Chapter 22 Of Water and Earth (Part One)
Key: Chaos' psychic speech
[] Thoughts
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the original characters.
Everything else belongs to they're respective owners.
Ylsa and Li are eating lunch together. Ylsa looks a Li with some hope
in her eyes. Finally, she opens her mouth.
"Li, I want you to ask you something, how would you like to learn a few
tricks from me?" She asked taking a sip from drink nearby.
"Tricks? What do you mean?" Li asked.
"Well, besides being a master at holy magic, I also know how to fight as
a holy dragoness. We have a unique style. The idea came to me when you
asked if you can learn the 'flower needle' technique. I yet I have found
no one to pass my skills to." Ylsa explained.
"Why me? Chaos is your friend too, plus he could probably use it more
than I." Li replied taking another big bite out of a chicken leg.
"It doesn't work that way, he's a dark dragon, and this method only works
for light dragons. As far as I'm concerned you are a light dragon." Ylsa
said. "Besides he no warrior."
Li sat down in deep thought. He sighed and took another bite from his meal.
"Fine..." He said quietly. "When do we start?"
Ylsa laughed. "Now..." She said. "Part of this 'training' is that you will never
know what or when I'm going to do it." She explained. "So, be ready on your feet
at all times."
Soon, Li didn't know if he made the right choice or not. It didn't really seem
like a good idea once Ylsa explained it. He sighed; the way that the winged
woman beat him was so embarrassing. She wasn't even trying, and yet he still got
his ass kicked.
**Flashback
A needle flew at Li like a flash; he quickly dodged just to find another one
flying straight at him. He didn't have enough time to dodge so he quickly held
up a vase.
Instead of bouncing off like he thought it would it went though it! He never saw
anything like it!
**End Flashback
The duo finally finished they're lunch, Li stood to leave... suddenly Ylsa foot
shot out tripping him. He stumbled forward. His instincts from his previous
training made him automatically do a flip attempting to land on his feet.
Ylsa however, created her energy blade and slapped him with the flat end of her
'blade' that sent him flying backwards, and landed flat on his back.
"Oww..." he groaned. "What did you do that for?" he asked.
"Just testing your reactions. Not bad, hoped for better, but oh well." She said.
"What do you mean you hoped for better? I have great reaction! You just
surprised me that's all." He protested.
Ylsa put her blade away. "Oh? Really? Hmm..." She said. "How about this from now
to dinner time, you can use anything to try to knock me down, the only rule is
that YOU have to knock me down. Not from anyone's else. If you do, I'll give you
another chance to prove yourself."
"Deal." Li said, then he held out his hand, offering it for a shake. Ylsa
extended her hand forward...
Li smiled and suddenly lashed his fist right in Ylsa face, unfortunately she was
ready for that she simply grabbed his hand with her other hand, with a pull she
sent Li to the ground again.
She shook her head. "You need practice." She said chuckling.
* * *
Sakura's room...
Sakura was drawing something on a piece of paper. Chaos was preached on her
shoulder as usual looking at the paper.
Sakura concentrated on the paper. Then she closed her eyes, then a flash she
finished it.
She opened her eyes, there was a diagram on the paper now, she handed it to
Chaos. "What do you think?"
Chaos examines the paper closely. He nods a few times. "Not bad, however, it's
still too messy. You need to put more heart in it, Sakura-san."
Sakura nodded. "I'm sorry, there's just so much in my mind right now." She
apologized.
Chaos shook his head. "Don't be, I know this is hard, and forcing you to master
this in a short time is like asking a miracle to happen. Plus, being a leader
isn't easy. If there's anything I can do, Sakura-san don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks, Chaos." Sakura said quietly. "You know you're one heck of a friend."
She said smiling and setting Chaos down the table. "But, I have something I have
to do right now. You going to be okay here alone?"
Chaos nodded. "I'll be fine, Sakura-san." he watched Sakura go away. He
thought about what she said for awhile and smiled. "[It's nice to have a friend
like Nina again.]"
He turned his attention to the graph on that Sakura drew. He looked at the lines
and curves on the paper. "[Very strong, lacking in structure though.]" he
thought to himself. Then something catches his attention.
He quickly took out a pen and added a few lines of his own. "[Well, I'll be
damned.]" he said to himself. The crest had spelled out the word 'Holy' in
Kanji.
**Flashback (Chaos' POV)
"Nina-sama what are you doing?" I asked curiously.
"Just a magic mapping, I try to express my magic feelings on a piece of paper."
Nina said.
I looked at it with deep interest. I examined every line, curve, slash made on
it. "Wind element, it's wind isn't it?"
Nina laughed. "Nothing gets past you, does it?" She replied. "Yea, I think I'm
most comfortable of this element. It calms my soul doing this."
I shook my head. "You know if you use this right it can do a lot of damage". I
pointed to some points on it. "These points are the power source. If you charge
it with even the slightest of your magic it can be very, very dangerous."
Nina sat there wide-eyed. "Your right..." She began. "This was never designed to
hurt someone in the first place. We better make sure this information doesn't
fall in the wrong hands."
I chucked. "Don't worry, you know I only let my mistress on the deepest
secrets. Just remember, if need be you'll use this to save yourself."
Nina laughed. I remember how much that laugh made me happy. I would give
anything to see her laugh all the time. "Hey, Chaos, why don't you try I want to
see what you come up with."
I shrugged "Sure why not? I mean I might find another class of magic. If so
it'll give me something else to master." I smiled, which made Nina lightly
smack me on my head. "You're going to have to guide me through."
She did exactly that, after I was done, I looked at it. I almost choked as I saw
the mess I drew.
"Chaos..." Nina said flatly.
"Wha...?" I asked. When I say mess I mean mess, I couldn't really make out
what it said. "Why did you call my name?"
"No, I mean you say your element is Chaos, right?" Nina said simply. Amazing how
she find so simple answer that make total sense.
"Makes sense." I admitted. "But, why didn't I spell something like 'Chaos'?"
I wondered.
Nina pointed at something in the mess. "It says 'water'."
I gasped and pointed to another word barely legible... 'Wind'.
After a while we also found the word 'Dark'. We sat down thinking what this must
have meant.
I finally found the answer to myself. However, this was something I rather not
share with Nina-sama. So, I decided to keep my big mouth shut.
**End Flashback
"[Holy Elemental?]" Chaos thought to himself again. "[This makes thing so much
more interesting, but at the same time more dangerous.]" He shook his head and
then headed off to find Sakura.
* * *
Later that night...
Li was not happy, it was near dinner and he still haven't even got CLOSE to
knocking Ylsa off her feet. It was like she had a permeate radar around her. He
tried everything in short of cheating.
Chaos looked at Sakura nervously. "We should go soon as possible."
Sakura frowned. "What happened to patience, Chaos?" she asked the dragon.
"I have this feeling that something's about to go seriously wrong." Chaos
responded. "Besides we have to decide who's going and who's staying."
Sakura gave in. "Fine, we'll do it after dinner, okay?" she said finally.
Chaos nodded. He would have preferred for it to be earlier, but once Sakura-san
makes up her mind it's extremely hard to change it.
Li readied his sword for one more attempt. Yea, he knew it was low using a sword
to try to get what he wanted. However, he was desperate, he wanted another
chance to prove to Ylsa that he had great reaction. "[I mean I been practicing
martial arts ever since I was four years old, it has to count for something.]"
Tomoyo sat herself down next to Sakura and of course, Chaos was at his usual
place. "Good evening, Sakura-chan, Chaos-kun."
Sakura smiled. "Good evening to you too, Tomoyo-chan." She said.
"Good evening, Tomoyo-san. How are you doing?" Chaos asked smiling.
"Been better..." She responded dryly. Chaos titled his head. Boy, did she sound
pissed. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to lie to a person with the abilities of
water magic, maybe it wasn't a good idea to lie at all.
---
Li prepared to make strike, Ylsa was already coming around the corner he
tightened his grip on his sword.
Then the right time came, he took a deep breath and lashed out swing his sword
swiftly toward the 'target'.
Ylsa quickly dodged and summoned her energy sword to block the coming blow. She
glared at Li and then with a swift movement sent him backwards, while he was off
balance she gave him a good kick... Li found himself on the ground again.
"It's dinner time, you lost, now you have no right to complain." Ylsa said
coldly. "Get up, and clean yourself before coming to the table."
Li growled. He can't believe how good Ylsa reaction was, he tried everything to
surprise her, but it didn't work.
"[Bad idea, Li.]" Chaos said. "[I think you pissed my sis off. That's not a good
sign. Don't do it again, or you lose more than your face.]"
Li sighed and went to wash up, well, he had to face it, Ylsa just proved to him
that he really needed to work on his skills if he wanted to have any chance at
all.
** Dinner table (Dinner time)
Everyone sat quietly eating they're meal. None of them talked much for some odd
reason or the other. It was pretty gloom for a big dinner like it.
Finally, Sakura who couldn't stand the silence any long spoke up. "So, why is
everyone so quiet?"
Eriol shrugged. "I guess no one has anything to say." He said taking another
bite of food.
"Tomoyo-san, can I talk to you after dinner? I think we have something that we
should talk about, but not here." Chaos said.
Tomoyo sighed, she was still slightly angry at Chaos for hiding things and
deliberately lying to her. What does he take her for? Stupid? "Fine, Chaos, we
will talk after dinner." Her 'parents' raised her to be calm in all cases, which
come in handy sometimes.
Ylsa smirked. She picked up a hard boiled egg with her chopsticks, however
instead of eating it she flung it quickly towards Li, who wasn't expecting got
hit right in the face by it.
"Oww!" Li cried in surprise. Everyone was deeply amused by this and started
laughing. "What did you do that for?" He said angrily.
"Payback for trying to ambush me with your sword, Li that's all." Ylsa said
laughing.
Li wiped his face with a napkin. "Yea, yea, that was really funny." He fumed.
He attempted to grab the nearest food and toss it at Ylsa, however, Sakura
blocked it with her pair of chopsticks.
"Enough!" She said. "We're having dinner and try to keep it civil, that means
you too Ylsa."
