Cards, Love, war, and rebellion
Chapter 11
Authors note: ok now it's time for a little history and the end is near. I hope that ya'll will be surprised with what I have in store for this. Have fun reading and happy new year. WARNING SLITE ADULT SCENE NEAR THE END OF THIS CHAPTER.
POV: Clow Reed
(Flashback hundreds of year ago)
To my dear succesor, if you are reading this then I gues it's time for you to learn the dark past I had. I must let you know that under normal circumstances I would have never let you finish what I had started in my late years. However if you wish to know then I will tell you how it all began from the beginning. Years before the time I made the cards I once had a brother-in-arms; I was a young ambitious mage leading an army fighting a major rebellion in the west, fighting by my side was Long Xue Ming. Xue Ming was a warrior of high prestige and he fought by my side with honor and compassion, always helping a soldier in need. We were back then the best of friends, we fought together, we slept in the same tent together, eat together, drink together, and lost brothers together. The battles were going well but then one day we were ambushed and Xue Ming covered my body with his as arrows rain down on us. I was lucky to have survived but Xue Ming took the brunt of it. After the battle I tried every healing spell I know but the damage was already done. I apologized deeply to my dying friend claiming that it was my fault he took those arrows for me, but didn't blame for he said he didn't want to see his own friend die from arrow fire though he found it ironic. He claimed that he was stupid for not bringing in a shield. He also told me that he didn't regret saving me. For his dying wish he asked me to bury him at a scared orchard were peach and cherry trees blossom in the spring and said that he will see him again one day, And I fulfilled my promise after he perished. For some time I fell into a depression for losing my dearest friend and I vowed to never let it happen again, this drove me to create the cards that made me the famous sorcerer I am known today.
2 years after the battle I commissioned a school to be built so that one day when mages are going to battle they won't have to go through the same things I've gone through. I've gained many students and apprentices along the of the most talented ones was Long Chang Bo-An the son of my friend Xue Ming. He was an excellent student one of the best. I met him when he was just a baby, and was a smart boy and showed talent in magic. So I took him in as a student when he showed talent for magic. I've trained him and believed in him. I've told him that he was destined to be one of the greatest, but it wasn't enough for Long Chang. When the boy grew older he attended my school and he became a great student. However his growth was alarmingly fast in his later years at the academy and his attitude was becoming odd so I decided to investigate, what I've found was worse than what I had hoped. Long Chang was dwelling himself in the dark and demonic arts of magic to the point it started to control him, so I did the only thing I know at the time, I had to stop him. Our battle shook the city and it went on for a good 2 hours, but I couldn't get myself to kill him so I did the only thing I could do, I've sent him to a prison dimension where he could no longer do harm to anyone. I have loved Long Chang like a son and it made me said to see that I've failed my best friend. I hope that he would forgive me in the afterlife. Days became weeks, weeks became months and months became years and I have gotten myself a clan and some children of my own who are grown up and married. But there was still a hole in my heart, one that would remind me of my failures. Then one day I came upon a foreign student who traveled to study under me, Kinomoto Kaito a Citizen of the Ni-hon-Kaido archipelago. He wasn't to most talented nor the most magical of all my students, barely passing the minimum. But he was determined to learn and study. He was picked on, bullied and teased for his short comings. But he did make a few friends during his stay, a girl named Fang Shi took a liking to him and I could have sworn that I saw her blush and curse herself after she talked harshly to him. Also Kaito seems to have a fondness for her and I often teased the two about their relationship. Fang Shi was one of my most talented students and she also came from a more traditional noble family. She did scold him about his short comings but I can tell that she liked him for his kindness. And through him I saw a potential successor, he may not be the one who I'm looking for but he's certainly the one who would give me one. I had hoped that those peaceful days are staying for a good long time, how wrong and naïve I was.
