Chapter 37 Crossroads
Shaoran accompanied Sakura back to be with Pei Pei. The old woman waited outside the door with Eriol for Sakura. When they arrived, the old woman opened her arms and embraced Sakura. Tears stained her face. She said, "I knew it. From the moment I first led eye on you, I knew there was something familiar in you. I always felt you are family. Now I know…" She then broke off and cupped Sakura's face and said, "Nadeshiko lives in you. She is proud of you, for everything you have done. She smiles down from heaven and so does the rest of your family. My child, you are home now. You won't ever be alone again."
Tears started to roll down Sakura's own eyes as Pei Pei embraced her again. She felt so much happiness, something she never thought she would feel again.
Pei Pei then led them all inside. After settling in the living room, Pei Pei got up to prepare tea. Sakura stood as well to help. Pei Pei declined the help and said that she should wait there. Sakura did as she was told. She was silent.
"Sakura, as you hold the pendant of the Ayleth Royalty, you are the true heir to the throne." Eriol suddenly said.
Shaoran knew that as well and had no objections abdicating to let the true heir, Sakura, ascend to the throne.
Sakura smiled and said, "No. Maybe my mother might have been the heir once but not me. Ayleth had already found a strong leader in Shaoran. You all have found stability with him. I do not want to take that away from the people of Ayleth. I have no idea on how to run a country and well, I don't want to experiment. I'm not about to start toying with people's lives."
Pei Pei then headed back to them carrying the tray filled with sweets and tea. All tried to help her but she just shrugged them off and told them to sit.
"But what about Wofled, Sakura? No matter what happens now, after the war is over, I have a feeling the people of Wofled will not allow him to rule. Will you…" Pei Pei asked.
Sakura closed her eyes and replied, "I do not know, Oba-san. What I want for my Father's people is freedom, freedom to live and to choose for themselves about the life they wish to lead. I never really understood the real meaning of freedom until I came here. I want the people there to learn that too."
"But will you accept the throne?" Pei Pei asked.
Sakura bowed a little, still had her eyes closed. She knew she cannot run away from that. "If the people choose that I am fit, I will follow their will. I wish things were different. My Father or brother would have made wonderful leaders. But I do not know. It would probably take a miracle for them to learn to accept me after my uncle has brainwashed most of them."
"You can choose not to go back, you know." Shaoran said.
Sakura smiled but answered, "I know that. But no matter what I do or say, I cannot deny the fact that I also descend from a man of Wofled. No matter how frightening it is to go back and relive all those things, if it must be done I must go. But let's not talk about something that isn't about to happen just yet. This war is still going on and it's as real as it can get." Pei Pei smiled. As she sipped her tea, she sat back against her seat.
"You all know that your uncle Fei Xi and I weren't blessed with children of our own. But we took care of all of you like our own children as well as your parents before you. This war had cost a lot from all of us but one thing that you all know we have always taught you, that is to not lose hope especially with each other." All three listened. "You have all lost your parents to this war but instead of living alone, you now have found each other. As long we you all have that, this war will not prevail."
Pei Pei then set her cup down and smiled. "Sakura." Sakura looked at Pei Pei. "We will accompany you to your mother tomorrow. You don't have to run away anymore." Sakura smiled.
"Nadeshiko was very beautiful, admired not just for her beauty but her kindness. She was a clumsier compared to you but still she had a free-spirit that was filled with nothing but love. I've met your father. He always had a smile on his face no matter what happened. It was only natural that they would fall in love with one another. Yes. That love as well as courage you have inherited, Sakura, was what drove her to leave Ayleth and come to Wofled, to end the war and show the world that Ayleth and Wofled are bounded not by war, but by love. No matter what they have said about your mother, your father, your brother or you, always keep in your heart, Sakura, that they lived and died with honor. She probably knew that you were all going to be separated. She gave you the necklace and your father gave your brother the ring, so that you will both find your way back to your family."
XxXxXx
The next day, Pei Pei made Sakura wear a dress of her mother. It was a white dress that she had loved to wear when she was of Sakura's age. Pei Pei waited for her at the living room as she was fixing the flowers they were going to leave for Nadeshiko. She was still fixing them when Shaoran, Yukito and Eriol arrived.
The door to Sakura's room opened. Sakura was about to ask Pei Pei something but stopped when she realized that the others had arrived. She blushed a little as she was not used to them seeing her in a dress like that. She greeted them and walked towards them.
Pei Pei got up and walked to her she smiled and said, "You look just like your mother. It was her favorite dress, my dear. I kept it because I knew that she wanted to have a daughter and name her Sakura. She kept it for you so I took care of it until the time that you would wear it."
