Chapter 13: Midnight Seduction & Danger
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or any of the characters. This story is entirely fictional and copy-righted to me. So please do not steal it. Thank you.
Sakura lay in her bed and stared up at the ceiling of the big four-poster bed. She had pulled the curtains almost completely around and was watching the shadows dance and sway as she tried to go to sleep.
If she listened really hard she could hear the water trickling along its rocky path or the wind drifting through the leaves. She could hear the torches on the walls splutter and hiss but nothing could be more beautiful than the sound of the night birds twilling to one another, or the soft murmurs of the Mar people singing welcoming the night.
She shifted; the silk blankets sliding against one another, so she could cushion her head on her arm and try to relax. But a certain image of a young man kept haunting her vision and she would find her eyes staring at the all too familiar ceiling with its vines ad flowers once again.
She heard a sound and looked over her shoulder as the curtain was pulled apart and Li stood staring down at her from the shadows. She jerked up startled, a gasp frozen in her lungs.
" It's just me. " he whispered.
" In my room in the middle of the night. " Sakura threw back hugging the blankets to her chin glaring at him. " What are you doing here Li?" Sakura whispered loudly.
" I came to talk to you. "
Sakura stared at him running through all the talks that they had shared during the middle of the night. " What is it with you and your late night talks?! " she hissed instead.
Li gave her a look that she couldn't comprehend and waited while he closed the curtain surrounding her bed suffocating her in darkness once again. She frowned as she listened to him move around the bed and she jerked startled when her side of the curtain was dragged back allowing the moonlight to enter, revealing their faces once more. Li sat down next to her.
" What did you want to talk about? " Sakura asked when he didn't say anything.
She heard him sigh and still he wouldn't look at her. She murmured his name once again with concern and let the blankets fall to her lap before she shifted and came to sit beside him. She placed her hand on his shoulder and waited.
Li turned haunted eyes to her and she frowned wondering what was bothering him. She knew he brooded when he was most worried or distressed. " I heard you talking to Julian earlier. I didn't mean to overhear, but is it true? What you said …..is it true? You're going to get married when we all return? "
Sakura stared at him in mute shock and looked away. So this was what was bothering him. What a delicate subject. Trust him of all people to be sneaking around and here that conversation.
" I have no other choice. " she finally whispered.
" You have many! " Li spat and gripped her shoulders in a tight grip, his eyes gold in the moonlight and fierce as any predators.
Sakura stared at him in shock at the intensity in his eyes. Li sighed when his mind registered her wide, frightened gaze and slowly released her shoulders and reached up to stroke her face tenderly.
" You have so many choices. " he whispered.
" Name one. " she replied sadly.
" You could remain as you are. You can make it Sakura. " he said determinedly when she turned away from him snorting in disbelief and sarcasm. " Marriage isn't the answer to everything. " he stated firmly.
" You still have yet to name one reason I can believe that will release me from my pledge to marry to secure my kingdom. " Sakura said arching her brow.
" You could . . " Li looked around thinking wildly. " You could come live with me and become Hermitess Saku. "
Sakura blinked as the absurdity of his suggestion finally sunk in and she burst out giggling. She saw the look on Li's face and she gripped her stomach as she laughed harder and louder. She proceeded to roll onto her back when he crossed his arms and gave the look that stated he was not impressed…at all.
--
" My tummy hurts. " Sakura whined still hiccupping with occasional giggles.
" Serve you right for laughing at my suggestions. " Li chided un-amused.
Sakura snorted and burst into a fresh round of laughter at the thought of her being a hermit. She would just as grouchy as Li in a bad mood and all they would do would be fight. She'd probably throw her cooking pan at his stupid head and he would send her running with his bow and arrows.
" Shhhh. " Li whispered looking around and taking her hands and pinning them beside her as he leaned down to whisper to her. " You'll wake everyone and they'll wonder what in the world's going on. "
Sakura bit her lip and tried to stop her giggling but the cooking pan was just too good to be ignored. " I can't help it if you come up with the most ridiculous ideas Li. " she whispered grinning broadly.
Li relented and smiled before he rubbed noses with her." I can just imagine what your twisted little mind has conjured for so much amusement. " Li replied straightening up and letting go of her hands.
" My imagination is not twisted. " Sakura replied sitting up and frowning.