The demon attack caught us by surprise; it started outside of the Hong-kong region and walked its way into the empire. Many mages and warriors were called to arms to fight this threat. Villages and towns fell one after another and it didn't stop there, even the big cities were under threat. I and my students were called upon to assist in the fight, for the most part we were victorious but we also suffered defeats in one form of another. For every 500 demons we killed there will always be one or two losses. We were fighting an enemy we knew nothing about and yet we knew our strengths quite well. When we found out who was responsible for the demons to appear I personally declared war on the demon so that no one will fall to them. Victory after victory and defeat after defeat we've fought for a good 3 years. The war was nearing its fourth year and we were all exhausted, wary, battle hardened yet tired of this war. It's been going on for too long and it must be stopped. For over a week I've been contemplating about how to end it, also I've been given terrible news from my physician as I soon found out that I was stricken with an incurable disease. I don't have much time to live and I knew that I was dying so I did the only thing I know is for the best. I must find my successor and I have a feeling that Kaito will bring me one even in our deaths. I will have Kaito and Fang Shi work that out between them. Right now I must seal all my cards and the memories of the demons from my familiars Keroberos and Yue, I hope that they will forgive me for this. Also I have planned a trap for Chang, it's to lure him to me to the school grounds and through our battle I will seal him for a good long time. I couldn't bring myself to kill my own pupil, especially one I consider a son. Now it's time to end this and let the future generations handle this. My dear successor, I am sorry for putting you in this terrible position, but Long Chang Bo-An must be stopped and if he succeded not only the empire will be swallowed but the world will be enslaved as well. I must bid you farwell as I must seal prepare for the battle to come, and you should to if Long Chang Bo-An ever escape from his seal.
POV: 3rd
Yelan read the context of the scroll as the gang, members of the Wu clan and the emperor watched on in the room. After Sakura had read the scroll herself she let everyone know what was written. Huan Liu called his father to listen to what the scroll had said. And the answer they were searching for was more shocking than it ever was. Yelan gave the scroll to a maid who in turn places the scroll back into the box. Everyone looked conflicted to what they just read.
"So the Long clan are being controlled by this Bo-an fellow eh?" The emperor wondered.
"I've heard about this grand elder as I was snooping in the compound for my mother's belongings but this explains everything!" Bao said slamming his fist onto the table.
"I still can't believe that Clow sealed my memories of those demons, I bet Yue would have felt a bit betrayed by this!" Keroberos exclaimed.
"Maybe he did so I don't have to worry about them till now?" Sakura wondered while trying to calm Keroberos.
"For the record Eriol I don't like what you did in you past life, there are other ways to solve it you know!" Syaoran fumed at Eriol.
"As the scroll said it was the best Clow could have done. Sure there were other ways and I'm still a bit regretful for all of this even till this day and as I said my memory is a bit hazy." Eriol answered.
"But it certainly explains everything." Wu Chang explained
"And to think that all of this has been going on while we were in the dark and some of us became victims of the Long clans misdeeds." Ryouma pondered, he was one of the many victims of the Wu clan and he certainly wanted to have a bone to pick with them.
"We must do something about the Wu clan and fast otherwise the more we wait the bigger the mess!" Meiling shouted.
"hold it right there!" Huan Liu said "we must take proper action for this." He tried to calm Meiling before she could do anything rash.
"He is right Meiling. Your highness what do you think we should do?" Yelan asked after agreeing with Huan Liu.
"According to law anyone who instigate a rebellion must be subjugated and if captured must be executed along with the second generation. But this is a difficult one since there are probably many children and a good number of the clan are in it or are ignorant so we must investigate this matter after we've subjugated the clan." The emperor concluded. He knew what must be done but how to do it was another question in its own right. He went through many plans in his head one after another until Tomoyo spoke up.
"Your majesty if I may. I believe I have good Idea!" Tomoyo spouted in a cheerful voice. This causes both Syaoran, Sakura and Meiling to sweat drop. Whenever Tomoyo has brilliant Idea it always come off as a hassle on its own, but she is a smart girl so they sugested to hear he out this time.
"Let's hear it princess." The Emperor said allowing Tomoyo to speak her mind.
"If we are going to subjugate them why not prepare it discreetly?" with this every one payed close attention to Tomoyo. "If we keep the preparation of our troops under wraps then the Long clan won't have any time to prepare for our little surprise. While your soldier keep the Long clan Busy fighting Sakura chan and Li kun along with me and Meiling chan will get in and take care of the grand elder san for you!" Tomoyo said, she was sure that her plan will go pretty well but she just hoped that the Emperor agrees to it.
