This is the result. I edited it in the middle of my exam week and struggle to open this site because the internet connection is so suck (since the earthquake in China). Please enjoy.
Chapter 10: procéder
Disc: From the character designer of Code Geass Lelouch
Syaoran and Kurogane were having breakfast. Their room has the same characteristic as the one in Akira's house. A small table on the middle of the room, two bed at the right side, some cabinets full of decoration thingy and book shelf at the opposite side.
They weren't preparing much for the meeting today. (Well, there nothing to be prepared if you don't know the real meeting intention right? The highest possibility is they may be investigated and questioned like a criminal in the court. But no worries, I didn't put it like that! )
They were eating in their own room, not because they weren't permitted to go out. Just not enough moods to do it. The food was being delivered personally by the maids to their room and served on the table. Some slices of bread and a few kinds of fruit butter were positioned aesthetically in the basket. Syaoran wore a white shirt with long sleeves beneath his mousy vest and trousers. Kurogane wore a crimson knee-length button coat that has slits at both sides until his hip. His trousers have the same color. Those were not their own clothes. It was the one provided by their house lord. No, it wasn't because they didn't have any decent outfit for a formal meeting, a respectable suit was packed in each of their belonging, but… it was in the inn of the city beyond the forest. So… Since it was rather troublesome to go there and take it plus the house lord had considered those case on their behalf and supplied proper clothes, they didn't need to waste time to think about it anymore.
Syaoran put a little orange butter on his bread and took some bites. Kurogane ate them plainly. Before they finished their breakfast, someone was knocking on the door. Syaoran went to open it.
"Nokoru-sama said that we will depart for the castle this morning." The male maid said.
"Oh, okay. We're almost finished." Syaoran replied.
"Then I will escort to where Nokoru-sama had waited. Another maid also had been sent to Meilin-san."
They followed the maid, walked out of the room, went downstairs, and walked oppositely from the main gate.
This mansion seemed normal from the outside but the inside is huge. Syaoran thought on the way
Nice paintings at the wall, vases on cabinet almost at each corridor, so many doors lead to unknown room. Nokoru-san sure is rich. I wonder beside the store and secret agent, what other work that he does…. His eyes caught every detail that he had seen and his brain reeled though his expression was very relaxed.
The maid stopped in front of the door at the end of the corridor. He opened the door and held it so Syaoran and Kurogane able to pass. They walked out of the corridor and stepped on brick path which surrounded by fresh grass, coated with dew. They trailed the path and went into the stable in front of them. The stable was spacious. Probably more than 20 horses were kept in there. Nokoru along with his two best friends were already waiting. They seemed to indulge in a serious talk. Three of them wore the same English tuxedo with different color. Nokoru wore white shirt under his black tuxedo along with a pair of black trousers, Suoh wore dark blue color while Akira wore khaki color. They were not the only group inside the stable; another 10 maids also accompanied them, lined neatly in their right and left side. Nokoru stopped talking and smiled while saw his guests coming.
"Good morning, Syaoran-san, Kurogane-san." Nokoru greeted.
"Good morning too, Nokoru-san, Akira-san, Suoh-san." Syaoran replied politely. Suoh and Akira nodded as civilly. Kurogane just growled. He never liked the formality.
"Has Meilin come here?" Syaoran asked Nokoru.
"Oh, yes. She is taking a tour to decide on her own horse. We'll ride to the castle. You may pick whichever you like or if you feel it's too troublesome, we'll pick one for you."
"Thank you. I'm very interested in your horse collection. I should not waste this chance to take a tour." Syaoran praised Nokoru.
"Ahaha… Thank you for your compliment. Just explore to your heart content. After you set your choice, we'll soon depart." Nokoru beamed.
Syaoran nodded and started to check out on each horse. All of the horse has high quality. It's almost as good as the one we have on our castle's stable. The expense to buy either to care for them is not cheap…
At last Syaoran chose a brown horse and Kurogane chose a big black horse. They also had met Meilin. She wore an emerald sleeveless cheongsam type vest and a trouser with the same color. She had chosen a white horse which was smaller than usual but the quality was not disappointing.
As soon as everything settled, they set off together to the castle. Syaoran noticed that Nokoru's mansion were at the outer skirt of the capital city. The outer region's houses were more like western style but when they entered deeper to the city, the houses change into modest Japanese style. The buildings were not very high and Syaoran predicted the highest house they have probably only three floors. The street was busy as usual. People met people and chatted, some were busy shopping, some kids were running and playing with their friends, market trader were happily trying to seduce you to buy something, everything was just as common and as lively as a city can be. The only building that catches their eyes is a high tower at the north side. The tower was white, the top was flat, and there was a small window-without-glass near the top. They were heading toward it and slowly Waeter's castle came into sight. They passed a highway that connected the castle and the city. The castle was the only building at the center of the lake. It was as if an island floating in the middle of the lake.