Li smiled obnoxiously before he turned and stared out into the darkness. Sakura shivered in the night air and wrapped her blanket around her. She watched as the moonlight came through the gap that she had made and made patterns on the ceiling of the bed. Li watched her intrigued.
" What are you doing? " he asked.
" I'm trying to make out all the pictures. " she said tracing the air with her finger. Li pushed his head back to see what she was seeing. He frowned when he saw nothing but shadows.
" I don't see anything. " he said irately.
Sakura didn't say anything for a while and Li had thought that she had fallen asleep, when she suddenly turned to him and smiled. " I know how I can show you. " she said softly and got up. " Come on. " she reached for his hand and jerked him outside.
--
" …And that one there is called Rhian. For it is said that she fell in love with a God but he scorned her and so she killed herself in complete and utter misery. The God who had scorned her realized he later loved her, but when he found out that Rhian was dead, he cried a thousand tears and then created an image of her beautiful face in the heavens with his tears so he would never forget her. " she said pointing.
" What a pathetic story. Who can create images out of tears? It is impossible. What is the point of this? " Li asked lost as he saw the picture in the stars.
Sakura looked at him irritated beyond belief. Every constellation her father had lovingly shown her he had to criticize and ruin with skepticism. " To have fun. " she replied her eyebrow twitching.
Li sighed. " Fun. Who calls making pictures out of clumps of lights fun? " he demanded.
Sakura sat up on the stone wall that they were laying on and glared down at him. " Some people who are not brain dead like yourself find such things fun to do. It's also called sharing precious memories. " she growled.
Li smirked coldly. " Precious memories? I think I would find more entertainment from staring at a candle while drinking ale. At least I could convince myself that I would be seeing images as my head got to addled to think straight. " he shifted and missed Sakura's fist as she aimed for his head. He noted her angry expression and laughed. She lunged after him calling him all sorts of interesting names.
He eventually caught her fists and kept them pinned to her side. She growled and cursed him and he laughed all the more because he knew it would annoy her. He sat down on the stone ledge that had been their star gazing seat and pulled her onto his lap. She stop mid-curse and looked at him curiously.
It was true that he could not see all the wonderful things that she could see in the stars but she had been given the life of love that he had never had. She had been encouraged to dream while he had been forced to leave his childhood behind.
He smiled down at her curious expression and ran his hand through her hair. She blinked in surprise and he cupped her face with his large, calloused hand.
" I am sorry I make jest of all the wonderful things you try to show me. But as a child, my family didn't like me having fun. I guess I am too old to see such wonderful things in the night sky. My family wanted me to train for when I would become - " he stopped realizing too late what he was about to reveal.
" Become what? " Sakura asked curiously.
" Nothing. " Li replied not looking at her least she see his lie.
Sakura frowned and Li smiled even though he was not looking at her. " Stop looking at me like that will you? "
" It's pitch black, how can you tell? " Sakura demanded hotly.
" I just can. " Li replied still looking up at the sky.
Sakura hmphed and settled more comfortably in his lap. His strong, warm arms came around her securing her to him and she listened to his breathing and the thumping of his heart.
" You pout you know. " he spoke suddenly.
" I what? " she asked distracted by his warmth.
" You pout when you are really angry with me and you don't end up getting you way. It's how I know. "
His words took a moment to register and when they did she struggled in his lap cursing him above his laughter.
--
Sometime Later………..
" Why is it that you know almost everything about me and I know nothing of you? " Sakura asked sleepily.
" Because it's better that way. " he murmured cradling her close.
Sakura growled sleepily in her annoyance. " Well since we're being secretive, I'm going back to our beds. " Sakura stated and got up. She went to walk past him but he grabbed her arm.
" Kinomoto please be like that. If I could tell you I would. It's just better that you don't know anything about me ok? "
" But why? " Sakura persisted.
Li clenched his fists and prayed for patience. " Because it's better that way. I will not repeat myself again. " Li stated firmly.
" I'm not interested anymore anyway. " Sakura replied moodily and turned away, but Li brought her back to him.
" Look I won't apologies for things that are mine to keep secret if that's how I want it. You can stick your pert nose up in the air and hate me for it but it won't make me tell you things that I refuse to tell. I know there is much that you want to know but I beg your patience. One day I will tell you all, but until then.. "
" Until then…." sigh. " I have to wait right? " she rolled her eyes and smiled sadly.
