Mr. Badguy87: Well I'm back again!!! I would like to apologize for the
length of time it has taken me to get out the chapters in the past and also
for the poor quality of the chapters. I had lost interest in my story for
a short while, and felt like I was forcing out the chapters, which had
resulted in several poor chapters. I would also like to inform my beta
reviewers - Terra-chan and the others (you know who you are!)- that I won't
be requesting you for your help for a while. My cousin recently moved in
with us and has agreed to help me with my chapters. I'm not suspending
your activities altogether, but I won't be e-mailing you as many chapters
anymore. I probably will e-mail you chapters of big events, such as the
final battle with Mangkukulam and other events of that nature. Anyways,
with a renewed interest in this story I'm back to write better than ever
before!!
Ryo: So he actually has some decency in that empty brain of his!
Mr. Badguy87: Why you little.. Hmph, I promised to write better chapters and I'm not gonna let you bring me down, now start the disclaimer before I become angry again!!
Ryo: Okay okay, Mr. Badguy87 does not own anything associated with CCS and CLAMP, however he does own this plot, the Guardian Force, Mangkukulam and his 13 demons, and myself.
Suppi: I'm a little disappointed the other true Guardians and I have not had a real part in this story like in other stories
Nakuru: Me too
Kero: Me three
Yue: I'm happy with it, my alter ego is falling in love with a girl, which means I won't be trapped in the body of a gay person
*Kero, Suppi, and Nakuru sweat drop*
Mr. Badguy87: Now before those four bungling idiots reveal anything else in the future here are some things you should know:
"speaking" 'thinking' [[psychically communicating]]
~*****~ change of scene ~^^^^^~ flashback ~~ Change into/out of first person POV
Mr. Badguy87: Now onto my story!!!
He Has Returned
Chapter Twelve
Taken
Sakura collapsed onto the couch, along with Tomoyo, Meiling, Chiharu, Naoko, Rika, Takashi, Shen, and Eriol.
"Michael wasn't kidding when he said training with Ryo was a living hell." Eriol said exhausted
"I agree with that. Ryo doesn't even break a sweat when he runs that fifteen miles with us. I could swear he laps us." Takashi said, totally wiped out.
"Shouldn't you guys be able to keep up with him?" Meiling asked "I mean all of you look fit anough."
That statement was true. All three of them were star soccer players, all of them took at least one form of martial arts, and all of them were some of the strongest and fittest guys in their old high school in Tomeoda and at the new one at Hong Kong Academy.
"Well none of my training prepared me for this" Shen said
"Damn right" Eriol agreed, "What about you Meiling, you've trained alongside Syaoran, shouldn't you be tough enough to handle this?"
"Well I may be a born tiger, but I'm still a woman!" Meiling said "And a woman shouldn't have to be running fifteen miles followed by rigorous calisthenics and martial arts training!"
Sakura, Tomoyo, Chiharu, Naoko, and Rika all yelled out 'amen to that', causing everyone to laugh
"Where's Syaoran?" Sakura asked
"How should we know, he's your fiance after all" Meiling said
"I seem to remember at one point in our childhood that you were obsessed with him Meiling" Chiharu said with a smile.
"What's past is past, anyways I remember him wanting to spar with Ryo"
"Let's go watch them, it should be a pretty evenly matched fight." Eriol said
He got up and went out to the other side of the island, followed by Sakura and the others.
~*****~
One man however was not letting the past go.
"You have failed me Unawa." Mangkukulam said with as much venom as he could muster "Not only did you let a perfectly good oppurtunity to capture the clowmistress slip through your fingers, but you let the Guardian escape with his life as well!"
"Master, you must understand, I almost had her, had those three bungling idiots done their part, she would be in your grasp today and her powers would be yours"
"Do not blame us for your ineptitude, Unawa" Mamamana said
"Shut up Mamamana, you let yourself get stunned by a spell any second rate magician could cast!" Unawa said with fury
"It was a Guardian incantation" Manunuligsa said, defending his comrade
"It still works on the same principles you idiot!"
"Unawa is right" Mangkukulam interrupted "However Demonyo, I cannot overlook your own failures. I give you one last chance to capture her, should you fail, I will have your head."
~*****~
Unawa steamed out of Mangkukulam's war room, furious at his former comrade's betrayal.
'How could they do that to me, after all I had done for them!' He thought spitefully
"If that foolish Guardian hadn't gotten in the way I could have had her."
"Indeed Master Unawa," One of his necromancers said
"I must find a way to destroy him"
"He is extremely powerful Lord Unawa, I doubt that he can be taken down with brute force."
"You are right servant, maybe I have been going about this the wrong way."
"Perhaps the Guardian could be influenced to join our ranks Lord" another necromancer said.
