Friend or Foe (con't)

Keelah:: hey reviewers! Keetra's not feeling well right now, so I'm gonna introduce this episode of the chef walks in. Kero:: great. This should be interesting. Keelah:: shut up or I'll poison your next batch of pudding! Kero:: not my pudding! ::flies off to guard his precious pudding from the all-knowing bitch:: Keelah:: anywaz, now for the chef story!

And the chef walks in.

Disclaimer: yea right. Those suing people really need to get a life. This fic is all mine. Even if some of the characters are a friend of mine's. ^_^ ~+~+~+~

In this next in the line of embarrassing episodes, sources were brought from all places to recount this tale. Any superfluous information that was added is unintended and is just added since it has become part of the gossip. Nobody really knows for certain what happened this day. Some say this never really happened at all. Some say it was dreamed up by Hosea, since both Stimp and Stang refuse that this ever happened and even Kem says she does not remember such an episode ever happening. However, this gossip shall be passed on to you and you shall decide the truthfulness.

This scene takes place within the doors of Stang's chambers, where his majesty is enjoying one of his favorite delicacies. (:: any guesses as to what it could be? I heard that earlier that day, a slave stepped out of line and was never seen again.::). The meat was just how he liked it, lightly cooked, almost rare. He takes a huge bite and sits back content on tasting every juice that seeped out of the meat. He swallows then opens his eyes wide in surprise. He can't breathe! The meat had somehow gotten lodged in his windpipe and was blocking it. He was choking! He reaches for a nearby bell and rings it frantically, losing consciousness fast. Stimp comes in as Stang falls to the ground. Not thinking that he is choking, he thinks that Stang is dying and starts to do CPR. (::why anyone would want to save that creep's life is beyond me. Maybe he knows something we don't? *tiny hint as to the ending* (very tiny, though) ::). He is in the middle of giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when.

The chef walks in.

"I thought I heard a bell ringing." he looks in and sees Stimp giving mouth-to-mouth. (::and of course would not ever think that someone was actually trying to save Stang's life::) he makes a quiet departure, since he really wasn't noticed, because Stimp was so preoccupied with what he was doing. After several tries, the food finally becomes dislodged form Stang's throat. It flies from his mouth only to get stuck again in Stimp's. Stimp grabs his throat in surprise and tries to cough it up, but is unable to get any air out. Now he is the one choking! Stang regains consciousness and sees his favorite slave holding his throat, trying to breath, just as he had been a few minutes ago. Stang grabs Stimp from behind and begins to do the heimlick (I have no idea how to spell it and my spell check not seem to have any idea either. You guys know what I talking about right?::). After several tries, the food finally becomes dislodged from his throat and Stimp spits in onto the nearby plate of food. Exhausted they both fall to the floor, Stang not realizing that his hands are still around Stimp. The chef, who is still standing near the door way for who knows what reason hears two voices from inside. "Are you all right, Stimp?" "Yes, master. I'm just exhausted. Who knew doing that would be so tiring?" "Go to bed, Stimp. I'll call you if I shall need you again." "Yes master." The chef turns from the door and begins to walk away but stops when he hears the voices start again. "You know, master. We are lucky that that chef did not walk in on us during that. It might not have looked right." "Yes, Stimp. I Agree. We were lucky today." ~+~+~+~ Keelah:: well, there's a epi written by me. Did you guys like it? Better that the one that Keetra was going to write today. Keetra:: hey minna! What you doing? ::looks at the computer screen:: Keelah, why are you writing my fic? Kero:: you weren't feeling good so she decided to write it for you. Keetra:: ::hugs Keelah:: arigatou Keelah, but I fine now. Arigatou for writing the miniseries epi for me today. I think the one I had planned was lame. Something about Stang choking on a piece of food and Stimp giving him CPR. Can you imagine how reviewers would've reacted if I did that? Boy am I glad I didn't. Keelah:: you're right, Keetra. It was a lame idea. (-_-;;) Keetra:: well, now I just have to write the chapter! R+R people! Oh, and by the way, since ff.net not working and I put these two chapters, or how many more I make before they get it fixed, together I not able to give any arigatous. : ,( . I promise that as soon as I can check them I'll give you guys thank you's. Ja!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chapter 11 The plan in Action