" I care for you. " he murmured suddenly.
Sakura's breath caught in her throat and her heart started to pump faster as she met his serious gaze. Did he mean what she thought he meant? No he couldn't could he? She watched as Li leant closer to her and before she knew it, he placed his mouth against hers and kissed her softly and Sakura completely melted.
Li wrapped his hand around her waist and drew her closer to him as he sat on the stone ledge. Sakura moaned when she felt his tongue trace the edges of her lips and she gasped allowing him to deepen the kiss. She felt his hands run down her back and she felt burned. She pushed closer to him and raked her hands through his unruly hair.
Li broke the kiss and started to kiss her down along her neck and towards the opening of her night rail. Sakura took a deep breath trying to steady her racing heart but she was too incoherent to think. She wrapped her hands around him and her nails dug in and out of his back as he continued to torture her.
Sakura looked up and saw the full moon high above them in the sky. She closed her eyes in pure bliss as Li bunched her night rail in his fist and then ran his hand up her bare legs. Sakura shivered and arched her back as pleasure raced through her system. She knew that if they remained outside that there was more chance that they would be spotted.
" Li we can't do this out here. " she whispered near his ear as she playfully bit him.
Li growled in annoyance and picked her up and headed back into her room.
--
They fell together on her bed, the heavy curtains swaying. Li started placing butterfly kisses along her shoulders as he pushed the straps of her silk night gown down her arms. Sakura reached up and started to undo his shirt. Li found his way lower and Sakura arched her back as he kissed her breasts. She curled her hands into the sheets before she pushed against him and forced him down on his back as she straddled him.
" Let me show you what I know. " she whispered as she kissed his ear and down along his jaw.
Sakura placed butterfly kisses down along his chest. Li moaned and reached out to grab her, but Sakura pulled away and would continue to tease him still.
--
" Patience is a virtue. " she whispered later as she undid his belt.
Li reached up and his eyes burned fire into hers as he drew her to him and kissed her passionately. " Not where you are concerned. " Li breathed heavily as he continued to kiss her.
He cried out and his eyes widened as Sakura started to stroke him up and down. He started to breathe heavier and Sakura reveled in her new found power. She ran her hands up and down his manhood a little faster as she kissed her way down his chest. Li arched back and clenched the bedcovers as she tortured him.
" Anyone would think I was killing you painfully Li. " Sakura breathed as she looked up and met his gaze.
" You are! " Li cried out and jumped up startled when she took him into her mouth. Sakura pushed him back down and continued to torture him with her tongue. Li cried out and reached down and grabbed her and forced her up to glare down at her.
" I am not made out of steel. " he hissed.
Sakura smirked ever much the vixen as Li ran his hands up her legs and took her night gown with it, throwing it into the darkness as he started to trace every inch of her body. Li's shirt and pants soon joined her night rail and together they reveled in each other as they continued to pleasure each other.
Sakura lowered herself onto Li and he clenched his teeth in concentration. Sakura wiggled and Li groaned like a tortured animal. Sakura smirked evilly and pulled back and started to kiss him again.
" What are you doing?" Li begged as she lowered herself onto him again.
" Having fun. " she replied and nipped his skin.
" To hell with fun! " Li bit out and grasped her hips and pushed her down on to him firmly making Sakura cry out.
He moved her to his rhythm and bit her shoulder as she picked up the pace. Sakura swept up in the tide of unbelievable feeling went wild. She pushed Li's hands away from her hips and moved up and down on him frantically making Li moan. They were covered in sweat and their skin was flushed from exertion.
Sakura cried out and collapsed on top of Li as all her energy was spent. She could feel Li erupt inside her and with her last remaining strength wiggled and Li cried out and pumped into her once more before he was spent.
Sakura rolled onto the bed and Li pulled out of her. Their breathing was matched as they tried to get their breath back. Li brushed her sweat drenched bangs from her forehead and kissed her once. Sakura smiled up at him dreamily bordering on the edge of sleep.
" Sleep now. " he whispered stroking her face lovingly, before laying back down and closing his eyes.
" I love you Li. " Sakura muttered softly and her heart broke when she saw Li frown in his sleep.
" Don't . . say . . . that. " Li muttered in his sleep.
Sakura turned away and even though she wanted to cry, she didn't have the energy and fell into a deep troubled sleep.