Ylsa nodded. "Gomen..." She said still chuckling.
The rest of the dinner was finished in a relatively quiet fashion. After dinner,
Fujitaka cleans the tables and begins to wash dishes.
Sakura stood up and announced. "It seems like Chaos remembered where we could
find the water oracle, and believed that we should go to meet her as soon as
possible."
Everyone could hear the distinct mummer. Li spoke up "So, who's going?"
Chaos spoke up "Well, Tomoyo-san has to go. Since I believe water is her area
of expertise, and you'll need someone to lead the way, so I think Sakura-san and
I should go. Everyone else I don't know."
Ylsa spoke up. "I don't think me or Li is going. I have a few more things to
tell him."
Eriol smiles. "I'll go, since I have nothing better to do." He said.
"I guess it's settled. Since, we don't want that ambush to repeat it self we
better leave a few more people back, plus a small group is easier to travel
too." Sakura said.
Everyone agreed on that, and proceed to continue they're events.
***Tomoyo's room
Tomoyo sat down on her bed as she held out her arm so that Chaos could preach on
it.
"So, Chaos, what did you want to talk to me about?" She asked.
"Well, first off I want to apologize for lying." He said sighing. It seems
like he's always apologizing for something or another.
"No prob." Tomoyo replied. "It wasn't just the lying that really bothered me. It
was how you didn't trust me."
"It's like this, it's not really a memory that I was particularly fond of. So,
I didn't really feel comfortable telling it at that moment..."
Tomoyo cut him off. "You should have told me that instead of saying nothing."
"I know, I promise I'll do that next time okay?" he responded.
Tomoyo nodded. "I'm sorry for being angry without seeing your side of things, I
didn't know what came over me. I usually don't get angry that easily."
"[It's okay, but let me ask something else. Do you think your prepared to meet
the water oracle?]" Chaos asked.
"Well, I guess.." Tomoyo said. "But I don't think that I'm ready to fight her."
"There isn't always a fight. I didn't know why the Wind Oracle wanted to
anyways. It's not like that when you met an Oracle." Chaos said.
"Huh?" Tomoyo said slowly. "And you would know this how?"
Chaos sweated. Me and my big mouth. he thought to himself. "[If I tell you,
will you promise not to tell Sakura-san?]"
Tomoyo considered it for awhile. "I can't make any grantees, however, I can try
that is if you are willing to tell me."
Chaos considered it for a long moment. "Well, I suppose I should let it out.
Wonder why I suddenly know where the Water Oracle is?"
"Yea, it was kind of weird how you suddenly came up with that.. wait your
dropping hints to Sakura aren't you? You want her to figure out what your
hiding." Tomoyo said.
"[Well, seems like I underestimated you, what I was dropping hints about was
this...]" He took out a black pearl from nowhere. It flashed a little.
"Oh my God. You're an Oracle too?" Tomoyo practically almost screamed.
"[Shhh..!] Chaos said putting a claw to his lips. "[The Oracle of Chaos.. that
is."]
"Why didn't you use the orb then? Why hide it? What good will it do to hide such
a thing?" Tomoyo asked quickly.
"[It's not that easy, I can't use this orb, since I'm only guarding it. It
belongs to the one who can pass my test. Why am I hiding it? Well, the thing is
we aren't supposed to go around announcing such things. I would love to tell
everyone that, but I'm bounded by the rules.]" he said.
"How come you could tell us about where the Water Oracle is then? Isn't that
illegal?" Tomoyo asked.
"[In most cases yes, but in this case the Oracle of Wind didn't leave a clue on
where the next Oracle is like she was supposed to. So, therefore I can do it for
her anyway I wish.]" he said.
"Ahh, I see." Tomoyo responded. "Thanks for telling me this. I'll keep the
secret if you wish."
Chaos nodded happily. "[I better get going, don't want Sakura-san to worry about
where I am.]"
"I see you later, Chaos-kun." Tomoyo said smiling. She finally solved one of the
many puzzles that were bothering her.
**The Next Day
Tomoyo, Eriol, Sakura and Chaos were getting ready to go. Sakura grabbed her
backpack, which Tomoyo and Eriol did also. Chaos shrugged he was the only one
that couldn't really carry anything.
"So, you guys ready to go?" Ylsa asked. "Take care everyone." She leaned over to
Chaos. "Especially you Chaos!" she whispered.
"Yea, we're ready." Sakura responded. "Li.. I'm counting on you to protect this
place while I gone, you are also a leader of this place understand?"
Li nodded. "I understand. Be careful, Sakura." He turned to Chaos. "If there is
even a scratch on her, I'll hold you responsible for it!"
Chaos shrugged. "[Sure, you know that it's my job to protect Sakura-san.]"
"Yea, sure, just be sure you keep that promise." Li said leaving the room
quickly.
"[What's up with him?]" Chaos asked, sending the message to everyone around him.
Sakura shrugged. "He seems very grumpy today." She looked back at her companies.
"Well, are we all ready?" She asked.
Tomoyo and Eriol looked at each other, satisfied they nodded. "Yea we're both
ready." Eriol said for the both of them.
"Well then, let's go." Sakura announce.
They all said they're goodbyes and took off.
** On the Road
It was a pretty silent trip, Sakura thanked the Gods that it was, nothing came
up that they had much trouble dealing with. With all the action that was
happening these days she was glad to have some peace and quiet.
They continued on the road for a while, eventually, they began to feel a little
fatigued because of walking.
Eriol and Tomoyo started to put up the camp, whereas Chaos took out a map and
started to trace the trail that they were going to take. He tried to find the
shortest and safest route to the destination.
Sakura snapped her fingers and started a small fire. Everyone else gathered
around the fire and began to have a small chat.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Tomoyo-chan?" Sakura asked making sure one
more time.
"Yes, I'm sure Sakura-chan." Tomoyo replied. "Plus, it'll be wrong to leave
Chaos how he is, plus, if it can help us complete our destiny then I'll be
willing to do it."
Chaos looked into the fire. For once, he wasn't sure if he was doing the right
thing. He prayed to Ladon that he was. He excused himself from the fire place.
Trotting to a someplace that was more private, he took out the black orb he was
keeping.
He looked at the orb, wondering if Ladon would forgive him if he just 'borrowed'
it and made an exception to the rule. He was sure that Ladon wouldn't mind, the
bigger question is that if he could forgive himself for betraying Ladon's trust.
He put the orb back into his 'pocket' "[No.]" He thought to himself. Someone is
going to have to earn it from him, then give it up to him willing. Who was the
one to pass his test though? Who will be the one?
A hand landed on his shoulder, but he wasn't surprised one bit. He felt Sakura
from far away. That means she's accepting him faster than he thought, the
connection grew stronger, and he was sure that Sakura probably already knew his
secret.
He clasped his claw on her hands and looked into the horizon. "Why didn't you
tell me?" Sakura asked. "Why?"
"There are some things that you have to discover yourself, Sakura-san.."
"Don't Sakura-san me!" She said with a fierce tone in her voice, she didn't look
angry, probably more disappointed at Chaos than anything. "You lied when you
said that you didn't know that the Wind Oracle was going to cease to exist
didn't you? I can't believe this! You as my familiar lied to me!!"
"No, Sakura-san, I didn't lie. What she choose she did for herself. You see she
herself choose the test, there was nothing me or any other of the Oracles could
do about it. After you defeated her, she decided to vanish herself. It was not
by my choice or anyone else except hers." Chaos explained quickly.
Sakura was still a little disappointed. "Why are you hiding things from me?" She
asked. All I wanted to do was be your friend as well as a good mistress."
Chaos looked at her sadly. "I wish I could, I really do, but there are things
that I myself have to sort out, and no one can help me on that."
Shaking her head Sakura was getting a little impatient with the little dragon.
"You know, if this 'I have to things on my own' attitude doesn't change soon,
I'm not sure how long I can put up with you. Your not the only one with problems
you know that? So stop acting like you are. Your pushing all your friends away,
Ylsa, Tomoyo just to name a few. This isn't going to work Chaos."
Chaos looked blankly in the horizon. "Maybe your right. Allow me some time to
consider, I will be back shortly."
Sakura nodded and started to head back. "And Sakura-san?" Sakura turned back
slightly.
"Tell, Tomoyo-chan to take it easy. The trial is going to be hard, but if she
takes it easy she should be able to overcome it rather easily."
Sakura nodded silently. "Don't do this anymore Chaos, you're hurting more than
yourself by keeping things bottled up."
Chaos didn't respond instead he just looked at the same scenery that he has been
for a long while. Sakura looked one last time before returning to camp.
* * *
NEXT DAY..
The group traveled silently. Tomoyo and Eriol didn't know what happened between
Chaos and Sakura last night, but they weren't about to find out. Chaos who
usually preached on Sakura's shoulder wasn't there this time, instead he was
just walking in front of them, leading them to the Water Temple.
Eriol whispered in Tomoyo's ear. "What do you think is wrong, Tomoyo-chan? They
used to be inseparable, now it looks like Chaos wouldn't even stay near her if
there was anything he could do about it. Sakura's looks like she doing really
bad too. Wonder what happened yesterday."
Tomoyo looked at the pair, Eriol was right as usual, "I don't know, but whatever
happened I hope that they make up sooner or later, this silence is really
bugging me." She whispered back.
"Let me guess, it's a feeling thing." Eriol whispered back in a half smile.
"Maybe we should make some conversation, see if that helps them to mellow out."
Tomoyo gave a silent nod. "So, Eriol ever been to this part of the continent?"
She asked cheerfully, speaking just loud enough so that Sakura and Chaos could
hear them.
"No, not really, so Chaos where are we?" He asked playing along.
"We're near the Water temple, which is deep in this forest." He gave a simple
response trying to end the conversation.
Tomoyo shook her head, this wasn't working at all, she doesn't think that they
were going to get any more outta the dark dragon. So, she decided to make the
best out of the situation.
"So, how long have you been a Wyndian Black Mage?" She asked Eriol.
