Princess of Thieves
Chapter Twenty Nine:: The Day of Chaos
Syaoran stood against the cement walls of the highest tower, a breeze whipping his cape around and making his brown hair disarrayed. The dark shapes of the enemy fleets were on alert, but they weren't moving. From his distance he could see the lanterns, could see the docked boats against the large ships. Along the bay he could make out tents and camps as they enemy slept and gained energy. Those camps held bandits and Islanders alike, all ready for a battle when they got any sign of conflict. He knew the Lord of the Copper Isles was probably in the middle ship, either sleeping or coming up with a new tactic to breach his castle. Avalon had always been their dream to conquer, gaining them power far more than they deserved. Gloved hands tightened on the wall as he watched the shapes of his men hide within the forest, knights he trusted with his life, trusted with Avalon's life. Looking up at the full moon he closed his eyes and let the breeze whip around him, soaking in the glow from the large star. If he reached out his arm he could almost reach the moon, except for the planet was light years of distance between the atmosphere and space. Taking a deep breath, Syaoran took in the sea and ash and blew it out, eyes opening.
The door to the tower opened and shut softly, his head moving a hairsbreadth to the side. His cousin stood her ground, wearing a black cloak to keep her warm. Raven black hair was braided against her chest, matching the shade of black hair the little girl she held in her arms had, also wearing a dark cloak to keep her warm. Syaoran smiled brown eyes soft as he held out his arms to Lyri. Dark circles formed her angelic face, teal eyes bright as she allowed Syaoran to take her. It had been almost a year since he met Lyri, the muted child that was too scared to learn to speak until she met Sakura. Now she was a talking-walking princess in the care of his family. No one had asked about the child, Queen Yelan's court accepted the child as if she was a long loss grand-daughter. Syaoran held her silently, moving his swords hilts away from her feet as she wrapped around his torso. Meilin moved to stand next to them, taking in the scene below. The ocean glistened from the moon, the dark shapes of the enemy's fleet like darkened boulders.
"Father just left with his troop," Meilin's soft word cut through the wind like ice. Syaoran nodded. Her sharp red orbs bore into him then. "I was told you're going to be on the front line, attacking with the men of your circle."
"Mei—"
"No, I understand, you're the King and what you say goes. What I or Tomoyo don't understand is why you won't allow Sir Eriol to stay behind." Her tone bit into him like her icy stare and he sighed, holding Lyri a little tighter. From her breathing against his chest, he knew the child fell asleep. Fixing the hood of her cloak to cover her face from the chilly breeze, he thought carefully of his words.
"Eriol is the best swordsman in Avalon, aside from my self and Sir Takashi."
"So,"
"I've made an agreement with him. He's not to get down from his horse, fighting above gives him a greater advantage then being on his leg. I've already had a duel with him, he's good, but his injury keeps him from being at his best." Meilin shook her head, angry. Syaoran briefly wondered if she was angry because Eriol was family or because her best friend was upset her fiancé was going out to war. "We'll all be protected. I promise,"
"From the rogues," he whipped his head around and she rolled her eyes. "I know the backup plan, Kyle told me. Do you really trust the rogues? I mean…they're thieves and wanted criminals, Syaoran."
"I trust the men that want…" he stopped. "The rogues have the same agenda as Avalon; we don't want the enemy taking what belongs to us."
"She's one of them. Isn't she?" Meilin asked softly, trying to read her cousins expression before looking out at the ocean again.
"Lady Sakura is many things and being the kindest soul on this earth is one of them." a whistle so low, he barely heard it echoed up to them. Syaoran looked down the length of the tower, seeing a shadow amongst the shadow. Letting his own whistle get back down to them, he turned to Meilin a second later. "Meilin promise me you'll stay safe. If they manage to breach the castle, take Lyri and…"
"God Syaoran, you talk like we can't take care of ourselves." Meilin took Lyri from his grasp, adjusted her into a position as she gave her cousin the once over. "Remember it was you who decided to have us learn to defend ourselves and Lady Aya will be at our side. You know for a rogue she's interesting,"
"Just promise me Meilin," Syaoran huffed out, getting an eye roll as she nodded. "Gunnar and Naoko are with mother; don't let anyone know about the rogues. Kyle shouldn't have told you."
"Just go," Meilin laughed softly pushing him towards the towers door as another whistle came back up. The sun was about to set, the chill of the night creeping up her arms. Syaoran nodded, kissing the top of Lyri's head before giving one to his cousin. Brown orbs were intense as he gave her a silent plea to stay safe. In a whirl of green and black he was gone, leaving her alone on the highest tower. Meilin sighed, staring up at the moon as she prayed for their safety.
With night still upon them, the stars twinkling above as witness to a tense atmosphere, shadows began to move. Covered in black, hiding the shine of the medal armor a troop of knights silently went down to the beach and hid amongst the sand and crevices of rocks. Another troop moved to the nearest village with a letter from the King, sending families from their beds to the shelters above. Those who could not move would be severely protected and hidden within their own homes. A third troop came from the east, the sister city of an alliance well forgotten with Avalon. Queen Yelan had four daughters, one in which was a proud Queen and ruler of a small kingdom outside of Avalon, along the borders known as the White Kingdom. Each main troop sent out was backed up by more men, hidden in grooves and above ground in trees. The attack of a lifetime was going to commence the moment the sun touched the mountain, with an army willing to bet on their life that they were going to win. Men stood their grounds as they hid and awaited the moment when the kingdom was turning into chaos; a chaos that would determine the victors.
