Hello everyone! Thank you for all of your reviews, as always (I love you people) (I also love everyone who reads this story. You are appreciated JUST AS MUCH!)

I hope you enjoy this chapter too :)

Sakura woke in the familiar surroundings of her home and to Syaoran's warmth. She smiled and hoped her moment wouldn't end anytime soon. She felt his fingers brush through her hair and she opened her eyes to meet his.

"Morning." He greeted softly.
"Hey." She replied.
He smiled, "You've stopped concealing that mark on your shoulder."
"You knew I was concealing it?"
"I did."
She sighed softly. It explained several things, including why he kept asking about her mark.
"I don't think I was consciously concealing it while I was being held prisoner. But I became aware of it not long before I came here." She murmured.
"Why did you hide it from us?" he asked.
"I guess I was afraid. I didn't know if everyone had their own unique mark or if there were certain characteristics that related to certain things." Sakura said.
"I'm guessing that while you were gone you learned that there are characteristics to look out for, didn't you?" Syaoran asked.
She nodded.
He smiled, "I've read and learned about these things my entire life, and I still have no idea what kind of magic you use, even with your mark as a clue."
She felt anxious. Did that mean he didn't know what a vessel was? How would he react?
"You're anxious again." He said softly.
She blinked. "How could you tell?"
Syaoran smiled, "I can just tell."
"How busy will you be today?" she asked.
"I'm free unless something comes up." He replied.
She smiled, happy she'd be able to spend the day with her husband. She hoped nothing came up.
"While I was away, I learned what I was..." she murmured nervously.

He watched her patiently while she struggled to find her words. She gnawed her lip for a moment and then sighed softly.

"Syaoran, do you know what a vessel is?"
Recognition showed in his eyes. "Yes, though I've never known someone who was a vessel."
She held his gaze and it didn't take him long to realise the meaning behind her question.
"I see...that explains your abilities." He murmured. "Though I'm surprised you've managed to live for so long."
"When I met my mentor, at the time he told me I had only four months left to live." She confessed. "But I can use my magic now, so I should be fine."
He pulled her closer, "Really? You won't be leaving anytime soon?"
She shook her head, "No. He also said that..." she trailed off, not entirely sure how to approach the topic. She smiled, "Never mind. That can wait for a little while."
Syaoran stayed quiet, assessing her mood for a moment.
"Will you tell me what you've been doing this past year?" he asked.
She nodded, "I will. But maybe after I've eaten something?"
He laughed. "Of course."
She kissed him, "I missed this. I missed us."
"I did too." He murmured.

They parted and moved to get up and dressed. They ate and then Sakura hurried off to feed and tend to Amalthea who gave her an annoyed snort upon arrival.
"I'm sorry-I'll do better, I promise." Sakura apologised.
She sensed the horses' annoyance fade and she smiled.
"She really likes you." Syaoran said as he joined her.
Sakura looked up briefly before she turned to grab something for Amalthea.
"She was a gift from my mentor. I think we get along." She replied.
"What's her name?" he asked.
"Amalthea."
He smiled, "it suits her."
"She kept me safe on the way home. I'll always be grateful." Sakura said softly.
"I'm grateful too." Syaoran said. "She helped bring you home."
"This forest is very peaceful and very kind," Sakura murmured, "It enjoys having us here."
"Meiling mentioned the same thing once." Syaoran smiled, "The only thing I'm worried about is disturbing its peace."
Amalthea finished eating and moved to nudge Syaoran, demanding his attention. He looked at the horse with mild surprise and then to Sakura.
"She just wants you to pat her." Sakura laughed.
He smiled, "Pleased to meet you too." He said as he gently ran his hands over her soft fur.

"Syaoran, how much do you know about vessels?" Sakura suddenly asked.
He glanced up briefly, "I know that vessels are usually more in tune with the spirits around them-animals and things whose voices can't be heard love vessels and protect them." He murmured. "Their bodies absorb large amounts of magic and hold it, generally without the person realising."
Sakura nodded. "You mentioned earlier that vessels don't usually live for very long and you were surprised I had."
"I did."

Amalthea turned and walked away to warm herself up in the sunlight.

