Konnyanya minna! Chapter FOURTEEN! Wai! I'll keep things short, k? Gomen ne for the wait, as I've had many people giving me near- death threats if I don't continue soon! I know excuses don't make it any easier, but I really don't want to ruin the quality of the fic for speed, and have had lots of karate-related events happening lately. Anyway, ONEGAI, REVIEW! There! Now, to the fic! Oh, yeah! Onegai, read "Foreign Destiny" and tell me what you think! It's inspired by Disney's Mulan, but it WON'T be completely identical or anything! Only the first chapter follows the movie very closely, 'cause I thought the opening scenes were some of the most striking. Now, I hope you will bother to read, if it interests you! Enjoy!
Arigatos: to Shirahana, pinkuser, syrupjunkie, Sakura-Chan, Lenna and Nelly, K-clan, MeLMeL, Rebekkah-sama, Maddy, Jed Jones, Sakura Scout, Dusk-Magic13, Acticflames, The clow creator, Azeala, Jed Jones (again! Arigato! I'm glad you like it so much! ^^), Little Sakura, Tagrina, Wings of Fire, and hikari! Arigato gozaimasu! Wai!
Dedication: To all those who have ever reviewed and have found this story interesting enough to read! It's only through your support that I continue to write! Wai! Arigato for giving feedback to 180 reviews, all of which are positive! You have no clue how wonderful this makes me feel! To Deedlit'sFlame, for all her support on msn and for teaching me so much Japanese! To Lisa for allowing me to stay at her home for the weekend (hai, I guess I COULD be called a freeloader! Hehe ^^;) and for giving me some ideas for this! And to the JKA, ISKF, Toshi Uchiage, and Sensei. You are the best things in my life, and I'm proud to be able to call myself your student!
Disclaimer: I do not in whole or in part own Cardcaptor Sakura and its respective characters, Mortal Kombat and the characters I've used from that wonderful game, Dragonball (and DBZ), Chris Wooding's Broken Sky (Told ya I don't own it!) and anything else with a registered trademark. They belong to: CLAMP, Midway Entertainment, Akira Toriyama, FUNimation, Chris Wooding (no DUH!) and anyone else I'm forgetting to mention. This, of course, it purely for entertainment and I'M NOT MAKING ANY MONEY OFF IT! That's why they call it FANFICTION! So unless you want to end up like that minion in my last disclaimer…
Now! To CHAPTER FOURTEEN!
The Tournament (When Worlds Collide)
A Cardcaptor Sakura fanfiction by Jurei-chan
"Yeah! FOOOOOOD!"
Syaoran and Jun Fan sat at the tables along with all the other recruits at the Lookout for dinner. On normal circumstances, they wouldn't have stared at the food with such longing glances, but the three days in the Core world with little to nothing to eat, and what lay before them looked like a feast.
Ryushi sweatdropped as he watched the two warriors eat. "Uhh…you two might want to slow down before you choke or something," he said. 'And I thought Shikoku, Asina, and Kensu were the only ones who did this after an assignment…'
"Hey! Pass the Ramen, would ya?" called Kensu, mouth already full of food and holding out his bowl, "Those two are already on their seventh bowl! I won't be left behind!"
"Same here!" called Shikoku, chewing at an inhuman speed. Ryushi's sweatdrop grew bigger as he watched the two special projects team members fighting over the Ramen bowl.
"What the-HEY! DON'T TAKE ALL THE RAMEN, YOU GREEDY LITTLE-"
Syaoran and Jun Fan joined in the fight, glaring daggers at the other two.
"And who said YOU'D be the ones to finish it off…?" asked Syaoran, his eyebrow twitching dangerously.
"Same goes to you!" said Kensu, shielding the bowl with his body protectively, "This is MINE! You'll have to go through ME to get to it…"
Jun Fan snatched the bowl from the other side and whisked it out of the green-haired fighter's grasp. Jumping away, he held his pilfered prize over his head triumphantly.
All four fighters stayed perfectly still, the three on the ground delivering death glares hot enough to burn through the walls. Jun Fan smiled maniacally, stroking the bowl like a precious pet. "Hehehehehe…mine…all mine! BWAHAHAHAHAH- AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-HEY!"
Ryushi chewed slowly, making a huge show of enjoying the food. "Mmmmm, I must say, the noodles are definitely at their best tonight! And this special sauce compliments the delicately fried flavour…"
If looks could kill, Ryushi would have been dead four times over from the glares he received for this statement.
Over at the women's table, four people sweatdropped simultaneously. Yin's expression was obviously confused.
"Do they always do that?" she asked, pointing at the scene of four fighters trying to strangle a fifth one with blonde hair and sea-green eyes. They seemed to be using his deep blue-coloured headband for the job. The other female warriors sighed loudly at the question.
"Uhhh only once every week or so," Hãmi answered with a look of disinterest as she fished in her bowl to grab another mouthful with her chopsticks, "other than that, dinner's usually a quiet affair…or about as quiet as it gets around here…"
"You'd think they'd have noticed by now…" Jade said in a pitying tone, helping herself to more Ramen.
"I mean, how obvious can it be?" asked Asina, shaking her head.
Sakura sighed sadly, surveying the scene of guys fighting over the empty bowl and trying to kill Ryushi at the same time. "Ya know, why are they practically killing each other…"
"…When there's all this Ramen here?" finished Yin, filling her bowl again from the gigantic mountain in the centre of the table, "Yeah…kinda weird…how did we get all this Ramen, anyway?"
Jade and Hãmi laughed nervously. "Eheh...aheh…hehe, yeah…well, let's just say we ought to enjoy it before they notice…" put in Jade quickly, heaping her bowl high, "Now, I guess I'm going to take this out to…um…hey, I'm going to the Dragonholds, k? Coming Hãmi?"
The Dragonrider nodded, also helping herself to a generous portion before following the other girl out. "Well, Sayonara people!" she called quietly to the others, "and good luck to you all…"
There was the quick sound of running footsteps, and the two were gone like smoke in the wind.
Sakura sweatdropped. "Trust those two…" she shook her head quickly, "Well, I'm not going to be caught with this lot! Ja ne minna-san!"