Disclaimer:: ok here's who owns what in this chapter:: me- I own Stang, Keetra and Keelah. I also own the story plot for this chapter. I also own Desere. Alice- she owns Stimp, and the chef. CLAMP- they own the universe. ~*~*~*~

Syaoran walk into the kitchen the next morning, nervous as hell. He had this feeling in his head that was driving him nuts. It said that something would go wrong. it was just too simple, too planned, too neat and tidy. It was just walk in, get them, and walk out. If it was that easy, then why did noone else ever try it? Syaoran shakes his head. Pull yourself together, Xiao Lang. Don't chicken out of this one. Not when Sakura needs you. Sun-hi looks over at him. "Li-san, you ok? You seem distracted today." "I'm fine. Just a little tired." Sun-hi shrugs and returns to her work. "Hey Li-san? Where's your cute sister today?" Saori says walking up to Syaoran with a expectant grin on his face. "Is she running late? I was looking forward to talking to her again." Syaoran's muscles tighten at the mention of her. "You won't be talking to her again, Saori-san. You won't even see her again." "Oh, and why's that?" "Because she's in the dungeons." This gets everyone's attention. Rounds of "Nani?!" and assorted whispers can be heard around the kitchen. Saori is downright shocked. "Wh-why is Salena-chan in the d-dungeons?" he stammers, voicing everyone's thoughts. "She was caught wandering around the castle" It might not be the whole truth but they'll believe it. He grabs the countertop to add to the act. "She was found wandering down the third floor corridor." (::my brother is watching Harry Potter right now::) "The one that's off limits to slaves?" "Hai." Slaves shudder at the thought. Many rumors had spread as to what was in that corridor. Many said there was a dragon, while others insisted there was a super-secret invention being made so the Stang could take over the world. Whatever the reason. What lies in the third floor corridor remains a mystery. All slaves, while curious as well, were scared stiff to go anywhere near the place. To just set eyes on it during a run was considered bad luck. But the corridor was in a very isolated part of the castle. Nothing was near it. If you were found anywhere ear it, it was only because you were heading for it. The fact that "Salena" had been there put a shock in everyone's mind. Noone else asked any questions. Syaoran's at had the effect of telling the others that it was a painful subject for him and they respectfully cut all conversations about it. ~*~*~*~ It didn't take long to put part one of the plan in action. Hosea soon left to Stang's quarters to announce breakfast. "Ok, you guys, place them well." Sun-hi calls out. Everyone goes to the designated bet takers and places their bets. Syaoran doesn't move. Everyone finishes their bet placing. Sun-hi notices that Syaoran didn't place any bet. "Hey, Li-san. You haven't placed your bet yet." "I'm not betting today, Sun-hi-san." "But, that means that.." "I know. I'll stay late. I just not up to betting today." Sun-hi nods her understanding. "Listen, Li-san, I don't think anyone would hold it against you if you went home early anyway. We all understand." "Iie. I'll stay. It wouldn't be a good example. Besides, being in the dorm alone leaves too much thinking time." "Ok, Li-san. Whatever you want to do." The slaves go back to their work. STEP ONE OF Sakura's RESCUE IS DONE.

