted Sakura had to be ready for everything from bed to a royal ball. To put the clothes in, Tomoyo single handedly dragged out an armoire. Tomoyo also brought a small table with chairs for Sakura to cook and eat at. Finally Sakura had to stop Tomoyo from brining out her bed by insisting a sleeping bag would be more than enough. Tomoyo and Kero looked at their packing with satisfaction.
Eriol smiled at the collection with amusement while Syaoran looked ready to kill.
"Are you crazy or something woman. You can't possibly think we can travel with half the contents of your house."
"I only packed what Sakura will need." Tomoyo stood her ground unfazed by Syaoran's glare.
"Don't yell at Tomoyo." Sakura interjected. Syaoran may have saved her life but no one was allowed to be mean to her best friend.
"Listen I can't carry all this junk across the country."
"No one asked you to. I have my own means."
To prove her point Sakura brushed passed him and released her star wand. She took out two cards and tossed them into the air.
"Shrink everything down and place it all in my satchel. Little, Move."
Sakura taped the cards with her wand and two spirits emerged one was so small it looked like a glowing bouncing dote and the other looked like a bodiless set of wings. The bouncing dote shrank everything it bounced on to proportions that matched its tiny stature. Then the second card picked everything up and floated it over and into a satchel Sakura was holding. When they were done everything was in the bag and Sakura placed the strap across her shoulder securing her belongings before turning to Syaoran.
"See"
Syaoran just glared angrily while Eriol clapped his hands.
"Bravo Sakura, leave it to a lady to pack all her needs efficiently."
Syaoran turned his glare on Eriol looking to Sakura like he was resisting the urge to kick Eriol's crutches from under his arms.
Eriol was convinced that the key to bringing down the Demond King was by bringing down his seer first. Eriol told Sakura and the others that he had learned her name and where she was from. He was sure the secret to breaking her power was hidden in the land of her origins. The High Mountains were an isolated region few dared to venture through. Eriol was planning on traveling there to discern the truth about her and why she served the Demon King. But the High Mountains were half way across the continent. The journey would be long and too difficult for Eriol in the condition he was in now. Despite Tomoyo's protest Sakura volunteered to go.
Tomoyo had been reasonable when she told Sakura she would never be able to find her way alone. To rectify this Eriol offered up Syaoran's assistance which he quickly refused until Eriol offered a sizable reward upon Sakura's safe return to her friend's company.
Thus Fang was assigned the task of escorting and guarding Archangel while she sought after the secrets of the king's seer. Sakura made clear to Eriol that this did not mean she was joining the militia for she had her own goals and scores to settle. But simply that the danger was too great for her to ignore.
Eriol would remain in the cottage to recuperate under Tomoyo's care. Tomoyo originally wanted to go too but Eriol could still barely move and required care to recover.
Sakura and Kero both bid Tomoyo a tearful goodbye. Even though Tomoyo wanted to be optimistic she could not stop herself from expressing her concerns and again asking her friend to reconsider her decision.
"This is just so dangerous Sakura. I want to support your decision but…"
"Tomoyo don't you remember our mantra?"
The two girls looked at each other before smiling and replying in unison.
"I will definitely be alright."
"Kaho taught us that, but after our village was destroyed I stopped believing it. I don't know why but for the first time I feel like I can believe it again, even though the odds are stacked against us and we don't have a lot of time, but we need to believe it now."
With one final hug Sakura and Syaoran departed, heading north to the High Mountain Range. The two walked in silence until they reached the edge of the Pixie's forest. The path coming out had been clear but Syaoran noticed the path appeared gone when he looked back.
Looking toward Sakura Syaoran could not help but notice how sad she looked leavening the place that had offered her shelter and safety for so long. The longing in her eyes made the emerald color of them look deep and sparkle. Shaking the strange thought out of his head he coughed to get her attention.
"You can ride that stuffed toy when he changes form right?"
"Quit calling me names kid if you know what's good for you."
Kero made his point by wrapping his wings around himself and changing into his true form.
"See, pretty impressive right kid?" Kero said while strutting around with his wings spread.
"Not really." Was Syaoran's nonchalant reply infuriating Kero.
"What did you say brat?!"
"Stop it Kero." Sakura's scolding only made Kero angrier as he turned away stubbornly.
"Well I'm not giving that kid a ride anywhere."
"No one asked you to plushy."
Syaoran took out what looked to be a reed pipe from inside his shirt and began to play a few notes. The single stemmed wooden pipe looked old and probably hand crafted. The melody he played was soft and enchanting to Sakura's ears. The last note was followed by what sounded like the braying of a horse. A white feather floated down past Sakura's nose causing her to look up just as a beautiful white Pegasus descended from the sky.
The Pegasus pranced up to Syaoran who patted him gently on the nose. Syaoran took an apple out of his bag which clearly pleased the Pegasus as he snatched it up and swiftly gobbled it down.