Pei Pei then stepped back a little and looked at Sakura. "It seems she knew that her daughter will look absolutely exquisite in it." Sakura couldn't help but blush.
Pei Pei reached around her and took off her ponytail and let her hair fall. She fixed it and said, "Perfect. Your mother's beauty was the treasure of Ayleth. Her daughter is as well."
"You look beautiful, Sakura." All three men seemed to compliment.
Sakura smiled shyly and blushed a little. She wasn't used to that sort of thing. They all made their way to where Nadeshiko was buried.
Upon nearing the place, Shaoran felt Sakura's hand in his. He turned to her and smiled. He then said, "You don't have to be scared."
Sakura smiled but did not look at him. "Yes. I know. I've always thought about this moment and now that it's finally here, well I can't help it." Shaoran smiled.
As they neared, to their surprise there was a man standing there, a cloaked man. He seemed to have paid his respects to Nadeshiko as well. Shaoran and Yukito recognized him as the informant.
They were about to say something when he suddenly said, "Marco."
Upon hearing his voice, Sakura stopped. That voice. She knew him but it couldn't be. She loosened her grip of Shaoran's hand and started walking towards the man. Shaoran and the others were about to follow her but rather stood there and watched. The man turned to face Sakura.
Sakura stopped but then continued slowly. They stood facing each other. Sakura slowly raised her hand to take the hood off of him. He didn't seem to fight or do anything but allowed her. Soon, Sakura was able to remove the hood and revealed a handsome young man, looking at her gently.
Sakura gasped and stepped back a little. Tears started falling from her eyes as she replied, "…polo…" She then flung herself in his arms.
Shaoran and the others were shocked but then they heard her say, "'nii-chan…'nii-chan…" He smiled as he hugged his beloved sister.
He then broke off from her and started to wipe her tears. He smiled at her and said, "Now didn't I teach you that a lady doesn't cry like this in the open? Really! What do I have to say or do to get it through that thick head of yours?"
Sakura started to laugh as she finally was having control over her tears. "Sorry, brother. You have always been scaring me about ghosts and well I thought I just saw one. But alas it's the living dead after all." He laughed.
"I thought…I saw…" Sakura said.
He grinned and said, "When the pillar collapsed, well I just happen to fall near a trap door. I used it to escape. I do say it's hard trying to find you." Sakura smiled as she turned to introduce him to the others.
"Shaoran, Yukito-san, Eriol, Oba-san, this is my brother."
He stopped Sakura and stepped forward. He bowed and introduced himself, "My name is Touya Kinomoto. Thank you for taking good care of my sister in my absence."
"So it seems that our valued informant is none other than Prince Touya Kinomoto, rightful heir to the Wofled throne." Yukito said as they all stepped forward towards the siblings.
"All these years, why haven't you said anything? We could have helped you get out there safely." Shaoran said.
"It would have been an easy escape out that would have put everyone in more danger than they are already in. Our existence will break whatever little restrain that man has in destroying this land as well as Wofled. I did not wish lives to be lost more reckless than it already is." Touya replied. Sakura smiled and nodded. It was real. She had her big brother back.
"Besides, one thing I wasn't able to truly teach my sister over here is how to fight. I had to make sure that she wouldn't get herself into trouble more than actually having the opportunity of teaching her how to stay out of trouble." Touya said.
Yes. She truly had her brother back. She closed her eyes and blushed a little. She shook her head and said, "Well that's because when you would teach me, a nun happens to pass by and I earn corporal punishment. You were the one who said it was hopeless, not to mention you were always the one who was getting all injured and stuff, the more it scared the sisters."
The mood there turned out to be light. Everyone hadn't seen that side of Sakura and were simply grateful that things were settling in the way they were. They could clearly see how close the two were to each other. They knew that Touya grew up early just for the sake of his sister and Sakura had looked up to him much.
To her, Touya was her strength during all those years growing up. She hadn't gotten to know their parents as well as Touya did so most of her memories, especially about her mother, were enforced by Touya. They knew how it had crushed her when she thought that he had died about a year back. Touya grinned.
"But I knew that eventually you would find your way here. I only just found out where mother was buried so I knew that it wouldn't be long before you too found her." Touya then said. Sakura smiled and nodded. He then led his sister by the hand and said to their mother, "Mother, we are here. Forgive me if I hadn't been able to protect her for the past year. But she is here now." Sakura said nothing but smiled. Prayers were said as the others paid their respects as well.
As they were about to leave, Touya said, "General, I have the information you have sent me to get."
"Please, Yukito. Call me Yukito. You rank higher than me and we are cousins as well."