"Wow… The castle is like floating…" Meilin stated in awe.
"Oh yeah… I forgot you're not from here… The Waeter city was build on a lake. The royal ancestor built this castle disconnected to the city to ensure its safety." Akira explained.
The castle was covered with hedge as dungeon wall and guards were guarding on the entrance path. "Hoee… Are there any ferocious creature down there?" Meilin asked while looked down to the water surface, hearing Akira's explanation she assumed something deadly might appeared to eat her if she fell into the water.
"No. It's not like what you think." Nokoru laughed watching her reaction. "This castle has only one entrance so no one can sneak in. The bushes were also thorny enough to block anyone who wanted to enter. This castle was also protected with some magic." Nokoru explained again.
"It's the only entrance and the only way out." Syaoran uttered.
"Yes. That is the negative part. But luckily there weren't any war since hundred years ago so it doesn't really matter." Suoh replied. "…Though the situation won't always be as calm as it is." He added.
They passed the guards after Nokoru had talked with them. Syaoran noticed the castle isn't very high and he can see, although some roofs were only plain white but at some section they have a green cross line. They crossed the small yard in front of the castle and leapt down from their horses at the entrance door. Some horse keepers approached them and took the horse to another place. The castle itself has a Greek architecture. Two big pillars supporting the half-sphere roof can be seen decorating the entrance door. The door was also opened and guarded by another guards. Nokuru spoke to one of them and the guard ran inside. When Syaoran entered, the guard stopped him. Not only him but Kurogane and Meilin as well.
"Please leave your weapon here."
Kurogane was about to rebut but Nokoru was faster. "I'm sorry. I forgot to mention that weapon is not allowed inside the castle."
"It's not like we want to decapitate her or something…" Kurogane snorted.
Syaoran put out his palm and said, "It's all right. We'll leave the weapon here. It is also our way to show our respect and goodwill."
Kurogane made no other comment and although he heavily dislikes to be separated from his sword, he didn't make any other objection. Syaoran and Meilin also handed over their sword and bow.
"It's okay; hime-sama will not do anything that can hurt you. I can guarantee that." Nokoru said to comfort Kurogane. Kurogane still looked displeased but he replied nothing.
The first guard came back.
"Hime-sama had waited at the great hall. Please proceed through."
Nokoru nodded and they went inside. They gaited through dim corridor, lighted by sunshine that went through the window-without-glasses. The beauty of the garden can be seen through those windows. They halted in front of a large stone door. The large gate was carved with many pictures and words that Syaoran and his friends couldn't read. Syaoran reminded himself that he would ask about it later.
"Wah What a huge gate. I wonder if it's very heavy…" Meilin commented.
Akira and Nokoru smiled at her. Suoh didn't change his serious expression, no comment as usual.
"It's not as heavy as you think." Nokoru said. Akira touched the door and it seemed to open by itself. The door didn't make a high-pitched cracked like the normal heavy door usually produced, instead it opened slowly, quietly but steady.
Meilin gaped. "How can…"
"Hahaha… We'll tell you later about that, Meilin-san." Akira said. Kurogane and Syaoran also astonished but they just didn't show it in their face. Another question added into Syaoran's note.
The door opened to reveal a big hall. The three fellows were very astonished and none of them can hide the expression this time.
The floor was covered with white ceramic. They can see the sky trough the roof as if the roof is made from glass. The surrounding wall is also transparent. They can see the very same garden outside the room which was part of the garden they've seen. The huge stone door cricked quietly again behind them and closed itself. Then the door vanished and replaced by the view of the corridor which they've passed before.
"This is… awesome…" Meilin gawked. Syaoran only nodded in agreement. The other three male just smile understandingly.
"Welcome to Waeter's castle, our respectable guests. Please come forward." A male voice heard from the other end of the room. All head whipped to the sound's direction.
A male stood at the foot of the platform. He was wearing a milky white suit. His hair was blonde and his eyes were blue. A smile plastered on his handsome face. A royal chair which was seated by a woman with green kimono was placed at the platform. Another girl with beige kimono stood beside her. Farther at the end of the platform were 5 guards lined neatly. Each of them has a sword clung at their waist. They have different appearance from the outside guards which were holding a lance and wore heavy armor. They only wore usual white shirt and trousers with brown leather attached at their chest, legs, knees, arms and palms. Syaoran noticed there are another 2 corridors at the other end of the room.