Outside the Castle the chaos began little by little as Syaoran joined the last troops waiting for instruction. No one knew how long it takes for the sun to approach the mountains and the anxiety grew in tenfold as they continued to wait. Everyone knew that the moment the light shown over the ocean it was the end to an end. Silent warriors from the east, shrouded in black cloaks and black covered armor, took out the camps circling Avalon's castle. Without a guard to sound the alarm, the night remained silent. Horses were taken, weapons buried, and barely dim fires were watered into ash and smoke. These silent warriors got every man sleeping, taking out the enemy and leaving only one or two to run naked into the woods. Whether they decide to head for the next camp or run as far as they could to safety, the wolves were sure to find them. Knights wearing dark green cloaks took out the enemy camp surrounding the beach, allowing a handful of men to take off, weaponless and gagged. One peep or sound from the escapee's would be taken out by archers in the trees, by hounds waiting to feast hungrily on traitors. As the sun approached, the night lighting up slowly, the end to an end was about to take place.
Covered in black armor, double swords at his waist, and daggers hidden within his person, Syaoran moved as silent as the others towards the main attack. In every war you lose lives as it ragged on and on. Usually the key was to get to the center of their attacks, to make their numbers lessen and to show that they were fearless. In this war, they were more relentless than bandits. The King of Avalon chose the ladder in his goal to achieve victory and that was to go out into the middle of the war and personally take out the man behind the attacks. To reach him, he needed to stay alive. To reach him, he needed to be invisible against the army of fleets and pin point the man's exact location. He was a coward, sending men after men to do his dirty work, to take the lives of villagers and attack on a castle that would not falter even an inch to their whims; and Syaoran was going to be the one to handle him.
He felt like a whisper against the night, moving unnoticed and as quiet as a snake. Through the thick of the woods he could make out the archers and the knights on stand by. On the coast, he could make out the men awaiting battle amongst the bushes that met with the sand. Going head on into a battle was the only thing they could do now. The week long war needed to come to an end; the one in his head, as well as in his Kingdom. Moving with ease through a forest he knew like the back of his hand, Syaoran led his band of knights towards the coastline. A whistle caught his attention and he stopped, listening to the sharp tune. Knights were in place along the borderline, armed and ready to attack when signaled. He just needed to get to his position. The sun was beginning to raise, the stray rays of the bright star lighting up the once dark sky. It hadn't quite reached the mountains and with that, he whistled for the attacks to commence. Whether they had a rat in the kingdom, knowing he could take advantage of the situation and attack before the time figured brought a smile on his lips. Few knights were taken by surprise, wondering why they were attacking ahead of time, but no one said a word as a battle cry echoed Avalon's seas.
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She felt like a mummy tied down to a flat, cold surface of stone. Someone had forced liquid down her throat, the sudden action making her scream and gargle until she realized it was water. The cold sensation of something so pure had made her cry in the end. She didn't know how long it had been since she was allowed to drink, her empty stomach had protested against it until it agreed that at least she was allowed some salvation. As the night drew on, she was alone. The stars kept her company until the dark figure approached for the second time and forced another kind of liquid down her throat. This one was cold, with a tangy sensation against her tongue, alarming her senses awake. When her body grew numb she thought they'd poisoned her until the agony of her bound ribs soothed out, her ankle tingling as the pain subsided. She hadn't the time to thank or even see who kept coming back to see her, but she was grateful. The intention of keeping her alive was becoming plain, if only the intention of letting her go was part of that plan. She didn't think it would happen, not with the ropes still bound against her wrists, keeping her down. It was like the injuries weren't enough they figured she would get up and walk away.
A few times she dozed off, waking up to a brighter night as the sun came from the mountains. Tears stung her cheeks as she stared at the sky, wondering if it was going to be last time she gazed upon its beauty. She could barely breathe with the way her ribs were shattered, pressing against vital organs. Every time she breathed in a sharp unwelcoming pain hit her side, making it hard to breathe out as she struggled to contain the cry that wanted to escape her throat. The smell of blood would surly have called to the wild life, the stone slabs and fallen pillars had markings of life that wasn't human. She knew exactly where she was and knew that there was no roof, no ceiling to cover a body from the night. Bandits and animals alike could take shelter in the nooks and crannies of the fallen debris, making camp and leaving it to burn away more of what once was an amazing castle. Struggling to stay awake, she watched as the sky changed colors, as clouds passed over head. It was the only thing she could see. Trying to move hurt to much and she knew that her arms were tied down to something below, maybe a stump or trapped under boulders. Turning her head, she made out the banner again and began to cry. Never in the years she lived in the Kingdom had she returned to her old home.