Touya nodded and said, "He would be here soon to be able to explain it clearly. I hadn't expected that today you would all come here but I planned to meet him here and bring him to the palace for him to relay the information you seek. It is better you hear it from him because he has served longer than I have."
"He? He who?" Shaoran asked.
Suddenly a car came around the corner and stopped near them. Touya walked over and opened the door. He took out a wheelchair and fixed it. He then proceeded to help a middle-aged man get out of the car. Upon seeing who it was, Sakura immediately came to help out.
Touya and Sakura helped him and when he saw bowed and were blessed by the older man. Shaoran recognized the man as the priest he had met a few months ago who was extremely tortured. They drew near.
They were surprised when Sakura said, "What happened to you, godfather?" She saw that he was blinded in one eye and was paralyzed the waist down.
"My child, it makes me happy to see you alive and well. I had promised your parents that I would take care of you. Now seeing the woman you have become, whatever it is that I went through doesn't matter." The middle-aged man then turned to bow towards Shaoran and the others.
"My name is Yoshiyuki Terada, godfather to Touya and Sakura." He said.
The others bowed in respect and introduced themselves. "I remember you, Lord Terada. You only came here with Fujitaka once when you were children." Pei Pei said. Yoshiyuki nodded.
"But on to business, Touya has informed me of what you wanted to know General Tsukishiro. Myself as others have been secretly supporting the Ayleth army because we do not recognize the current King. The previous King appointed Prince Fujitaka as the rightful heir and had never gave his blessings over to his other son. We have also been fighting him internally. We had to remain hidden as because we are still being supported by the previous King." Yoshiyuki said.
Everyone picked up what he was saying. He then turned to Sakura and said, "Yes. Your grandfather is still alive. He is a just and honorable man but also very sick. That is why it was easy for your uncle to take over. He had commissioned a lot of underground lords that gave him power that he wields now. Your grandfather had blessed your parents marriage and pleaded that they flee to keep safe. He had never withdrew his support. When they died, he secretly sent word to your mother's personal guard to come and take her body back here as well as take your father's body somewhere your uncle cannot find. He blessed me and oversee the quick entrance to the church for me to be able to conceal and protect your identities. I have trained Touya to be a true warrior of Ayleth and go on missions as well, all under the knowledge of His Majesty, including your medical training."
"But your uncle somehow found out. When I was called out, they attacked. When I returned, everything was in ashes. There were talks that you both were killed. I had no choice but to continue on with the fighting. But I was caught at the northern village and received what I did. Touya soon came to me. He told me that he had seen you alive and with the Ayleth King and High officials. With that, we were content. You grandfather knows as well. With rumors that surfaced that you both are alive, he is preparing an all out attack. He tested all the borders and now that he has recalled all soldiers to brief them about their posts." Yoshiyuki explained.
"Had there been any indications on when they plan to attack?" Shaoran asked.
"In a week's time. We haven't briefed the Wofled resistance leaders of any plan as it might fall into enemy hands. But just say the word, and we will do the rest. We will synchronize our attacks with yours for finish this." Touya said.
Shaoran and the others nodded. "Eriol, do you think you can round up all governors by tonight?" Shaoran said.
Eriol smiled and said, "Of course. I've sent word even before you asked. They will be here tonight."
Yukito then grinned and smacked Eriol's shoulder. "Chief Adviser sure suits you. Now all we need is a flawless strategy."
"I had a feeling you were going to say that. I've already noted down some things that could be useful. I will give it to you later." Eriol said. Yukito nodded.
Pei Pei then walked towards Touya and Sakura and laid a hand on both their shoulders, "My dears, come now. Your mother is proud of the both of you. I will show you some things she had kept. You will find it useful in this final struggle."
Both nodded. She then turned to Touya, "I haven't gotten the chance to get to know you that well but I can see you possess your Father's spirit. You will be a great King."
Touya bowed with respect and said, "It was never my intention to seek my right to the throne. I never desired to be King. I just want this war to be over and let the people of Wofled live in peace."
Pei Pei smiled and replied, "When Sakura was presented with the same topic, she answered the same. You are truly the children of Nadeshiko and Fujitaka." Touya smiled and gave her a nod.
While the others headed to the palace for the preparations, Touya and Sakura accompanied Pei Pei home. She wanted to get to talk to them alone before all of the things started. As Pei Pei was looking for the things she said were Nadeshiko's, Touya and Sakura waited for her at the living room. At first all was silent.
"How have you been, 'nii-chan?" Sakura suddenly said.
"I am still the same as before, Sakura. I knew that you are still alive so I continued on with my mission because I knew sooner or later, I would eventually find you." Touya answered.