When all of them had walked until the center of the hall, the girl in beige gasped and closed her mouth with her hand.
Sakura turned to Tomoyo and asked worriedly, "Are you all right, Tomoyo?"
"It's… it's them!" Tomoyo stuttered. Sakura fixed her gaze to the guests who had arrived at the foot of the platform. "What 'them'?" she whispered without moving her eyes. Then a familiar face caught her attention. The only sign of her surprise was her momentary bulged eye. It's him! The one in the festival in Fyr!
That small reaction didn't escape Syaoran's attention. He smiled inwardly. I bet she recognized me now.
Nokoru bowed and spoke. "We've come as what you had summoned, hime-sama." The others were bowing as well.
"This is Li Syaoran, Meilin and Kurogane." Nokoru introduced them to Sakura who already familiar with one of the guests.
"Welcome to my castle, my respectable guests." Sakura greeted politely. Then she turned to pale Tomoyo once again. "Tomoyo, do you know them?"
"Of course! They… they are the one inside the cave and able to enter the barrier you've created!" She pointed at them with fear.
Nokoru, Akira and Suoh didn't catch up with the situation.
"No, it's not like you think! Let me explain" Meilin said. She agitated and took a step forward. The swordsman behind Sakura already had their hand on the sword's hilt. They readied their stance, geared up to slash anyone who looked threatening to their princess.
"Wait." Two voices were heard in unison. It's Syaoran and Sakura's. Both of them locked their gaze but Sakura hastily broke the eye contact.
Syaoran held Meilin's arm. "Calm down. We'll explain this cool-headedly."
Sakura turned to her protectors and said, "Nothing happened, please don't be alarmed." The guard put their hand loosely at their side and returned to their post after hearing Sakura's word. Fye remained calm through the event. He didn't even move a muscle. Akira, Suoh and Nokoru also didn't move since they did know Meilin didn't mean any harm and they still didn't quite understand the real circumstances.
"We're very sorry to have scared you, Tomoyo-san." Syaoran bowed and apologized.
"My master here, Kurogane-san, didn't mean any harm. We were chased by unfamiliar creatures and searching a place for a defense point. The situation was just too terrible at that time so your sudden presence had surprised him."
Sakura nodded. "So that was what happened... I should apologize that I didn't recognize you at all since I fainted at that time."
"It was a chaotic situation so nobody could be blamed." Syaoran responded kindly.
"But I suppose you should have recognized me at the first glance…" She raised her eyebrow then added quickly. "I mean us". Sakura was referring to her meeting with Syaoran at Fyr but all of the rest though she was referring to current meeting. Of course, Syaoran understood her point.
"Well, yes… I was happy to know that hime-sama were so healthy after that incident. I don't have any other intention." He said with smile.
"So, we won't be arrested, will we?" Meilin asked anxious, oblivious to Sakura and Syaoran double-meaning conversation.
Sakura chuckled. "Of course not. I invited you here not to arrest you."
Though it is my purpose at the first place if you're dangerous… Sakura thought behind her smile.
"May I ask what kind of barrier that is protecting this country?" Syaoran started to bring up his questions.
"Oh, the barrier. Its function is to protect our citizen from the kind of creatures that chased you that day. It was being designed so that no living creature can pass."
"…It also means there's no human can come in or go out right?" Syaoran concluded hesitantly.
"Well… yes. But the main purpose is to protect our people from the magical creature." Sakura replied, sternly.
"How long has that barrier stood?" Meilin asked.
"It's been hundred of years. The great-great grandfather of the Clow family, Clow Reed, was the one who set it up and the successor is just maintaining it as the way it is now." Sakura replied.
"How can all of you were in the forest at the first place?" Sakura asked Syaoran in turn.
"We're doing some sort of task. The destination should not be that forest but we're somehow dragged there." Syaoran forced a smile.
"We're planning to get out of that place when those stupid wolves came and cornered us." Kurogane added more explanation. Sakura nodded understandingly.
"I see… Seems that all of us have many questions. I've prepared a feast for all of you. Let's enjoy the food while we're talking." Sakura stood up and went down the platform stairs at her right side. One swordsman run to the door that leads to the right corridor. Tomoyo and all swordsmen followed Sakura. Fye waited and after Sakura reached the bottom ladder, he also escorting her. The swordsman opened the door. He held the door until all of them passed then gestured for Nokoru's and Syaoran's party to follow.