Too many memories flooded her mind, too many hardships and painful echoes kept her from turning away from that banner. The day of her eleventh birthday it had all come down and the man responsible was still gaining power. Lucas was somewhere, if not watching her from a distance and she knew that. She also knew that the man responsible for kidnapping her, wiping out her memory from a single blow to the head, was also around. The last thing she remembered before now was seeing Aya, bleeding and barely able to whisper out a name. The rogue had been so pale that she hoped the red-haired female had made it out alive. Everything else after that was a blur of darkness. She didn't remember how she'd gained the injuries she'd gained, why she could barely breathe without suffering. Everything had been wiped clean from her memory and she had a nagging feeling it was due to the extremities of the pain. Just like her memory had been nearly wiped clean on the day of her eleventh birthday. The screaming would always be there, the blood, the cries of war, her mother and father's face and the face of her brother.
Tears began to slip down the corner of her face, dripping to the earth below. Touya had expected so much of her when she agreed to become the Princess she was always meant to be. Yet, here she was now—broken and tied to a stone slab. A movement caught her attention and she jerked her head as best as she could towards the shadow. A girl wearing a torn and tattered cloak approached. Her skirts dirty from mud and stains flowed around her as she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Something was in her arms and she held it against her stomach as she adjusted her footing awkwardly. Sakura blinked back the strain and moved her head away. Seeing this, the girl continued to walk forward slowly. Her cloak made a whisper against the stones as she walked over the banner and pillars, coming to her side. Auburn met with emerald and she saw for the first time since it all began, regret in those orbs.
"W-wh—?" her throat hurt, keeping her from speaking. The woman before her shook her head, auburn locks glistening against the sun as she fixed her cloaks hood.
"I wouldn't speak, not yet." she spoke to Sakura easily, her voice soft as she began fixing the objects against her lap. Sakura strained her gaze to see what it was, managing to recognize herbs smashed against a stone slab. "I heard you down below, screaming like you did. Don't tell anyone, but I was the one that let you down as often as I could without my fiancé knowing." Her brown gaze searched their surroundings. "Treating a woman, even someone like you that can fight back, it's dishonorable. Haku agrees, but he's only under orders from his superior." Bringing the stone up, she showed Sakura the smashed herbs and droplets of liquid. "It's not poison, I promise."
Sakura could only nod her head slightly, taking the offered herbs. The tangy sensation hit her tongue stronger this time and she coughed, struggling to sit up. Her ribs protested as her stomach clenched tightly and she gagged. The girl before her frowned in surprise and confusion as if she was having a conflict in her head, before trying to help Sakura sit up. The gesture only hurt more and Sakura began shaking her head like mad, wanting her to stop. Rasping, she apologized and let Sakura lay back down. Heart thudding madly against her chest, Sakura began to take shuddering breaths to help slow it down. The pain was unbearable, the medicine she just took slowly making its way through her body. The tingling sensation came back, numbing her agony. "T-thank you," Sakura whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. She didn't know what else to say, it was obvious the girl wanted to help her even if she was part of the ploy to have her killed.
"I'm not sure what the plan is, but I know they wanted you alive." The girls' eyes glistened with tears, as if she was feeling Sakura's pain. Adjusting the cloak around her, she sidled up against the stone Sakura laid on and continued to talk. It was weird, listening to a stranger's voice, having not heard anyone's voice in a long time. "Haku didn't tell me how he found you, but he promised he didn't hurt you. The way your ribs are, they won't heal properly. They're going to have to re-break and align them. I know very little about medical practice, but I know enough." Her hands lifted as she played with a weed that began to grow around the fallen debris. The flower looked as sad as Sakura felt, maybe even more so since the girl began to pluck its pedals.
"When I was little, my mother used to tell me stories about Greenland Island. Strange stories about a princess buried in ice, but survived. I never believed her, but she would always tell me about the ice princess." Sakura closed her eyes as she listened to the girl talk, wanting to feel comforted, wanting the pain to dissolve. It was obvious the girl was alone, other than the men. As she told the myth about the ice princess, Sakura used her voice to fall asleep and began to dream.
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The sun began to blaze bright against the heavy armor of over a thousand knights. Cries echoed the beach as waves crashed against the bluffs of Avalon. Clank of metal on metal pierced through the lowest of battle cries, blood splashed, sweat meshed, and the fight of a life time continued to rage on. Syaoran, tired and splashed with the enemies blood, swung around as an attack came from above. Gritting his teeth, he blocked with both swords and pushed the man away with enough force to knock him into another. The element of surprise had worked to a point. Armor had been worn only by those on guard and those of Avalon, blood was everywhere from those wearing only clothes as clothing. Bare-chested and angry, the enemy attacked head-on. Numbers dropped; others ran to call out for help. The beach was soon covered in a stain of darkness that didn't quite match the beauty of the sand. As the sun blazed, lightning up the earth, Syaoran began to go after the enemy that tried to escape. His veins called for blood, his head swam with vengeance, and his eyes burned with their own fire that every man taken by his sword went down without a sound. The element of surprise a week ago, when the enemy made port on his waters, had worked until now. Now it was Avalon's turn to make them writhe in agony.