"For a young lady you certainly are smart! If you were born in my country I would have made you a fine female minister of advisor! Alright we'll go with your plan. Hual Liu tell your brother to meet me in my office to discuss tactics. The rest of you must prepare for the upcoming battle." With that the emperor agreed to the plan and head of with his son to get everything prepared. Ryouma stood up and went to Meiling.
"I'm coming along with you." He declared.
"Ryouma you don't have to!" Meiling protested.
"I know but I want to! I can't stand to see the woman I love get hurt!" Ryouma argued
"Since when did you become so gentlemanly?" Meiling asked. As the couple bickered about what was going on there was one person in the room who is full of worry. Sakura looked so worried of what is going to happen. In just course of over a month her life has gone upside down, first she learned that she was a flower fairy, then she's helping Syaoran with a demon problem, next a large group of people are asking her to take over Clows academies while some are worshiping her as a goddess and now she learned that she is the target of some lunatic who is out to take over the world and turned out to be an apprentice of Clow himself. This information was too much to bear for her so she walked out the room. Syaoran saw Sakura leave and decided to go after her only to be blocked by Eriol.
"She needs some time to get it all together. But if make you feel any better I will definitely apologize to her if you wish."
"You better Eriol. I still have yet to forgive you for this." With that Eriol walked off to talk to Sakura. Sakura was sitting on a bench as she was contemplating over what has happened. She still feels as if she is carrying a heavy burden on her shoulder. As she was contemplating Eriol came up to her. As they made Eye contact Sakura realized that Eirol was showing a face of guilt and sorrow on his face.
"I'm not expecting you to forgive me or Clow on this matter. But I want you to know that both me and Clow are proud of the mage that you have become." Eriol stated.
"No it's alright, it's just that so much has happened to me in a month and a half. I'm just not sure if I am up to the task." Sakura pondered in doubt.
"doubt is a dangerous thing Sakura." Eriol warned.
"Hoe?" Sakura said with no clue in her head.
"Doubt is the cause of many great leaders and mages to fall from grace. It is the downfall of many who don't believe in themselves. Many years ago you were just an ordinary girl with a loving family and really good friends, when you became the card captor and the mistress of the cards your life has changed forever. And yet you still have doubts, don't let it get to you. You have had a great life in your childhood so don't let those doubts control you." With that Eriol left and walked away. Sakura pondered if what Eriol said was true and that she let her doubts get the better of her?
"He's right you know!" Keroberos said as he flew to Sakura.
"He is?" Sakura asked.
"Remember the time we met?" Keroberos asked.
"Yeah I thought that you were a toy of some sort." Sakura said smiling.
"Yeah that was life changing for you wasn't it?" Keroberos asked.
"Yeah." Sakura answered while reminiscing of those days.
"Look I know that there were good and bad times during those days but they certainly helped you turn into the person you are today right?" Keroberos asked.
"You have a point but there are times where I wondered if really did good?" Sakura wondered.
"Look Sakura have you ever wondered what you did well?" Keroberos asked retorically.
"Hoe?" Sakura wondered
"You fixed your fathers relationship with your mothers' cousin. You helped a few kids. Made new friends. And you even did more than that! And what did you get in return through all that suffering? You got yourself a lover who may as well become your husband one day, became the most powerful sorceress in the world! Also you have a promising life ahead of you, what more could you want? Plus once this is over I'm sure that whatever happens to you we will all be there for you no matter what. I didn't doubted you for even a second when you became my card captor. And I am proud that you became my mistress and I'm sure that Yue felt the same way." Keroberos told Sakura with pride in his voice. For the first time in a day Sakura smiled a happy smile.
"Arigato Kero Chan! That certainly helped clear my head!" Sakura said hugging Keroberos. She was thankful to keroberos and Eriol for reminding her of what really matters. Sure it hadn't been easy but she has gained a lot from their adventure with the cards. And she cherished those memories and will keep those with her for years to come. Soon everyone start to get ready for the plan to come and the entire clan was preparing to get ready for war. Sakura went to Meilings room and saw her preparing martial arts outfit. It had the dame design as her ceremonial outfite from five years ago but a little more mature since she's older now.