She stood up and tossed a small pink ball up and down in her hand, as if testing the weight. Then, she quickly whispered something under her breath and threw the ball as hard as possible at the floor beneath her feet. There was a momentary flash of blinding pink light, and she was gone.
Yin looked around confusedly at the empty seats. "Hmmm…I take it that this isn't good…" she said quietly, holding her bowl in one hand as she hastily filled it with the other.
"Nope! Now come on!" hissed Asina, grabbing her hand, "Let's get out of here!"
"Waiiit! My Ramen!" Yin mourned as she was unceremoniously pulled from the hall, "and I wasn't done, either…"
The guys looked up from their furious fight, noticing that the hall was strangely empty. (Still, they failed to notice the gigantic mound of Ramen sitting right there…^^;)
"Hey, where'd the girls go?" asked Atami, looking around the room curiously, "I could have sworn they were here a few minutes ago…"
"Hmmm…that's funny…" Shikoku noted with a serious expression, "it isn't like them to leave so quickly…"
"Hey! Look at that!" cried Kensu, his voice echoing pure shock and surprise.
"Nani? What is it? Have you found something?" asked all the other guys, all of them slightly worried.
"…someone didn't finish their Ramen…"
All five of the others fell over, anime-style.
"Hey, do you think I can have it-"
"Uhh, no, Kensu," cut in Shikoku in a dry tone.
"Awww, man! I'm always shafted when it comes to food!"
"Yeah, right. You call eight bowls of Ramen shafted?"
"Well, you got nine…"
Jun Fan, Syaoran, Atami, and Miroku let out exasperated anime sighs as they watched the two fighters at it again. That is, until Syaoran noticed Ryushi absorbed in something out of the corner of his eye.
"Hey, what're you doing?" he asked the older warrior with a cute expression of interest.
"…(munch munch)…Well, it's (gromf)…really a shame to let all this good…(swallow munch scrunch)…Ramen go to waste…" explained Ryushi, looking up from the bowl, "And after so much fighting, too…"
The four youths fell over, sweatdrops rolling down their heads.
********
Xiu sat, looking out on the sight that lay before him. The blue mist swirled lazily between the worlds, making small spirals and changing shades slowly as the time progressed. The fighter sighed sadly. Sometimes, one wondered if it was worth living with the loss…
He had given his entire life to the Side of Good, had seen friend cut down in front of him, had sacrificed almost everything he had for the good of Earth, but was that really the way to live the rest of his life?
An image of Kwaihu appeared as he watched the mist with a tired gaze. His best friend since the first moments at the Lookout together almost seventeen years ago, the warrior was one of the most reliable and steadfast comrades anyone could ask for. Always Kwaihu and Xiu, wherever they went, you wouldn't find one without the other. He let out a small chuckle as he remembered some of the stunts they'd pulled when they were merely recruits themselves. Yet, no one had ever stopped to think how Kwaihu's death had affected him. On the outside, he seemed unchanged. He continued his task and eventually became second in command to Raiden-sama himself, but on the inside…
Kwaihu's face faded, and was replaced with that of a young woman. She seemed to smile at him happily, her dark amber eyes aglow with happiness as a soft breeze blew her blue-black hair gently around her face. His eyes felt the sting of unshed tears. Yukimi…
Xiu wiped a sleeve across his eyes as image after image replayed through the mist. Kwaihu, Yukimi, Nadeshiko, Taro, Fen, Ryuu, Kurama, Gichin, Funa, Maiko, Shinnosuke…each vision was accompanied by another flood of painful memories.
And Xiao Lang…
Suddenly, a small ray of hope broke through the darkness of depression. In Xiao Lang, Xiu saw a new chance, a new hope…
The boy was becoming more and more like his father each day. Already, Xiu could see Kwaihu's marks emerging in his son. His strong determination, his great and immeasurable courage, and his sharp tendency to feel every emotion with a fierce fire that burned endlessly…as well as his tendency to pick up companions on his assignments. After all, that was how they had met Yukimi…
Then, a shadow flickered across Xiu's expression. That girl…Yin? There was something about her…something he didn't trust. However, when he had warned Raiden of his instinct, the Immortal had smiled and told him that she had no ill intentions and could not be turned away. After all, she had aided Xiao Lang and Jun Fan out of the Core World, but that could have been part of some larger deception that required their trust. All in all, the Chinese warrior didn't trust her as far as he could throw her. He wouldn't allow himself to be disillusioned by her smiles and imitations of innocence, not while there was the risk to Xiao Lang's life…no, he would never allow that to happen.
Xiu stood up, right hand tightening into a fist. He owed his friend this chance. Nothing would happen to Xiao Lang Li.
Even if it was the last thing Xiu Lin did…
********
Raiden shook his head slowly as he watched the look of fierce determination that spread across Xiu's face. He had no illusions as to what the fighter's oath would mean.
Turning away from the doorway, he strolled slowly through the dim, echoing chamber. Time was running out, and Yao'Xi'Liu's plans were still completely shrouded in mystery. It seemed unlikely that the leader of the Side of Evil would allow the Side of Good to gain such powerful weapons without doing more to stop them. It just seemed too easy…
The Immortal heard Xiu enter the room, his usual firm, unshakable self. One wouldn't think he still carried the scars from the last Tournament so vividly. He sighed quietly. As Ryushi had told Xiao Lang on their first meeting, there were many different kinds of recovering that needed to be done after the Worlds Combat Tournament. Not all of the wounds healed…
"Raiden-sama."
"Xiu…" acknowledged Raiden, "I am glad you were able to postpone your training of the fighters to meet with me."
The black-clad warrior nodded. "I have a feeling that this is to do with the information recovered by Xiao Lang, is it not?" he asked, his tone firm and quiet.
"Hai…" sighed Raiden, "What do you make of it?"
Xiu thought hard for a moment. "It would not surprise me in the least," he finally replied, "I have thought for a while now that the Side of Evil were being too quiet…Unfortunately, I don't see who could have been supplying them with information. Hardly anyone could possibly be aware of the kinds of knowledge that have been relayed back to Yao'Xi'Liu."
