Raven: The last chapter was so action packed and this one isn't.

Alex: No it's sloooow.

Fenris: And there's no violence.

Raven: ok there's more to stories than violence.

Fenris: Yeah but that stuff isn't interesting.

Raven: You scare me. Anyway, thanks to all my reviewers and my beta. CCS and HP don't belong to me! I only own Arashi, Xiang Kun, Alex, Fenris and the plot!

Xiang Kun, Harry, Ginny, Victoria, Aaby and the two guardians all came rushing into the hospital wing, much to Mdm. Pomfrey's surprise.

"What are you all doing here?" She demanded. She saw the unconscious form of Arashi, cradled in Xiang Kun's arms. She gasped in shock. "Get that young lady onto a bed right now, and I'll take a look at her."

Xiang Kun nodded and did so. He gently placed her onto one of the white hospital beds, while everyone else hovered nervously nearby.

The matron examined Arashi in silence, clucking under her breath occasionally. She did this for a while, and then fed her a small smoking potion and cast a charm on her. She shook her head at the group.

"Physically she's been rather badly beaten up. Mentally... well... she's rather drained. I'm not sure what happened, but it's as if she's not even there." She sighed. "You can stay for a few minutes but then I want you all out!" And she walked away into her chambers.

The group looked glumly at Arashi's beaten form.

"What if she gets attacked by one of those card things?" Victoria asked nervously.

Artemis shook her head. "She won't. The cards can't enter Hogwarts. There are too many ancient protection spells over this place."

Xiang Kun said nothing. He brushed a few strands of sable hair from Arashi's peaceful face and sighed.

"There's nothing we can do," Harry said quietly, trying to sooth the tormented young man. His arms were around Ginny, who's face was dark with worry and fear. She held onto him, allowing the warmth to calm her.

They all stood in silence for a while, each looking preoccupied with worry, but Xiang Kun looking worse than all of the rest. His face was drawn with tension and pain, his mouth pressed thin and his eyes dark with worry and fear. He held one of her small, pale hands in his own, trying to massage some warmth back into her cold body.

'What if she doesn't come back?' He thought. 'What if she can't find her way back?' His eyes narrowed and his grip on her delicate hand tightened. 'No. That can't happen. I won't let it.' He lowered his head and brought her hand to her breast, covering her heart, feeling the weak heartbeat that was there. 'Arashi, I won't let it end like this. I will find you, if I have to.'

For a heartstopping moment, Xiang Kun thought he felt the lifeless hand give his a soft squeeze.

"All right!" Mdm. Pompfrey shouted, bustling back into the room. "Get out, she needs her space!"

Reluctantly, they filed from the room in silence. Xiang Kun lingered for a moment staring hard at her. Artemis placed her hand on his shoulder and ushered him silently from the room.

A moment later Arashi's jade pendant began to glow a soft green.

Darkness surrounded Arashi, and she didn't know why. She was still reeling from seeing her father, and finding out about her heritage.

'Me! A princess! I would never have thought...'

The darkness suddenly lightened and gained shape and texture. The blankness around her changed and warped into another forest. Unlike the last forest, this one was not softly lit by the moon and stars and glow bugs, but it was harshly lit by the full moon in the sky cold sky. The trees jutted into the skyline and dominated the area around her. There was nothing else.

Arashi shivered in her silk white dress. The air was cold and the night forboding. But there was something else...

Something rustled in the bushes. Arashi jumped. Nothing happened for a long time. There was no sound, except for her breathing and her hurried heartbeat. She tentitavely approached the now-still bushes.

"Hello...?" She said softly.

A soft growl answered her. Arashi's eyes widened and she took several steps back. A thing emerged from the bushes. It was large and dark, and it's eyes glowed red in the night. It was like something from a nightmare. Arashi took several steps back and clutched her necklace, only to discover the familiar feel of her key to be missing. Her eyes widened.

The creature wasted no time and lept forward. Arashi threw her arms out in front of her out of instinct and her eyes squeezed shut. She opened them in time to see the creature leap through her, as if it were a shadow or a ghost and land lightly on the other side. Arashi looked down, but saw no damage. She recovered quickly and whirled around, to see the creature not staring at her, but at another figure just behind her.

It was a man. Very regal and serious looking, with black hair and hazel eyes. Arashi gasped. It was her father! But much, much younger than the man she had just met. He must've been in his late teens. He drew the bow strapped to his back and pointed it straight at the monster. It didn't flinch away.

They stayed like that for what seemed like ages, their gazes locked. Finally, the silence was broken by the monster. It howled once, and began to writhe. It was changing, Arashi realized in shock.

In a matter of moments, the monster was replaced with a stunningly beautiful woman. Her long black hair flowed down to her knees and her eyes were like fine sapphires. Her skin was pale and her cherry red lips parted slightly. She wore leather pants and a black halter top. A silver dagger was strapped to her curvy waist. Arashi had never seen someone so beautiful and judging by the stunned look on her father's face, neither had he.