"Meiling Chan." Sakura called.
"Ah Sakura come in." Meiling said inviting Sakura in her room. as Sakura took a seat on the bed Meiling showed her the outfit.
"What do you think Sakura, a little more mature than the old one right?" Meiling asked
"It sure does!" Sakura answered smiling.
"You know I'm happy to see you smile again. Why is that?" Meiling asked
"Well I had a talk with Eriol kun and Kero chan earlier. And it made me realize something." Sakura sad.
"Really! And what would that be?" Meiling wondered.
"Meiling chan do are you happy to have met me?" Sakura asked. Meiling was surprised to hear that. She didn't know what to say so she decided to be frank about it.
"To be honest when I met you I saw you as a rival for Xiao Langs affection, but then later on I realized that I was only thinking of Myself and not of him. When he said that he is in love with you I was heartbroken, yet happy at the same time. from then on I realized I wanted to be happy for you two, and dedicated myself to making you two a great couple." Meiling confessed.
"Meilng chan." Sakura said.
"of course I added the dowry part when we were discussing the bounty just inch you two to get closer but then that happened" Meiling added pointing to Sakuras wings. Sakura laughed nervously at that comment. Many people have noticed her wing more often than she would have hoped for it.
"But do I regret meeting you? Of course not, in fact I am more than happy to have met you. My life became more interesting ever since the day we have met. I've got friends now, a new lover who wants to marry me and I've got a great future ahead of me all thanks to you!" Meiling said.
"Arigato Meiling chan! I'm glad to have be a big help to you." Sakura said happily.
"Just make sure that my cousin never lets his eyes off of you okay?" Meiling added. Sakura blushed at that but she was glad that Meiling is happy yo have met her. And hour later Sakura started to read the cards for fortune telling ibn her guest room she shares with Tomoyo. As she read the cards Tomoyo came in with some tea.
"Everything alright Sakura chan?" Tomoyo asked.
"Everything is fine." With that Tomoyo wondered what she's doing till Sakura gave Tomoyo an answer before she could ask her.
"You know the Omens may be a bit early but it's going to be tough when we execute your plan."
"Oh I see." Tomoyo said in surprise.
"You know Tomoyo chan." Sakura began.
"Hmm?" Tomoyo wondered.
"I just wanted to say thank you for all that you have done for me. If it wasn't for you I would have never have gone this far without you help. Thank you for being a great friend through all these tough years in my life." Sakura said thanking Tomoyo.
"Sakura chan." Tomoyo said in surprised, as tears filled her eyes Tomoyo jumped on Sakura thanking her for thanking. As the two friends hugged they reminisce about the past as they talked throughout the day. That night Syaoran came into his room after supper was finished. As he was sharpening his sword for the future battle to come he couldn't help but worry for the battle to come. His mind was bouncing from left to right worried if Sakura was Ok, he was glad that she returned to her usual cheery self after her talk with Eriol but he's still worried about the future. Was it right to court her? Did he really deserve her? Questions like those rushed through his head and no clear answer was made. Then he interrupted as a knock on the door was heard.
"Come in!" He shouted. As the door opened Sakura walked in. she was wearing her sleeping yukata as she entered. This caught Syaoran by surprise, he had never thought that Sakura would dare to come in to his room this late.
"Sakura what are you doing here?" Syaoran asked while flustered.
"I just want want to be with you for tonight." Sakura said shyly as she went over to him. As she got close to him she embraced Syaoran as she had when they reunited after those years of separation only much more intimate than what he was used to. It felt so alien yet nice at the same time he doesn't even know what to do. His head started to flare warning signals telling him that whatever is going on it'll be bad, and if he's right this may end up him regretting his actions. Syaoran has nothing to say cause he was caught up in this embrace that he couldn't do anything till Sakura broke the Ice.
"Syaoran kun do you remember the time when we first met?" Sakura asked.