"My brother has eyes and ears in the most unlikely places," said Raiden seriously, "I only hope nothing of essential value has reached his attention. It could mean the end for us and all of the Earth World. From Shikoku's last count, he had fifty-odd fighters, three quarters of whom were either from the Otherworld or from the Core. Outcasts, mostly, but all extremely dangerous warriors. He also had ten assassins, as well as five fighters on his council."
Xiu whistled. "That council…who was on it this time?"
Raiden grimaced. "Five of his best and most ruthless warriors," he said, "Only a few have survived from the last Tournament, however. Scorpion among them…"
The Immortal noticed Xiu's fist clench tightly for a moment at the mention of that name. The pause was brief.
"…But I have no real knowledge of who the others are. Only of one, named Noob Saibot."
"Noob Saibot?" asked the warrior curiously, "I'm quite sure I've heard that name somewhere before…"
"He was a member of the Lin Kuei clan of ninja on Shuri, the fifth World. An outcast now, due to attempted treason against the elder of the Lin Kuei. Unfortunately, he was not banished before he learned all of the most deadly and feared attacks held in secret by the clan. It seems, however, that he still retains some of his old code of loyalty to them, as he has kept the techniques secret from everyone, including Yao'Xi'Liu."
Xiu shook his head slowly. "And the Tournament is nearer than ever…"
He straightened from his leaning position against one of the pillars. "I will return to the younger fighters now," he announced, "they need a lot more training of they are expected to be able to fight that. Xiao Lang still must learn how to release the Kamehame no Kiai on his own. Nadeshiko's daughter…she has begun to learn how to release her potential Ki, but is still a long ways from being able to master her inner power. It seems Kwaihu…it seems Kwaihu hid the technique much too well."
Xiu turned and was almost out the door when Raiden called to him.
"Xiu…" he said, his expression softening.
The warrior looked up, his expression sad.
"Remember…Kwaihu and the others gave up their lives for the cause, but also for their friends and family. Thank them, and do what you can so that their sacrifices were not in vain."
Xiu looked surprised, then nodded in affirmation. Raiden's words were just what he needed to renew his motivation and drive to win. He left the room quickly, eyes focused directly in front of him. Inside, an ice blue fire seemed to burn hotter than ever before.
The immortal sighed. So much had been lost for this, and it seemed the greatest injustice of all for such a loyal fighter to have to shoulder the cost. He only hoped that in the end, it had all been worthwhile.
'Good and Evil are seldom brought to such confrontation,' he noted thoughtfully, 'So we will make this a battle to remember. Let it never be said that the Earth World gave up without a fight...'
********
"RYU SHO KAAAAAAI!"
Ryushi released the ball of blue energy, sending it straight at Sakura. She dodged it, flipping over the fighter to land on his blind side and deliver a finishing kick. He blocked, and the two sprang away from each other to land at opposite sides of the room. Both were breathing heavily.
The elder fighter grinned lopsidedly. It seemed she was getting better at withholding the Kamehame no Kiai from coming into play when she didn't wish it to. She had definitely come a long way from the cold, unfeeling guardian of Shotokan village both in fighting ability and personal trust.
He straightened, turning to look at the other fighters as they trained for the upcoming Tournament. From almost every corner of the dojo, shouts could be heard, while bursts of different colours of Ki flashed occasionally. Now this was what the Worlds Combat Tournament should be like!
"Shuri no HOTEN HA!"
He moved quickly to one side as Sakura attacked, her fist flaming with pink energy. She was definitely faster than before, too! Those training sessions with Shikoku had definitely started to pay off.
He deftly deflected her kick, countering with a side thrust of his own. Her hand closed quickly and turned it aside with an udi barai, which he blocked, grabbing her wrist within his own hand. She broke his grip with surprising ease, turning the captive fist into a quick tetsui to the ribs.
Ryushi's grin grew wider. A very good touch of ingenuity, though it might just cost her the match. He ducked low, sweeping her legs out from under her with a swift kick. Sakura let out a gasp of surprised as she found herself falling to the ground, but muscle memory kicked in and she broke her fall, rolling to one side to avoid Ryushi's punch. On her feet in a matter of moments, she glared at him defiantly.
"You're going to get it for that one, Ryu-kun!"
She ran at him, fist flaming with pink Ki. Ryushi stood at the ready, guard held in front of his body. She sped up, her feet a blur as she came closer and closer to him. That was when her image blurred, and the older warrior found himself confronted with three, no, five Sakuras!
"What the…" he managed before he was hit from all sides with flaming fists. He struck out at one image, but found himself striking thin air!
All the Sakuras then sprang away, blurring back into one. The Okinawan fighter shook his head in amazement, wiping the blood from a jagged cut across his cheek.
"Very nice, Sakura-chan!" he said approvingly, "That's definitely going to be a useful technique! Better than the Shadow Kick!"
She smiled, breathing hard. "It's something I discovered," she explained, "You're actually the first person I've been able to try it on. I guess it's a keeper!"
Ryushi mock frowned. "Hey, I don't enjoy being a guinea pig for new techniques!" he complained, a cute little annoyed look on his face. Sakura giggled in reply, because Ryushi looked akin to a little five-year old who's candy had just been taken away.
"Arigato, Ryu-kun! I'm glad that you aren't mad at me!" she said, her face displaying a kawaii expression of sweet innocence.
He shook his head, grinning widely. "That look will get you in trouble one day," he lectured good-naturedly, "I swear, you could get away with murder!"
On the other side of the training hall, Syaoran was having a lot more trouble with his training.
"Come on, Xiao Lang, I know you can do better than this!" cried Xiu in exasperation.
The younger Chinese warrior steeled himself, trying to concentrate more intensely. The golden Ki of the Kamehame no Kiai glowed briefly, then disappeared.
Xiu shook his head, a displeased frown evident on his facial features. "Xiao Lang, what am I going to do with you?" he asked, "Do you know what could happen to you if your concentration wavers like this in the Tournament? Everything could be ruined!"