Eriol smiled, he seems to always smile no matter what the case is. "It's been a
while since anyone asked me that, I been one ever since you first saw me. The
reason why you guys were having so much trouble finding me was because I was
mixing black magic with the magic Sakura was familiar with."
"Ahh, so you mixed some original twist to the magic, you were trying to give her
a hint, but at the same time offering a challenge. Very interesting." She
replied.
"Yes, at that time, it was just for her to practice some of the basic stuff
before her wing day." Eriol responded. "Good thing too, since it looked like we
needed it."
Tomoyo looked at Sakura proudly. "Yea, but it was amazing what Chaos did to her,
I mean she looks like she grown overnight. She is becoming a great leader. I
still wonder what Chaos did to make her that depressed."
"Don't know, but something tells me they'll be fine. Sakura's strong, and well
Chaos will be Chaos, he'll figure a way to make things right, he always does."
Chaos heard all this talk, but didn't feel like responding, for one time in his
life he wasn't sure this was just going to be 'okay' anymore. He sighed again..
"We're here, the water temple." He announced.
Everyone looked in awe, the temple was golden with water splashing down to a
deep pool that surrounded it. There was also a small bridge that connected the
ground to the Temple.
"It's beautiful." Tomoyo commented.
Eriol nodded. With a sweep his hand he offered Tomoyo to go first. Tomoyo
giggled and walked in to the temple the other followed shortly.
* * *
The inside of the temple was much less inviting though. It was awfully humid
inside, the lighting in the room was also horrible, there was some unknown plant
and moss growing everywhere.
A ray of light leaded to a small platform, the group approached the platform
slowly. Soon, in view there was a blue haired lady, well if you can even call
the form they saw a lady.
She had a mischievous look on her face, and a long slender body, but that wasn't
what really attracted they're attention. She had instead of legs, a snake's
tail.
Chaos broke the silence "Dee.. De..Deis?" He said stuttering with confusement.
"AH!" She said with great excitement. "CHAOS!!" She was brimming with energy. "I
haven't seen you in AGES!"
"Yea, same to you Lady Deis." Chaos said still a little shocked.
"I see you have returned into this familiar business, who's the lucky guy this
time?" She asked tapping the jewel on Chaos' forehead.
Sakura who was quiet spoke up suddenly. "I'm his mistress, Deis-sama." She said
quickly.
Deis looked surprised. "It can't be.." Then she looked at Sakura more closely
"Yes it is." She squealed in delight. "You're a Nina aren't you?"
Sakura was stunned on the energy she has shown, "[This can't be an Oracle can
it?]" she thought to herself. "Yes, Deis-sama, I'm a Nina" She said slowly.
"And a Holy ranked Nina already? Wow, you must be the youngest one yet!" She
added. "Please drop the sama thingy, just Deis will do. How may I help such a
delightful crew today?
"Actually, Lady Deis, we just wanted to know where we could find the Water
Oracle." Chaos said.
"Just like Chaos to ruin my fun." She pouted. "Always going to right to
business, well Chaos, I'm the Oracle of Water."
"WHAT?" Chaos answered surprised. "When did this happen?"
Sakura on the other hand was surprised because of a different reason. This
Oracle was so different from the one she faced.
"Same ol' Chaos." She stated again. "Well, the older Oracle decided to resign
her position recently and offered me the job, I figured why not so I accepted.
Now, how may I help you?"
Tomoyo approached her bravely and spoke up. "I'm here to face my test." She said
shyly.
Deis eyes looked at the girl. She smiled "I see, I can tell your serious, but
now is not the time, young one. Please accept my offer of some food and a night
here, we can talk about this tomorrow."
"But, Lady Deis we are in a hurry!" Chaos protested.
Deis looked slightly annoyed. "Are you the one taking the test Chaos?" She said
dangerously.
Chaos shuddered in fear that Sakura and the others hasn't seen before, he stood
up to that black dragon that was at least ten times his size and didn't flinch.
He faced his greatest enemy Funangi and didn't even break sweat, however, just a
few words from this Naga made him shudder in fear. Tomoyo secretly feared that
she was WAY overmatched.
"No, forgive me Lady Deis." He answered trembling.
That seemed to cheer the Naga up, weird how she can be dead serious at one time
then get over it quickly.
"So, I guess, that mean your staying for dinner aren't you Chaos." She said.
Chaos nodded, but found himself loss for words.
"Before dinner though, I would like to talk to you in private, Chaos." She added
giving him a 'dirty' look, if looks can kill, this one would defiantly killed
Chaos. He shivered but nodded.
Dinner was brought out when Deis excused herself and dragged Chaos with her,
when Deis said dinner she actually meant feast, all kinds of exquisite dishes
were brought out before them. Tomoyo and Eriol ate happily as Sakura choose to
eat in silence.
"What's wrong, Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked in great concern. "I mean you haven't
looked happy since the beginning of the day."
Eriol looked up also "Wait, don't tell us yet, it has something to do with Chaos
right?"
Sakura looked at them and nodded. "I don't think I should talk about it though,
I mean it is kind of private."
"You mean about him being an Oracle?" Tomoyo asked. "I already knew that."
"No, it's not that. I understand why he hid that fact, it's something else."
Sakura replied.
"Sakura-san." Eriol said sternly. "What is it that can make you that angry at
him, I don't know, tell you the truth I don't like it either, please, tell us."
Tomoyo nodded. "We'll promise not to tell Chaos if it makes you feel any
better." She added.
Sakura finally gave in. "Fine, well, the truth is, Chaos is already dead!" she
shrieked. "I have no clue why we can see him or even sense him, I fear he might
be an undead. If he is, I just might have to banish him."
When Sakura said the word 'dead' Eriol and Tomoyo both felt a chill go down
they're spine. What did she mean Chaos is dead? He's as real as any of they are,
so what's going on?
"Are you sure Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked. "I mean Ylsa should have know it if
that was the case." Eriol nodded in agreement.
"It's best not to assume too much." He added. "That might be the recipe for
disaster."
"No, I'm sure of this." Sakura said determined. "Our link is getting stronger,
and as a rule, I could read almost all his thoughts, and well, although I try
not to pry too much into his privacy. I accidentally caught this stranded
memory. So, yes he is dead, or at least supposed to be."
"You said that it was in his memory right?" Tomoyo asked. Sakura nodded slowly.
"Then there is chance that he doesn't know it himself.
"HUH?" Eriol and Sakura asked together.
"If it was a stranded memory I'm guessing its deep within his sub-conscious,
therefore, he might not remember anything about it." Tomoyo explained.
"Great, just what we needed, an amnesia manic." Eriol said under his breath.
***
Hidden Room
Deis slithered to another platform before seating herself down. She motioned
that Chaos to take a seat before her; he did as instructed.
"So, Chaos what have you been up to recently?" Deis asked.
"Not much, Lady Deis, may I ask why you wanted to see me?"
"You never change Chaos, ever since you started to be a familiar you've always
been a tight ass you know that? Why don't you relax for a change? I wanted to
talk to you mainly about what do you make of this condition?"
"Condition?" Chaos asked in confused.
"Don't play dumb with me! You should know better than that, you try that again
and I'll make sure your friend fails my trail understood?" Deis said glaring
angrily.
"Understood.." Chaos gulped.
"Now lets try that again, what do think about the situation?"
"Well, Nina's ability is almost at max, pretty amazing for someone so young.
Tomoyo isn't doing too bad either, I'm just not that confident about the 'Ryu'
this time, it's really the only I'm worried about."
"You mean his abilities aren't up to your standards? I'm not surprised there,
you set high standards for everyone, except Nina for course." Deis chucked
lightly as Chaos blushed slightly.
"No, it's not the ability this time, surprisingly, it's more of I'm not sure
he's 'complete' in some sense."
"Not complete?" Deis looked at him awkwardly. "You know your role right Chaos,
both as a familiar and a Oracle right?"
Chaos nodded slowly. "I'm just praying that when the time comes to choose,
Sakura-san will choose wisely."
Deis snorted. "I'm more worried about YOU choosing wisely more than anything."
Chaos showed a look of pure annoyance, but he kept his cool. "What do you
mean?"
"Oh dear, I do have a habit of saying too much do I?" She responded. However,
she didn't sound disappointed or worried, instead there was a slight hint of
amusement and a suggestive tone to the comment she gave.
"Huh?"
"Just remember, don't let the past bother you any longer Chaos, you're one of
the kindest dragons I know, and you deserve to have a better life, more than you
think you do."
"I don't understand.." Chaos trailed off.
"You don't have to understand yet." Deis said. "You will sooner or later, and I
pray that YOU make the right decision when the time comes." She sighed.
"Anyways, it's getting late, and I think everyone should take a rest for the
day. I'll see you in the morning Chaos."
"Good night." Chaos responded.
* * *
Next Morning..
"RISE AND SHINE EVERYONE!!"
Sakura groggily woke up wondering who the hell yells that loud in the morning.
"WAKE UP! WE HAVE A BIG DAY AHEAD OF US!!"
"[That was a rhetorical question.]" She thought to herself. "[Who else would
show enthusiasm this early in the morning.. Deis.]"
She sat up browsing a little in the small room that she and Chaos was staying
at, Chaos, proving his amazing sleeping skill was still asleep. Sakura sighed,
Chaos could sleep through an earthquake if the opportunity calls.
"WAKE UP!!" She yelled in his ear. Chaos gave a loud dragon like shriek. He woke
up immediately after that, rubbing his ears in pain. "What did you do that
for??" He asked annoyed.
Sakura looked at him equally as annoyed. "If you don't sleep as if you were DEAD
I wouldn't have to DO that."
Chaos growled, he was getting downright annoyed by the ways that she would wake
him up. What was funny it didn't really annoy him very much until today.
"Get up already, it's time for Tomoyo-chan's test."
* * *
The group was all seated in a different room this time. It was a lot smaller
than the kitchen they were in. Instead of dimly light, the room seemed to shine
as in broad daylight. Deis motioned Tomoyo to sit in front of her.
Tomoyo did as instructed; she sat face to face with the Naga.