"I got a big job that is going to take a lot of travel and we have to move fast. Can you help me out for a little while longer?"
The Pegasus stomped his foot as if to answer yes.
Sakura stared in aw. Pegasus were extremely shy creatures and rarely ever seen by people even before the coming of the Demon King. She had never heard of one bonding to a human before. Excitement quickly overtook her as she approached the two. As a child she always dreamed of meeting a real Pegasus.
"He's amazing. Where did you meet him? How did you bond with him? I heard it was impossible to…"
Sakura's questioning and her approach was stopped short by Pegasus who stood up on it hind legs kicking its front hooves out and flaring its wings clearly agitated by Sakura's proximity. Sakura quickly stepped back to give the animal the space it obviously wanted.
"Don't get the wrong idea girl. Pegasus and I have bonded but he's still wild. Pegasus here has been my friend for a long time."
Syaoran smirked as he patted Pegasus again and slipped the magical animal another apple. A silent memory passed between them.
Syaoran thinks back to when he was a child only seven years old. Syaoran was trying to teach himself how to shoot a bow and arrow and took one from the town armory without permission. He was outside a forest that surrounded his rustic little village using a target he drew into a tree. The bow was much too big and Syaoran was struggling just to hold it strait. When he let loose an arrow the bow hit the ground knocking him off balance and causing the arrow to fly off far from its intended target. After Syaoran overshot his first mark he went into the forest to retrieve the arrow so no one would know he lost it. This proved to be a mistake because he quickly got turned around and lost in the unfamiliar surroundings. While stumbling through the brush Syaoran hears a strange noise. Following the sounds he looks around a tree to see a small baby Pegasus hobbling with his arrow embedded in its leg. Horrified at the sight Syaoran rushes over to the injured animal. The baby Pegasus who is no bigger then a dog tries to run away but falls over because of its leg.
"Wait; please don't run away, you have to let me help you."
Unable to get too close to the kicking animal Syaoran takes out his read pipe and begins to play. The soothing lullaby effectively calms the baby Pegasus who stops kicking as if to better listen to the gentle tune the little human boy is playing. This gives Syaoran an opportunity to look at the wound. The arrow passed through the side of the upper part of the leg. Fortunately it passed clean through grazing only muscle and not bone. Syaoran breaks off the arrow head and grabs the hilt of the arrow.
"I'm gonna pull it out ok." The baby Pegasus appears to understand and remains still while keeping his silver eyes fixed on Syaoran's amber ones.
Syaoran pulls the arrow out in one swift motion causing the baby Pegasus to kick in pain again. Its hoof cuts Syaoran's arm but he does not react. Instead he reaches out over the wound and uses his magic to heal the baby's injury. As soon as it realizes it's healed the baby Pegasus gets up on his feet and gallops away only pausing to look back once.
Syaoran smiles while he watches it go. "I guess he's too little to fly."
Syaoran picks up the arrow bits and continues to look for the way home. Some time latter it was beginning to get cold and dark. Syaoran, tired and dirty was sitting next to a tree shivering, scared, and trying not to cry. He knew it was dangerous to fall asleep in the forest without shelter but he was exhausted and it was too dark to see. He was beginning to fall asleep when something hit him in the arm.
Syaoran looked up to see the baby Pegasus nudging him with his nose. The baby continued this until Syaoran relents and stands up. Using the animal for support Syaoran walks along with him until he began to hear voices and she torches in the distance. People from his village were in the forest looking for him and the Pegasus had lead Syaoran to the search party.
"I'm here, I'm here!"
Relief washed over Syaoran when the voices of the villagers began coming in his direction. He turned to the baby Pegasus smiling.
"Thanks"
The baby Pegasus nudged Syaoran in the direction of the search party before turning and disappearing back into the woods. Syaoran waved goodbye before making his way toward his rescuers.
A few days later Syaoran was again in the woods without permission but this time he used a pocket knife to mark his way as he went. When he was confident he was deep enough he took two apples out of his pocket and leaves them on the ground. He then plays the same song from before on his pipe.
"Baby Pegasus these are for you. I'm sorry I hurt you and thanks again for helping me when I was lost. I hope you find them."
Syaoran prepares to leave when the baby Pegasus comes out of the woods and head buts him to the ground. The baby stomps his foot as if to say they are even before going over to the apples and eating them.
"Ow, you didn't have to hit me." Syaoran yelled while stomping over to Pegasus.
Pegasus responds by nudging Syaoran again and licking at the small boy's hands as if to search for more food. This earned a giggle from the young Syaoran. He did not tell anyone in his rescue party about his encounter with the magical creature. Somehow he felt it was a special secret that he wanted to keep for himself.
"I don't have anymore but I can bring you some tomorrow ok."