--
Sakura woke from her troubled dreams and looked at Li as he continued to sleep. Sakura smiled sadly as she reached up and brushed his hair away from his face.
" Who'd ever think that you'd look so innocent. " she whispered.
She got up and picked up her night gown and put it back on and silently padded towards the open window. The silk curtains billowed out as the wind blew into the room. She brushed them away and stepped out into the cool night air. She hugged herself tightly and stared up at the pre-dawn sky.
Sakura sighed and closed her eyes picturing the first time she had met Li.
A tear slid down her cheek and she ignored it. How could Li not love her? Was it because he still loved Meilin? Another tear fell and hit the stone wall of the balcony. What was she to do? She knew that she loved him she had right from the start, but how could she part with him when it came time to?
Sakura had a sneaking suspicion that she wouldn't. She knew that deep down if she had to she would forfeit her title and take him up on that offer of staying with him in his little hut in the forest surrounded by nothing but peace and tranquility even if he didn't love her in return.
She frowned and decided determinedly that she wouldn't part with Li at the end of the journey. Having that decided she turned around and came face to face with Li. Her eyes widened and she stepped back startled. Li saw her tears and frowned. Sakura realizing why he stared, wiped them away quickly.
" Sakura?" Li asked uncertain. Had he hurt her in some way.
" What are you doing up? " she asked looking down.
" I woke when you weren't there beside me. " Li replied coming closer to her.
He traced the trail of one of her tears. " What's wrong? " he asked softly.
" Nothing. " she lied. " Just the moon, it's so bright it made my eyes water. " she said and walked past him. " I couldn't sleep, so I'm going to go for a walk. You get some sleep. " and with that he watched her as she walked out of sight.
Li frowned as she left. The moon was no where in sight. . . .
--
Sakura's mind was in turmoil still and she went in search of Madison. She knocked softly on Madison's door before she opened it and went in. She gently shook Madison and Madison opened her eyes sleepily and stared up at Sakura. Seeing that it was Sakura she snapped wide awake.
" What's wrong? " she asked sitting up.
" Madison get dressed we're going to that cave and we're going to get in there. "
" It's almost dawn. " Madison complained, yawning wide.
" I don't care. You can stay here if you want, but I'm going. "
" You're not going anywhere without me. " Madison said getting up. " But don't you think you better get dressed as well? "
Sakura looked down at her night gown and blushed. She couldn't go back to her room, Li was still there. How would she explain that? Madison saw the turmoil in her friend's eyes and smiled.
" Here I brought spare clothes just in case. You can use them. "
" Remind me to thank you when we come back. " Sakura replied and donned the skirt and top.
At the cave
" Now what exactly did Vala tell you? " Madison asked.
" That we would need a password. "
" And that is? " Madison prompted.
" I don't know. Only the Queens of Mar know it. "
" Sakura!! " Madison yelled stamping her foot. " You didn't think of this before you woke me up this early?! "
" If you wanted to visit the cave this morning, I wish you had simply asked. " came Vala's soothing voice making both girls jump. " I am more than happy to help you though I wish I didn't have to let you go inside alone. "
" Your majesty! " Madison exclaimed curtseying deeply. " Please forgive us, you see we – "
" Please Madison, calm yourself. Talar saw the two of you sneaking off and sort to warn me that you were up to mischief when she saw what direction you were heading. "
" We meant no harm – " Sakura began.
" It is all right. I understand your reasons for wanting to come here. " Sakura blinked. Did Vala know what she thought she knew… she blushed and turned away trying to hide telling thoughts of Li from her head.
Vala approached the door and held out her hand. The two girls' listened as Vala spoke in a language that neither of them could understand. The designs on the door glowed brightly and Madison and Sakura shielded their eyes from the light and before they knew it, the huge door rumbled open and a gaping black hole welcomed them.
" I would advise that you wait for your men to accompany you. " Vala stated walking towards them. " It has been centuries since this tomb was last open. I do not know what lurks beneath. "
" We do not have time to wait any longer. " Sakura replied firmly with the light of the dawn settling on her face. " We both have to act now or both our kingdoms will be lost. "
" As much as I hate to agree with her, " Madison smiled. " I have to. It is the only way. Besides 'our men folk' won't let us set foot inside there. This is the most fun I have had in a very long time. " she clasped her hand with Sakura's and they both turned to face the doorway.