Sakura was still a little saddened. "I really thought you were dead, 'nii-chan. They made me watch everything even how they mutilated the charred body which we believed was you and how they fed it to the dogs. I was angry at you at first because you left me all alone in this world and I believed you have gone up to see Mother and Father."
Touya nodded and said, "I heard what had happened to you. After being sold, they lost all traces of you. I knew then that you had gotten away. I knew you were alive so I searched." Sakura gave him a small smile and nodded.
"You know Sakura, a part of you thinks that you are not strong but you wouldn't have gotten where you are now if it were true."
"That is because you taught me well, 'nii-chan. I couldn't do it for myself. I did it so that you wouldn't worry about me. For once, I wanted to be the one to make you happy." Sakura replied.
Touya smiled. He then commented, "Imouto-chan, you never really cease to surprise me."
Sakura laughed. "Funny. I was about to say that about you." Touya grinned.
Pei Pei then returned carrying what seemed to be a box of some sort. Pei Pei opened it and revealed a lot of letters and journals of Nadeshiko. "I do not know what they contain but I believe you two should read it. I have a feeling she left something that might be of some help to you."
Touya and Sakura looked at each other before they started to read the contents. "I will leave you two for a while. If you need me, I will just be at the clinic." They thanked her as they started to divide the papers so that they would be able to read all. At first it was strange for them to read letters written by their father to Nadeshiko and reading her journals.
But as they read, Touya figured that their father already had a feeling that his brother was up to something no good. Sakura, on the other hand, found out from her mother's journals that their uncle had a thing for her that he did not hide. It seemed that he did not hide his feelings for her and how possessive he was even if Nadeshiko chose Fujitaka over him. After reading for a while, both seemed to have been taken aback from what they have read.
"'nii-chan?"
"Huh?"
Sakura then looked at him and said, "I think Shaoran and the others need to see this."
"Yes. You're right. Come on. Let's fix it and place it in the box. Then, we'll head back to the palace."
Sakura nodded as they both hurriedly fixed the papers and the books there. They politely told Pei Pei that they were heading to the palace as the old woman smiled at them and bid them a safe journey there. Sakura and Touya both headed to the palace as fast as they could.
When the got there, they found that Eriol, Shaoran, Yukito and Yoshiyuki at the briefing room, planning on what they would do next before the governors arrived. Sakura was about to excuse herself to do her medical rounds for the day when Touya held her by the arm and bid her to sit. He said, "Time is essential. Just tell us what you read before you go."
Sakura knew that her brother was right so she sat next to him and said, "Oba-san gave us these." She showed them the box filled with letters and journals. "With what I read in her journals, it seemed that our uncle had fallen for her and wasn't shy about showing it. He tried to court her. She tried to explain to him that it was Father whom she loved but just didn't take no for an answer. As you all know, mother chose father. He took it negatively. Soon after, this war started." She said.
"Well there's really no cure for love sickness." Yukito commented.
"Perhaps he was already thinking of taking over even before Aunt Nadeshiko rejected him. That power didn't come out of nowhere." Eriol said.
"Well, Moritaka had always been jealous of Fujitaka ever since they were kids. His Majesty always favored Fujitaka not because he was the eldest and heir to the throne, but because Prince Fujutaka always showed uncanny wisdom and skills. Moritaka always came in second. His Majesty was strict with him because he knew Moritaka's ways. He wanted to correct that. It seemed that the more he tried, the more lost Moritaka became. I believe that it what drove His Highness to fall ill."
"Excuse me but I really have to go. Chiharu is off-shift. I was told there are injured soldiers coming in." Sakura said.
They nodded as she bowed and left. "There's more." Touya said as he gathered specific letters from the file and presented it to everyone there. "Father knew that something was wrong. He kept telling Mother about his suspicions and did a little digging." All men seemed to sit a little straighter as Touya showed them the letters.
As Shaoran and the others started reading what Touya was talking about, Shaoran said, "Without disrespect to you, Sakura or your parents but I believe that we can use this against him."
"No offense taken. Actually I was waiting for you to say that. Our parents hadn't been successful in using the information. Perhaps, this time around we can finally set things straight" Touya said.
(to be continued…)
It's the beginning of the end and the end of the tyranny of darkness. Hehe. Somehow I know that you might not have seen this coming? Hehe. Well, only three more chapters to go before this fic finally comes into wraps. I do hope that even if this chapter is extraordinarily long like chapter 36, it wasn't at all that dragging. Also, I want to thank you for reading this far and for all the support, review, everything. Thank you. Please do continue to review and see the end with me. Thank you so much!
Michiko