"Part of the reason is that while I was locked up, I was unconsciously using magic to conceal the mark on my shoulder, so I was always using magic. But while I was locked up, they learned of my ability to heal." She said quietly. "They used my body for their own means, used me like a tool and then further abused me for having a gift that saved their lives."
He held her hand gently and squeezed. "How old were you when they found out?"
She swallowed. "Fourteen. I couldn't consciously control my magic-and the person who... they were injured and angry at the time since someone with magic had injured them, so he decided to take it out on me." She whispered.
"Sakura..."
Sakura wiped her eyes. "I'm glad I met you," she whispered, "I'm glad I married you."
Syaoran didn't know what to say. He held her hand tight, glad she was finally opening up to him.
She took in a deep breath and steadied herself. "Syaoran, do you remember when I woke up from being asleep for a month?"
"I do." He replied softly.
"And the time you used a spell to get rid of our enemies?"
"I remember both of those times." He said. "Why do you recall them?
She looked into his eyes, "Syaoran, did you know I miscarried twice?"
Immediate pain surfaced on his face.
"I didn't want you to ever find out," he whispered, "I didn't want you to feel any more pain."
"Were those the only two times...?"
He shook his head. "There was one other time."
She felt hot tears crawl down her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"It's hardly your fault, Sakura. You were still settling in, you were stressed and afraid and how were you supposed to know your body would react such a way to your magic?" he said softly, "As awful and as heartbreaking as it is, it's probably for the best that we don't have a child."
She steadied herself and wiped her eyes. "I know, but it still hurts."
"I know. I'm sorry." He murmured. "How did you know...?" he then asked.
"My mentor made me study what a vessel was and how my magic worked, but he explained to me how the amount of magic in my body was causing my body stress, which was why when I fell ill or I used my magic to protect myself, the consequences were dire." She explained as they continued to walk.
He frowned, "If we're going by that logic, then as long as you keep using your magic and keeping it at a stable level, you should be perfectly fine and not have any complications."
Sakura nodded. "Well, I'm not dead so it's probably true."
"What happens to you when you overuse your magic?" he asked her.
"My body gives out. If I'm lucky and I get the medical attention I need, I should survive..."
He sighed softly, "I see. And you know when you need to stop using your magic?"
Sakura smiled, "Yeah, that was one of the first things I had to learn."

Syaoran came to a stop and took a seat on top of a nearby crate. "Vessels are for the most part incredibly rare and there is little known about them. If we had the information, we could put things in place to help you, but unfortunately we can't." He said. "I'm trusting that you know your limits and what you need to do to look after yourself."
"Please don't worry. I'll let you know if there's something wrong." She said.
"And you promise to do this?"
Sakura nodded, "I promise."
"Good." He said with a small smile

"What's been happening since I was gone? You mentioned that the enemy had stopped attacking...is that because I left?" she asked anxiously.
Syaoran shrugged. "We don't know, Sakura. It could be because you left or perhaps they're planning something." He murmured. "It's too difficult to know."
"What about your scouts? Have you heard anything back from them?" she pressed, knowing that the last time they had spoken, there had not been any news.
"For now, they're presumed dead."
"But they might still be alive!" she cried.
"Sakura, I just can't afford to lead soldiers into enemy territory for five men. I have a duty to this kingdom and it will always come first." He explained softly.
"But what about when you went away to help liberate the prisoners?" she argued.
He sighed. "That was a decision made by all four of the kings. I didn't go in alone."
"Can't you ask them for help?" Sakura asked desperately.
"No. This is my issue, not theirs, and I will deal with it however I see fit." He answered firmly.

Sakura felt her eyes burn with tears of rage. "So, you'll just let them be brutally tortured for the rest of their lives? Syaoran, those people will not give you the chance to end your own misery. If you try, they simply make sure the damage is fixed and then proceed to continue torturing you."

He stood, and this time he was angry. "If you think this doesn't tear me apart then you're wrong. I want nothing more than to be able to help them, but if I tried I would die."
Sakura swallowed and took in a deep breath, realising what she had said. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." She whispered.
His anger died too. "I know, but you're worried about them because you know exactly what they do to magicians."
She nodded.
"In answer to your question, however, I've been asked to strengthen borders. So, it's not a huge surprise that there hasn't been any foreign invaders in recent months." Syaoran murmured.
"I see." She said quietly.