"I Remember thinking that you may get in my way when it comes to capturing the cards, also my first impression of you wasn't all that good." Syaoran confessed.
"What was it?" Sakura asked.
"I thought that you were an ignorant naïve clumsy girl who shouldn't even be in the realm of magic.
"Really?" Sakura wondered.
"However as time progressed I began to see that while you were inexperienced and scare you were friendly and dedicated as well as selfless. And I began to realize how much of a jerk I was in those early days. Because of your smile and friendly and happy attitude it made me realize I was falling for you, and I want to make you mine." Syaoran said reminiscing of the past.
"Syaoran Kun." Sakura said in a blissful tone as her wings began to fluter and glow a slight bright pink.
"What did you think of me first when we met?" Syaoran asked.
"Well the moment we first made eye contact I noticed that you were looking straight though me which got me really scared to be honest. I didn't why you were staring at me or what it is that you want but then I realized that you were just a kid with so much on your shoulders that you need to lighten up, and I realized that you didn't have to many friends so I wanted to make friends with you." Sakura answered.
"Sorry about that." Syaoran Apologized.
"I enjoyed every day I get to spend time with when you were with us. But I was worried why you were being a bit clumsy in latter day. I had a crush on Yukito during that time but after he turned me down I didn't know if I would get over it. But when you told me that you fell in love with me My feelings were in a mess, sure I've liked you as a friend back then but it made me realized why you went out of your way to help me out. And when we took on the nothing card it made me realize how much I love you, and it made me realize that you are the only one for me in this life time and the next." Sakura confessed.
"Sakura." Syaoran said surprised he was happy to hear those words; it made him realize that they were meant for each other. All of his worries of his relationship with Sakura are all but vanished and now he was sure that they will be together forever, even if one day Sakura may have to return to the land of the fairies he would definitely go with her and be in her embrace for all eternity. He is so happy that he would go to heaven right now.
"Syaoran kun." Sakura said.
"What is it Sakura?" Syaoran asked.
"Will you please make me yours?" Sakura asked with a blush.
"Eh?" Sakura then loosened the sash of her yukata and letting it slide of her shoulders.
"S-S-SA-Sakura we shouldn't do this! We are not married yet but what if you get pregnant?" Syaoran stammered trying to reason Sakura.
"I don't care about that now Syaoran kun. You said that you want to make me yours right? Well Please make me yours, I want to become one with you." Sakura argued.
"But." Syaoran was about to retort back got interupted.
"I don't care if I get pregnant. I want to be with you, I want to take you with me to the flower gardens of the gods for eternity, I want to become your wife and the mother of your children. I want to be by you side forever and ever. And my heart aches for it so please." Sakura pleaded with a big blush on her face as she looked into Syaorans eyes. Her cute and desperate look on her face certainly isn't helping Syaorans resistance and he knew it.
'Darn it she's using her cuteness against me! Any more of this and I'll break!' syaoran though trying to resist.
"Syaoran kun. Onegai!" Sakura said as her wing glow brighter, this was the last straw for Syaoran.
'I can't take it anymore!' Syaoran thoughts yelled out as he broke. Syaoran grabbed Sakura by the shoulders and brought her over to the bed and threw her on it as he went over her.
"Syaoran kun?" Sakura said surprised by his actions.
"Darn it Sakura you are such a cheater. Don't make me regret this. I'll make sure that we can't live without each other from here on out." Syaoran declared taking of his shirt, and with that he kissed her hard on the lips with more intimacy and passion than they ever had. Sakura was surprised by this but she let him continue and went along. She slid of the rest of her yukata Syaorans trousers as she embraced and kissed him with more passion than she had ever have given. Her wing glowed brighter and her eyes start to glow an emerald color. The two lovers didn't care as they caressed, embraced and kissed each other with pasion. What ever happened that night was all but a blissful night of love and passion for eachother as they made love throughout the night.
Authors note: sorry for the long wait but it took me a while to get this right. Also I was caught up with work and family as well as Christmas. The final battle is nearing so please be patient and we will know later. Will they survive and end this war? Or will they fail and will Long Chang Bo-an take over the world. We will find out soon in the next set of chapters.