Syaoran released the Ki he had been holding, looking sad. The green energy swirled harmlessly around his figure before fading away. He was trying really hard, but the huge energy surge just wouldn't occur, no matter what he tried. "I'm sorry, I can't seem to channel it!" he defended himself, but Xiu didn't seem to be in a very tolerant mood.
"I can't take this!" the older fighter glared hotly, "If Kwaihu's own son is going to be so slack in training, I'm not going to waste my time! You, Xiao Lang Li, are a disgrace to the name of Li the way you are handling yourself and your training! Come back to me when you've learned to focus!"
Syaoran looked like he had been struck across the face. The elder Chinese warrior turned his back angrily in the traditional sign of dismissal. The young Li stood still, head lowered in disgrace.
Xiu then disappeared in an angry ice blue flash. No one tried to stop him. It was evident he should be avoided for a while.
Sakura looked at the young Chinese warrior with regret. Being lectured like that from Xiu was almost like having his own father tell him he was a disgrace. Syaoran's face became neutral and cold, though his head remained low as he walked out of the training hall quietly. She didn't know which was worse. She had caught a glimpse of Xiu's eyes, which had had no trace of anything but anger and coldness. It was like looking into pools or arctic ice. However, Syaoran's eyes were the only thing that gave away the incredible hurt and disgrace he was feeling, something that gave her a strange jolt of discomfort in the pit of her stomach.
"Hey, Ryu-kun, do you mind if we end a little early today?" she asked suddenly.
Ryushi looked pretty surprised. He then smiled gently. "Not at all, Sakura-chan," he answered, "I think it's probably best, actually."
The Japanese girl nodded agreement, bowing quickly to the senior. She then left the dojo, following the same direction Syaoran had taken.
Hãmi caught Ryushi's eye from across the room, and he winked in reply. Maybe this would turn out for the best. It wasn't good that Syaoran couldn't seem to control the Kamehame no Kiai, but who knew? Stranger things had happened, and Ryushi could tell that what Syaoran really needed right now was someone to talk to. Someone who he didn't feel threatened by and felt he could trust.
Asina looked at Hãmi, then giggled. She was well aware of the intentions held by the Dragonrider and the Scout, and she was in complete agreement. There could never be too many couples at the Lookout…and even then, friendship was always a start towards other emotions…
********
Syaoran walked dejectedly along the empty passage. He could still hear Xiu's words echoing through his mind, and thought he hated to admit it, they hurt. Being yelled at by Xiu was almost like being told by Kwaihu that he had shamed the entire family.
He sighed. Things just seemed so jumbled lately, like everyone was in a constant state of tension. And he realized that everyone was, no matter how much they tried to hide it. Shikoku's increased appetite, Hãmi and Jade's latest little torture run, Ryushi's constant easy smile, Asina's strange obsession with showing Yin the ropes, and Sakura's…
He couldn't think of anything, and that puzzled him. Was she just not nervous? Or did she feel she had nothing to lose? Another possibility was also that she had managed to hide it so well that no one could notice…he shook his head dismissing the puzzle that was Sakura Kinomoto. Kensu? What about the green-haired fighter? The young Chinese warrior almost laughed aloud, despite his depression. It seemed almost impossible to see Kensu any other way than his annoying, pranking self. Maybe that was his cover? Nah, he had been that way since the very first day Syaoran had met him. And Jun Fan?
Syaoran grimaced at the name. Jun Fan had smoothed over the tension with added courteous behavior and more gallantry than before, something that seemed to impress Sakura. A huge wave of anger and jealousy welled through him, making his fists clench. That little…but he also felt a swell of sadness. It was quite obvious to him that he would never be able to compete with Jun Fan, and the thought hurt almost as much as Xiu's anger had. She liked Jun Fan, and he couldn't blame her either. That was probably what hurt him the most, the fact that he couldn't possibly compete with the other Chinese youth because he could understand why she cared about him. Somehow, that knowledge tore him; whether to wish for her, or wish for her happiness, because Jun Fan was perfect. Not like Xiao Lang Li. Cold, distant Xiao Lang. Cold, distant…afraid…
He stopped. The thought had come out of nowhere, but it hit him like a ton of bricks. He was afraid. Afraid to let people near him. It just made it more painful when you lost them…
That much had become apparent to him through his mother's suffering after Kwaihu's death. Unknowingly, he had promised himself that he would never be like that, never have to live with that kind of loss. He hadn't even realized until that moment that he had erected a stone wall around himself to block everyone out, so that he was completely safe. Only, it hadn't worked. One emerald-eyes girl had managed to break through…
He sighed, stopping to sit on the front paws of one of the huge dragon statues that guarded the double doors that led to the Dragonholds. They were almost as big as their real-life counterparts, and Syaoran couldn't help but feel as if he was actually riding a dragon whenever he sat on their backs. He actually would like to a dragon one day…
'Maybe if I ask Hãmi…' he thought to himself, before dismissing the idea with a shake of his head and a tired sigh.
The Chinese warrior suddenly found himself to be very tired…he yawned, laying back between the forelegs comfortably. Everything just seemed to be too much for him to take at the moment. He yawned once again, before falling into a fitful and restless sleep, predominated with images of darkness, loud cries filled with hopelessness, and a swift black shadow that ripped away the figure he clung to tightly, a girl with emerald green eyes and honey auburn hair. Then, there was the feeling of a powerful wind rushing by him, and everything disappeared in a flash of blinding white light…
********
"Hey, Syaoran-kun! Wake up!"
The young warrior came awake with a start. How long had he been asleep? Xiu was going to kill him…
Then he remembered what had happened previously in the training hall. His stomach jolted unpleasantly, and he felt almost sick. With the recollection came all the feelings of depression and shame, as well as the greatest sadness of all…
Suddenly, he realized that someone had called to him. He blinked away the sleep that clouded his vision, only to meet a pair of emerald-green eyes. Coming fully awake, he jolted to his feet, blushing faintly.