"Okay, Tomoyo, my test would be a little different from the Wind Oracles." Deis
explained. "I'm not going to challenge you to a duel or anything like that for
if I did most likely all of you together wouldn't be able to beat me." She
chuckled.
"[Is this lady for real?]" Sakura thought to herself. "[I don't care how
powerful she thinks she is, but thinking that ALL of us can't take her is just
plain insane.]"
Tomoyo was thinking the same thing, she didn't want to prove that the snake
woman was wrong at least not now, she had a test to pass and she was determined
to pass it.
"I don't like violence so instead, we will have test your wits." Deis explained.
"I will give you magical puzzles that you must solve, take your time since one
mistake and you might fail the test."
Tomoyo took a deep breath, she didn't know if this was a good idea or not, but
it was too late now. She gave the snake lady a slight nod.
In a burst of flame a field appeared, various symbols and runes surrounded to
playing field.
"Rule number one.." Deis announced. "You can only use magic, if you use anything
but magic, then you will be disqualified."
Chaos gave Sakura a worried look; Sakura fully understood this look. "What's
wrong?" She whispered.
"Do you think Tomoyo-san can borrow my services for one day?" Chaos asked.
"Huh?"
"Familiars are allowed to help out in test, no one other." He started.
"But would Deis allow it?"
"I think she wouldn't mind, but I do need your permission first."
"What do you think?" Sakura sneered. "She's my best friend, any help I could
provide I would be more than glad to do for her."
"Very well."
Deis continued her rules. "Rule number two, no outside interference, which
means.."
"Lady Deis, I have a request.." Chaos butted in.
Deis looked slightly annoyed. "What is it?"
"My mistress have already allowed me to serve under Tomoyo-san for today, so
for this trial I would like to help her as her familiar." Chaos said giving a
bow.
"You know, for a familiar your very nosy." Deis spat.
"That is not for you to judge, and you know that well, Lady Deis." Chaos
responded calmly.
"Fine, you have my permission to aid her, but be warned, just because we know
each other doesn't mean that I will hold back any." Deis announced.
Chaos smiled like he expected that. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He
replied.
"Second rule.." Deis said. "No outside help with the exception of your
familiar."
Tomoyo nodded, "Thanks for offering your help." She whispered to Chaos.
"No problem."
Deis raised her hands "Other than that I can't think of anything else, are you
still willing to take this challenge?" She asked.
Tomoyo gave a sigh, what was she fighting for? That's right, her friends and
what she believes in. "Yes, I'm sure."
Deis chuckled. "Good, I will have it no other way."
Deis snapped her fingers together and four orbs came up they were formed in a
diamond shape. "First test, I want you to move these into a straight line."
Tomoyo gave a sigh of relief how hard was that going to be?
"However, there are certain rules I want you to follow." The snake lady added.
"[There's always a catch.]" Tomoyo thought to herself.
"You may only move one to a place if and only if the orb you moved is touching
two other orbs." Deis explain.
"[Okay, maybe moving things into a straight line IS hard.]" She thought to
herself as she started moving the orbs.
Deis stood there watching, eyes tingling with interest. "[Chaos been helpful
throughout history, but he seems to be changing. This is an interesting
development. I'm going to have to keep an eye out for him.]"
Tomoyo stood there baffled.. moving an orb for the nth time.
"Patience, Tomoyo-san. You're going in circles you know." Chaos suggested.
"I know that!!" Tomoyo exclaimed. "I just can't figure it out!"
"Don't get frustrated, that will just get you further from your answer." Chaos
warned. "Remember the hardest answers are usually the most obvious."
Tomoyo sighed. "The most obvious.." She backed away a little.
Chaos looked at the puzzle, the answer to it was just so obvious, at least to
him, but the problem was that the obvious is the most overlooked: This seems to
be the case.
Tomoyo closed her eyes and started to envision the puzzle in her mind. The four
orbs popped into her mind as she began to move them around mentally.
She reopened her eyes. "You almost got me on this one, Deis, but.." She stopped
smiled, then with a flash completed the puzzle in no time.
Deis nodded. "Very good, now.." She snapped her fingers together, the orbs
disappeared, and a huge board appeared.
"Now for the second test." Deis announced. "Finish this maze." As the words
faded so did Deis, and the area was suddenly transformed into a huge maze.
"Gold shatters wood, wood drains the waters, water splutters the fires, fire
scorches the earth, earth buries gold." Her voice echoed throughout the maze.
"Was that supposed to be a hint?" Tomoyo whispered.
"If I know Deis well, yes, it was a hint." Chaos responded.
"What does it mean?" Tomoyo asked. "Besides the obvious."
"I wouldn't know, but it would be wise to keep it in mind." Chaos responded.
"Deis doesn't give anything you don't need."
"The trick about mazes is to pick a wall and follow it right?" Tomoyo said.
"If it's a normal maze, yes, however I wouldn't put it past Deis to make a
magical maze, this maze might change anytime, anyplace, so it's best keep on
your toes. Be prepared for anything."
"Right." Tomoyo replied.
Tomoyo started to walk, being as careful as she could..
The duo walked past a few twist and turns, not too much out of the normal. Then,
they came to a door, the symbol 'Fire' was on it.
"Well, I guess that answers the question about what that clue meant." Tomoyo
said, twisting the knob..
Unfortunately, the door was locked, and there was no keyhole in the knob, or
anywhere on the door, Tomoyo discovered.
"How are we supposed to open this door?" Tomoyo asked. "There's nothing to open
it with."
"I don't think blasting the door will help any either, do you remember the
clue, Tomoyo-san?"
"Water puts out the fires?" Tomoyo asked.
"Hai, Tomoyo-san." Chaos responded. "Water element should be like second
nature for you."
"Second nature, you make it sound easy." Tomoyo said under her breath. She
concentrated and held her hands out; the air became moist around her hands.
Chaos smiled, Tomoyo went from knowing almost nothing about magic, to being a
intermediate at it. The thought of her potential, and then Sakura's potential
"[Gosh, I must be getting too old for this.]" he laughed to himself, remembering
what Nina once told him.
"When it comes to shadow, dark and time magic, your chaotic magic will always be
better than anyone else."
That didn't really make him feel better, actually, that made him worry more.
Chaos quickly banished the thought as Tomoyo succeeded in opening the door.
The door creaked as it opened up, Deis must have done that on purpose, no one is
going to make Tomoyo believe that some maze made out of magic is going to have
doors that creak.
The temperature suddenly shot up, as they went in. This was getting a little too
weird, even for a magical maze. When Chaos said that don't count on a simple
maze, he wasn't kidding.
"Is it only me or this is one sick joke." Tomoyo asked to no one in paticular.
"When it comes to Deis, everything is one big joke.." Chaos replied.
"Yea, like you're any better, Chaos." Tomoyo teased.
Chaos made a fake frown. "And here I thought I had a good sense of humor."
That of course made Tomoyo chuckle a little. They both continued on the hot
path.
"I wouldn't be surprised if something came out of nowhere and attacked us."
Tomoyo said.
Right when Tomoyo finished saying that, a pillar of fire came flying toward
them, Chaos quickly pushed Tomoyo out of the way.. as the fire burned besides
them.
"You were saying?" Chaos grumbled.
"Me and my big mouth." Tomoyo said. "I thought Deis doesn't like fighting."
Tomoyo took her fan out of nowhere and flipped it open.
"Remember the part when you said that Deis has a really bad taste in humor?"
Chaos asked.
Tomoyo blocked an incoming fireball. "I didn't think she was this crazy!"
"You haven't seen anything yet! That woman's a nut case." Chaos replied
reflecting off some debris that came flying toward him because of the battle.
"Why aren't you helping?" Tomoyo asked while she gave the fire beast a good hit
on the back.
"You seem to like you're doing very well, so I don't see why I would need to
help."
Tomoyo quickly dodged another wave of fire, before the beast could do anything
else she drove an sharp piece of magic made ice into it. The beast howled in
pain then vanished leaving an orb of fire.
Tomoyo picked the orb up "What do you suppose this is for?" she asked as she
continued.
Chaos shrugged, "As I said, Deis is highly unpredictable, so we should keep it,
I'm sure we have to use it somewhere."
"Uh, yea." Tomoyo replied.
The maze itself wasn't really hard for now, Tomoyo wasn't really getting lost
however, that just made her worry more than anything else.
Soon they reached another door.
"What is up with Deis and doors?" Tomoyo asked.
Chaos shrugged.
The door was very much like the previous one, no knob, no keyhole, but locked.
Tomoyo rolled her eyes, this wasn't very funny at all, the symbol on the door
was the symbol of 'earth'.
"I don't know any fire magic, give me a hand Chaos?" Tomoyo asked.
Chaos nodded, he tapped the door gently and the door opened with a loud bang.
"How did you do that?" Tomoyo asked as they walked.
"Do what?"
"You didn't even use fire magic and the door slammed open."
"A little trick I learned." Chaos replied.
"Hmmph."
Tomoyo looked around, when she was pretty sure that there were no stalkers, she
gave a signal for Chaos to follow.
After another few twists and turns they reached a huge mirror, puzzled, she
walked in front of it.
"It's a mirror." Tomoyo said.
Chaos sweat dropped. "Yea, it's a mirror."
"Wonder if it's another clue." Tomoyo asked to no one in paticular.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it was."
Tomoyo stood up to the mirror staring at her reflection, she stuck out a hand.
"Wait! Tomoyo-san don't!!" Chaos boomed as if he suddenly realized something.
Too late Tomoyo already touched the mirror, the mirror rippled as it stepped out
of the mirror.
"touch that mirror." Chaos finished.
Tomoyo stared at her double for a long time, they were basically identical, the
'real Tomoyo' raised her right hand, while the 'fake Tomoyo' raised her left.
"This isn't good, this isn't good at all." Chaos grumbled.
End of part 1 of Chapter 22.
A/N: Whew! I been away for HOW long? Well, I wasn't dead, just busy, sorry about
the late update, I'll try to update it more often in the future. Anyways, if you
have any question, comments or anything; please e-mail me at
dragonofkhaos@yahoo.com. Thanks!!