The baby galloped around Syaoran as if excited by the promise. When he stopped Syaoran reached out and patted the baby on the head. A sense of magic passed between them, one that would bind them together for life.
Little Syaoran hugs the baby Pegasus. "Let's stay friends forever ok."
The baby Pegasus stomps his hoof in agreement.
Syaoran smiled to himself at the memory.
"He's not subservient to me like most bound magical creatures. He comes and goes as he pleases. But he has always been there when I needed him."
Syaoran mounts Pegasus bareback and Sakura follows suit with Keroberous.
"They will wear out faster if we fly so we will travel by land where we can and only fly if the terrain is too rough. Because of our wanted status and unusual choices of mounts we will stay off the roads and main paths. We'll stop at places along the way I know are safe to rest and resupply as we need it. We may also have to take on side jobs as we go to cover our expenses. This trip is going to take a couple of months and there is no telling how long we will need once we arrive. I know you are not accustomed to lengthy travel but I expect you to keep up got it."
Sakura just nodded her head while Kero mumbled something about bossy kids. With a click of his heals he was off with Keroberous right behind.
They rode at a moderate pace in silence for several hours. The lack of conversation was beginning to bother Sakura who was really missing Tomoyo's company. The thought of traveling in silence for months with this grouch Syaoran was not a cheerful prospect. She looked over to her traveling companion wondering what made him who he was. He was obviously a strong warrior and a powerful mage. Eriol seemed to trust him and he risked himself to rescue her too. But why was he working as a mercenary for hire and not the rebel militia? And if the prince's identity and location was such a secret why a mercenary would be allowed to meet with him?
"Syaoran why are you a traveling mercenary?"
By the look on his face her sudden question had caught him off guard.
"I mean your friend Eriol is part of the militia rebellion, why aren't you?"
"I've got my reasons." The finality in his voice made Sakura feel like the conversation was over.
Kero growled before speaking. "Stupid kid. Can you be more vague?"
"What about you and that pet cat? Why sneak around playing guardian angel alone in the capital? Why don't you join the militia?"
"I guess it's because I don't want to get too attached to anyone ever again."
Sakura missed the confused look Syaoran gave her as she fingered the silver ring that hung around her neck. Her eyes were glazed over as she remembered people and a place far from where she was today. The painful and bitter memories of the day she lost her family and her future still stabbed and the very essence of her sole. Since the day he was taken from her Sakura wore Yukito's ring around her neck. There his love would stay and shield her heart from ever being touched by anyone ever again. She would avenge him and her village one day. That goal was all that kept her going and she felt this journey was the first step to accomplishing her goal. Once that goal was realized she would go and join her lover where he was in the after life.
"I guess we are both the lone wolf type."
The two remained mostly silent after that conversation. Both still feeling uneasy around their mysterious new travel companion and neither knowing what where their boundaries were. With their superior speed and stamina the two magical beasts they rode covered a large amount of land in very little time. By dusk they were coming on their intended destination a small town miles away from the capital called Vesna. When Vesna came in sight Syaoran directed Pegasus to let them down near the outskirts of the crop fields. As they approached both Keroberous and Pegasus tried to walk in front of the other becoming more aggressive with every step.
"Race you to the field nag." Kero dared before picking up speed.
Pegasus grunted his response and the two took off leaving their riders no choice but to hang on. Both quickly picked up the fighting spirit of their partner as they leaned with them around the banks of the valley that lead to Vesna.
"Come on Kero you can do it." Sakura shouted and laughed as they raced. This was just the distraction the two needed to lighten the mood.
"Sorry girl but Pegasus and I don't loose." Syaoran smugly stated as he began to pull ahead. "Looser has to pay for tonight's dinner."
"You heard him Kero, win and you get second helpings on desert."
A renewed since of urgency gripped the guardian beast as the willed his body forward pulling ahead.
"CAKE, CAKE, CAKE, CAKE, CAKE!"
Syaoran smirked while pulling out an ofuda with the word wind on it. He said a chant into the sutra charm that created a circle of wind which shot up from the ground beneath Sakura and Keroberous. Sakura screamed and shielded her eyes while Keroberous stopped in his tracts. The wind lasted only a few seconds but it was long enough for Syaoran to reach the finish line, also known as the corn field, first.
"I win." Syaoran stated while dusting himself off.
Sakura was furious as she stomped over to him.
"You cheated!"
"The only rule was the first one to the crop line wins. We never agreed not to use magic."
Pegasus stomped his hove in agreement.
"I see how you are, fine, I will remember that for next time."
"Don't think I'm gonna forget either."Kero yelled after he shrank back to his true form. He flew off into Sakura's bag complaining about cheating brats. Sakura stomped towards the town while Syaoran took his pack down from Pegasus.
"See you in the morning buddy. Stay close ok."
Pegasus took off to the sky with out making a sound.
"Now when we get into town…." Syaoran turned only to realize Sakura was no where in site.
