Chapter4TheMission A/N: Konnichiwa, minna! Its been a long time, sorry about that! I haven't updated anything in the longest amount of time, but I promise that this update will be immense, with the continuation of all three of my current fics, and the beginnings of some of the many other ideas I have for fics! Thanks for all your great reviews, they've convinced me to keep writing and to find some time between my busy (?) schedule of doing homework and reading other fanfics ^.^; Well, here's the fourth chapter! Hope you like it!

Disclaimer: CCS does not belong to me. However, the plot of this fic including the crystals and their guardians belong to ME!!! Mwahahaha! At least there are some things you can claim in this world... *grumbles* but not CCS.

Chapter 4: The Mission

A/N: A/N: This fic takes place in the Middle Ages (you know, the medieval era). Sakura and Syaoran haven't met, and all the cards have been changed to Sakura Cards. All of the original cast are 18 years old. Other pieces of information are in the story, you'll find out when you read!

As Li Yelan walked through the open doors leading into the room, closely followed by Sakura and Syaoran. She seemed to command a lot of respect as silence passed through the room and everyone bowed courteously. However, as the three approached a few large thrones at the end of the room, it was time for the tables to turn and for them to give respect to the powerful figures seated in front of them.
Yelan walked up first and sank to her knees in front of the closest chair while dropping her gaze to the floor. "Elders, my son Xiao Lang has returned from his first task of his mission."
"You may rise, Yelan." replied one of the men in a deep, controlling voice. "Come forward, young Xiao Lang."
Syaoran stepped forward and bowed as his mother had done.
"I have completed my first task and brought back the Mistress of the Clow Cards, Kinomoto Sakura, the princess of Japan."
"Rise, Xiao Lang. Step forward, Ying Fa."
Sakura stood there watching, confused.
"Its your Chinese name," hissed Syaoran to her quietly.
Seeming to understand, Sakura walked up to the others and followed suit, bowing in front of the Elders.
"Card Mistress, the Clow Cards belong to the Li Clan. Hand them over now."
Frightened by these obviously powerful men, Sakura was unsure of her own voice to protest. She knew that she should not let them take the cards. She had captured them, and they were hers. Gathering strength she didn't know she had, she stopped herself from shaking and looked up at the Elders.
"With all due respect, Elders, you cannot take the cards from me, and I will not hand them over. They belong to me and I will keep them. I captured them and transformed them into Sakura Cards, and I changed the sealing wand to my own Star staff. The cards will not obey you. They will only obey their master or mistress, and that happens to be me."
The Elder narrowed his eyes as he peered closely at Sakura, and she feared the worst, but just as she thought he would lose his temper, he spoke up, "Very well. You will keep the cards, for now. However, you will be forced to accompany Xiao Lang on his mission."
Too astonished at Sakura's retort, Syaoran forgot his manners and interrupted the conversation, "But I know not of my mission yet! How can she accompany me if neither of us know what to do?"
"Patience! Remember your place, although prince you may be. You were called here to receive your mission, and so you shall."
Syaoran then walked back to Sakura's side and motioned her to stand up. They were past the introductions.
"I am ready to accept whatever task you may give, Elders." he said coolly.
"Your task, in a way, originated with a piece of history that many considered a legend. However, the Li Clan has learned the secret beneath the history that created the belief that it was a legend, discovering how to get the item it talks about. Now, Xiao Lang and Ying Fa, listen carefully: this task is two things, a mission and a test. The mission is to get the item an bring it back safely. The test part is that this is all the information I'll be giving you freely. In other words, you can ask me any five questions about this quest that you wish, but then you will have no more access to any of the information gathered by the Li Clan, and you will be on your own. Ask questions wisely, and get as much as you can out of them. You may begin."
"Hoe!" exclaimed Sakura, who was quite stricken by their bluntness.
Syaoran shot her a look, then returned his gaze to the elders.
"My first question is what is the item we are to bring back, properties included?"
"Ah, a nice but fair way to sneak two questions into one. Very clever, Xiao Lang. The item you are to bring back is called the 'Crystal of Destiny'. It is very powerful and contains ancient magic created by several extinct races of mythical creatures, mostly fairies, sprites, centaurs, unicorns, and elves. Containing the power of the elements an basically everything else included, its practically invincible. Next question, please."
By now, Sakura was listening with interest.
"But what was the piece of history that was related to both the crystal and the legend?" she questioned with great curiosity.
"About five thousand years ago, mythical creatures were what lived on our planet. They had come from a world called 'Yume no oue ni Kumo'."
"Ah! 'Dream on a Cloud'! My mother used to tell me about a place like that when she was still alive. She told me it was the most magnificent place in the world, full of beauty, kindness, and magic."