Key: Chaos' psychic speech
[] Thoughts
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the original characters.
Everything else belongs to they're respective owners.
Ylsa and Li are eating lunch together. Ylsa looks a Li with some hope
in her eyes. Finally, she opens her mouth.
"Li, I want you to ask you something, how would you like to learn a few
tricks from me?" She asked taking a sip from drink nearby.
"Tricks? What do you mean?" Li asked.
"Well, besides being a master at holy magic, I also know how to fight as
a holy dragoness. We have a unique style. The idea came to me when you
asked if you can learn the 'flower needle' technique. I yet I have found
no one to pass my skills to." Ylsa explained.
"Why me? Chaos is your friend too, plus he could probably use it more
than I." Li replied taking another big bite out of a chicken leg.
"It doesn't work that way, he's a dark dragon, and this method only works
for light dragons. As far as I'm concerned you are a light dragon." Ylsa
said. "Besides he no warrior."
Li sat down in deep thought. He sighed and took another bite from his meal.
"Fine..." He said quietly. "When do we start?"
Ylsa laughed. "Now..." She said. "Part of this 'training' is that you will never
know what or when I'm going to do it." She explained. "So, be ready on your feet
at all times."
Soon, Li didn't know if he made the right choice or not. It didn't really seem
like a good idea once Ylsa explained it. He sighed; the way that the winged
woman beat him was so embarrassing. She wasn't even trying, and yet he still got
his ass kicked.
**Flashback
A needle flew at Li like a flash; he quickly dodged just to find another one
flying straight at him. He didn't have enough time to dodge so he quickly held
up a vase.
Instead of bouncing off like he thought it would it went though it! He never saw
anything like it!
**End Flashback
The duo finally finished they're lunch, Li stood to leave... suddenly Ylsa foot
shot out tripping him. He stumbled forward. His instincts from his previous
training made him automatically do a flip attempting to land on his feet.
Ylsa however, created her energy blade and slapped him with the flat end of her
'blade' that sent him flying backwards, and landed flat on his back.
"Oww..." he groaned. "What did you do that for?" he asked.
"Just testing your reactions. Not bad, hoped for better, but oh well." She said.
"What do you mean you hoped for better? I have great reaction! You just
surprised me that's all." He protested.
Ylsa put her blade away. "Oh? Really? Hmm..." She said. "How about this from now
to dinner time, you can use anything to try to knock me down, the only rule is
that YOU have to knock me down. Not from anyone's else. If you do, I'll give you
another chance to prove yourself."
"Deal." Li said, then he held out his hand, offering it for a shake. Ylsa
extended her hand forward...
Li smiled and suddenly lashed his fist right in Ylsa face, unfortunately she was
ready for that she simply grabbed his hand with her other hand, with a pull she
sent Li to the ground again.
She shook her head. "You need practice." She said chuckling.
* * *
Sakura's room...
Sakura was drawing something on a piece of paper. Chaos was preached on her
shoulder as usual looking at the paper.
Sakura concentrated on the paper. Then she closed her eyes, then a flash she
finished it.
She opened her eyes, there was a diagram on the paper now, she handed it to
Chaos. "What do you think?"
Chaos examines the paper closely. He nods a few times. "Not bad, however, it's
still too messy. You need to put more heart in it, Sakura-san."
Sakura nodded. "I'm sorry, there's just so much in my mind right now." She
apologized.
Chaos shook his head. "Don't be, I know this is hard, and forcing you to master
this in a short time is like asking a miracle to happen. Plus, being a leader
isn't easy. If there's anything I can do, Sakura-san don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks, Chaos." Sakura said quietly. "You know you're one heck of a friend."
She said smiling and setting Chaos down the table. "But, I have something I have
to do right now. You going to be okay here alone?"
Chaos nodded. "I'll be fine, Sakura-san." he watched Sakura go away. He
thought about what she said for awhile and smiled. "[It's nice to have a friend
like Nina again.]"
He turned his attention to the graph on that Sakura drew. He looked at the lines
and curves on the paper. "[Very strong, lacking in structure though.]" he
thought to himself. Then something catches his attention.
He quickly took out a pen and added a few lines of his own. "[Well, I'll be
damned.]" he said to himself. The crest had spelled out the word 'Holy' in
Kanji.
**Flashback (Chaos' POV)
"Nina-sama what are you doing?" I asked curiously.
"Just a magic mapping, I try to express my magic feelings on a piece of paper."
Nina said.
I looked at it with deep interest. I examined every line, curve, slash made on
it. "Wind element, it's wind isn't it?"
Nina laughed. "Nothing gets past you, does it?" She replied. "Yea, I think I'm
most comfortable of this element. It calms my soul doing this."
I shook my head. "You know if you use this right it can do a lot of damage". I
pointed to some points on it. "These points are the power source. If you charge
it with even the slightest of your magic it can be very, very dangerous."
Nina sat there wide-eyed. "Your right..." She began. "This was never designed to
hurt someone in the first place. We better make sure this information doesn't
fall in the wrong hands."
I chucked. "Don't worry, you know I only let my mistress on the deepest
secrets. Just remember, if need be you'll use this to save yourself."
Nina laughed. I remember how much that laugh made me happy. I would give
anything to see her laugh all the time. "Hey, Chaos, why don't you try I want to
see what you come up with."
I shrugged "Sure why not? I mean I might find another class of magic. If so
it'll give me something else to master." I smiled, which made Nina lightly
smack me on my head. "You're going to have to guide me through."
She did exactly that, after I was done, I looked at it. I almost choked as I saw
the mess I drew.
"Chaos..." Nina said flatly.
"Wha...?" I asked. When I say mess I mean mess, I couldn't really make out
what it said. "Why did you call my name?"
"No, I mean you say your element is Chaos, right?" Nina said simply. Amazing how
she find so simple answer that make total sense.
"Makes sense." I admitted. "But, why didn't I spell something like 'Chaos'?"
I wondered.
Nina pointed at something in the mess. "It says 'water'."
I gasped and pointed to another word barely legible... 'Wind'.
After a while we also found the word 'Dark'. We sat down thinking what this must
have meant.
I finally found the answer to myself. However, this was something I rather not
share with Nina-sama. So, I decided to keep my big mouth shut.
**End Flashback
"[Holy Elemental?]" Chaos thought to himself again. "[This makes thing so much
more interesting, but at the same time more dangerous.]" He shook his head and
then headed off to find Sakura.
* * *
Later that night...
Li was not happy, it was near dinner and he still haven't even got CLOSE to
knocking Ylsa off her feet. It was like she had a permeate radar around her. He
tried everything in short of cheating.
Chaos looked at Sakura nervously. "We should go soon as possible."
Sakura frowned. "What happened to patience, Chaos?" she asked the dragon.
"I have this feeling that something's about to go seriously wrong." Chaos
responded. "Besides we have to decide who's going and who's staying."
Sakura gave in. "Fine, we'll do it after dinner, okay?" she said finally.
Chaos nodded. He would have preferred for it to be earlier, but once Sakura-san
makes up her mind it's extremely hard to change it.
Li readied his sword for one more attempt. Yea, he knew it was low using a sword
to try to get what he wanted. However, he was desperate, he wanted another
chance to prove to Ylsa that he had great reaction. "[I mean I been practicing
martial arts ever since I was four years old, it has to count for something.]"
Tomoyo sat herself down next to Sakura and of course, Chaos was at his usual
place. "Good evening, Sakura-chan, Chaos-kun."
Sakura smiled. "Good evening to you too, Tomoyo-chan." She said.
"Good evening, Tomoyo-san. How are you doing?" Chaos asked smiling.
"Been better..." She responded dryly. Chaos titled his head. Boy, did she sound
pissed. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to lie to a person with the abilities of
water magic, maybe it wasn't a good idea to lie at all.
---
Li prepared to make strike, Ylsa was already coming around the corner he
tightened his grip on his sword.
Then the right time came, he took a deep breath and lashed out swing his sword
swiftly toward the 'target'.
Ylsa quickly dodged and summoned her energy sword to block the coming blow. She
glared at Li and then with a swift movement sent him backwards, while he was off
balance she gave him a good kick... Li found himself on the ground again.
"It's dinner time, you lost, now you have no right to complain." Ylsa said
coldly. "Get up, and clean yourself before coming to the table."
Li growled. He can't believe how good Ylsa reaction was, he tried everything to
surprise her, but it didn't work.
"[Bad idea, Li.]" Chaos said. "[I think you pissed my sis off. That's not a good
sign. Don't do it again, or you lose more than your face.]"
Li sighed and went to wash up, well, he had to face it, Ylsa just proved to him
that he really needed to work on his skills if he wanted to have any chance at
all.
** Dinner table (Dinner time)
Everyone sat quietly eating they're meal. None of them talked much for some odd
reason or the other. It was pretty gloom for a big dinner like it.
Finally, Sakura who couldn't stand the silence any long spoke up. "So, why is
everyone so quiet?"
Eriol shrugged. "I guess no one has anything to say." He said taking another
bite of food.
"Tomoyo-san, can I talk to you after dinner? I think we have something that we
should talk about, but not here." Chaos said.
Tomoyo sighed, she was still slightly angry at Chaos for hiding things and
deliberately lying to her. What does he take her for? Stupid? "Fine, Chaos, we
will talk after dinner." Her 'parents' raised her to be calm in all cases, which
come in handy sometimes.
Ylsa smirked. She picked up a hard boiled egg with her chopsticks, however
instead of eating it she flung it quickly towards Li, who wasn't expecting got
hit right in the face by it.
"Oww!" Li cried in surprise. Everyone was deeply amused by this and started
laughing. "What did you do that for?" He said angrily.
"Payback for trying to ambush me with your sword, Li that's all." Ylsa said
laughing.
Li wiped his face with a napkin. "Yea, yea, that was really funny." He fumed.
He attempted to grab the nearest food and toss it at Ylsa, however, Sakura
blocked it with her pair of chopsticks.
"Enough!" She said. "We're having dinner and try to keep it civil, that means
you too Ylsa."