"Why are you here?" She asked in a strong, commanding voice. Her father gaped. The woman's eyes narrowed. "Answer!"

"I-I-I," he stuttered, his face red. "I was simply um exploring the forest. I w-was not expecting to find... someone like you." He spoke with a touch of wonder in his voice.

The woman gave him a suspicious look. "You are of the Gentry," she accused. "How dare you enter these forests."

He took several steps back. "I did not mean to offend. I was simply curious. I meant no harm." The woman seemed soothed by these words, but the hard look on her face didn't entirely fade. "I must say, I didn't expect to find a youkai in these areas."

The woman shrugged.

The man held out his hand in greeting. "I am Orion. Orion Galewich." The woman eyed his hand suspiciously. She accepted it tensely.

"I am Suzaku."

The man lingered a moment, perhaps waiting for a last name but when none came, he released her long nailed hand and smiled warmly.

Arashi felt winded. Suzaku... that was her mother's name.

She was so preoccupied, she didn't notice the soft glow of her jade pendent, until it became brighter and the scene around her faded into darkness.

Arashi woke to the sound of a door closing and muffled foot steps walking down a hall. She lay in white linen sheets in silence. She examined her surroundings, and discovered she was in the hospital wing. The sky was still dark, so it couldn't have been too long since she passed out.

Could it? She wasn't sure. She still felt drained though, but her mind was restless. It whirred with questions.

Had she really just seen her mother? Was that the first time her parents met? It must've been...

'I can't believe that horrible creature was my mother...'

-Next Morning-

Arashi hadn't slept well. Her mind couldn't rest and every time she tried to fall to sleep, she would begin to think of the beautiful woman and the beastly creature. It was difficult to accept that both of those things could be her mother. Especially the creature. She could still see its eyes when she closed her eyes.

And there was more. She was a princess. Her father wouldn't see her for half of a year. And, worst of all, she had endangered the lives of her friends, just by going to the school.

That was what was currently nagging at her. Thanatos would come again, and once more her friends' lives would be on the line. She hadn't been strong enough to protect them. Artemis, Fenris, Harry, Ginny, Aaby, Victoria and... Xiang Kun. They all suffered, because of her. Guilt preyed on her emotional heart.

She sat up in bed, looking worn and tired, heavy bags under her eyes. Mdm. Pompfrey bustled in and fussed around her, chastisizing her for being reckless and so on. Arashi wasn't really listening. Whatever Pompfrey was saying, she had already gone over a million times in her own head.

What could she do? She could leave. It was a terrible prospect, but one she had to consider. She was becoming too powerful, and she was attracting dangerous attention. Maybe she could pack her things, take her guardians and hit the road. She would never return to Hogwarts. She would never see Xiang Kun again.

The moment she thought about that, was the moment she knew she couldn't leave. She had to stay. Besides, she was brought here to protect Hogwarts. Abandoning it would be cowardly.

...Right?

Just then, her friends came in, their arms full of gifts.They entered the hospital wing with some sadness, which seemed tomeltaway when they saw Arashi awake and sitting up. Much to Mdm. Pompfrey's dissapproval, the large group crowded around her bed, chattering noisily. She was about to voice her objection, but stopped when she saw how it affected her patient. Arashi's eyes, which had been a lifeless grey-blue, were now a sparkling, bright blue. She shook her head ruefully and left to tend to other things.

"We're so glad you're awake, Arashi!" Aaby gushed, with a tearful Victoria at her side.

"Yeah, you gave us quite a scare last night," Ginny added, setting down some chocolate frogs on her bedside table.

Arashi gave her a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that."

Alex waved her hand. "I knew you'd pull through, kiddo. You're a fighter."

Arashi giggled. She was feeling unusually giddy. After a long, restless night of torturing herself, it was nice to hear the sound of her friends' voices again.

"We brought you gifts," Ron said pointing to the now over burdoned bedside table. Arashi was mildly surprised both Ron and Hermione came, but she didn't object.

"I saw," Arashi said. "Where did you get so many in such short notice?"

"Oh, they're not all ours. Once news spread, a lot of people wanted to send you something." Ron explained.

"I think you may have some admirerers," Ginny said slyly. Arashi blushed. She picked up a peice of paper and quickly changed the subject.

"Who's this from?" She asked.

"Dean Thomas," Hermione answered. "I think he drew you a picture."

Arashi unfolded it and lo and behold, it was a picture. A beautifully drawn picture of a black panther. Arashi gasped. "Oh, it's beautiful. How thoughtful of him." Unseen by her, Xiang Kun frowned.

Fenris sneered. "It's just a doodle of a beast." Alex rolled her eyes and swatted at him, who dodged easily and stuck his tongue out at her. "OH YOU LITTLE MONSTER!" She fumed, now fully swatting at him with a fan. (where'd she get it? Who knows...)