"Stupid girl."
Syaoran grabbed his bag and rushed to catch up to Sakura.
Coming up to the town Sakura noticed the shops were beginning to close. She looked around and saw people running about rushed to finish their business and head back home. A horn sounding in the distance caught her attention as she saw several vanguard soldiers stalking up the streets. Out of habit Sakura ducked to the side of a building to conceal herself in its evening shadow.
"Move it people curfew is at sundown. Anyone caught out after dark will have to pay extra tribute to the king."
An old man who was pushing a cart along the road hit a bump that sent his entire load of corn crashing to the ground near where the vanguard men stood.
"Hey old man, watch what you are doing."
The Vanguard soldier grabbed the old man by the color and pushed him back into his corn pile.
"Miserable old farmer I should have this whole town's stupid field burned for your insubordination."
The old man crawled out of the corn and bowed with his head to the ground before the snickering vanguard.
"Please sir it was an accident and my fault alone. Please do not punish everyone because of me." The old man visibly shook as he begged
One of the soldiers answered by kicking the old man in the ribs.
People who walked pass just looked away and quickened their pace ignoring the all too common scene.
"Stop It!"
Horrified by the sight Sakura yelled and was set to run to the old man's defense but someone grabbed her upper arm and pulled her back.
"Who said that!"
The Vanguard men looked around for the source of the outcry but saw no one. People just continued past avoiding eye contact.
"Dame peasants need to remember their place."
With one last kick the vanguard walked away leaving the old man on the ground next to his wagon.
Syaoran clamped his hand down on Sakura's mouth holding her back until the vanguard men were out of sight. When he relinquished his hold on her Sakura pushed him back a step while glaring angrily at him.
"Why did you do that? That man needed help and…"
"Listen girl this is not the capital. You can act on your own just fine there because the Demon King can't destroy his own city. You know the laws of community punishment the Vanguard instills. You cause trouble here and all of Vesna will suffer. It only takes one person and one act to condemn a town and its populace."
Syaoran would have continued his lecture if not for the look Sakura gave him. Her anger had been replaced by a haunted look of horror and pain that sent a dagger through his own heart. It was it that moment he knew, something terrible had happened to this girl.
"I know what happens when the Demon King is displeased you don't have to tell me."
Sakura walked away and over to the old man who was trying to turn his wagon over while wincing from the bruises the assault left him. Syaoran followed and the two silently went to either side of the old man and helped him lift his cart. They quickly began to pick up and re-pile the corn.
Sakura noticed a single tear trail down the old man's eye as they worked.
"You should not be helping me." He whispered. "If the vanguard sees you…"
"Let's just work fast so they don't." Syaoran interrupted "It's almost curfew."
When they finished picking up the corn the old farmer gave them a node of acknowledgment before quickly heading on his way.
Syaoran turned in the opposite direction and Sakura followed behind with a million thoughts running through her head.
"It shouldn't be this way. People should not be scared to stand up for each other and do the right thing."
"You're right."
His agreement surprised her so much that Sakura quickened her pace to walk beside him and look at his face just to be sure she heard him correctly.
"This town hasn't found its courage yet. Until it does, things will stay this way. The people of Clow, every person in every town, city, and village has to stand up to take back what the vanguard has taken from them. It's the only hope we really have to get our kingdom back."
Sakura blinked at him surprised by his words for a second time.
"Wow it sounds like you have given this a lot of thought. You almost sounded like a wise leader for a moment."
Sakura smiled at her own teasing. For a moment Syaoran thought her smile looked beautiful, no angelic even. He shook the thought from his mind and hurried his pace without warning. He needed some distance from this girl. Sakura ran behind him to keep up yelling for him to slow down.
Sakura followed after Syaoran wondering where he was leading them. During their journey Syaoran said he had a contact in Vesna but he did not elaborate on it. Eventually just as night fall was setting in they came upon a small rundown looking tavern tucked away in the back alleys of the town. They only reason she noticed the place at all was because of all the yelling and noise coming from inside. As if to confirm her unease a window to her right shattered as a man came flying through it.
"You can't be serious." Sakura and Kero both said in unison.
"It's not as bad as it looks and the owner only lets in people he knows, so it's safe."
Right on cue a man who could be mistaken for a mountain ogre opened the front door.
"Don't come here getting touchy with my serving girls."
Kero dashed back into Sakura's bag when Ogre man looked their way. Sakura could feel herself sweating under the towering man's gaze.
Syaoran appeared unaffected.
"Hi Frances think you could put me up for the night."
"Frances? What kind of name is Frances for a giant ogre man." Kero whispered to Sakura from under the flap of her bag.
Frances turned from Sakura back to Syaoran with an angry growl.
"What's with the girl Fang? I know you're a young guy with needs but my old lady is going to pitch a fit when she finds out your picking up harlots and bringing them here."