So many guards are following us. She hasn't trust us completely yet… Syaoran analyzed.
They walked trough the corridor which was supported by pillars. They can view the beauty of the garden, unrestricted by the wall, not like the corridor before, thanks to the space created by those pillars. They turned left and entered a room with big glass windows at both side of the room. Sun shone in and its glinting light made the room bright. A long table sat at the center of the room. So many chairs encircled the table. A few maids came in and out from the door at the opposite of their door. They were bringing foods, beverages, and utensils from another room which supposed to be a kitchen.
Sakura went to the end side of the table. At her right side sat Tomoyo, Nokoru, Suoh, and Akira. At her left side sat Fye, Syaoran, Kurogane and Meilin. Female maids were standing behind each of them, ready to pour more drink to the one they serve. The swordsmen that followed them earlier lined up neatly at both side of the wall. They were standing between windows to they would not block the sunlight.
"Please, just enjoy the meal. I hope it suits you appetite." Sakura said formally to start the lunch. She started to eat. Kurogane watched her and looked at his food, suspicious as if it has any poison in it. After all of them touched their food and no one turn green or dying, he also began to eat.
The room was deadly silent. Nobody started the talk. The clearest sound is the fork and spoon which dancing harmonically with the food on the plate. Sakura hated this kind of situation and her position in it. She's the princess and of course no one would start to talk if she didn't start it. She inhaled a deep breath and put up a smile.
"Meilin-san, why a girl like you want to go in a journey?" She started with a suck, common standard, boring question.
"Well, I think I want to see the world together with my friends." Meilin answered with courtesy.
Akira chuckled. "What's funny, Akira-san?" Tomoyo asked him.
"No. It's just…" He chuckled again. Nokoru smiled and he replied for Akira, "I've asked her the exactly same question before."
"Well, is it that really rare for a woman to travel instead of locked in the house doing chores?" Meilin asked, rather annoyed that her existence is considered as 'unique'.
All people sat surrounding the table chuckled, except Kurogane of course. He was the only one who still ate in silent and there was no slightest indication that he would be interested in the conversation.
"No, it's not like that, Meilin-san." Tomoyo replied in smile.
"It's just so rare to have a woman who traveled all over the place while most of them preferred to be at home – not that I despise that kind of woman." Fye spoke. "Don't you want to be part of them someday?" He asked her.
Meilin's eye bulged in horror. "Stay in the house and only doing housework?!"
"Hm? What's the matter?" Tomoyo asked, concerned.
"No! Don't expect me to do that kind of thing! It will kill me in an instant!" Meilin replied dreadfully. She rubbed her cheek with both of her palm, expressing her dismay.
Everybody laughed. There was still no response from Kurogane.
"I remember when she was a child, the punishment that she feared so much was doing house chore for weeks." Syaoran said, still laughing.
"So both of you are childhood friend?" Tomoyo asked.
Meilin and Syaoran nodded together. Sakura suddenly felt an urge to invert her gaze and her food is looked much more entertaining than all these fluffy conversation. But well, she couldn't do that of course. She was the host, and there were many things that she still wanted to know from them. She had been locked in her kingdom for all her life, outer world was a luxury which she would never ever dare to dream of.
Sakura noticed the silence of the tall person in red, the only person who was not joining the merriment. "How about you, Kurogane-san? Are you also their childhood friends?" She asked him, baiting to engage him in. Everybody fell in silence while waiting for his reply.
Kurogane eyed her before answered, "What will you do if I'm not? Will there be any difference if I am?"
What a nice reply… Sakura thought sarcastically.
Syaoran cleared his throat and answered to reduce the tense, "He is my sword master, hime-sama. It was already so since I was 7 years old."
Fye decided to stand up for his princess. "Hoo… I see. So Kuro-san can play with sword!"
"My name is Kurogane! Stop calling me as if I'm a dog!" Kurogane answered Fye. He lost his composure.
"It doesn't matter isn't? Is there any difference that I call you Kurogane-san or Kuro-san only? You know that I'm talking to you. That's the important point right?" Fye still answered in smile but his blue eyes, which most of the time only seen as a slit, stared at Kurogane intently.
Kurogane turned at him and scowled. Fye replied with a sweet irritating smile and his eyes returned to a slit. He decided that the tease was enough. He turned to Syaoran.
"Then Syaoran, why can he become your master?"