His sword whistled as he swung, helping out a comrade that got trapped beneath a stump and an over-weight opponent. A battle axe the size of an oak trees width came up to deflect, the clanking resonance making Syaoran's elbow scream against the sudden defensive move. Leaping back he readied himself as the angry man moved towards him in slow, uneven steps. His weight made dents within the cold sand as he approached, his eyes blazing with the same fire that roared in Syaoran's chest. Axe at the ready he leaped with all of his angry weight, making Syaoran think twice before dropping down on his knees, double-swords out in a criss-cross shape to deflect. The slice that came sent blood splattering his armor and face, his flesh already dirty with grim and sweat. The warrior's offensive move was his weight and using that to his advantage, ignoring the blood spilling from his bare chest, he pushed down against Syaoran's weapons. The axe came closer and closer to his face. Wavering from the strength deteriorating against the massive pressure, Syaoran stared wide-eyed at the man above. Something poked against his armor, barely piercing through. The warriors face changed from anger to surprise in mere seconds, realizing what just happened as well. The axe still waved in front of his face, sharp and glinting with the sun's presence. Growling, he used what strength he had left and moved his head and body just in time for the dead warrior to collapse against his armor.
Syaoran glanced at the knight standing above the fallen opponent, a silent thank-you going unheard between them. Red hair darkened from blood splatters and dirt, marking his battle. With one hand he brushed back sweaty bangs before helping his King up. Just as quickly they defending themselves as the attacks continued. Back-to-back, armor against armor, they clashed with opponents that let out battle cries, screaming like eagles soaring as they tried to come for their fallen comrades defense. The large man was dead, taken from the world, which only made others around them angrier. Copper Isles was losing men and quickly. The beach had been crawling with them and now, taking inventory Syaoran saw more dark armor than he saw bare chests. That didn't mean it was coming to an end, he knew that. They had crawled onto the land like a disease, spreading out and trying their hand at taking over the kingdom of Avalon. One village had already been destroyed, taken over and used as a home base. His sister's kingdom was responsible for taking it back and scouring out survivors that belonged to Avalon and not Copper Isles. The element of surprise, using another kingdom that wasn't involved would definitely take them by surprise. The white warriors, he knew from experience, were fierce and relentless.
Arrows whizzed by his head and he whirled around. Boats began to approach the beach, men standing their grounds in the middle aimed long bows. One arrow turned into a dozen arrows, flying for the beach. Syaoran knocked down some aimed for him, cutting them in two as he ducked and ran back towards the cliffs. Having backup come for their fallen comrades had been exactly what Syaoran was waiting for. Slamming his blade into the sand, he whistled loudly, piercing through the cries of war. Above on the cliff stood over a dozen men dressed in dark clothing, strapped with weapons borrowed from the castle's armory. Faces covered by a dark green cloth, the color of Avalon, each man aimed their own arrows. No one expected rogues to be involved and the look on his own men made Syaoran grin. There was a fine line between letting his men know the plan, knowing someone amongst them was a traitor, and letting only one other individual know the full plan. Standing above, leg strapped down with enough cloth to keep from letting blood flow evenly, stood Eriol. Before the battle he'd asked Syaoran to change tactics, having him amongst the rogues instead of head on with the knights of his troops. Sir Eriol was the better archer amongst Syaoran's personal guards and he agreed, knowing their new plan was going to take out Copper Isles fleet.
Metal-tipped arrows glinted against the sun as each man waited the call. The specially made arrows had the enemy falter in their next attack, some of them twitching with anger. Pulling out his own bow, Syaoran notched his arrow and aimed, waiting for the right moment to send his arrow flying. Two knights flanked his side, protecting their King as he aimed his bow up, eyes on the fleet approaching the beach. An eagle soared over head, screeching as it witnessed the battle below. The shadow of his bird's wings casted over the dark armor of Syaoran's men, fluttering like a picture before the eagle took sanction into the woods. Listening intently he heard the cries of fighting going on else where, knowing the enemy had found a way onto the soil from another part of the kingdom. Taking a breath, he held it and counted as he watched the fleet get closer to the shore. The waves barely audible as the water crashed against the bluffs side. A cry of a warrior echoed from behind him and Syaoran let loose his arrow. The metal tip blinded the men following its position as it went up and arched downwards, piercing a man on one of the boats. A dozen arrows were let loose, whistling through the sky as they shadowed over the men, some arrows finding a mark, others being cut down by swords, the rest missing and diving into the ocean.
Eriol's voice boomed as he ordered his band-of-rogues to get ready for another attack. Syaoran had his last arrow at the ready as well, watching as his men began treading into the water. The enemy met them half way attacking full force. Archers remained on the boats aiming their arrows to the bluffs, not knowing that Syaoran had that planned out as well. Archers stood in the trees, waiting, watching silently until Syaoran gave the word. He had the surprise of a life-time planned out for this moment of victory. The King of rogues had sent out word to other parts of the country, to Crescent City, and to the Desert Lands to gather enough men for Syaoran's disposal. Using his false title as a knight of Loire, Koji had become part of the plan to help Avalon stay on their feet. Not even Duke Cheung could get this many men to come so fast and unnoticed. The King of Avalon was forever in the rogues debt now and not only because the love of his life trusted the man, but for all the help he didn't expect to come from him. Syaoran let loose his arrow, dropped his bow, grabbed his sword from the sands depth and attacked.