"Sa-Sakura! Ummm…"
Sakura smiled at him gently. "You have us all worried!" she said, reaching out a careful hand to pat his shoulder. Of course, Syaoran blushed darker at the contact made, but turned his face away. The unexpected encounter with her was causing conflicting emotions within him. Half of him was glad to see her, while the other half drowned further in unhappiness and depression, as well as a strange anger. Unfortunately, the depressed part seemed to win out.
"Why?" he asked quietly, turning away from her and beginning to head down into the Dragonholds, "Xiu would probably be happy…"
The female warrior's face turned sad. Syaoran's unhappy state was something that caused her to feel unhappy herself. She followed after him, almost having to run to keep up with him.
"Syaoran-kun…it isn't your fault…" she comforted, but he seemed not to hear her. It didn't seem to comfort him, anyway. He continued walking down the evenly hewn stone stairs, unaware of the slight increase in temperature.
"Syaoran-"
He then turned on her, face angry. "Just leave me alone!" he growled, his eyes a furious liquid amber, "Why would you care, anyway? Stop butting into other people's business and go hang all over Jun Fan instead!"
Sakura stopped dead, shocked beyond belief at his outburst. He didn't stop there, however.
"What use am I to this? I can't even use the damn Kamehame no Kiai, and you can. They don't need me, so just go back to being the prissy little princess who can't do anything wrong, the one who Xiu doesn't accuse of virtually destroying the Earth World's chances…"
She stepped half a pace back, as if she had been hit across the face. Syaoran's hands gripped into fists tightly, and his eyes shut tightly, a single tear gliding down his cheek. "Anyway, I don't need this. I don't need you, I don't need anyone! I never have, and I never will…I'm fine on my own…I always have been…"
"AND I ALWAYS WILL BE!" His eyes snapped open, and he sprang forward in an attack.
Sakura blocked the unexpected strike out of pure reflex. Syaoran attacked again, fist flaming bright forest-green energy, and she blocked again, jumping over him to try and escape. She ran down the stairs as fast as was possible with the incline, but it didn't seem to be fast enough. It was as if something else was driving the young warrior, an internal anger, jealousy, and intense hatred that burned with such intensity that it was almost frightening. A new energy spread through his veins, something that felt almost like liquid hot fire as it swept through his entire being.
The chase continued down the dark stone passage, the young Chinese warrior in hot pursuit as he followed her with incredible ease. The female fighter continued to run, not wanting to confront him, not wanting to hurt him…
She was almost through the door at the end of the staircase that led to the Dragonholds when a strong and almost vice-like hand grabbed hold of her arm. She struggled to get free, but it was no use. Syaoran flipped over her tense form, landing in front of her with a determined glare and steely anger glinting from his usually warm amber eyes.
"Syaoran…" Sakura looked into his cold gaze with frightened desperation. 'He's not himself…he can't be himself…he can't possibly hate me this much…Something is terribly wrong…'
"…All that stands in my way is you…" he said, his tone dangerously low. The Japanese girl found herself unable to break the intense gaze. It was almost hypnotic. She was only dimly aware of his hand as it caressed her face, of the rough callouses that contrasted to her own smooth skin. Then she heared a low whisper, but was unable to understand what was being said. The last thing she saw was the molten amber eyes filled with conflict between hatred, anger, and another emotion she couldn't place before everything went black.
Syaoran tossed the now still form away from him, something inside of him strangely appeased. It was a pity that he would never see her emerald gaze again, but it couldn't be helped. He walked slowly away from the scene, an oddly empty feeling within. That was why he had held her gaze for so long, so that he could enjoy it before it was gone forever; also, because that was how the Ki Shujin attack was performed…
********
"NOOOOOOOO!"
Syaoran woke up with a jolt, his entire body covered in cold sweat. Looking around himself, he saw that he was still reclined against one of the dragon statues where he had fallen asleep. He breathed a sigh of relief.
'Was it just…a dream?' the young Chinese warrior thought to himself, 'Oh, what a horrible nightmare! But it felt so real…'
He shuddered almost uncontrollably. No, masaka! He would never do anything like that!…Would…he…? The possibility was almost enough to make him break down. He wouldn't be able to live with himself! But, then again, the dream had proved him wrong there…
'I just…I don't know…' he shook his head in confusion, 'The dream…it just seems so possible. I'm right where it started, everything is just so plausible…'
"Syaoran-kun! There you are!"
He froze. That voice…he would know it anywhere…but right now, it was the worst possible thing that could happen. He needed to clear his mind first, before he did something drastic…
"You've had everyone so worried…"
Sakura looked at him, her face showing both relief and concern. Unlike his dream, however, Syaoran found himself to feel a combination of happiness, sadness, and guilt.
"I'm sorry, but…" he managed, turning his face away from her, "It's just…"
To his surprise, he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw her gazing at him with a gentle and understanding expression. Not only that, he noticed an odd shine in her eyes which he would never have thought to see, especially not for him…
'Is Sakura…crying?' he thought in surprise, 'No, I've got to be seeing things…'
"Syaoran…it isn't your fault. It's just…well…this close around the Tournament, everyone's tense and nervous. No one really knows what will happen, and it's got to be hard on Xiu. He lost almost everyone from the last one…" she explained gently, a solitary tear gliding down her soft cheek as she sat down beside him, "He doesn't want to lose anyone else, but he knows that it will happen, no matter what. It's inevitable, and part of the Tournament, but it's also taking it's toll on him, thinking about it. You know he feels personally responsible for you, as if you were his own son! He's afraid…just like everyone else…"
Syaoran watched as more tears leaked from her beautiful green eyes with a deep ache and sadness. He understood what she said, and it made him feel terrible. That he was the cause of her tears…it seemed that he was causing everyone grief, especially the people he cared the most about.
Sakura drew in a shaky breath. Though some of the recruits and Lookout dwellers couldn't tell, the tension and nervousness had affected her deeply as well. Watching people try and hide their emotional turmoil and hurt others by saying things they didn't mean was tearing her apart, especially since it might be the last thing they ever said…
A gentle touch to her face caused her to open her eyes wide in surprise. She looked sharply, only to see Syaoran smiling at her with compassion as he wiped her tears away with the utmost of care. Seeing her confusion, he chuckled.