" In that case, please take these with you. " Vala handed them two perfectly hand made bow and arrows. Light enough that they could wield them and strong enough to attack with. " May you both be safe. "
" Thank you. " they both replied and walked into the darkness.
Vala watched them go and then she turned from the door. She would give them until the sun reach just above the trees and then she would send her warriors and the girls' protectors in after them.
--
Half an Hour Later
Eriol ran into Li in the hallway.
" Li thank the gods. " Eriol breathed in relief.
Li looked at his cousin wearily. " What's your problem? " he asked as Eriol gripped his shoulders in a death grip.
" Have you seen Madison this morning? " he demanded.
" Why? " Li asked realizing something was wrong. Eriol never lost track of Madison. Never.
" Because I can't find her. Suppi told me that he couldn't feel her at all in this place.
I've been looking since sunrise but she isn't anywhere. " Eriol replied looking up and down the hallway.
" Hey you two - what are you doing? " Meilin asked wearily as she saw one cousin gripping the other cousin tightly.
" Meilin do you know where Madison's room is? " Eriol asked letting go of Li and turning on his new prey.
" Yeah…. Why? " she asked guardedly. " What's going on? "
" He's having a fit because he can't find Madison. She's just probably out in the garden or with Vala. " Li replied secretly hoping that that was where Sakura had run off to as well.
Meilin looked thoughtful. " Come to think of it, " she stated thinking. " I think I heard voices coming from Madison's room early this morning. "
Both Li and Eriol looked at her.
" I'm pretty sure I heard right I mean I was still half asleep and - "
" Meilin ! " Eriol snapped. " Get to the bloody point. "
Meilin snarled at him. " Anyway, I heard voices as I said. I'm pretty sure one was Madison and the other I think might have been Sakura's. "
Li snapped to attention. " What?! Sakura? " Li demanded.
" It must have been around dawn because I normally wake around then for a little while. "
" What would they be doing together at that time? " Eriol said looking at Li.
" I can take you to her room if you want? " Meilin asked shrugging.
Eriol nodded slowly. He had a bad feeling about this.
--
They looked into Madison's room and saw that nothing was askew. They walked in and looked around. Eriol checked Madison's bag and looked up at Li.
" Her other outfit is gone. "
" Since when do you know what's in her bag? " Li asked raising his eyebrow.
Eriol went a slight pink and continued to look around.
" Hey sexy night gown. " Meilin said picking up something off the floor. " I didn't know Madison wore stuff like this. "
Li saw it and went cold. " She doesn't. It's Sakura's. " Li replied going pink.
Eriol turned around and raised his eyebrow at Li. " And how would you know that? " he asked smirking.
" Yes, good question. " Meilin stated angrily glaring at Li.
A knock sounded on the door and they turned around as a Mar stood looking at them. They had never seen her before.
" Excuse me. " she said softly bowing. " But Vala wishes to speak to you. "
She looked at them in turn. " Will you come? " she asked her brown eyes looking at then questionly.
" Lead the way. " Meilin said placing the night gown down on the bed and walking past Li giving him the death glare.
--
" Thank you for coming. " Vala said. " I've sent Talar to get the rest of your men. "
" Why? " Meilin asked.
" Because Sakura and Madison have gone into the cave alone. " Vala replied.
" But that's impossible. " Li stated in shock. " They didn't know the password. "
Vala shook her head. " To enter a Queen of Mar must speak a password that has been handed down from one queen to a new. I allowed them admittance but mortals nor Elf folk have been in that cave for centuries and we don't know what lurks in it. I was foolish to lead them to it in the first place. " Vala said.
" We have to go after them. " Meilin said wide eyed.
" I'll send Talar and her girls with you and we'll see what happens. " she said and for the first time she walked hurriedly out of a room. . .
--
Madison turned around when she heard another sound. She gulped and gripped her sword tighter in her hand. " Sakura I don't think that this was a good idea. " Madison whispered.
" Don't be silly. " Sakura said calmly masking her fear as they walked deeper into the mine.
" Sakura did you hear that? " Madison leapt startled.
" Madison it's rats, just forget it ok? " Sakura stated firmly waving the torch in front of her.
" I still don't think that this is a good idea. " Madison whispered. " We should have told them that we were coming. "
" Knowing them they already know and are on their way to stop us. " Sakura replied.
" Vala would have told them. "
They came to a fork in the tunnel.
" Which way? " Madison asked.