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She wasn't sure how long she slept for this time. The girl that came was gone, the area around her completely silent. It was eerie how silent a place could be, there were no animals, no wind, just complete silence. It would be serenity if she wasn't injured and bound to a rock. She felt completely hopeless, laying the way she was with no way of knowing if she could find help. Throat sore from lack of use, she began to dry swallow and gave up when all that did was make it worse. Loire had been built along the coastline and the dark forest, surrounded by beauty from lakes and the ocean alike. She knew the nearest village was abandoned due to floods and natural disasters and knew in the forest the eastern clan lived—her clan. The girl that came had said they wanted her alive, but if she tried yelling until her hoarse voice could be heard by the eastern clan, they would surely change their minds. Tears slipped down her face and she stared at the sky in a hopeless state, wishing there was a way to escape. Being tied up as she was brought back memories she wished to have forgotten, memories that were becoming a nightmare every time she dozed off.
It was strange, being back somewhere she hadn't thought would happen for a long time. That wasn't true, she returned to the ruins of Loire once. It was the time she'd found out the men that had kidnapped her were roaming the forests near the North end. It had also been the same time that she had come to terms that she was no longer a princess, but a captive of the painted warriors that wanted to help in their own bizarre way. Even in her minds eye she could still envision herself dressed in a tattered and worn skirt, a bow and arrow strapped to her back, her skin the color of leaves and grass from the way of the North. The bandits had kidnapped others from a nearby village, most of them looking exactly like Sakura. She didn't know then that it had been the bandits hired to help with Lucas' plan of domination, she really didn't know now. She remembered the whistle of the arrow as she let it go, remembered the cries as she and the other warriors attacked and remembered the black-out. She assumed the erased most of it from her mind because she had killed someone. Sakura will always remember the smell of blood, hear the cries coming deep within her throat, feel the way the arrows felt as she let them fly, and most of all remember the way the night felt returning to Loire as another person.
A shadow passed over head, her body tensing painfully as she searched the area. It had been quiet for some time, giving her the sense that she was the only person in the area. The girl had treated her before hadn't returned in a while and she hadn't heard or sent the knights. The shadow passed again and she looked up just as an eagle soared down low and glided its way in a circle. Calming down, she watched as the magnificent bird looped and turned, his head cocked just a little bit as he gazed down at her. she knew it wasn't a predator eagle, knew that even if she was near death he would leave her alone to find other food to eat. With the sun beating down on both eagle and human, she could barely make out the color of his large wings. It was then that he swooped down closer to the earth and back up. It reminded Sakura of a dance the clans used to penetrate as way of celebrating feast and births of their young. Finally he touched down again, allowing her to see the dark colors of his feathers, the red and brown mixture, the white of his face and underbody.
Sakura watched as the eagle landed on the rock nearby, his claws catching the banner perfectly. His head was cocked, one golden eye on her as he searched the surroundings for predators. The brown and red feathers glistened with the sun, like a pattern of jagged lines. His head turned to the other side, eye watchful, head cocked. Something was familiar about the eagle, yet she couldn't figure it out. He spread his wings once, twice, before folding them back against his broad body. Sakura watched, fascinated by the creature. Not once did he move his claws from the banner trapped against the rocks. Then she figured it out, his intelligence wasn't that of a regular eagle, but of a trained one, one that was a friend to her and the Northern Clan. Heart hitting her chest as adrenaline and anxiety hit, Sakura's ribs screamed when she struggled to move. She wanted the eagle to help her. An arrow whizzed by, flowing over her and piercing the ground before the eagle. She let out a strangled, hoarse cry of outrage. The eagle spread his wings and took off in response to her cry, the flap of his powerful wings sending dust outwards, claws still embedded into the Loire banner. The tearing of the cloth could be heard and she lost sense of everything. Another arrow went soaring and she let out a blood hurtling cry for them to stop.
It's just an eagle, she wanted to tell them, knowing her voice wouldn't work. After the display of crying out, she knew she'd just messed up her chances of gaining strength to call for help. Footsteps bounded towards her, stepping over stones and knocking away loose rocks. A shadow soon overlapped her and she struggled to stare blankly at the stranger. His blond hair was covered in moss, wet strands stuck to the side of his handsome face. A flash of memory forced its way and Sakura knew then, this was the knight she had thought was a friend. He was one of the many that had betrayed Avalon's crown and all for what? A power hungry knight that wanted to branch and gain control of a kingdom that no longer existed? Dark blue eyes gave her the once over before he went to retrieve the two arrows that missed her friend. Another body came running, the softer footsteps struggling to not fall from the loose debris.
"What the hell was that?" the blue-eyed knight asked his eyes on Sakura once again. She remained silent, not wanting to damage her vocal cords anymore than they already were. The girl from before approached in her dark cloak, brown orbs wide as she looked from knight to bow and arrow, to Sakura.
"She can't talk yet Haku," the girl spoke then, cutting through the tense silence. "It looked like a bird," she added as well.
"Well there goes lunch," he grumbled. Swinging the bow around to his backside, he moved to sit against the rock that the eagle once occupied.
"I thought that's where Lucas and Marius went, to go hunt." The girl checked on Sakura, her soft gaze making Sakura feel guilty that she wanted to escape and leave her behind.