"Harlot! How dare you I'm not…"
Syaoran covered Sakura's mouth with his hand to stop her from yelling and attracting attention.
"It's not like that she is…ow."
Syaoran pulled his hand back and glared at Sakura for biting him. Sakura just stuck her tongue out at him.
"She is my friend, I think. She will need a room of her own."
"Well, that is a different story. I should have figured she was too pretty to be a street tramp. Come in, come in."
He motioned the two forward and closed the door behind him.
"So what is your story little lady?"
"Ummm…" Sakura paused unsure of how much of the truth she should give to this man.
Syaoran spoke instead.
"She is a rouge mage I'm working a job with. A special one, the infamous Archangel from the capital."
Frances gaped openly at Sakura for a moment. He like others had heard stories of the strange woman that plagued the Demon King right outside his walls. Some believed she really was heavenly sent. But a rouge mage did make for a more plausible explanation.
"It's a real honor miss. I've heard stories about you. Don't worry there is no place safer then Fran's Tavern. Fang here and his buddy Panther put a spell on the place so only those who are seeking refuge from the vanguard can notice it. Even their demons can't find us. Good thing too considering all the noise."
The three walked into a noisy bar. It was full of men and women drinking and dancing while others played music. Despite the rough looking crowd there was a welcoming feeling radiating from this place that made Sakura smile.
"Hey everyone look who's still alive." Frances yelled as he walked in.
"Fang!" The crowd yelled out and the music began to play even louder as people used Fang's arrival as an excuse to drink more.
"Really Frances?"
"Whatever gets them to spend more money, gotta keep this place running."
Before Sakura could take anymore in two people jumped on either side of Syaoran grabbing him by the arms.
"Fangy, fancy running into you here." One said in a drunken lisp.
"Ryou, Masaya what are you two doing here." Syaoran said in an annoyed tone.
"Hoping to hear from you concerning the job you were not hired for."
The two dragged Syaoran over to the far corner next to the bar. It was as secluded as you could get in the overcrowded pub. Sakura just followed not knowing what else to do. She had never felt so out of place in her life.
When they sat Ryou turned to Sakura as she approached.
"What are you following us for woman?"
"Relax guys she's ok. This is Archangel from the capital. She saved Panther's butt, I found him in her company. He's hurt but he'll recover. He's with an ally of hers recuperating and once he's better he'll head back east. She is partnering with me on a new job right now."
Both men, who Sakura just noticed to be, twins looked at her before high fiving each other.
"Alright new ally."
"And a cute one too."
The twins both reached over and grabbed Sakura by her arms and pulled her to sit down at the table with them.
"Sorry about being rude but you can't be too careful about who you trust these days. I'm Ryou and this is my little brother Masaya. We are messengers for the rebel militia."
"Excuse me." Masaya pushed Ryou's face over so he could be in front. "I don't want you to miss understand the situation. I am the older brother."
"No I am." Ryou pushed his brother's face out of Sakura's line of sight.
"No you're not. Everyone agrees I'm older looking and more mature."
"Nobody but you thinks that. It is obvious to everyone but you, that I am the oldest."
"Well mom says she thinks I'm older."
"Well dad says he thinks it's me."
The two continued arguing while Sakura watched unsure how to respond. Next to her Syaoran sighed in exasperation. They were always like this when they were drunk.
"The truth is their parents forgot which one was born first. Don't ask me why it matters but they argue about it all the time."
Just then a young girl carrying a tray came up to the table. She looked to be about 13 years old with short brown hair and eyes. She wore a simple brown dress with a serving apron on. She placed four mugs of ail on the table.
"It's on the house, from mother."
Sakura turned to see a short woman standing next to Frances the ogre man. She was short and pudgy with dark hair and wearing a similar brown dress and an apron. The top of her head stopped at her husband's waist.
"Strange pair."
"Thanks Maggie." Syaoran barely looked at the girl but she still blushed and hid her face behind her tray.
"Do you want anything to eat Mr. Fang?"
"Some of your ma's famous beef stew will be great."
"Same for me."
Ryou and Masaya shouted their orders while walking around the table hands locked together trying to wrestle the other down.
"Since I am not paying I think I will have a nice big steak with some mashed potatoes on the side and whatever vegetable your mom wants to toss in."
Syaoran leaned back on his chair and smirked at Sakura who glared at him.
"I'll have some grilled flounder if you have it. With some apples whole not cut."
"Ok, I'll get your food right away."
"Thanks Maggie you're the best." Syaoran was still smirking at Sakura as he spoke but his words caused the little waitress to turn beat red and hide her face behind her tray.
"Really." She giggled and ran away bumping into people as she went.
"Is she ok." Sakura asked as she watched the retreating girl head behind the bar and fall down.
"She's fine." Masaya said as he and his brother continued to circle the table. "She just has a huge crush on Fang here."