Sakura closed her eyes and sniffed. " That way. " she pointed to the left.
" How do you know? " Madison asked.
" I can smell fresher air coming from the right. If we want to go into the mine, there wouldn't be any fresh air. " Sakura replied walking forward.
Madison gulped and followed after her.
--
Everybody's heart sank when they turned the corner and saw the huge hole in the rock wall and groaned. Eriol saw it and walked over to it.
" They've been here alright. " Eriol met their gaze. " Here's Madison's footprints and here's Sakura's next to hers and they go inside. "
" No. " Meilin whispered her eyes wide.
" We can't just stand here, we have to go in. " Li said walking forward.
" Please wait for Talar and her warriors. She will along presently. " Vala spoke up walking closer to them.
" We can't wait any longer! They may be hurt. " Li snarled.
" I am using my powers to keep them within my mind. They are safe but danger lurks near. "
--
" Oh by the gods! " Madison breathed at the sight that presented it to them. " Am I dreaming? "
" If you are, than so am I. " Sakura said as the torchlight reflected off piles upon piles of Gold, Silver and Bronze.
" Holy - " Madison breathed looking around and went to go forward, but Sakura stopped her.
" Wait Madison. " she said and stepped forward and slammed the end of the torch into the ground and knelt on the ground in the dirt.
Sakura grabbed her pendant around her neck and closed her eyes.
" Spirits of this ancient mine, hear me please I beg of you to listen! " Sakura yelled into the darkness. " We bare a mission of great importance! Please, our people need your help! There isn't enough money in the our homes to keep our kingdoms supported much longer and we need your help! We come asking if you will give us your blessing and allow us to take some of your treasure so we can take it back and stop our people from suffering. We promise not to take more or less than what is needed. "
There was nothing but the silence and the crackling of the flames as the burnt away at the stick.
" Is that good? " Madison whispered looking around.
" We can only hope so. " Sakura said and looked at the little cart that stood no taller than above her knees. " Madison you take that other cart over there and load with equal amounts of Gold, Silver and Bronze. And don't pack it so that you can't push it. It got in here and now we have to get it out. It's not going to be easy. "
" Right. " Madison stated and started the job of loading the treasure into the little cart alongside Sakura.
Half an hour later
" Push! " Sakura breathed as they pushed together and the little carts moved down along the tunnel. Sakura held the torch in front of her so they could find the way out. They stopped to catch theirs breathes and smiled at the knowledge that they were finally getting something right. The heard a sound in the distance like a rock falling and looked at each other, but it didn't happen again, so they ignored it and started to push the carts along once again.
--
Li paced back and forth like a feral animal gone mad. Why were they taking so long? What had happened? He'd ring Sakura's beautiful little neck when he got his hands on her. Li heard the rumble deep within the darkness again and stopped looking into the mine. What was that? That was the fifth time he had heard it.
They were deep inside the mine, following behind Talar and her warriors. They had come to an impasse and Talar was waiting for her trackers to tell her what path the two princesses had taken.
" What are you girls up to? " Li whispered.
" There is a creature lurking in the dark, and the girls are in grave danger. Send one of the Mar back to the palace and seek Zira. Get her to give you some of those contraptions she's always making and bring back a torch. " Vala commanded inside Talar's mind..
Talar gave out the quick commands and ignored the group's curious gazes. They had to hurry. Vala never gave out a dire warning without reason.
--
Madison stopped to take a breath and ignore the drumming inside her head. She was hot, flushed and nearly out of breath as was Sakura. They could see light up ahead and knew that they were nearing the entrance. They had heard the constant rumbling of the ground beneath them and on more than one occasion, Madison wanted to leave the treasure and run, but Sakura had played her hand and calmed her cousin until the rumbling ceased.
They were nearing an exit when the ground lurched violently making both girls scream. The cart tipped and only out of sheer will did both succeed in keeping it upright. The floor rumbled again and the girls pushed with all their might as the roof startled to collapse.
Sakura fell to the floor with Madison on top of her. Sakura cried out when she saw the cart tilt and watched all their hard work spill out into the open.
Madison shrill scream of terror brought Sakura's attention back the crack that had appeared in floor in front of them. She wondered what on earth was wrong until she saw the filmy, white, milky-looking eye shift and lock onto them.