There was an awkward silence as he thought about that. "Yeah…that's where they went," Sakura caught the lie in his tone. His blue orbs remained on her though, piercing like he could see right through her bones. "If she can't speak, what was that cry then?"
"You just tried to shoot a bird, Haku. I would have done the same thing."
"Well unless you want dinner, Rika, I suggest you keep the female hindrance to a minimum." The knight warned as he adjusted his position on the rock. Sakura had a nagging feeling he wasn't too thrilled about having to hunt just like Rika wasn't too thrilled about eating wild game. They both were raised in a kingdom where everything was handed down to them.
"I don't see why we couldn't have just stayed at the inn. The harbor had fish, not…boar and deer." Her body twitched at her disgust.
"I told you yesterday, the people of the village will recognize her face. If they see that we had the former princess of their fallen kingdom…" Haku stopped. A faint noise drifted towards them, almost like a whistle mixing in with the wind. Sakura recognized that noise and twisted against her restraints, wishing she could just see; just move…Haku was on his feet as an agonizing pain shot down her spine. "What the hell was that?"
"What was what?" Rika was confused, trying to help Sakura calm down as she let out another blood curdling cry from the pain. "Haku I need more of those herbs…"
"Shhh…get her to shut up." he warned as the whistling continued. The pain soon drowned out the familiar tune, a ringing sensation echoing in her ear drums made everything tone deaf. Rika tried to quiet her, but she couldn't. The pain grew in her sides, her ankle, and head. A snap and a tug quieted her, the new source of pain mutely deafening. "Shit," Haku was at her side, pushing away Rika as he unbound Sakura's ropes.
"What just happened?" Rika asked, tears sliding down her dirty face as she watched in horror. The pain circulating Sakura's body was too far gone; she couldn't breathe, couldn't speak or cry.
"She snapped another bone…" Haku was swearing, fingers pressing against her body and ripping apart clothing. A chocking gag came from Rika as she covered her face and moved away from Sakura. Breathing coming to a slow agonizing stop, she wondered if she finally managed to break a bone close enough to paralyze her. Little by little the world darkened into little dots, the numbing pain disappearing with the last breath she struggled to get out. Haku pushed against her body, fingers digging deep into her broken ribcage and snapping bones back into place. A breath of air rushed into her lungs and she let out a cry of pure pain that echoed, sending birds hidden in brush to flight and for Rika to let out empty contents of her stomach nearby. the dots continued to swirl in her vision and as Sakura stared at the face of her kidnapper, she couldn't help but feel grateful for what he did just now, falling unconscious a moment later.
"Is she…?" Rika asked; hand over her mouth as she stared at Sakura.
"She's alive," Haku confirmed tiredly, getting to his feet. "I'll…" he turned to Rika with a strange gaze in his blue eyes. "I'll go get those herbs for you. Stay here, I don't know what that noise was but she reacted to it."
"What noise?" Rika was confused, but he set his jaw and walked away. Rika breathed in slowly, staring after him before turning to Sakura and trying not to get sick again. Sakura's stomach was black and bleeding, the puncture mark that made Rika loose her stomach clotting and swelling at the excess blood. Holding her breath and swallowing a lump in her throat, she tore up her cloak and began to tie it around Sakura's stomach. "I'm sorry," she whispered, knowing she couldn't hear her.
…
…..
…
It felt like a storm was brewing in the depths of the kingdom. The sky turned bleak and gray, a chill running down and encasing everyone with its tendrils. Rain began to fall from the thick clouds as the sun slowly began to retire. Arrows shot through the air, whistling against the cold rain. The sound of armor clattering together could be heard echoing with a strange tune as metal against metal continued to slice indefinitely. Black armor blended in with the darkening sky and as Kyle kicked away his fallen opponent, the change in atmosphere radiated with a killing intent. Eyes squinted against the rain, staring at the dead bodies, at the mud forming ground, and the ocean waves as the current grew with each passing minute. His sword went up and around, blocking an attack he barely saw. The rain was making everything that much harder to fight. Armor from his comrades began to wipe clean from the continuous downpour, giving the enemy some clue that they were no longer hiding. Breathing harshly he attacked a bare-chested enemy just as the man began to stand from the ground. A cry of anguish escaped his mouth and still he stood, sword buried into his chest. Kyle let out his own battle cry as he tried to force the man back down to no avail. Darkened eyes smiled at Kyle, reminding him of a zombie with blood and grim sliding down his body in tendrils and clumps. Releasing his sword, Kyle pulled out a miniature dagger and went in close, teeth gritting as he felt his sword's hilt press against his armor, digging further into the enemy's body.
Someone shouted just as he pulled out both weapons, making sure the man was down for good this time. Another shout of orders in another language made heads turn as it meshed in with a thunder clap, the rain pouring harder, faster. A wave slapped against the cliffs side, getting attention from others as well as it resounded with a second thunder clap. Kyle searched the beach, finding Syaoran and the others fighting on; ignoring the storm brewing over their heads. A young lad dressed in armor too big for his body fought along the King, keeping those behind him away and with difficulty. Kyle ran along the path made by the enemies treads and attacked, helping the young knight out just as two swordsmen gave up trying to be nice, forcing him down to his knees with his sword up at an awkward angle. It reminded Kyle of how Syaoran helped him at the beginning, taking out the largest, biggest foe from the enemy's fleet. Syaoran glanced once behind him as he forced his own foe towards the water, the salty ocean splashing them from every angle. Kyle shouted as the wave took on a new look and Syaoran ignored him as he sliced through his enemy, allowing the dark ocean to take him away.