"Poor Fangy he can't help that the ladies love him." Ryou agreed. "You better not go breaking our little Maggie's heart you wolf you."
Both brothers clasped each other on the shoulder before howling like wolves into the air.
"Oh Fang I love you, you're so awesome, and cool and manly."
"Oh Fang I wanna have your children, do what you want to me."
Syaoran glared at the brothers in annoyance before his smirk returned. Syaoran took a sip of his drink and put it down before speaking.
"I wonder what Rika and Naoko would say if they knew you stopped here to drink and play around while on the job."
Both brothers stopped and became noticeably pale making Sakura wonder who this Rika and Naoko were. She could not help but laugh when both brothers went to their knees and began begging Syaoran not to tell and offering him anything he wanted for his silence. While they were pleading with and hugging Syaoran who was trying to push them away Maggie came and put a basket with three apples on the table.
"I'll be right back."
Sakura took the apples and darted off.
"Where is she going?" Syaoran watched her turn to the direction of the bathroom before relaxing.
"Maybe she uses apples for some weird female beauty treatment."
"Yeah I have seen girls do some strange things to their faces."
"I don't even want to know. Now get off me."
Syaoran pushed the two brothers away and onto the floor.
In the bathroom Sakura summoned her star wand and used the Through card to pass through the walls to the outside. She then used the Jump card to jump silently from one roof to another until she came up to the town fields. She passed through the corn field silently and was confident no one saw her slip out of town past curfew. At the edge of the field she took out another card but was stopped by Kero popping out of her bag.
"What are you doing?"
"Making a new friend I hope. That is if my plan works."
Kero looked at the card she held confused. What was she planning to do with that one?
"Mimic the melody Syaoran played on his pipe, Song"
The song spirit appeared in front of her mistress and did as commanded playing the notes in a soft voice.
When the melody was complete Pegasus appeared from the sky landing a few feet away. When it noticed Syaoran was not present Pegasus became immediately agitated and flared its wings preparing to fly away.
"Please wait, I am not going to hurt you."
Sakura took an apple from the basket and held it out in front of her. Pegasus took an immediate interest in the bright red treat.
"Syaoran said you forage for yourself but I wanted to brig you a gift to show there are no hard feelings about the race. I saw Syaoran giving you apples before so I though you liked them."
Pegasus eyed the apples and the girl holding them suspiciously. There was plenty around for him to eat but he had a taste for apples and human grown apples were especially good.
The girl placed the apple on the ground and took several steps back giving him room. Sure that she was not moving Pegasus trotted up to the apple and began eating it.
"Are you telling me you came all the way out here to feed the cheating horse?"
Sakura shushed at Kero and pushed him back into the bag. She had always wanted to see a real Pegasus and she was not going to miss out on a chance to become friends with one while they were traveling together.
"Great you feed the horse, now what about me?"
"I'll feed you when we get back to the room. There are too many people in the tavern for me to slip you something."
When Pegasus was finished eating he grunted his approval and stomped on the ground eye the remaining two apples in the basket. Sakura took the second apple and held it out in her hand. Pegasus slowly trotted closer before snatching the apple and fluttering back several paces. When he was finished with the second apple Sakura held out the third but this time closer to her body.
"Come on its ok, see I'm nice."
This time Pegasus came up and ate the apple directly from her hand apparently deciding Sakura was not a threat. He licked her hand a little when she was done earning a giggle from the girl with the soothing presence. Sakura tensely raised her hand up and patted Pegasus on the head. She was practically bursting with happiness when the majestic creature closed its eyes and allowed her to pet him.
"You're the most magnificent magical creature I have ever seen."
"Sakura! You don't think that nag is better then me do you?"
A teary eyed Kero flew up to Sakura's face surprising Pegasus who took a few steps back.
"Kero! You scared him."
"So what it's a winged horse what's the big deal!"
The winged horse responded to Kero by blowing hard threw its nose causing the guardian beast to loose balance and crash into the ground.
"That's it! You want a piece of me you girl's coloring book reject."
Before Kero could lung at Pegasus Sakura griped him in her hand.
"I got to go back but I'll see you in the morning bye."
Sakura turned running back through the corn field with Kero in hand yelling about revenge. Sakura could not stop smiling the whole way back. Suddenly paying for Syaoran's dinner did not feel like such a big deal.
Back at the Tavern
"Where were you?" Syaoran asked as soon as Sakura got back to the table. She had been gone way to long for a bathroom break. Even a girl's bathroom break.
"Making some new friends."
Sakura smiled brightly at him causing him to blush and look back to his dinner.