Ylsa nodded. "Gomen..." She said still chuckling.
The rest of the dinner was finished in a relatively quiet fashion. After dinner,
Fujitaka cleans the tables and begins to wash dishes.
Sakura stood up and announced. "It seems like Chaos remembered where we could
find the water oracle, and believed that we should go to meet her as soon as
possible."
Everyone could hear the distinct mummer. Li spoke up "So, who's going?"
Chaos spoke up "Well, Tomoyo-san has to go. Since I believe water is her area
of expertise, and you'll need someone to lead the way, so I think Sakura-san and
I should go. Everyone else I don't know."
Ylsa spoke up. "I don't think me or Li is going. I have a few more things to
tell him."
Eriol smiles. "I'll go, since I have nothing better to do." He said.
"I guess it's settled. Since, we don't want that ambush to repeat it self we
better leave a few more people back, plus a small group is easier to travel
too." Sakura said.
Everyone agreed on that, and proceed to continue they're events.
***Tomoyo's room
Tomoyo sat down on her bed as she held out her arm so that Chaos could preach on
it.
"So, Chaos, what did you want to talk to me about?" She asked.
"Well, first off I want to apologize for lying." He said sighing. It seems
like he's always apologizing for something or another.
"No prob." Tomoyo replied. "It wasn't just the lying that really bothered me. It
was how you didn't trust me."
"It's like this, it's not really a memory that I was particularly fond of. So,
I didn't really feel comfortable telling it at that moment..."
Tomoyo cut him off. "You should have told me that instead of saying nothing."
"I know, I promise I'll do that next time okay?" he responded.
Tomoyo nodded. "I'm sorry for being angry without seeing your side of things, I
didn't know what came over me. I usually don't get angry that easily."
"[It's okay, but let me ask something else. Do you think your prepared to meet
the water oracle?]" Chaos asked.
"Well, I guess.." Tomoyo said. "But I don't think that I'm ready to fight her."
"There isn't always a fight. I didn't know why the Wind Oracle wanted to
anyways. It's not like that when you met an Oracle." Chaos said.
"Huh?" Tomoyo said slowly. "And you would know this how?"
Chaos sweated. Me and my big mouth. he thought to himself. "[If I tell you,
will you promise not to tell Sakura-san?]"
Tomoyo considered it for awhile. "I can't make any grantees, however, I can try
that is if you are willing to tell me."
Chaos considered it for a long moment. "Well, I suppose I should let it out.
Wonder why I suddenly know where the Water Oracle is?"
"Yea, it was kind of weird how you suddenly came up with that.. wait your
dropping hints to Sakura aren't you? You want her to figure out what your
hiding." Tomoyo said.
"[Well, seems like I underestimated you, what I was dropping hints about was
this...]" He took out a black pearl from nowhere. It flashed a little.
"Oh my God. You're an Oracle too?" Tomoyo practically almost screamed.
"[Shhh..!] Chaos said putting a claw to his lips. "[The Oracle of Chaos.. that
is."]
"Why didn't you use the orb then? Why hide it? What good will it do to hide such
a thing?" Tomoyo asked quickly.
"[It's not that easy, I can't use this orb, since I'm only guarding it. It
belongs to the one who can pass my test. Why am I hiding it? Well, the thing is
we aren't supposed to go around announcing such things. I would love to tell
everyone that, but I'm bounded by the rules.]" he said.
"How come you could tell us about where the Water Oracle is then? Isn't that
illegal?" Tomoyo asked.
"[In most cases yes, but in this case the Oracle of Wind didn't leave a clue on
where the next Oracle is like she was supposed to. So, therefore I can do it for
her anyway I wish.]" he said.
"Ahh, I see." Tomoyo responded. "Thanks for telling me this. I'll keep the
secret if you wish."
Chaos nodded happily. "[I better get going, don't want Sakura-san to worry about
where I am.]"
"I see you later, Chaos-kun." Tomoyo said smiling. She finally solved one of the
many puzzles that were bothering her.
**The Next Day
Tomoyo, Eriol, Sakura and Chaos were getting ready to go. Sakura grabbed her
backpack, which Tomoyo and Eriol did also. Chaos shrugged he was the only one
that couldn't really carry anything.
"So, you guys ready to go?" Ylsa asked. "Take care everyone." She leaned over to
Chaos. "Especially you Chaos!" she whispered.
"Yea, we're ready." Sakura responded. "Li.. I'm counting on you to protect this
place while I gone, you are also a leader of this place understand?"
Li nodded. "I understand. Be careful, Sakura." He turned to Chaos. "If there is
even a scratch on her, I'll hold you responsible for it!"
Chaos shrugged. "[Sure, you know that it's my job to protect Sakura-san.]"
"Yea, sure, just be sure you keep that promise." Li said leaving the room
quickly.
"[What's up with him?]" Chaos asked, sending the message to everyone around him.
Sakura shrugged. "He seems very grumpy today." She looked back at her companies.
"Well, are we all ready?" She asked.
Tomoyo and Eriol looked at each other, satisfied they nodded. "Yea we're both
ready." Eriol said for the both of them.
"Well then, let's go." Sakura announce.
They all said they're goodbyes and took off.
** On the Road
It was a pretty silent trip, Sakura thanked the Gods that it was, nothing came
up that they had much trouble dealing with. With all the action that was
happening these days she was glad to have some peace and quiet.
They continued on the road for a while, eventually, they began to feel a little
fatigued because of walking.
Eriol and Tomoyo started to put up the camp, whereas Chaos took out a map and
started to trace the trail that they were going to take. He tried to find the
shortest and safest route to the destination.
Sakura snapped her fingers and started a small fire. Everyone else gathered
around the fire and began to have a small chat.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Tomoyo-chan?" Sakura asked making sure one
more time.
"Yes, I'm sure Sakura-chan." Tomoyo replied. "Plus, it'll be wrong to leave
Chaos how he is, plus, if it can help us complete our destiny then I'll be
willing to do it."
Chaos looked into the fire. For once, he wasn't sure if he was doing the right
thing. He prayed to Ladon that he was. He excused himself from the fire place.
Trotting to a someplace that was more private, he took out the black orb he was
keeping.
He looked at the orb, wondering if Ladon would forgive him if he just 'borrowed'
it and made an exception to the rule. He was sure that Ladon wouldn't mind, the
bigger question is that if he could forgive himself for betraying Ladon's trust.
He put the orb back into his 'pocket' "[No.]" He thought to himself. Someone is
going to have to earn it from him, then give it up to him willing. Who was the
one to pass his test though? Who will be the one?
A hand landed on his shoulder, but he wasn't surprised one bit. He felt Sakura
from far away. That means she's accepting him faster than he thought, the
connection grew stronger, and he was sure that Sakura probably already knew his
secret.
He clasped his claw on her hands and looked into the horizon. "Why didn't you
tell me?" Sakura asked. "Why?"
"There are some things that you have to discover yourself, Sakura-san.."
"Don't Sakura-san me!" She said with a fierce tone in her voice, she didn't look
angry, probably more disappointed at Chaos than anything. "You lied when you
said that you didn't know that the Wind Oracle was going to cease to exist
didn't you? I can't believe this! You as my familiar lied to me!!"
"No, Sakura-san, I didn't lie. What she choose she did for herself. You see she
herself choose the test, there was nothing me or any other of the Oracles could
do about it. After you defeated her, she decided to vanish herself. It was not
by my choice or anyone else except hers." Chaos explained quickly.
Sakura was still a little disappointed. "Why are you hiding things from me?" She
asked. All I wanted to do was be your friend as well as a good mistress."
Chaos looked at her sadly. "I wish I could, I really do, but there are things
that I myself have to sort out, and no one can help me on that."
Shaking her head Sakura was getting a little impatient with the little dragon.
"You know, if this 'I have to things on my own' attitude doesn't change soon,
I'm not sure how long I can put up with you. Your not the only one with problems
you know that? So stop acting like you are. Your pushing all your friends away,
Ylsa, Tomoyo just to name a few. This isn't going to work Chaos."
Chaos looked blankly in the horizon. "Maybe your right. Allow me some time to
consider, I will be back shortly."
Sakura nodded and started to head back. "And Sakura-san?" Sakura turned back
slightly.
"Tell, Tomoyo-chan to take it easy. The trial is going to be hard, but if she
takes it easy she should be able to overcome it rather easily."
Sakura nodded silently. "Don't do this anymore Chaos, you're hurting more than
yourself by keeping things bottled up."
Chaos didn't respond instead he just looked at the same scenery that he has been
for a long while. Sakura looked one last time before returning to camp.
* * *
NEXT DAY..
The group traveled silently. Tomoyo and Eriol didn't know what happened between
Chaos and Sakura last night, but they weren't about to find out. Chaos who
usually preached on Sakura's shoulder wasn't there this time, instead he was
just walking in front of them, leading them to the Water Temple.
Eriol whispered in Tomoyo's ear. "What do you think is wrong, Tomoyo-chan? They
used to be inseparable, now it looks like Chaos wouldn't even stay near her if
there was anything he could do about it. Sakura's looks like she doing really
bad too. Wonder what happened yesterday."
Tomoyo looked at the pair, Eriol was right as usual, "I don't know, but whatever
happened I hope that they make up sooner or later, this silence is really
bugging me." She whispered back.
"Let me guess, it's a feeling thing." Eriol whispered back in a half smile.
"Maybe we should make some conversation, see if that helps them to mellow out."
Tomoyo gave a silent nod. "So, Eriol ever been to this part of the continent?"
She asked cheerfully, speaking just loud enough so that Sakura and Chaos could
hear them.
"No, not really, so Chaos where are we?" He asked playing along.
"We're near the Water temple, which is deep in this forest." He gave a simple
response trying to end the conversation.
Tomoyo shook her head, this wasn't working at all, she doesn't think that they
were going to get any more outta the dark dragon. So, she decided to make the
best out of the situation.
"So, how long have you been a Wyndian Black Mage?" She asked Eriol.