"Arigato," he explained, placing a companionable arm around her shoulders, "I don't like to think where I'd be right now if you hadn't put things in perspective for me."
She stood up abruptly, causing him to lose his balance as he was hauled to his feet. The scene of Kwaihu's son on the floor in an unceremonious and unorganized heap was enough to send her off into giggles which she hastily covered with her hand.
"Mou, just laugh and get it over with!" he said, rubbing his sore rear which was still feeling the hardness of the floor.
He looked up in surprise at the sound of loud laughter. The fact that she had taken him at his word was both frustrating and funny at the same time. The humor won out, however, and he joined in, getting to his feet with a smile. It was good to hear her laugh…
"Well, let's get back to the other! They'll probably think we've gotten lost or something," said Sakura, shaking her head at the thought.
Syaoran raised one eyebrow, looking at her critically. "Hmmm, maybe," he said, then grimaced slightly, "Asina and Hãmi will probably think we've gone off together…"
She giggled again, nodding in agreement. "That'd be just like them," she said, "anyway, it's probably best if we return in time to get some more training done. Maybe you might even get that energy conversion right…"
Syaoran was only listening partly to her, because a new idea had just entered his mind. Off with Sakura? Well, he sure wouldn't mind…as if that would ever happen, anyway. They were only friends, nothing more.
He was brought out of his thoughts by a jolt through his system as he felt a pair of arms wrap around him. Looking down in shock, he saw the smallish lithe form of Sakura as she hugged him warmly. He blushed darkly in response, but returned the hug nonetheless. It felt good.
"Watashitachi wa tomodachi desu, ne?" she asked, breaking the hug to look up at him. He nodded his reply, because he didn't trust himself to talk. His confirmation, however, was enough to send her off into huge smiles as she skipped down the hall towards the training hall.
"Hai, tomodachi…" he sighed, his expression saddening slightly, which brightened slightly as she ran back to him so that they could walk back together. Inside, however, he remained melancholy. 'That's how it'll always be…'
********
Ryushi winked at Hãmi as they watched Syaoran and Sakura re-enter the training hall. It was obvious that something had changed between the two, which was definitely for the best. Asina joined them, smiling widely at the scene.
"I see that this really did work out for the best, ne?" she said, tossing back her pale lilac hair in a careless manner, "Ooh, they're just so kawaii…"
The Okinawan fighter sweatdropped. "Hehe, well, moving on…" he said, patting her on the back awkwardly, "we should get back to training. Tomorrow's a big day, and you don't want to be on Xiu's bad side, especially in the mood he's in now."
Hãmi and Asina nodded complacently…a little too complacently for Ryushi's tastes, but it would have to do. They were planning something, but he couldn't tell what quite yet. Something told him, however, that he wasn't sure he wanted to know what it was, either…
"Well, minna, I've got to go find Jade…" said Hãmi happily, "she owes me money for that bet. Mind you, I had the thing in the bag from the start…"
"Well, I'd better see what my twisted and maniacal brother is up to…" Asina sighed and moved away too.
Ryushi went back to looking at Syaoran. It was pretty obvious to him that he liked the Japanese fighter from the start, but now…well, there he was blushing when she talked to him…
Then, something odd happened. He saw Syaoran stare at Sakura, but not blush. Not only that, he seemed to shudder slightly, as if something scared him…the elder fighter shook his head sharply. He might have imagined it, but he wasn't exactly the kind of person to hallucinate.
'Something's wrong…' he concluded, 'Something about Sakura has Syaoran genuinely scared, as if it's something he might do…I just wish I had some kind of clue as to what it might be!'
"Ryu-kun! Let's get back to training!"
He smiled at Sakura, noting the cute expression she used, like a little kid asking for sweets. "Sure, Sakura-chan. After all, big day tomorrow, and we all want to be ready, ne?"
She nodded. "Hai! Ooh, I'm so excited! I've never ridden a dragon before…"
"And not just any dragon, either! You'll be on my Darãn!" chimed Hãmi as she passed by, holding a cloth bag that jingled with the sound of coins, "Oh, by the way, arigato for winning me that bet…"
Sakura looked at the older girl with an expression that quite clearly stated her confusion. Ryushi sighed, patting her on the shoulder.
Ryushi sighed as he patted Sakura on the shoulder. "Uhhh…long story…" he explained, "Well, how about we start that match before rabid Xiu accuses us of single-handedly ruining the Earth World's chances and proclaims us outcasts of the Side of Good? He's probably watching, you know…"
********
"I see the first step has been successful, master…" a strange and echoing voice resounded through the dark chambers of the hall.
Yao'Xi'Liu nodded, his face still shrouded in blackness from the cowled robes he wore. "Tomorrow…all our planning will be realized. The final stage will begin…" he proclaimed in his odd dark voice, "Tomorrow, the Tournament begins!"
Another voice spoke. It seemed to come from all places, and to meld with the darkness. "Master, I have done as you commanded. All that is needed now is the dreams for the girl and the final blow…"
"I must ask, how is it we are able to break through the magic that protects the Lookout?" a fourth voice whispered. It had no substance, and it sounded monotone and empty.
"My brother has made one serious mistake, amongst the others he has committed that have sealed the Earth World's fate," Yao'Xi'Liu smiled menacingly, "He has allowed the key to enter the Lookout. Through this link, I am able to project all the suggestions I wish, and his shield is useless. Best of all, he is unaware, and does not suspect anything…"
"Ahhh, so the girl has managed to enter unchallenged?" asked another, the voice grating harshly through the air with incredible strength for it's reedy sound.
"Yes," the Dark Immortal answered, "and she is all we shall need to cast the fates in our favour. The Side of Good are helpless to stop the plague that shall assault them, and all because of Raiden's inability to see all sides of the truth. He only sees the good in all, not the darkness that they also hold. Everything holds darkness within, it is one of the laws that governs the Worlds."
"All we must do…is wait…" a dark tone echoed through the hall, "Everything is in place, and the fates shall play out into our hands…"
There were hisses of approval from all sides of the hall. Yao'Xi'Liu held up one hand for silence, and the sounds evaporated in mere moments. The leader of the Side of Evil smiled darkly. That was something else that his brother lacked in his fighters: discipline, harsh, unyielding discipline.