Sakura screamed and backed up as far as her clothes and Madison's weight would allow. The thing retreated and then the crack started to get bigger and rocks fell all around them. Madison screamed until her tears choked her.
Sakura gripped her hand and tried to get the terrified girl to look at her.
" Madison we have to get past this thing. We have to make it! "
" I know but – eeeek!! " she squealed when a claw-like hand broke though the ground hunting for them.
--
From deep inside the cavern Talar and the others froze when they heard the crash and the screams. It took but a split moment for Talar and her regiment to dash through the dark towards the disturbance. Li and the others withdrew their weapons and prepared for battle
They rounded a corner and saw the two missing princesses lying on the floor hanging on for dear life as a large, multi-formed arm and hand crashed towards them. Rocks fell and Talar took quick assessment and shouted out orders.
Mar ran forward and stuck devices into the ground that they had retrieved, while Talar, Li and the others went to protect the young women. Li grabbed hold of Sakura, Eriol likewise with Madison, and stared at the mutated creature that was trying to escape from the newly formed hole in the ground.
" On three get them out of here! " one of the young Mar yelled as she withdrew her sword. She ran forward and stabbed the sharp end into the hand of the creature and snarled as it roared in pain and the hand disappeared.
" Now! " she yelled.
Li ran straight for the opening with Sakura in tow, Eriol with Madison behind him. They dove out of the cave followed by the Mar. They backed away with weapons at ready in case of another attack.
Just as a hideous mal-formed body crawled out of the hole, explosions ripped the cave opening apart and Talar and the other Mar chanted ancient words to seal the hole shut and bar whatever inside to remain from the rest of the world.
Li was instantly beside Sakura's crumbled form on the ground and was trying to get her to wake, but both she and Madison refused. The rubble at the entrance was starting to crumble and move and Talar watched in horror as the creature pushed itself out into the light.
" No! " she yelled in horror. " It is not possible!! "
It was taller than any man, bulky, white skinned from lack of sunlight, had piercing eyes and a mouth full of razor sharp teeth.
" FIRE! " Talar yelled as a rain of arrows went surging through the air and struck the creature everywhere on its bulky body. It screeched in rage and swiped at the Mar, but they were quick and sure-footed and easily dodged it.
Sakura stired and opened her eyes to the creature that stood before them, her eyes widened and before Li or anyone else could stop her - she screamed.
The creature stopped screeching and looked straight at her. Sakura trembled in fear and backed away from Li, not being able to tear her eyes away from it. It sniffed the air and seemed to snarl at her as it moved in closer.
" FIRE!" Talar screamed again and another row of arrows flew through the air and struck the creature. Talar fired and struck it fair in the eye making it screech and rear back in pain as blood ran down its face.
Madison had woken and was staring at the scene before her. She saw with relief that the carts of gold and silver and bronze were almost in tact and were nearby, stray pieces scattered nearby. Eriol tugged her to him and kept her with in the safety of his arms as they watched as the creature bared its teeth and tried to get at Sakura.
Li snarled at the creature and reached for Sakura. Calmly he gripped her and tugged her towards him and looked at Talar who nodded her head. Li pulled Sakura over to Eriol and Madison and Meilin joined them as they crawled away from the scene. They made it to the safety of the bushes and watched as the Mar took on the creature. Sakura seemed to snap out of her dream and looked at the carts full of their prize. She shook Li off her and bolted out of the bushes. Li hissed under his breath at her stupidness and made a grab for her, but she was too quick.
" What the hell are you doing? " Li yelled after her.
" We came this far! " she yelled back ducking as an arrow went flying near her head. "I'm not giving up now! "
" Sakura! " Madison cried in horror.
Sakura reached the first cart unnoticed and pushed as hard as she could sending it rolling along into the bushes where Madison and Eriol grabbed it and hid it behind them. She was about to reach the other one when the nightmare glanced at her and growled and leapt toward her. Sakura collapsed on the ground in fright as the creature ignored the arrows that were slowly making it bleed to death. Sakura screamed as it leapt toward her making the ground shake like an earthquake.
" No! " Madison yelled and rammed her sword into the creature's gut as she stood in front of Sakura protectively.
" Madison! " Eriol, Li and Meilin yelled in union.
The creature balked and then glared down at her and Madison glared back. " You can do what you like to me you ugly creature of the mine, but I will not let you hurt Sakura! " she yelled.