Eriol smiled, he seems to always smile no matter what the case is. "It's been a
while since anyone asked me that, I been one ever since you first saw me. The
reason why you guys were having so much trouble finding me was because I was
mixing black magic with the magic Sakura was familiar with."
"Ahh, so you mixed some original twist to the magic, you were trying to give her
a hint, but at the same time offering a challenge. Very interesting." She
replied.
"Yes, at that time, it was just for her to practice some of the basic stuff
before her wing day." Eriol responded. "Good thing too, since it looked like we
needed it."
Tomoyo looked at Sakura proudly. "Yea, but it was amazing what Chaos did to her,
I mean she looks like she grown overnight. She is becoming a great leader. I
still wonder what Chaos did to make her that depressed."
"Don't know, but something tells me they'll be fine. Sakura's strong, and well
Chaos will be Chaos, he'll figure a way to make things right, he always does."
Chaos heard all this talk, but didn't feel like responding, for one time in his
life he wasn't sure this was just going to be 'okay' anymore. He sighed again..
"We're here, the water temple." He announced.
Everyone looked in awe, the temple was golden with water splashing down to a
deep pool that surrounded it. There was also a small bridge that connected the
ground to the Temple.
"It's beautiful." Tomoyo commented.
Eriol nodded. With a sweep his hand he offered Tomoyo to go first. Tomoyo
giggled and walked in to the temple the other followed shortly.
* * *
The inside of the temple was much less inviting though. It was awfully humid
inside, the lighting in the room was also horrible, there was some unknown plant
and moss growing everywhere.
A ray of light leaded to a small platform, the group approached the platform
slowly. Soon, in view there was a blue haired lady, well if you can even call
the form they saw a lady.
She had a mischievous look on her face, and a long slender body, but that wasn't
what really attracted they're attention. She had instead of legs, a snake's
tail.
Chaos broke the silence "Dee.. De..Deis?" He said stuttering with confusement.
"AH!" She said with great excitement. "CHAOS!!" She was brimming with energy. "I
haven't seen you in AGES!"
"Yea, same to you Lady Deis." Chaos said still a little shocked.
"I see you have returned into this familiar business, who's the lucky guy this
time?" She asked tapping the jewel on Chaos' forehead.
Sakura who was quiet spoke up suddenly. "I'm his mistress, Deis-sama." She said
quickly.
Deis looked surprised. "It can't be.." Then she looked at Sakura more closely
"Yes it is." She squealed in delight. "You're a Nina aren't you?"
Sakura was stunned on the energy she has shown, "[This can't be an Oracle can
it?]" she thought to herself. "Yes, Deis-sama, I'm a Nina" She said slowly.
"And a Holy ranked Nina already? Wow, you must be the youngest one yet!" She
added. "Please drop the sama thingy, just Deis will do. How may I help such a
delightful crew today?
"Actually, Lady Deis, we just wanted to know where we could find the Water
Oracle." Chaos said.
"Just like Chaos to ruin my fun." She pouted. "Always going to right to
business, well Chaos, I'm the Oracle of Water."
"WHAT?" Chaos answered surprised. "When did this happen?"
Sakura on the other hand was surprised because of a different reason. This
Oracle was so different from the one she faced.
"Same ol' Chaos." She stated again. "Well, the older Oracle decided to resign
her position recently and offered me the job, I figured why not so I accepted.
Now, how may I help you?"
Tomoyo approached her bravely and spoke up. "I'm here to face my test." She said
shyly.
Deis eyes looked at the girl. She smiled "I see, I can tell your serious, but
now is not the time, young one. Please accept my offer of some food and a night
here, we can talk about this tomorrow."
"But, Lady Deis we are in a hurry!" Chaos protested.
Deis looked slightly annoyed. "Are you the one taking the test Chaos?" She said
dangerously.
Chaos shuddered in fear that Sakura and the others hasn't seen before, he stood
up to that black dragon that was at least ten times his size and didn't flinch.
He faced his greatest enemy Funangi and didn't even break sweat, however, just a
few words from this Naga made him shudder in fear. Tomoyo secretly feared that
she was WAY overmatched.
"No, forgive me Lady Deis." He answered trembling.
That seemed to cheer the Naga up, weird how she can be dead serious at one time
then get over it quickly.
"So, I guess, that mean your staying for dinner aren't you Chaos." She said.
Chaos nodded, but found himself loss for words.
"Before dinner though, I would like to talk to you in private, Chaos." She added
giving him a 'dirty' look, if looks can kill, this one would defiantly killed
Chaos. He shivered but nodded.
Dinner was brought out when Deis excused herself and dragged Chaos with her,
when Deis said dinner she actually meant feast, all kinds of exquisite dishes
were brought out before them. Tomoyo and Eriol ate happily as Sakura choose to
eat in silence.
"What's wrong, Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked in great concern. "I mean you haven't
looked happy since the beginning of the day."
Eriol looked up also "Wait, don't tell us yet, it has something to do with Chaos
right?"
Sakura looked at them and nodded. "I don't think I should talk about it though,
I mean it is kind of private."
"You mean about him being an Oracle?" Tomoyo asked. "I already knew that."
"No, it's not that. I understand why he hid that fact, it's something else."
Sakura replied.
"Sakura-san." Eriol said sternly. "What is it that can make you that angry at
him, I don't know, tell you the truth I don't like it either, please, tell us."
Tomoyo nodded. "We'll promise not to tell Chaos if it makes you feel any
better." She added.
Sakura finally gave in. "Fine, well, the truth is, Chaos is already dead!" she
shrieked. "I have no clue why we can see him or even sense him, I fear he might
be an undead. If he is, I just might have to banish him."
When Sakura said the word 'dead' Eriol and Tomoyo both felt a chill go down
they're spine. What did she mean Chaos is dead? He's as real as any of they are,
so what's going on?
"Are you sure Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo asked. "I mean Ylsa should have know it if
that was the case." Eriol nodded in agreement.
"It's best not to assume too much." He added. "That might be the recipe for
disaster."
"No, I'm sure of this." Sakura said determined. "Our link is getting stronger,
and as a rule, I could read almost all his thoughts, and well, although I try
not to pry too much into his privacy. I accidentally caught this stranded
memory. So, yes he is dead, or at least supposed to be."
"You said that it was in his memory right?" Tomoyo asked. Sakura nodded slowly.
"Then there is chance that he doesn't know it himself.
"HUH?" Eriol and Sakura asked together.
"If it was a stranded memory I'm guessing its deep within his sub-conscious,
therefore, he might not remember anything about it." Tomoyo explained.
"Great, just what we needed, an amnesia manic." Eriol said under his breath.
***
Hidden Room
Deis slithered to another platform before seating herself down. She motioned
that Chaos to take a seat before her; he did as instructed.
"So, Chaos what have you been up to recently?" Deis asked.
"Not much, Lady Deis, may I ask why you wanted to see me?"
"You never change Chaos, ever since you started to be a familiar you've always
been a tight ass you know that? Why don't you relax for a change? I wanted to
talk to you mainly about what do you make of this condition?"
"Condition?" Chaos asked in confused.
"Don't play dumb with me! You should know better than that, you try that again
and I'll make sure your friend fails my trail understood?" Deis said glaring
angrily.
"Understood.." Chaos gulped.
"Now lets try that again, what do think about the situation?"
"Well, Nina's ability is almost at max, pretty amazing for someone so young.
Tomoyo isn't doing too bad either, I'm just not that confident about the 'Ryu'
this time, it's really the only I'm worried about."
"You mean his abilities aren't up to your standards? I'm not surprised there,
you set high standards for everyone, except Nina for course." Deis chucked
lightly as Chaos blushed slightly.
"No, it's not the ability this time, surprisingly, it's more of I'm not sure
he's 'complete' in some sense."
"Not complete?" Deis looked at him awkwardly. "You know your role right Chaos,
both as a familiar and a Oracle right?"
Chaos nodded slowly. "I'm just praying that when the time comes to choose,
Sakura-san will choose wisely."
Deis snorted. "I'm more worried about YOU choosing wisely more than anything."
Chaos showed a look of pure annoyance, but he kept his cool. "What do you
mean?"
"Oh dear, I do have a habit of saying too much do I?" She responded. However,
she didn't sound disappointed or worried, instead there was a slight hint of
amusement and a suggestive tone to the comment she gave.
"Huh?"
"Just remember, don't let the past bother you any longer Chaos, you're one of
the kindest dragons I know, and you deserve to have a better life, more than you
think you do."
"I don't understand.." Chaos trailed off.
"You don't have to understand yet." Deis said. "You will sooner or later, and I
pray that YOU make the right decision when the time comes." She sighed.
"Anyways, it's getting late, and I think everyone should take a rest for the
day. I'll see you in the morning Chaos."
"Good night." Chaos responded.
* * *
Next Morning..
"RISE AND SHINE EVERYONE!!"
Sakura groggily woke up wondering who the hell yells that loud in the morning.
"WAKE UP! WE HAVE A BIG DAY AHEAD OF US!!"
"[That was a rhetorical question.]" She thought to herself. "[Who else would
show enthusiasm this early in the morning.. Deis.]"
She sat up browsing a little in the small room that she and Chaos was staying
at, Chaos, proving his amazing sleeping skill was still asleep. Sakura sighed,
Chaos could sleep through an earthquake if the opportunity calls.
"WAKE UP!!" She yelled in his ear. Chaos gave a loud dragon like shriek. He woke
up immediately after that, rubbing his ears in pain. "What did you do that
for??" He asked annoyed.
Sakura looked at him equally as annoyed. "If you don't sleep as if you were DEAD
I wouldn't have to DO that."
Chaos growled, he was getting downright annoyed by the ways that she would wake
him up. What was funny it didn't really annoy him very much until today.
"Get up already, it's time for Tomoyo-chan's test."
* * *
The group was all seated in a different room this time. It was a lot smaller
than the kitchen they were in. Instead of dimly light, the room seemed to shine
as in broad daylight. Deis motioned Tomoyo to sit in front of her.
Tomoyo did as instructed; she sat face to face with the Naga.