~*~*~*~ The day shift salves had long ago left. Syaoran is nervous. It is almost 8:30. Soon it will be time to put step two in motion. Syaoran watches the clock slowly tick by, getting more and more nervous as each second passes. The feeling that something was going to go wrong had only gotten stronger as the day had passed. As soon as the clock strikes 8:30, Syaoran takes off his apron and leaves the kitchen. He navigates the corridors leading to the dungeons. Keetra had done her job right. There was not a guard in sight on the way there. He opens the door to the stairs leading there and listens for any sort of sound from a guard. There is none. Syaoran silently walks down the stairs, listening hard. He comes to the end of the stairs. Along the walls are bars leading a far distance. But which one is Sakura's? and where is Keetra's friend, Kem? He would have to find her himself. He sees no guards down here and there had not been any upstairs. "Sakura-chan? Sakura-chan are you down here?" he calls out. "Syaoran-kun?" he sees hands appear at one of the cells. He runs down and stops in front of it. Sakura is inside, looking at him in disbelief. "Sakura-chan, genki-desuka?" "Daijobou, demo, what are you doing here Syaoran-kun?" "I'm getting you out of here. I was supposed to meet a friend of Keetra's. someone by the name of Kem." "That would be me." Says a voice behind him. Syaoran turns around to see Kem standing right behind him. He had not heard her arrive. "Li Syaoran, I assume?" "Hai, that's me." "I'm Kem. Keetra told me you were breaking your girlfriend out tonight and that you needed me down here. She also said something about an old friend of mine being down here." "Hi, Kem." Both Syaoran and Kem notice the other prisoner in the cell with Sakura. "Desere?" "Hai. It's me." "Well, we don't have time for long time no sees, let's get you guys out of here." Kem reaches her hand forward and grabs one of the bars, then closes her eyes in concentration. A yellow aura surrounds her for a moment and the door suddenly disappears. "Come on, I can't keep it gone forever!" Kem says, struggling. Sakura and Kem run through the opening and Kem brings back the door, still locked. "Teeheehee. They'll have fun figuring out how you two got away. Let's go." "Demo, I thought Keetra said you couldn't go with us?" Syaoran says. "Well, yea, I couldn't then, demo, that was before I knew that Desere was down here. We have some catching up to do. And, I know a place they can stay where Stang would never find them." "I wasn't complaining." Syaoran mumbles, making Sakura giggle. "Let's go then before someone comes." The four of them sneak up the stairs and off the castle. Surprising to everyone but Kem, there were no guards at the front gate. "Good, Keetra remembered. Come on, I can't move it by myself." Kem says. Everyone gets over to the door and begin to push, but the door doesn't budge. Sakura, who is near the place where the doors meet, notices something. "Ano.. guys? Shouldn't we unlock it first?" Everyone faints anime style. Feeling sheepish, Desere goes over and pulls out the lock. The door swings open on its own. Everyone walks out. "Where is the place, Kem?" Syaoran asks. "Just a minute. I have something I need to give Sakura-chan." Kem walks over and kneels before Sakura, one of her hands closed in front of her. "Stang took this from you when you passed out." Kem opens her hand. Inside is. "My star key!" Sakura exclaims. "I had a feeling you'd want it back." "Arigatou, Kem-chan." "No problem. Oh and while we're returning objects." Kem closes her eyes again in concentration. A yellow ball of magic appears between her outstretched hands. Syaoran's sword appears when the light dies down. "I also found this. You may need it. The final battle is not far away, I can feel it in the air. Keetra tries to deny it, but it is coming. You must be ready." Syaoran takes his sword from Kem. "Ok, now can you show us this hiding place of yours?" he asks. "This way." She points away from the road path across a bare field. They start walking in that direction. Syaoran keeps a lookout on the castle walls for any sentries, but he sees none. They get ΒΌ of the way across when they hear a voice. "*Well, well. Looksss like I caught four in my little trap. Only three were in my visssion but I ssshall not complain. *" Sakura and her group look around them. The voice had echoed through their minds. They saw noone around them, but they recognize the voice well enough to know who it is. "Come out Stang! We have a score to settle with you!" "*Really? You think you ssstand a chanccce againssst me in a fight? Thisss I mussst sssee.*" There is a shimmer in the air behind them and, before Syaoran can turn around, a bolt of energy strike him and flings him about 10 feet away. "Syaoran-kun!" Sakura exclaims. Before she can react a similar bolt strikes her as well and sends her flying to land on top of Syaoran, who had been trying to get up. "Genki desuka, Sakura-chan." "Hai." An evil laugh mixed with hisses is heard in their minds. Stang had disappeared again. "Is that how you fight, Stang?" Kem calls out into the darkness. "Sneaking up on people while they are defenseless and attacking them from behind? What a coward you are!" "*For sssomeone who takesss information from me when we are in bed together, you talk big. Mow you ssshall sssee the punissshent of double- crossssersss." Kem is surrounded by a thick black bubble. Black thunderbolts erupt from the sides and strike her. her screams get louder as the intensity of the bolt gets greater. Desere tries to get through the bubble but it is too strong. It eventually disappears, leaving a limp body behind. Desere kneels beside it and picks up her hand looking for a pulse in her old friend. Her disappointed face tells Sakura and Syaoran that there is none to be found. Sakura stares in horror at what has happened. Syaoran looks at Sakura, to furious to look at Kem. He will make Stang pay for this. An evil laugh/hissing is heard again and Stang materializes once more. He takes a handkerchief out of his pocket and pretend to dry his eyes with it.