"Yes, yes, let me continue," said the Elder impatiently, "So the base of their magic came from 'Yume no oue ni Kumo', or as you said, 'Dream on a Cloud', and they all lived in peace. However, one day minotaurs from the world called 'Hyotenka ni naru no Ki', or 'Frozen Spirit', came to the world of the more kindly creatures, wanting the object that fed them their powers from 'Dream on a Cloud', which was known as 'Unmei no Kessho', or more commonly known as the 'Crystal of Destiny'. Now, the centaurs were always dreamers and star gazers, so they often noticed things to come. So before the minotaurs arrived at their world, they warned their counsel and the 'Crystal of Destiny' was broken up into four different parts: Wind, Earth, Water, and Fire, the elements of which controlled most of its powers. Now, these powers were very different than those of the Clow Cards, so don't consider them the same. Then, those four pieces of the crystal were separated and put into their own domains somewhere on the planet so that they would not be found and taken by the minotaurs. Hence, when the minotaurs arrived, they succeeded in taking over the planet and enslaving the creatures that inhabited it. However, they never found the crystals. So now, they still live there, but the crystals are hidden. But, every day, the minotaurs are slowly getting closer to finding the crystals. And when they do, and merge them back together to form the 'Crystal of Destiny', pure chaos will fall upon the entire universe, and every living species, including us, will fall under the rule of the minotaurs. We don't want that to happen, which is why you two will be searching for the crystal an bringing it back. That, however, was obvious."
Sakura and Syaoran both nodded, and were silent for a while. Both processing the information and thinking of new questions.
"Okay, then, but how will we get there?" asked Sakura, totally puzzled by this.
"The Li Clan will send you there. However, you won't be able to get back unless you have the crystal, for you will need its powers to return as we will help you no longer after that."
"In what way are the crystals guarded?" questioned Syaoran.
"An interesting question, and a good one. You wish to be prepared in advance? We cannot say much, but what we will say, you will find will suffice. Each crystal, as previously mentioned, is in their own domain based on their powers. They have their own guardians that they power whom you must defeat in order to claim the crystal. But be warned, once you enter a certain domain, everything there is controlled by the guardian, so even if you're not battling the guardian directly, there will still be trouble. Not to mention the ever searching minotaurs. They've been searching unsuccessfully for five thousand years. You have one last question."
"Hmm, I'm not sure what to ask!" cried Sakura.
"Well, there is one question left since we can't think of any," Syaoran stated.
"And what is that?" she asked in response.
Syaoran then turned to the Elders for the last time. "What is the final piece of information you would give us based on our quest?"
"An intelligent question to ask, Xiao Lang, when in doubt. So here is the final piece of information: listen to your soul, for it is your instinct. Never contradict it, no matter how absurd what it said may be. It is the very fibre of your being, so it is the truth. Nothing can change it."
"But that doesn't make sense!" protested Sakura.
"Look, Sakura, I'm not sure you should go on this mission. It was meant for me, and its probably too dangerous."
"No way! The Elders said that I either go or give up the Clow Cards. I'd rather go. And anyways, you may need my help. Wouldn't you like some company?"
Syaoran sighed. 'You know she's right, Syaoran.' something said in his head. 'Who are you?' he thought silently. 'You know who I am. I'm you. Your soul. Listen to what your Elders said, and listen to me.' it replied. 'But if you're me, how can I talk to you?' Syaoran asked silently. 'I'm sort of like a debating partner. We have the same opinions, but I just steer you in the right direction. I'm just that other voice. She's got one too. Everyone does.' 'Great.' thought Syaoran, 'Now I'm talking to myself. The myself that knows exactly what I feel, just clearer. Alright then, if you know so much, what is my main emotion right now?' 'Love.' it replied. 'Love? Love for what? For whom?' 'Tsk, tsk. So many questions. But if I know the answers, you know the answers. You know. But I'll help you. To put it bluntly, her.' Hearing himself think that, Syaoran blushed crimson. 'Shut up!' he thought fiercely. 'You see? You knew it all along. But remember, saying shut up to me won't do anything.' And with that, the young prince/warrior was silent in his thoughts. Especially since he was just snapped out of them.
"You will depart now." said one of the other Elders, standing up.
Subconsciously, Sakura grabbed Syaoran's hand for support. He turned an smiled reassuringly at her.
'I feel safe with him,' Sakura thought to herself. 'Of course you do, dearie.' Sakura sighed. 'You're my inner self, right?' 'You got that right. You're not always so dense.' 'Thanks.' Sakura stated sarcastically. 'Well, you are dense about him.' her subconscious said. 'Him?' she stated, puzzled. 'See, you are dense. But don't worry. I won't tell anyone you like him. I couldn't if I wanted to, anyways.' It was now Sakura's turn to blush at the thought. She then once more averted her attention to the Elders who were beginning to chant an incantation.
Slowly, mist began to gather around Sakura and Syaoran, swirling around them, enveloping them in darkness. Soon, both teens were feeling dizzy and tired, falling into a dreamless sleep while floating along the mist. They were being transported to the world where the mythical creatures lived, to 'Dream on a Cloud', by the powers of the Elders of the Li Clan. Towards the location and future of their mission. And all during that, they slept.

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A/N: There we go! The fourth chapter to my very first fanfic, "The Crystal of Destiny"! I finally finished it. I think I did pretty good on it. Well, at least I hope. Flames, comments, etc. are all accepted, no matter how horrible. If the thoughts thingie between the character and the soul were confusing, I apologize, just follow the opening and closing of the apostrophes. Thanks! S+S moments coming up, but not necessarily in the next chapter. Sorry if this one was a little short, but it was a decent place to stop. And finally, now the main adventure begins! In a way, my first four chapters were only like one long introduction. Please tell me what you think! R+R, more fics and chapters coming out soon! Ja ne, minna!