"Now, my captains, go and prepare my warriors further. I shall not have any possibility overlooked…"
From everywhere, there were signs of movement as figures made their way out of the hall at inhuman speed. Mere seconds later, the hall was deserted…except for Yao'Xi'Liu and two others.
"So, Master," the voice that had last spoken before the Dark Immortal had bade the chamber be emptied echoed through the shadows, clearly defining the sheer cavernous size of the room, "The legendary counter will be no threat to us?"
Yao'Xi'Liu nodded slowly after a few minutes of deliberation. "It should not be any obstacle, for Raiden's fighters are unable to use it…or at least, use it to its full potential as is necessary. I, however, refuse to underestimate my brother this time. He has an uncanny way of finding ways to survive, like an insect that refuses to die…"
"I suggest you allow me to rid you of the pest…" another voice came across the darkness as easily as if it was part of the dark. The tone and lyrical quality had a certain underlying feeling that made it uncannily at home in the blackness, as if it was part of it just yearning to return…
"No, Noob Saibot! How many times must I tell you, my brother is not careless, only foolish? He has taken precautions, created shields which even I cannot penetrate. An immortal can only be killed with magic or power, and he is protected from both while there. That is why the girl is there, for through her I can reach out without him realizing that with each passing moment…"
Noob Saibot leaped from the alcove in which he had observed the meeting. From his soundless landing, he was beside Yao'Xi'Liu as swiftly as thought. "Then why are you not able to reach him that way?" he asked, his voice slipping through the shadows as easily as ever.
Scorpion glared, his crimson eyes flaming. "Do you not think that the Master had realized that possibility?" he asked, his dark deep tone angry. It was like looking into the pits of the fiery Otherworld from which he came.
"The idea did cross my mind, but was discarded just as swiftly," The leader of the Side of Evil noted with a calm nod. This reaction seemed to catch Scorpion off-guard, for the colour of his eyes seemed to change from their angry crimson to a more puzzled vermillion hue.
"Master?"
"But then I realized that I cannot exault that much through the link," the Dark Immortal pointed out, "And the substantial magic needed would alert someone. If it failed, all would be ruined. No, it is to big a risk. One I am not willing to take. This way is most definitely better…"
"I see. We shall wait," Noob Saibot stated, nodding slightly. He then slipped through the shadows in the floor and was gone.
"Master, are you certain that it is wise to trust one as him?" asked Scorpion, his tone questioning, "He is, after all, a Lin Kuei…"
Yao'Xi'Liu's eyes glowed briefly, then returning to their odd glowing yellow-amber shade. A split-second later, Scorpion let our a hiss of pain as copper blood trickled down his right arm, glistening darkly on the black of his uniform and staining the yellow wristband he wore. His eyes widened briefly at the depth of the wound. The Dark Immortal was pretty confident if he felt he could afford to injure one of his best warriors as a warning.
"I do not let my guard down," the elder son of Kwailwong said, his voice dangerously low, "Do not for a moment suggest I am such a fool as my brother. Noob Saibot is one of my finest captains, but I hold no illusions as to what he is capable of. I know he is faithful to me, but I also know he could turn on me just as easily. No traitor of the Lin Kuei still carries honour in high regard, but he is useful to me."
Scorpion nodded in understanding, watching Yao'Xi'Liu in dark and grudging admiration. This one would not allow himself to be caught unprepared. Sometimes, it was almost as if something else was behind him, as if there were some greater darkness just wanting to be unleashed…Scorpion shook the idea easily. The times where it seemed like he could see the force were few and far between, and it was something more akin to dark power and wish for control than another separate being altogether. The evil within the Otherworld demon understood the Dark Immortal completely, but his semi-conscious self sometimes wondered how he could plan and painstakingly arrange for ten long years for one mere Tournament. It wasn't as if he couldn't easily conquer another World without Raiden noticing before it was too late, but his gaze seemed to be fixed on Earth…
Yao'Xi'Liu smiled grimly. Who would have thought that his foolish brother would have played so easily into his hands? One more move, and no one would be able to put a stop to his total and complete victory. There was no way he could lose.
'Finally, I will regain what is rightfully mine,' he mused, 'For it has been foretold, and it is my destiny…'
********
^^Wai, minna-san! Chapter fourteen in it's entirety! I hoped you enjoyed it, despite its strange moments and slightly darker tones here and there (*Jerry-kun: you call that "here and there"? That was virtually the whole chapter! *Jurei-chan: Hehe, well, it just, sort of…came out that way…^^;) which I did because I found that there weren't a lot of insights to Xiu and his personal traits, as well as some interesting S+S…well, they couldn't work out later on if they weren't even really on speaking terms with each other, ne? You'll see why the dream is so important later on, cause I can't really tell you why now without ruining the whole thing! Well, I hope you join me next time and ONEGAI, REVIEW!!! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW…ONEGAI? It really is the best part of writing ficcies, and I might just have given up on this without all your support! Now, to the ULT!
ULT Section
Kensu's Corner (Joke of the Chapter)
(This is one of my faves! Please keep in mind that I'm not blasphemous, and I'm not making fun of any religion! [At least on purpose!] So don't kill me! Hehe^^;)
~One Sunday, everyone was gathered in Sunday 9:00 Catholic mass when Satan came up through the floor of the church in all his fiery fury.
"I am Satan!" he boomed out to the stunned congregation in an earth-shattering voice, "All of you will burn in hell with me!"
Of course, everyone began to scream and run out of the church, while the Prince of Darkness laughed cruelly and blasted fire out to try and hurry the stragglers. However, the evil smile on his face became a puzzled look when he noticed one little old man who hadn't even moved from his seat and looked around the church almost as if Satan wasn't even there. He didn't even seem ruffled by the fire and the rumbling, which shook the floor at odd intervals, acting as if they happened to him every day.
"Do you not know who I am?" questioned Satan, voice like a gigantic bell struck with a sledgehammer.
