Author's Note: It's been a while

Author's Note: It's been a while. My school's Homecoming was last week so I was busy with all of the preparations and stuff. Anyway, here's the next chapter.

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Disclaimer: I don't own CCS.

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*~* Chapter Seventeen *~*

The Chamber

Yukio growled as he slammed his fist down on the old wooden table in his study. "What the hell do you mean?"

"Uh, your highness, this . . . excitement will only hurt you. You must remain calm-"

"ARGGHHHHHHH! DON'T TELL ME TO BE CALM!! HOW CAN I BE CALM WHEN I AM ON THE BRINK OF DYING?!!" roared Yukito, his face turning a bright red. He glared at his doctors as they stood shaking.

"Well, technically, you're already dead. You see, when you were brought back, the spell was not completed so you-"

"I DON'T CARE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Find a way to keep me in this world and NOW! Or else I'll have your heads!!!!"

"Yes, your highness," stammered both doctors as they backed out of the room.

*~*

Sakura backed away from the door to Yukio's study as the two doctors rushed out. SO . . . . Yukio's returning to the world of the dead . . . I hope those doctors don't find a way to keep him here . . .

*~*

Syaoran watched as all of the able bodied men of Maiya began their training for the upcoming battle against Yukio. He knew that there was no way that so little men could go up against Yukio's army and win. Once Syaoran got into the castle, they could pull back and retreat. He didn't want any unnecessary casualties.

Syaoran sighed, thinking of Sakura. Just hold on for a few more days. I'm coming for you . . .

*~*

Alan stared in amazement as Yukio's arm began to fade in and out. He was disappearing! A few more days and he'd probably be gone.

Yukio paced around his study. "What am I going to do? I can't return to the other world yet! Not when I am so close!"

"I'm sure the doctors are working on something right now," murmured Alan. Inside he was laughing.

"They better be . . . Anyway, have YOU come up with anything yet?"

Alan shook his head. Like I even tried . . .

"There's got to be a way . . . maybe another . . . energy source . . . Sakura! That's it."

Alan sat up in his chair. "What? What about Sa . . . I mean, Lady Sakura?"

"She's got magic. I can draw away some of her energy."

Alan paled. Damn it! This wasn't supposed to happen! "But . . . I thought you couldn't tap into her magic until her next birthday."

"If I wanted to get all of her magic, then I would." He chuckled evilly. "One little sip will do me some good. SERVANT!"

A young man shuffled into the room. "Y-yes my lord?"

"Prepare The Chamber, boy. And make it fast."

*~*

Sakura was lying on her bed, reading a book on magic spells that she'd stolen from the library in her room when someone knocked on her door. She stuffed the book under her pillow and sat up. "Yes?" she called.

"It's me, Alan! Open up," he hissed.

Sakura quickly opened the door and ushered him inside her room, locking the door behind her. "What are you doing here?!"

"We've got trouble. Yukio's planning to drain some of your magic tonight," said Alan, wasting no time.

Sakura gasped. "What? But . . ."

"I just thought I'd let you know. I'm off to get in contact with Li." Alan placed his hand on Sakura's shoulder reassuringly. "Everything will be fine," he said softly. "Li will stop at nothing to rescue you."

"I-I know. Thank you, Alan." She took a deep breath. "Oh Alan?"

"Yes?"

She looked up into his eyes and took his hand. "Tell Syaoran I love him."

A small smile appeared on Alan's face. "Don't worry, I will."

*~*

Mai-Tai gasped as a young man ran into her, knocking over the food that she was bringing to Sakura. "Hey, watch it!" she cried out.

"Sorry," said the boy. "I've got to prepare The Chamber for his majesty. Very important. Now if you'll excuse me . . ."

The Chamber? I've heard stories about that . . . Sakura! He's going to take Sakura to The Chamber!

Forgetting the mess on the floor, she began to run down the hall towards Sakura's room.

*~*

Sakura let out a squeal as Mai-tai threw open the door to her room and barreled inside. "What in the world . . ."

"Oh . . . Sakura . . ." she gasped out, trying to catch her breath. "You're okay . . ."

"Yeah, I am. What's wrong with you?"

"YukioisplanningtouseTheChamberonyoutodyaandyou'vegottoleavenow!"

Sakura frowned. "WHAT?"

"Yukio is planning to use The Chamber on you today and you've got to leave now!!"

"I know."

"Huh?"

Sakura went over to the window with a sigh. "Alan already told me. He's going to tell Syaoran."

"Oh. Alan . . . left? Will he be okay?"

"I'm sure he will. Hopefully Syaoran can get here on time to rescue me."