As the night went on Sakura spent most of the evening talking and drinking with Ryou and Masaya. She laughed as the two danced arm in arm around the tables with the crowd cheering them on. An open spaced was left in the center of the tavern for people to dance in and Sakura enjoyed watching people have such care free fun. It had been so long since she laughed and danced and it felt great. After a few too many drinks Sakura and several others found themselves dancing arm to arm around the room with the brothers leading the way. As word spread that she was Archangel everyone in the tavern seemed to want to introduce themselves to her.
Syaoran watched with little interest. He could feel the alcohol clouding his senses too. Maggie kept refilling his glass making him loose track of how much he drank. It was not something he usually did but he had been distracted by Sakura and that dame smile she kept giving him. Not to mention all the annoying guys flirting with her. For some reason, that was irritating him to no end. Syaoran rubbed his temples in an attempt to ward off his irritation. It had to be the alcohol.
'Dame Ryou and Masaya, did they have to order four pitchers of mead?'
"Fangy come join us." Ryou called from across the room.
"Not happening."
Not about to be dragged into their nonsense, Syaoran decided to head up to his room for the night. But as soon as he stood up from his chair Sakura appeared in front of him visibly drunk and happy about it.
"You know I have come to the conclusion that you are a mean and boring person."
Sakura pointed a finger in his nose making several people around them laugh.
"And I have come to the conclusion that you are drunk and need to be put to bed." He told her.
"I don't wanna." Sakura turned around crossing her arms and pouting like a child.
"You are just cranky because you don't know how to have fun. I bet you can't dance either."
"I can, I just don't want to."
"Yeah right, the mighty Fang all talk and no bite."
Syaoran eye twitched as he glared at her. Maybe it was the alcohol but her taunting was really pissing him off.
"I know he should do the Right of Passage dance with Archangel that would prove he can move." A woman called out from the crowd.
Excitement spread through the tavern at the suggestion.
"Yeah that would be awesome to see again after so many years."
"I've never scene it."
"You almost never see two mages anywhere at the same time anymore so it never happens."
"Yeah, do it."
"DO IT! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!"
Syaoran's twitching became worse as he tried to drown out the chanting of the crowd. Was this girl out to destroy his reputation or something?
"Well what do you say, looser pays for the rooms tonight? Of course if you can't do it…"
Syaoran surprised Sakura when he gripped her by the wrist and stared her down strait in the eye. His pride was not going to stand down before this girl.
"Alright, you're on!"
Excited and encouraging cheering went up threw the crowd as they moved to make room for the two in the center of the dance area. The Right of Passage was a ritualistic dance that had been preformed by mages at festivals in the old kingdom. When a young mage reach maturity they would perform the dance, usually with a comrade, parent, mentor, or sibling. Most mages stayed in the same town for generations so when the local family had a child come of age it was a big deal in the whole town and the festival that year would revolve around the dance. This practice stopped after the rise of the Demon King but most free mages still knew and passed the steps to the dance on in secret. But since most free mages lived in hiding it was rare to see the dance performed openly. The dance itself looked more like a mock fight then a dance and was suppose to be an amazing spectacle to watch.
The musicians who were all old enough to remember the old kingdom switched the tempo of the music from lively party music to the deep dramatic tempo that went along with the dance. Sakura and Syaoran bowed to one and other before bringing the back of their right hands up to meet in perfect synchronicity. The two began to walk in a circle their hands still touching. The world around seemed to fade away as amber and emerald eyes bore into each other daring the other to move first. The tempo of the music picked up as the two jumped away from each other and began performing the steps to the dance.
The dance itself was a mix of martial arts and dance that when performed well made the participants look like they are in a choreographed fight rather than a dance. In the old kingdom the performers would practice for days and even then it was rarely done flawlessly.
The fact that both Sakura and Syaoran were drunk and unpracticed made their performance even more impressive. The two moved in perfect unison as if they had done so a million times together. Their movements were perfectly coordinated with each other and the music. Not a single mistake was made right up to the end when both cartwheeled on to their hands and launched themselves in the air to land in the place the other last stood. They turned to meet hand to hand as Syaoran pulled Sakura towards himself and back. Sakura twirled to his lead before the two did one final turn bringing the back of their hands up to meet with the last beat of the song.
Applause, cheering, and toasting went up through the room
"Well what do you think of that?" Frances asked his wife.
Never in his life had he seen Fang act in such a bold and public manner.
His wife was smiling while she watched the two openly argue about who won the bet.
"They look cute together. He seems different with her somehow, happier maybe. I think Archangel may be just the woman Fang needs in his life. I've always worried he would never find happiness and love in his life with the way he is so distant from everyone."
"I think she is ugly and stupid."
Both turned to their daughter as she throws down her drying towel and storms off.
"I don't think our daughter has accepted that Fang is too old for her."
Masaya and Ryou had the whole tavern vote and they heavily declared Sakura as the winner. Causing Sakura to jump up and down while sticking her tongue out at a grumbling Syaoran who felt the results were skewed. The tavern had far more men then women and of course they all voted for Sakura. After the voting Frances began to clear the place out, most were staying in rooms in the connecting inn while others snuck back home through the shadows of the night.