"Of course I know who you are," answered the old man, calmly as if he was being asked by any normal person, let alone the ruler of Hell himself, "You're Satan. Everyone knows who you are."
The answer puzzled the Devil more than before. On all previous encounters, his name had seemed to strike fear into the hearts of the bravest.
"Aren't you afraid of me?" he boomed, seeing if his tone could have any effect on the man.
"Hmmm, not particularly, no," the old man said, scratching the back of his head, almost bored.
"Why not?"
"Because," answered the little old man, "I've been married to your sister for forty-nine years, and frankly, she's ten times worse than you are!"
~
(Taken from "Lawyers and Other Reptiles II: The Appeal")
Q: What's the difference between a lawyer and an onion?
A: You cry when you cut the onion
~
A lawyer and a physician were walking near a beach. The made a bet for twenty-five cents as to whom could hold their breath underwater for the longest period of time. The lawyer drowned.
~
A passenger yacht was cruising through tropical waters one day when it hit a reef. The sides were badly damaged, and in a mere matter of moments, the wreckage was sinking into the Caribbean seas. Most of the passengers could have survived, maybe, except for the sharks that circled the assorted objects to which the people had attached themselves. Whenever possible, the sharks would attack, preying upon the helpless victims.
On one such item, two friends were floating together. Most of their attention was consumed by the predatory fish that circled, eager to make a meal of the two, but one couldn't help but notice a certain area, which the sharks seemed to be avoiding.
"Hey, how come the sharks aren't going after that guy?" he asked, pointing in the general direction of the clear area where one solitary "raft" could be seen.
His friend looked up momentarily, grimacing slightly. "Ah, that guy's a lawyer," he said, avoiding another shark as the creature swam past to prey on a fat lady in a gaudy hot pink dress.
"A lawyer? What does that have to do with it?" the first guy asked curiously.
"Didn't you know? It's simple, really, " the other guy answered, "it's an agreement between the sharks and the lawyers. They don't eat their own kind."
~
^^Well, minna-san, that's all for this time! ONEGAI, SEND ME JOKES! I'm running out…^^; Most of the ones I hear nowadays are either really dirty, (twisted people in my school, don't ask.^^;;;) or those "You had to be there" kind. N
The Asina Counterpart (Favourite fanfics of Fanfiction.Net)
Saving Sakura
Author: SakuraJade
Genre: Romance
Well, definitely one of the more interesting ideas out there. A couple of fics have been done with Sakura having an abusive step-mom, but this is definitely among the better ones! Basically, it sticks close to the CCS canon, but with enough poetic licensing and interesting twists to make it an all-around good fanfic. Also, lost of cute S+S! Wai! The chara are a bit older, but Sakura is still capturing Clow Cards and Syaoran has only just arrived in Tomoeda. The only issue I have is that SakuraJade is using the English names, but she has already switched to Japanese names in her newest fic, so it's no longer too much of an issue. I really recommend you read this and all of SakuraJade's fanfics, because they're all worth a look! Wai!^^
J-chan gives it: ********.5/10
Forever Branded
Author: Hyppoclymae
Genre: Romance/Action/Adventure
A very good fanfic all around! The way it's written causes it to have a distinct flavour all its own, and there's no other fanfic like it on fF.Net! (if there is, please tell me because I really loved it so much!) Unfortunately, Hyppoclymae-san hasn't updated in a while, but I'm hoping this will be continued soon, because it's one of my favourites! Despite being somewhat medieval, it has a heavier lean towards Greek mythology than England-style Middle Ages. Not recommended for readers 11-, due to some dialogue used, but they probably shouldn't be reading this fic either, ne? ~chases away all little ten-year old kids who are reading without parent's permission~ Anyway, I heavily recommend it to people who enjoy Alternate Universe fics, because it's REALLY far from the CCS canon! Wai! Take a look!
J-chan gives it: **********/10
The Secret of Mahou Kingdom
Author: Manda-chan
Genre: Romance/Mystery
I have one word for this, and that is SUGOI! Wai! As a friend of the author, it's kinda my duty to alert people to this fic, because it's written in the tradition Manda-chan style, which is definitely noteworthy! Very kawaii, but I can't really tell you the plot without ruining something…even thought Manda-chan has done a wonderful job of keeping us on edge…(*cough* update! *cough cough*) Also, I'd like to mention another of her fics, which she has decided not to continue. And I say ARE YOU CRAZY? She started "Lunar; Silver Star Story" in a CCS form, but decided not to continue due to the number of people who reviewed, which is a SHAME! The writing was almost better than playing the game yourself! Well, I guess we'll just have to let it go, unless a lot of people happened to review…well, anyway…(hehe, shameless advertising, ne? ^^;;;) R&R if you have time, because it's definitely a cute story! Wai!
J-chan gives it: ********.5/10
J-chan gives "Silver Star Story": ********.5/10
A Camp Adventure Gone Wrong
Author: Jadewing
Genre: Romance/Action/Adventure
VERY VERY KAWAII! Wai! I really loved this one! I had read it a while ago, but was reminded about it by a reviewer in a previous chapter, and I'm glad I was! All the pranks between Sakura's group and the guys' cabin are especially funny! A cute little S+S, with a hint of dark adventure to it too! My favourite chapter was probably "Of Treetops and Potato Wars" because it's just so funny and kawaii for S+S! Ahhh, I'm going to read it again as soon as I post this! Or maybe I'll read ALL the fics over again, because they're so great! Well, I recommend R&R for this, because it's definitely worth it! Wai! Take a look!
J-chan gives it: *********/10
^^All these fics are incredible, and I hope you take a look at them all! Hopefully, some of you have found this helpful in some way, so that stories that aren't exactly in the spotlight like Chette Teng's ficcies can get some exposure too! Of course, some fics out there aren't very original and repeat overused ideas, or the authors don't make an effort to use good grammar, spelling, and interesting words. Personally, I will try to find good fics that are well written and ones that I have enjoyed, hoping you will get some pleasure out of reading them, like I have. Onegai, tell these authors what you think! I'm sure they're all just as eager as I am to have their stories read and reviewed by you guys! Ja till chapter fifteen! ~Jurei-chan^.^