Mai-Tai frowned. She didn't like it that Sakura was dependant on a man. "can you do anything to save yourself?"

She shook her head. "Not without my wand and cards. I haven't learned how to use my magic in any other way yet."

"Oh. Well, have faith, Sakura. I'm sure everything will be alright."

*~*

Syaoran was discussing strategy with a few other men in the village when he felt Alan's presence behind him. The other men looked on in awe as Alan stepped out of nowhere.

Syaoran turned around. "What are you doing here?"

"Sakura is in danger," Alan simply said.

"What? And you left her alone with Yukio?" asked Syaoran.

"She's safe right now, but Alan is planning to drain some of Sakura's magic tonight. I won't be able to stop him myself. I'm going to need your help."

"Of course." He turned to other men. "Go prepare the troops. We'll move out today."

*~*

Yukio narrowed his eyes as he watch Alan step out of the portal from a window in his study. So the boy was a traitor? It figured. He'd probably gone to tell someone that he'd been planning to drain Sakura's magic. He turned to his guards. "Apprehend him and bring him to me."

*~*

As Alan walked along the path that lead back to Yukio's castle, he noticed a large group of guards holding weapons standing about twenty feet ahead of him, blocking his path. Alan stopped walking. I think I've been caught . . .

Before Alan could act, someone hit him on the head from behind. His vision swam as he plummeted to the ground.

*~*

When Alan awoke he found himself tied to a chair in Yukio's study. His head throbbed. The taste of blood filled his mouth. Alan groaned.

"So you're finally awake, traitor," growled Yukio.

Alan glared up at him and said nothing.

"I should have known that you would betray me. Finding a Li with magic in this dimension is a rare occurrence."

"Could you stop running your mouth? I've got a killer head ache," murmured Alan.

"Foolish boy," sneered Yukio. "To the dungeon with you. And just so you will know, I'm going to drain Sakura right away."

Alan swore. "Bastard."

Yukio chuckled. "Are you in love with her? I'm beginning to think you are. Why else would you go through great lengths and risk your neck to help her?"

"You know nothing about love. My relationship with Sakura is none of your concern."

Yukio glared at Alan. "GUARDS!!! TAKE THIS TRAITOR TO THE DUNGEON!"

*~*

Mai-tai walked along the halls of the castle, her thoughts on Sakura. She was worried for her new friend. What her Li didn't come in time? What would happen then?

Mai-Tai stopped walking when she heard voices up ahead of her.

"Let go of me you idiots!" a man cried.

That sounds like Alan . . . I bet his secret has been found out!

In a split second, Mai-Tai made a decision. "GUARDS!!! GUARDS!!! I JUST SAW A GUY USING MAGIC IN THE NORTH GARDEN!!!" PLEASE by it . . . PLEASE buy it . . .

The guards eyed her. "Are you sure?"

"Of course I am!!!! Hurry and go catch him! He could be after Yukio!!"

"If you'll watch this prisoner carefully miss, we'll go get him."

"I'll watch the prisoner. Now go! GO!!!!!"

Once the guards were gone, she knelt down next to Alan. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Don't worry about me. Look, I've got a job for you to do."

"What is it?"

"I need you to sneak into Yukio's room and get Sakura's star pendant."

"What?" she hissed. "Are you insane."

"No. It's the only way she can be saved. Please, hurry."

"how am I supposed to get into his room? Isn't it always locked?"

"I've got a key in my pocket. Take it and the transportation stone."

Mai-Tai dug around in the pocket of his coat and retrieved the items. "I've got them."

"Alright. Hurry and please be careful."

"What about you. Will you be okay?"

"Yes. Now just go!"

*~*

Mai-Tai crept along the halls of the castle as she made her way to Yukio's room. She was surprised when she made it to Yukio's room safely. Her hands shaking, she clumsily slipped the key into the key hole. When the door opened she darted inside, closing and locking the door behind her.

Now where would he hide the pendant? wondered Mai-Tai.

Before she could start her search she heard voices just outside the door.

"That traitor is behind bars, I hope?"

Mai-Tai paled. It was Yukio. She frantically began to search for a place to hide.

"Yes, your majesty. Very safe."

"Good, good. I'll take a nap before we start with The Chamber. I want to be refreshed when I regain my strength."

Mai-Tai took one look at the armoire and shut her self inside of it just as Yukio opened the door.

I'm trapped! What will I do?

Author's Note: Ha ha ha ha ha! CLIFFHANGER! If you can't tell, I'm getting close to all of the action. I can guarantee more surprises ahead!