They all laughed. While they were distracted by the fight, Xiang Kun edged closer and started to speak.

"Er, I have something for you," he said, handing her a blue envelope.

"Thank you," she said, blushing as usual. She took it and carefully opened it. Inside was a letter with pink handwriting. This is what it said:

Dear Arashi-chan

Hi! It's me, Sakura! Remember me? You should, considering the huge event we went through together. My side still aches in the rain because of you ha ha. (Stop fretting, I'm just kidding.)

Xiang Kun told me in his latest letter that your father is in the hospital. I was deeply saddened to hear that especially with the holidays coming up. I believe no one should spend the holidays alone. So I came up with a solution: you come down to Tomoeda to spend Christmas vacation with Xiang Kun and his lovely family!

And you can't say no. I want this and I know you don't want to spend the holidays in some stuffy castle alone. Besides, everyone's really excited to meet you (we've heard so much about you in Xiang Kun's letters but they're not the same). Nakaru is really excited to see Alex again (and of course she's invited! So is Fenris!) I can't wait to see you again either. And the cards! I miss them. Enclosed is a first class plane ticket and don't bother repaying me for it. It's a gift!

Oh and don't worry about getting us gifts just yet. The kids and Eriol usually go to Tokyo for some last minute Christmas shopping. It's tradition!

I guess I'll see you in a few weeks. Until then!

-Sakura Li

P.S. Say "hi" to the cards for me!

P.P.S. It was Xiang Kun's idea to invite you. He's such a thoughtful boy, don't you think?

Arashi finished reading the letter. Her head was bowed and her bangs shadowed her face, hiding her expression. Xiang Kun watched her with a touch of anxiety.

"What do you think?" He asked. He cried out in surprise as Arashi threw her thin arms around his neck, burying her head in his chest. His face went instantly crimson.

"Thank you so much Xiang Kun," she said with a voice thick with emotion.

"N-n-no problem," he answered. She pulled away but didn't remove her arms. He saw her cerulean eyes shining with tears and her face flushed with happiness. Something in his chest fluttered. Her soft, pink lips had never looked so inviting. For a moment he had the mad impulse to kiss her...

"Ooooooh!" Crowed a teasing voice. Arashi and Xiang Kun froze.

They had unawaredly attracted an audience. The girls were doubled over giggling, except for Alex who was smirking. The boys mostly looked confused and a little embarassed. Fenris looked ready to commit murder (which is how he normally looked anyway).

"I wish I had a camera," Alex teased.

They broke away, both blushing furiously. Xiang Kun recovered first. He noticed Pompfrey standing in the corner, glaring at them and tapping her watch.

"We should probably go," he said. The others saw what he saw and reluctantly agreed.

"Come visit me again soon!" Arashi called after them as they were ushered from the hospital wing by the irate nurse.

"You look exhausted," she said accusingly to Arashi, fluffing her pillows and pulling the sheets tight. "Take this and lie down." She gave her a small vial filled with violet liquid, a sleeping potion. Arashi took it and instantly felt drowsy.

Pompfrey wandered away as Arashi fell back into her pillows, her eyes drooping but a smile was still on her face.

'Spending the holidays with Xiang Kun? What could be better...'

She fell into a deep sleep.

Several miles away, in a lavishely furnished room, lit by many flickering candles, a figure dressed in all white watched Arashi fall asleep through a crystal ball. She clenched her ivory fists.

"When?" She asked. "When?"

"Soon," Thanatos answered from the chair where he was currently resting. The figure - who was clearly female - whirled around, her pretty face red with anger.

"Soon? Soon? I want her out of the way, but you can't seem to do that!" She shrieked. Thanatos gave her a cool look.

"It will take time," he began patiently, but the girl cut him off.

"You failed last time you tried," she said accusingly. "You failed."

"I was not prepared for... that," he admitted. The attack his beloved had used against him had left quite a mark, both on him and his guardians.

"You will continue to fail," she went on, ignoring him. "That bitch will keep beating you if you keep trying the same methods over and over."

Thanatos gave her a sharp look. "Do not call her that," he said coldly.

She sneered. "Bitch. Bitch, bitch, bitch-" She was cut off by a resounding slap on her face that sent her tumbling to the ground. She looked up at him, clutching her red cheek, her face held an expression like a wounded animal.

"I did warn you," he said mildly. He moved away from her, over to the crystal ball and watched his raven haired beauty sleep in silence. The girl picked herself off of the floor and watched him carefully.

"You promised me power," she said quietly. "You promised me him. When will I be ready?"

He didn't turn around. He caressed the crystal ball, imagining it was the smooth face of Arashi. "Soon," he answered, his expression hungry.

Raven: Spooky.

Alex:They almost kissed!YAY!

Fenris: No violence and there's romance? That sucked.

Raven: You suck.

Alex: Anyway please read and review!

Raven: Yes I need some feedback!