Even with the storm overhead brewing, swords continued to clash, the thunder roaring loudly and the ocean's water clapping against the cliffs end. Another shout of order had Kyle searching the dark, rain covered land for the source. A top the cliff Eriol was barking out orders for them to retreat and head away from the spraying ocean. From the large vessel came shouts and bull horns as men yelled in another language. Even Syaoran began barking out orders to those still standing to finish the enemy, to fight and ignore the threat of the storm. To him it was a storm, to those on the water and above it was the biggest threat of all. Kyle spun, mud sucking up his boots as he drove his sword cleanly through an enemy, staring intently at the forest as a gong echoed against all sounds. Archers were pulling back in the trees, thunder threatening to cause uproar even as the lightning began to light up the world. A streak of blue and white flashed down, boats flipping over as men dove for cover. To be struck by lightning wasn't a warrior's way of dying. Of it all it was the gong sound that drew the attention of every knight on the beach.
Final enemy down, Kyle turned at the ready for another attack only to find out that there was none. "They're falling back," the young knight called over the roar of shouts and thunder. Breathing hard, finally taking the moment to adjust his stance and take toll of every injury he bore, Kyle stared at the dark threat of the ocean. Remaining vessels were hurrying back to the large boat, men shouting and calling. Syaoran shook his head as he approached them, answering his knight's excitement. "Look at them! They're falling back, we've…"
"Listen," Syaoran said harshly, eyes sharp as he stared at the bloody and exhausted knight drenched in water and blood. In the distant rang the bell, the sound echoing through the forest. It was overbearing and disheartening, a bell that never rung in the decades that passed. The young knight's face fell realizing the bell was coming from the castle. "It's only just begun; it's not just the Copper Island we're facing, but Galore as well." Syaoran told him simply.
"How…but why I thought Galore was part of our alliance?" Syaoran ignored him, gathering what strength he to tread towards the forest with the help from Kyle. The young knight followed, gathering his fallen sword in a rush and clatter of armor. "Your highness…" Syaoran silenced him with his sharp gaze, surprising the boy in his tracks. The lightning briefly lit up his face as he passed over head, the rain coming to a stop as the storm continued on.
"What's the plan?" Kyle asked with spittle of blood. Wheezing, he coughed and turned his head towards the sound of the bell. It could still be heard over the shouting from their comrades falling into the forest for cover. "They've outwitted us your highness…if they're in the castle."
"No, they were always there it was only a matter of time before he showed his true colors." Syaoran said simply, stopping just outside the forest and taking a seat on a rock. Breathing hard he spat out blood and mucus. Fingers numb from the rising cold and the rush of adrenaline still coursing through him, Syaoran leaned back painfully and pulled out a bottle of rum he knew would be there. Kyle smirked, finding his place next to him and accepting the offered bottle. "Sir Eriol will take his unit towards the castle; my sister's husband should already be there with his army to protect the Queen and my father."
"It's not over then…?" the young knight babbled, outraged and exhausted. Syaoran shook his head, offering the rum to him.
"King Luther would have most likely waited for the right opportunity to strike." Syaoran glanced at Kyle just as he began to wheeze more, spitting out just as much blood he was wheezing.
"So Galore has really been trying to unthrown Avalon." Kyle gave him a strangled look when he spoke, taking a huge breath as he finally found the source of his pain. "You were right then, King Luther was trying as well."
"Trying is the keyword, wouldn't you say." Syaoran's grin looked odd against his bloody face, making Kyle shake his head only to cough more. Blood slipped down his nose and he wiped it quickly, ignoring the concern crossing Syaoran's dirty face. "How bad is it?" Syaoran asked lowly wincing slightly when he moved, receiving a shake of the red-haired knight in agony.
"Not…bad," the young knight stood his ground as he watched the two. Eyes wide he watched as he realized Syaoran was injured as well, a large gash marking his arm from where the armor had been cracked.
"Let me have a look," the two began to remove armor and clothing, revealing blood soaked clothing underneath. "If you have something to say, say it." Syaoran said surprising the young knight as he babbled uncomprehendingly behind them.
"Why…are you just going to let them take the castle? Why are you just…?" he stumbled with his words, eyes wide in shock and disbelief. He tried to put two-and-two together with much difficulty. The castle was being attacked from the inside and the King of Avalon was dressing wounds instead of storming after the culprit. Syaoran arched a brow at him, looking him up from head to toe. "N-no disrespect your highness," he said after a second, stuttering in confusion.
"What's your name?" Syaoran asked brown orbs kind yet sharp.
"F-Francis, your highness," he bowed his head to Kyle's amusement. Syaoran went back to helping his injured comrade, peeling this bloody tunic away from wound. A piece of armor remained stuck inside and they both winced. Kyle stared in wonder at his own body, not having felt his armor crack or feeling the pinch going in.