"Your grace!"

Syaoran looked over as a soldier came rushing over. "What's going on?" Syaoran asked.
"A message arrived for you," they replied, holding out a rolled-up piece of parchment.
Syaoran took it and immediately unrolled it. He frowned. "Odd."
Sakura fidgeted, "What is it?" she asked.
"This message is written in code." He murmured. "Sakura, I'm sorry but I really need to see to this."
"I understand." She smiled, though disappointed she couldn't spend all her day with him. But duty called, and duty would be heeded.
She watched as he hurried off to tend to whatever the message had been and then slowly made her way back to the tent, stopping occasionally to talk to some of the citizens.
She entered the tent and sighed softly, moving to sit down.

Not much time passed before Syaoran returned. She looked at him with surprise, "That was fast."
"I came here to get something. I need you to stay here." He murmured.
She watched as he found what he needed and hurried out once more. She wondered what information he had received that had him so worried.
Sakura waited.
And waited.
And waited.

It wasn't until well after the sun had set that Syaoran arrived looking tired.
"What's happened?" she asked.
He sighed heavily. "Three of the scouts are alive, the others were killed. The message was written in a code I taught to them, and they were to only use it if they believed the messages were being followed."
Sakura frowned, "So...what was the message...?"
"The enemy has people working from inside all four kings' domains, and they're building some kind of weapon." He murmured.
Sakura nibbled her lip. "Will you be going away?" she asked quietly.
He looked to her and watched her for a moment. "No. I'm sending a trusted friend to personally relay a message to the other kings. This isn't something I want to send by air."
Sakura nodded. "I see."
"Don't trust anyone but those closest to you, alright?"
"Ok," she said softly.
Syaoran moved to head to bed and she followed, confusion swirling around her head as she slipped in beside him.

Morning arrived much too soon for Sakura's liking. She buried her face in the pillow and groaned.
"Sakura," Syaoran murmured.
"What?" she mumbled.
"You need to get up. We're moving today." He murmured, "I can't let you sleep any longer."
She forced herself into a sitting position and looked around. "We're leaving so soon?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Syaoran replied, "Amalthea seems agitated. You might want to feed her-no one else can get close to her."
Sakura nodded, "Alright..."
He kissed her softly on the cheek before standing and leaving her to get dressed. Sakura pulled on one of her new garments that Tomoyo had made for her and she slipped her feet into her boots, lacing them up tightly before eating and heading to feed Amalthea and prepare her for the trip.

Sakura found the agitated horse and immediately moved in to calm her. Sakura wasn't sure what Amalthea was so agitated about, but she kept her mind open to her and analysed her feelings. She sensed fear and worry for her.
"Am I in danger?" she asked softly.
Amalthea nudged her cheek and Sakura smiled. "Alright, I'll keep my mind open."
Syaoran made his way over to her, "Is everything ok?" he asked.
Sakura looked to him, "she knows I might be in danger."
He smiled, "Smart horse."
Sakura moved to saddle up Amalthea, "Where will we be going?"
"I haven't decided. It's a necessary precaution." He replied.
"I see." She murmured.
"We'll be leaving shortly," Syaoran murmured.
Sakura smiled, "I know," she replied.

They left the area not long before noon. Sakura kept Amalthea in pace with Syaoran and his horse. It was very quiet, allowing Sakura's mind to wonder, and not to places she wanted to remember.
"Sakura, are you feeling alright?"
She looked up in surprise and glanced at Syaoran. He looked concerned.
"You look pretty pale."
"Sorry-old memories." She murmured.
He looked thoughtful. "Very well, but if you need to talk..."
Sakura smiled, "I know. Thank you."
He nodded and she started humming a soft tune from her childhood, one her mother used to sing to her when she was a young child.

I'm still sick, but I'll live. :(

To all of you who are reading A New Beginning, sorry I haven't updated recently. My mind is currently occupied with another story. I jump between projects, but never leave one unfinished. :)