"Okay, Tomoyo, my test would be a little different from the Wind Oracles." Deis
explained. "I'm not going to challenge you to a duel or anything like that for
if I did most likely all of you together wouldn't be able to beat me." She
chuckled.
"[Is this lady for real?]" Sakura thought to herself. "[I don't care how
powerful she thinks she is, but thinking that ALL of us can't take her is just
plain insane.]"
Tomoyo was thinking the same thing, she didn't want to prove that the snake
woman was wrong at least not now, she had a test to pass and she was determined
to pass it.
"I don't like violence so instead, we will have test your wits." Deis explained.
"I will give you magical puzzles that you must solve, take your time since one
mistake and you might fail the test."
Tomoyo took a deep breath, she didn't know if this was a good idea or not, but
it was too late now. She gave the snake lady a slight nod.
In a burst of flame a field appeared, various symbols and runes surrounded to
playing field.
"Rule number one.." Deis announced. "You can only use magic, if you use anything
but magic, then you will be disqualified."
Chaos gave Sakura a worried look; Sakura fully understood this look. "What's
wrong?" She whispered.
"Do you think Tomoyo-san can borrow my services for one day?" Chaos asked.
"Huh?"
"Familiars are allowed to help out in test, no one other." He started.
"But would Deis allow it?"
"I think she wouldn't mind, but I do need your permission first."
"What do you think?" Sakura sneered. "She's my best friend, any help I could
provide I would be more than glad to do for her."
"Very well."
Deis continued her rules. "Rule number two, no outside interference, which
means.."
"Lady Deis, I have a request.." Chaos butted in.
Deis looked slightly annoyed. "What is it?"
"My mistress have already allowed me to serve under Tomoyo-san for today, so
for this trial I would like to help her as her familiar." Chaos said giving a
bow.
"You know, for a familiar your very nosy." Deis spat.
"That is not for you to judge, and you know that well, Lady Deis." Chaos
responded calmly.
"Fine, you have my permission to aid her, but be warned, just because we know
each other doesn't mean that I will hold back any." Deis announced.
Chaos smiled like he expected that. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He
replied.
"Second rule.." Deis said. "No outside help with the exception of your
familiar."
Tomoyo nodded, "Thanks for offering your help." She whispered to Chaos.
"No problem."
Deis raised her hands "Other than that I can't think of anything else, are you
still willing to take this challenge?" She asked.
Tomoyo gave a sigh, what was she fighting for? That's right, her friends and
what she believes in. "Yes, I'm sure."
Deis chuckled. "Good, I will have it no other way."
Deis snapped her fingers together and four orbs came up they were formed in a
diamond shape. "First test, I want you to move these into a straight line."
Tomoyo gave a sigh of relief how hard was that going to be?
"However, there are certain rules I want you to follow." The snake lady added.
"[There's always a catch.]" Tomoyo thought to herself.
"You may only move one to a place if and only if the orb you moved is touching
two other orbs." Deis explain.
"[Okay, maybe moving things into a straight line IS hard.]" She thought to
herself as she started moving the orbs.
Deis stood there watching, eyes tingling with interest. "[Chaos been helpful
throughout history, but he seems to be changing. This is an interesting
development. I'm going to have to keep an eye out for him.]"
Tomoyo stood there baffled.. moving an orb for the nth time.
"Patience, Tomoyo-san. You're going in circles you know." Chaos suggested.
"I know that!!" Tomoyo exclaimed. "I just can't figure it out!"
"Don't get frustrated, that will just get you further from your answer." Chaos
warned. "Remember the hardest answers are usually the most obvious."
Tomoyo sighed. "The most obvious.." She backed away a little.
Chaos looked at the puzzle, the answer to it was just so obvious, at least to
him, but the problem was that the obvious is the most overlooked: This seems to
be the case.
Tomoyo closed her eyes and started to envision the puzzle in her mind. The four
orbs popped into her mind as she began to move them around mentally.
She reopened her eyes. "You almost got me on this one, Deis, but.." She stopped
smiled, then with a flash completed the puzzle in no time.
Deis nodded. "Very good, now.." She snapped her fingers together, the orbs
disappeared, and a huge board appeared.
"Now for the second test." Deis announced. "Finish this maze." As the words
faded so did Deis, and the area was suddenly transformed into a huge maze.
"Gold shatters wood, wood drains the waters, water splutters the fires, fire
scorches the earth, earth buries gold." Her voice echoed throughout the maze.
"Was that supposed to be a hint?" Tomoyo whispered.
"If I know Deis well, yes, it was a hint." Chaos responded.
"What does it mean?" Tomoyo asked. "Besides the obvious."
"I wouldn't know, but it would be wise to keep it in mind." Chaos responded.
"Deis doesn't give anything you don't need."
"The trick about mazes is to pick a wall and follow it right?" Tomoyo said.
"If it's a normal maze, yes, however I wouldn't put it past Deis to make a
magical maze, this maze might change anytime, anyplace, so it's best keep on
your toes. Be prepared for anything."
"Right." Tomoyo replied.
Tomoyo started to walk, being as careful as she could..
The duo walked past a few twist and turns, not too much out of the normal. Then,
they came to a door, the symbol 'Fire' was on it.
"Well, I guess that answers the question about what that clue meant." Tomoyo
said, twisting the knob..
Unfortunately, the door was locked, and there was no keyhole in the knob, or
anywhere on the door, Tomoyo discovered.
"How are we supposed to open this door?" Tomoyo asked. "There's nothing to open
it with."
"I don't think blasting the door will help any either, do you remember the
clue, Tomoyo-san?"
"Water puts out the fires?" Tomoyo asked.
"Hai, Tomoyo-san." Chaos responded. "Water element should be like second
nature for you."
"Second nature, you make it sound easy." Tomoyo said under her breath. She
concentrated and held her hands out; the air became moist around her hands.
Chaos smiled, Tomoyo went from knowing almost nothing about magic, to being a
intermediate at it. The thought of her potential, and then Sakura's potential
"[Gosh, I must be getting too old for this.]" he laughed to himself, remembering
what Nina once told him.
"When it comes to shadow, dark and time magic, your chaotic magic will always be
better than anyone else."
That didn't really make him feel better, actually, that made him worry more.
Chaos quickly banished the thought as Tomoyo succeeded in opening the door.
The door creaked as it opened up, Deis must have done that on purpose, no one is
going to make Tomoyo believe that some maze made out of magic is going to have
doors that creak.
The temperature suddenly shot up, as they went in. This was getting a little too
weird, even for a magical maze. When Chaos said that don't count on a simple
maze, he wasn't kidding.
"Is it only me or this is one sick joke." Tomoyo asked to no one in paticular.
"When it comes to Deis, everything is one big joke.." Chaos replied.
"Yea, like you're any better, Chaos." Tomoyo teased.
Chaos made a fake frown. "And here I thought I had a good sense of humor."
That of course made Tomoyo chuckle a little. They both continued on the hot
path.
"I wouldn't be surprised if something came out of nowhere and attacked us."
Tomoyo said.
Right when Tomoyo finished saying that, a pillar of fire came flying toward
them, Chaos quickly pushed Tomoyo out of the way.. as the fire burned besides
them.
"You were saying?" Chaos grumbled.
"Me and my big mouth." Tomoyo said. "I thought Deis doesn't like fighting."
Tomoyo took her fan out of nowhere and flipped it open.
"Remember the part when you said that Deis has a really bad taste in humor?"
Chaos asked.
Tomoyo blocked an incoming fireball. "I didn't think she was this crazy!"
"You haven't seen anything yet! That woman's a nut case." Chaos replied
reflecting off some debris that came flying toward him because of the battle.
"Why aren't you helping?" Tomoyo asked while she gave the fire beast a good hit
on the back.
"You seem to like you're doing very well, so I don't see why I would need to
help."
Tomoyo quickly dodged another wave of fire, before the beast could do anything
else she drove an sharp piece of magic made ice into it. The beast howled in
pain then vanished leaving an orb of fire.
Tomoyo picked the orb up "What do you suppose this is for?" she asked as she
continued.
Chaos shrugged, "As I said, Deis is highly unpredictable, so we should keep it,
I'm sure we have to use it somewhere."
"Uh, yea." Tomoyo replied.
The maze itself wasn't really hard for now, Tomoyo wasn't really getting lost
however, that just made her worry more than anything else.
Soon they reached another door.
"What is up with Deis and doors?" Tomoyo asked.
Chaos shrugged.
The door was very much like the previous one, no knob, no keyhole, but locked.
Tomoyo rolled her eyes, this wasn't very funny at all, the symbol on the door
was the symbol of 'earth'.
"I don't know any fire magic, give me a hand Chaos?" Tomoyo asked.
Chaos nodded, he tapped the door gently and the door opened with a loud bang.
"How did you do that?" Tomoyo asked as they walked.
"Do what?"
"You didn't even use fire magic and the door slammed open."
"A little trick I learned." Chaos replied.
"Hmmph."
Tomoyo looked around, when she was pretty sure that there were no stalkers, she
gave a signal for Chaos to follow.
After another few twists and turns they reached a huge mirror, puzzled, she
walked in front of it.
"It's a mirror." Tomoyo said.
Chaos sweat dropped. "Yea, it's a mirror."
"Wonder if it's another clue." Tomoyo asked to no one in paticular.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it was."
Tomoyo stood up to the mirror staring at her reflection, she stuck out a hand.
"Wait! Tomoyo-san don't!!" Chaos boomed as if he suddenly realized something.
Too late Tomoyo already touched the mirror, the mirror rippled as it stepped out
of the mirror.
"touch that mirror." Chaos finished.
Tomoyo stared at her double for a long time, they were basically identical, the
'real Tomoyo' raised her right hand, while the 'fake Tomoyo' raised her left.
"This isn't good, this isn't good at all." Chaos grumbled.
End of part 1 of Chapter 22.
A/N: Whew! I been away for HOW long? Well, I wasn't dead, just busy, sorry about
the late update, I'll try to update it more often in the future. Anyways, if you
have any question, comments or anything; please e-mail me at
dragonofkhaos@yahoo.com. Thanks!!