"Sit before you collapse Sir Francis," Syaoran ordered, pointing at the stump next to them. When he didn't move Kyle heaved a laugh, coughing a second later. Syaoran sighed in defeat as he braced Kyle and tore the piece of armor out his side. Glancing at Francis, bloody armor between his fingers he explained, "I have men at the castle protecting it, now sit." Syaoran grumbled, head shaking as he stared at the wound protruding from Kyle's ribs.
"You should just tell the boy before he has a heart attack…?" Kyle said through a wince. Syaoran tore up part of his shirt.
"T-tell me what…?" his voice was drowned out as someone called from the forest. Both Syaoran and Kyle turned, Syaoran's gaze sharpening when he recognized Takashi.
"Tell you that the castle has always been surrounded by men from the villages, including that of Crescent City."
"What he's ignoring and denying are that the men are rogues." Kyle heaved out at the white flash of surprise in Francis' face. Syaoran shook his head and stood weakly. Grasping the outstretched arm, he stood Syaoran from moving. "Meilin will kill me if you don't address yourself as well."
Syaoran glanced at his arm, the blood evident through his cracked armor. "I'll be fine. We must hurry if we want to join the fun." Kyle arched a brow, head shaking as he brought Francis closer to him, using the boy's shorter stance as leverage to walk towards the awaiting horses and Takashi. Time for another battle, he thought grimly as Syaoran began barking out orders to the men in the forest.
…
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…
It was night when she awoke again, the light from the flickering fire illuminating shadows around her. Turning her head she stared blurrily at the two figures huddled together. The warmth against her face felt better than ever as she soaked it all in, realizing now that her body was shivering from the cold night. Someone had placed a cloak over her body in a slight attempt to give her salvation. Looking skyward, she took in the stars and Milky Way bright with no clouds in sight. Wondering how long she'd slept for this time, she turned back to the fire and twitched at the pair of eyes staring at her from the opposite side of the pit. From the way the flames flickered it almost looked like he was asleep with his eyes opened, but she knew that wasn't the case. His sharp gaze was hauntingly beautiful as he sat there, Rika's head against his shoulder as she snoozed. He adjusted them only slightly, their bodies moving a fraction of an inch closer to the ground as he rested his head against the stone slap that once held Loire's torn banner. Wondering how long they'd been sitting there, Sakura turned her gaze away from his. She had to be grateful for what he did earlier. A apart of her was, the other part will always remember that he had forcefully kidnapped her and brought her here under someone else's demand. It was a lose-win situation.
There was something about Haku that she couldn't quite place. She knew from the way he spoke earlier that he didn't want to be in Loire anymore than she did, but there was something else entirely. Swallowing a lump in her throat she closed her eyes, feeling his gaze on her still. She was exhausted, sore, and depressed. Conjuring up Syaoran's face, she willed herself to go back to sleep with the flames giving her little warmth and the cloak giving her little comfort. It was easy enough to find Syaoran's face in her memory, to envision his smiling brown orbs and picture the way his hair flew in his face with the wind. Holding that image, she calmed her beating heart and slipped back into sleep only to awaken once more. This time the flame was out, Haku and Rika sound asleep in the same position across from the pit. Staring at the dark sky, the positions of the stars and the way the moon was overhead at its highest point, she listened more intently to her surroundings. Something had woken her up. A whistle so faint echoed like it was part of the wind sweeping between rocks and trees. Licking her lips, feeling the cracks and dryness of them, she tried to whistle back. Her throat burned from her last blood curdling cry and she wondered absently if it was swollen within as well. Licking her lips some more, she tried again and again until a noise roughly left her mouth.
The tone of her whistle was harsh even to her ears, but she willed herself to whistle lower and even catching that specific tune. Going silent she listened and tried not to smile when the whistling returned back to her—two sharp tones of confirmation. Turning her head, she made sure that Haku and Rika were still fast asleep, their slumbering breaths soft and even before she let out a third note. Flapping of wings could be heard next and she waited, listening to the darkness. The shadow of her eagle friend swooped down then landing on the same pillar just behind Haku's sleeping form. Sakura let herself smile, glad he was back, and glad she'd been right about him being part of the clan's friends. He held something in his beak, dark and small. That same golden eye cocked sideways to her before he took flight, swooping around and letting whatever it was in his mouth go. On instinct she lifted her arm and her heart skipped a beat, realizing then that she could. The small movement hurt and as she laid her arm back down she stared cross-eyed at the object that landed just next to her head. The black rock was familiar and from the way the green design was etched into the center she knew it was from them—the Northern Clan. Tensing painfully, she lifted her arm again and reached with much difficulty to snatch it, only to cry when her fingers wrapped around the rock, the pain unbearable. White dots formed in her vision and she knew she was near to passing out from the pain.
But they were coming. That's all that mattered.
To be continued…
I realized a mistake while I was going over some of the old chapters. To clarify my own confusion and possibly some of yours, here are the ages of everyone:
Sakura, Chiharu, Naoko, Rika and Gunnar—19
Syaoran, Eriol, and Koji—24
Meilin, Kyle, and Tomoyo—23
Touya, Nakuru, and Nartake—30
Lucas—25
Aya—18