Frances's wife Tammy led Sakura and Syaoran up to their room for the night. Syaoran requested two rooms but there was only one available and it had only one large bed. Tammy giggled out an apology before telling the two to 'behave' and leaving.
'Just my luck.'
Sakura is ½ passed out with one arm flung around Syaoran for support. He discards their bags to the side and pulls Sakura over to the bed. She tumbles into bed laughing about having a fun night before promptly falling asleep. Syaoran takes off her shoes and tucks her in.
"Hey what about my dinner."
Kero's complaint are quieted when Syaoran hands him a sizable piece of cake he had packed for the beast figuring Sakura was to inebriated to feed the whinny magical creature.
Syaoran kicked off his shoes and looked toward the munching Kero and the snoozing Sakura before heading to the wash room for a much needed bath.
'I hope this is not a preview of the rest of this journey.'
In the morning Sakura awoke with a disorientating headache.
'What would my parents say if they saw me hung over and sharing a room with a guy?'
She looked over to Syaoran who was sleeping in an uncomfortable looking position in a large chair with a blanket.
'Maybe he's not such a bad guy after all.'
After washing up and waking Kero, Sakura roused a cramped and grouchy Syaoran who promptly blamed her for his misery and oversleeping. Rather than argue Sakura surprised him by using the Little card to shrink his belonging the same way she did her own.
"Stop complaining it's easier to carry isn't it?"
It was but Syaoran was not going to give her the satisfaction by admitting it.
A knock on the door alerted the trio to the arrival of Ryou and Masaya who invited Sakura and Syaoran to breakfast. They told Syaoran they would inform the militia leader about the Panther and thanked Syaoran for finding him.
"Do you have a message we should pass to the Prince?"
Ryou looked at Syaoran as he spoke to the mercenary.
This caught Sakura's attention because their question meant that these two, rowdy as they were, had direct contact with the prince. Something Eriol claimed was an exclusive privilege to a select few in the rebel militia.
'They must be important.'
"Tell him I have plenty of work lined up and won't be taking any jobs from him for a while."
"He won't be pleased. You are one of his favorite demon killing gofer. Despite not being an active militia agent." Masaya spoke this time.
"That is the point. I can do what I want, when I want, and go where I want. I don't answer to anybody and that is the way I like it."
They all bid Frances and his family goodbye before leaving the tavern. Sakura feared her hangover was worse than she thought because it was making her feel like Maggie was giving her dirty looks through breakfast. She was also confused when Tammy gave her a hug goodbye.
"Take good care of him. He's a little rough around the edges but he is a good and kind boy at heart."
Take care of who? Did this woman somehow know about Kero? Had she seen him stealing bites of her breakfast? She decided not to tell Syaoran in case he overreacted.
Ryou and Masaya went off their own way once they reached the outskirts of the town. Hidden amongst the corn field Syaoran plays the same melody from before on his flute and Pegasus promptly appears. While Syaoran puts his flute away he reminds Sakura not to get too close to Pegasus. But when he turns around he falls over at the sight of Sakura petting Pegasus while the magical animal eats and apple from her hand.
"You are so friendly. I'm going to call you Rainbow, huh what do you think." Sakura hugs Pegasus as she speaks.
Syaoran stares at Sakura absolutely dumbstruck.
"What are you doing?"
"Feeding him, obviously. Can't you tell?"
"But you can't… I'm the only one he… His name is not Rainbow."
Pegasus stomps his foot and grunts his approval.
"You traitorous horse! What do you mean you like it?
Pegasus grunts and flaps his wings a little.
"What do you mean she is nice and cute? Will you just go to anyone who holds an apple in front of your nose?"
Sakura and Kero stand back and watch the two converse. Pegasus would occasionally push Syaoran over with his head as Syaoran tried to pull at his main.
"Can he understand Rainbow?" Sakura asked Kero.
"Well they are bonded so I guess it could be possible. Unusual, but possible."
"How cute that must mean that Syaoran and Rainbow's bond is special."
"He's name is not Rainbow. He's a horse not a mare." Syaoran yelled at Sakura who glared back.
"I can tell that he's a boy, and I think it's better than just calling him Pegasus. He reminds me of my favorite childhood story. The two main characters were a Pegasus named Rainbow and a bunny named Cotton."
"Hey maybe if we start calling the kid Cotton he'll stop complaining."
"This is the worse job ever, my dignity won't survive much more of this. I'm going to kill Eriol myself next time I see him."
Vesna means spring in Slavic
Sorry for the long wait but we both have two jobs and work 7 days a week now. Dame student loans! I have most of the first half of this story rough drafted and we are still plotting out the second half and final chapters. Updates may be kind of slow but I promise the story is alive and well. Expect more to come.