"Eh? Oh… He…" Syaoran totally surprised being questioned after the edgy debate. "He is the strongest in our country. I asked him to accept me as his student and he was willing." Syaoran answered. Well… I'm not totally lying and I'm practically just cut the story short. Though the one who approved Kurogane as my master is definitely my father, the ruler of Li Empire, not me. But I shouldn't touch the subject about my parents yet. It will be too troublesome to explain. Better to cover this matter as long as possible.
There was another standard question which Sakura haven't asked. It was 'where are your family?'. But Sakura decided to leave that question since she was never in the mood to answer if being asked back.
They can find my family matter from another people. I'm not that stupid to throw a question that will hit back at myself. Sakura thought bitterly.
"How long have you've been in this kingdom?" Sakura asked.
"Hm…It's been 10 days since the first time we arrived at Fyr." Syaoran replied after thinking.
"How was it?" Tomoyo asked.
"How was what?" Syaoran didn't catch the question.
"Our country. How was it in your opinion so far?" Tomoyo made her question clearer.
"Oh… interesting… I think." Syaoran replied, not sure.
"Why did you answer in hesitant?" Tomoyo asked.
"Because it's so hard to describe the feeling." Meilin tried to back him up.
"Yes. There's still so much that we haven't known. I feel excited as if something thrilling is waiting for us. Sometimes I'm also feels afraid. There are so many other expressions that I can't explain in words, but I felt it throbbing in my heart." Syaoran explained enthusiastically, he held his chest.
Sakura thought she almost could see sparkle in his eyes. She giggled. Syaoran flushed.
"Eeh… I think I'm too excited…" He said.
"No. It's all right. It's been a while since I see someone as eager as you." Tomoyo said while stole a few gazes at Sakura.
Sakura knew what Tomoyo meant. That kind of me had been dead 3 years ago… She smiled sadly for herself and tried to escape Tomoyo's stare. Fye caught her expression. He also smiled softly. Where had his little princess that was so cheerful and happy gone to?
The air around the table suddenly turned melancholy. Sakura realized this and snapped herself from her thought. Aahhh… I can't believe I shift my attention in the middle of the conversation!
"Looks like all of us had finished eating." Sakura said, put up a smile. "Would you like to take a tour in our castle? Of course you can enter every room but most of them are free from restriction." Sakura said.
"Can we?" Meilin asked back, enliven.
"Of course. Tomoyo will guide you." Sakura said and turned to Tomoyo. "Will you help me to escort our guests?"
"I will be more than happy to do that." Tomoyo said, beaming.
I know you will. That is why I ask you. Sakura grinned inwardly.
"I have more errands to run, I'm sorry that I can't accompany all of you longer." Sakura said regretfully to them.
"It's all right. We know a kingdom princess won't have many free times." Syaoran eased her.
"The castle's library is opened for you. Try to visit it, maybe you'll find answers to some of your questions."
Sakura smiled and excused herself along with Fye. She and Fye went back to her work room while Tomoyo, Mite'shu, Syaoran and friends went to tour the castle.
At the corridor, Sakura met Yue. She decided that this is the right time to thank him. She halted and waited until Yue came closer. Before Yue passed her, she said in small voice, "Thank you for last night." Yue stopped in his track and nodded acknowledging then continued his pace.
"Wha Now, now, what did our princess do with Yue last night?" Fye asked Sakura with tease.
"It's not your business." Sakura replied, she flushed again when she remembered last night.
Fye smiled watching his princess. He bent down a little to whisper in her ear, "How does it felt to sleep in Yue's hug?"
Sakura turned abruptly and blushed. "You… You see it!"
Fye laughed and said, "Hime-sama, you were on the roof! Of course I can see both of you! I don't even need a telescope!"
Sakura clasped her hand at Fye mouth to stifle his word. "Don't be so loud. Others can hear you!" She said panicked. Fye was a little surprised. "Promise me you won't tell anybody!" She demanded.
For a second, Fye felt the princess in front of her reverted into her old personality, the cheerful character before her brother disappearance. Fye nodded in smile. Sakura released her hand.
"People can never fully change though they try hard to bury their past, or transform into someone else." Fye muttered, but more to himself.
"What did you say?" Sakura asked, didn't catch his word.
"Nothing." Fye said. Sakura looked at him with suspicion.
Fye pushed her to walk forward. "Come on hime-sama. There's still another errand need to be done right? Let's not stand here and doing nothing." He said to get rid of the subject.
Why Sakura didn't tell about her meeting with Syaoran in Fyr? Well, I'll put it the next chapter so please keep reading! Hehe…
Don't forget to review! Thanks!