" No Madison. " Sakura yelled and tried to push her out of the way, but it was too late. The creature's fist came down and slammed into both of them. . . .
The last thing Sakura heard was the creature's scream of rage . . . .
--
A week later
Sakura's consciousness felt the movement of slowly being rocked back and forth and she came back into her body and her eyes slowly opened. She blinked and looked around the small room she was in. She saw a movement beside her and turned her blurry eyes towards it.
" Welcome back Sakura. " it was Vala's voice.
" Vala? " Sakura asked softly.
" Yes Sakura it is me. " Vala's musical voice replied.
" Where am I? " Sakura asked now fully awake.
" We are on one of my ships and we are heading back to your birth land of Kinomoto. "
Sakura frowned. " But I don't live there anymore. My home is a Berth Seren Banon. "
Vala nodded. " I know Sakura. But you need your family right now. And I think they'd be glad to see you, don't you think? "
Sakura sat thinking but then she remember and cried out. " Madison! Is she ok? " she asked in fear.
" Hush, hush. " Vala soothed and pushed her back against the pillows gently. " Madison is fine. She hasn't woken yet, but I think she is near. Eriol is looking after her. "
Sakura sighed and wilted against the pillows. " What happened? I don't remember . . " Sakura said frowning.
It was Vala's turn to frown. " After you were struck with by the creature, you fell into darkness. Talar raised her bow and struck the creature in its neck and it died instantly before it could attack you again. It appears the creatures are weak in their neck area and so when it was attacked by Talar it was hit in its most sensitive point and it died instantly. We burnt its vile body and banished its spirit so it can never return to this earth ever again. "
Sakura sighed and sat thinking. Vala smiled and closed her eyes as she sought out Li.
--
Li was laid back on a crate near the railing sleeping. In the past week he'd come to realize that if he was to remain sane, and stop worrying about Sakura who had not yet woken, he could either work till he was too tired to think, go bored and go mad, or sleep which passed the time away. The sea breeze gently played with his bangs and lifted them off his face as he slept.
A crystal form appeared from the toes up and Vala's projected image stood smiling down at him. She leant forward and brushed his bangs away from his face. " Li. " she sang softly. " Li wake. " she murmured.
Li stirred and opened his eyes and stared up at her in stunned surprise as she traced his face with her soft fingertips. Vala smiled down at him. " Li, Sakura has woken. She is tired and will fall a sleep at any moment, but if you wish to see her, now is the time. Come. " she said and stood up as he image turned crystal and turned into dust as she disappeared.
Li shook his head and that's when what she had told him sunk in and he bolted upright and took off to the stairs to go below deck.
--
Sakura's eyes were slowly started to droop and she blinked them open to keep herself awake. Vala sat beside her singing softly as her door was thrown open and a panting Li stood staring at them. Sakura looked at him sleepily and smiled faintly as he came into the room, staring at her as if he couldn't believe it. Vala stood up and after saying that she would go see how Madison was, left, leaving them alone.
Li came to her side and sat down gently as to not disturb her too much. Sakura yawned and snuggled down deeper into the blankets. Li reached out and took her hand and Sakura looked up at him.
" You had me so worried. " Li murmured. " I prayed every day that you would wake and finally they've been answered. "
Sakura smiled at him best she could. " I'm sorry. " she murmured back.
" Whatever for? " Li asked staring at her.
" For being a baka before. I shouldn't have gone out when that creature was attacking. But my mind was filled with what we'd gone so much through to get and I couldn't let it go. " She didn't mention the other reasons for why she had left.
" Shhh. " Li whispered and brushed her bangs away from her face making Sakura sigh.
" Forget it. We're alright and that's all that matters. Did Vala tell you that we're heading back? "
Sakura nodded tiredly and Li watched her as she fought to stay awake. Li leant down and kissed her softly on her forehead. " Don't fight sleep Ying Fa on my account. " he whispered. " I'll be here when you wake I promise. "
Sakura mumbled something un-intelligible and fell deeply into sleep once again. Li watched her for a minute before sighing and looking up to the ceiling. He caressed her hand softly and bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. " I love you Sakura. " he whispered.
Sakura frowned in her sleep. " You told . . . me not to . . say that . . " she murmured making Li frown.
To be continued. . . .
--
Well here it is. The next redone installment. I hope you like. Let me know if something is amiss. Cheers
Black Wolf Chic 2