"Such a pity. She was such a good little pleasure slave. I don't think I had better with anyone else." He sees the angry look on Syaoran's face. "Oh, dear, do I see jealousy from this former slaves face? Too bad. She probably would've bee better than your girlfriend over there. After this is over, and I change her memory a bit, I'm sure she'll make a great replacement." All sense of sanity inside of Syaoran snaps in two at those words. Forgetting everything he takes his sword and dashes at Stang, thinking nothing else besides the satisfaction of seeing him in pieces on the ground. He hits a forcefield and bounces off hard. "Oh, have I made you mad? Don't worry, I would've let you have a go at her as well. Wouldn't want to breakup the couple now would I?" Stang laughs insanely at his joke, which is funny only to him. It makes Syaoran downright pissed. "You will keep your stinking claws off of her!" he picks up his sword again and stabs again and again at the forcefield, trying to break it. Stang gets annoyed by this. He sends another dark bolt at Syaoran which sends him flying back to where Sakura is. "Foolish slave. I am tired of this. Now you have angered my wrath. Now you shall face the full power of Vinzer Stang!" A dark black aura surrounds him and he begins to change. He gets bigger, far bigger. His head becomes longer. His claws become bigger and longer. He gets a long neck, and is covered with scales. His tail becomes thicker and grows longer than ever, with a spear like end. He becomes a large green dragon! Upon its head is a tiny black jewel, in the shape of a pearl and not much bigger that one. It's eyes are a dark red and it's scales are a magnificent green. Sakura gasps. It's the dragon from my dream. But does that mean the rest of the dream true as well?

~*~*~*~ end chapter 11 ~*~*~*~ Keetra:: Hehehe. I wonder if it does. You gonna have to read the next chapter to find out who lives and who dies in the final battle. It will be a surprise to me as well cuz I dunno either! ^_^;; I been going through this book of Clow cards that I have, trying to decide on which ones I want Sakura to use. The pile keeps changing though. I gonna have fun with it. Keelah:: I see you're talkative again, Keetra. Keetra:: yep! It's amazing what chocolate can do! Keelah:: chocolate?! Keetra:: oops, I said the "C" word. Keelah:: you had chocolate all this time and you didn't give me any? Keetra:: yea I did, and no I didn't give you any. ::holds up a package of buncha crunch. There are still some in the box:: Keelah:: ::chases Keetra around:: gimme some of those! Keetra:: ::teasing her by rattling the box:: come and get them then! Keelah:: get back here with those chocolates! Keetra:: right like I that stupid.

They chase each other and Keelah eventually catches up to Keetra and tries to force the box out of her hands.

Keelah:: chocolate. ::has crazed look on her face like Suppi around sweets:: must. have. chocolate. Keetra:: no way, you aint getting these chocolates. Kero! Help me! Kero:: ::standing a good distance away:: I think I'll just leave them to their catfight. Don't worry about them. Just review please. Ja!