"Impossible, their psychic powers are too strong for them to be taken over" A death knight yelled
"Perhaps coersion might work, threatening one he loves perhaps?"
"That might just work," Unawa said with a smile "We could threaten someone close to him, so dear to him that he would become so enraged that he turns almost evil. The we work off of his emotions and turn him against his comrades."
"I am still skeptical about this plan."
"I would expect that," Unawa said with a devious smile, "But not many people know about his past."
"His past, Lord?"
"Yes, I know for a fact that he used to be evil"
~*****~
The group arrived in the midle of Syaoran and Ryo's match. It looked as if both of them had been giving it their all, Ryo looked as if he was holding back.
"Come on Ryo," Syaoran called out "I know for a fact you have more power than this. The Guardians trained you all your life and all they taught you were little fairy punches?"
"Don't tempt me Syaoran," Ryo answered "I might just do that."
"Come on then" Syaoran jeered "I want to see what you 'Guardians' are made of"
Ryo smirked, then all of sudden rumbling began. It got stronger and stronger. Eriol and the others looked towards Ryo, whom they realized was the cause of the sudden tremors.
'I had no idea he was this powerful' Eriol thought
Several Li clan members came out of the island to watch what was happening. Several others who were training nearby also came to witness the fight.
Syaoran was a little taken aback at how much power Ryo was exhibiting. He had already transformed to his ranger stage, then to his knight, but he was going far beyond that. He transformed again then a fourth time, and with that he settled down.
"Well," Ryo said smirking,"You ready for a challenge?"
"Absolutely"
~*****~
"Look at how much power he is showing master!"
"I know, but look at how much more he is holding back." Unawa said deviously"It will only take one little event for him to let it all out, then in his rage and fury, we take control of the world's most powerful Guardian."
~*****~
Even with Ryo's fourth tansformation, Syaoran was able to hold his own. However, he had to pull out every trick in the book even to keep up with Ryo. Ryo was all over the place, first in front then back, so fast he left his shadow behind him. Syaoran could barely see him as he moved. Ryo delivered blow after blow after blow, and it took Syaoran much energy to block or dodge them, barely having time to deliver his own. Syaoran had never before experienced a fight like this. He never had fought any opponent like Ryo. Even though he had no edge or advantage on the battlefield, it was exhilirating.
The spectators had grown to quite an amount of people. Almost everyone was cheering for Syaoran, including Sakura and her friends in the front. Even Meiling was cheering for Syaoran. Sakura managed to conjure a banner saying "GO SYAORAN!". Rika and Chiharu were both doing cheers on the sidelines. Meiling and Tomoyo held up the sign.
"I thought you're supposed to be my fiance, Meiling" Ryo said while parrying one of Syaoran's blows
"I like to cheer for the underdog." Meiling replied
Ryos smiled at her then continued to fight. He was surprised at how well Syaoran was keeping up with him. Then again, he was surprised at the progress all of his friends had been making. Tomoyo and Meiling's magical skills were at an amazingly high level for only training for four years. Naoko, Shen, and Rika both had the makings of excellent conjurers. Chiharu and Takashi both were making astounding progress in their dueling skills. He wondered how he would fare in a fight against Sakura or Eriol nowadays.
Ryo was caught off guard as Syaoran chanted an incantation that made a duplicate of himself. Ryo was also surprised at how he was unable to accuratey predict Syaoran's next moves, despite his psychic abilities.
"What have you been doing Syaoran?" Ryo called out, frustrated when he was cuaght off guard by another one of Syaoran's spells. "Pulling these moves out of your ass?"
"Well if I don't know what I'm going to do next, that means that you can't read my mind and find out!" Syaoran said, smirking.
"Smart moves Syaoran, but you're eventually gonna make a mistake!"
"You might be the first Ryo so don't get cocky!"
Syaoran and Ryo traded blows once again, moving too fast for a normal person to see. Some of the fighters of the Li Clan even had trouble keeping up. Syaoran eventually took control of the fight, but made one fatal mistake. He glanced over at Sakura just as she did a backflip, and caugt a glimpse of his beloved's well-developed chest.
"Mistake number one Syaoran!!"
Ryo charged into him, kicking away his sword and bringing his own to Syaoran's neck.
"Match"
Ryo offered his hand and Syaoran smiled as he took it.
"You must learn to focus on your battle more Syaoran. Focus and calm yourself. You did really great but ou could work on some areas of your technique. You raise your sword too far over your head, leaving yourself open to attack for a brief period of time. You also parry a blow to hard, expending too much energy. But on the whole I was rather surprised at how well you did."
"Syaoran!!"
"Sakura!"
"Great job Syaoran, I doubt any of us could have lasted that long against him!" Eriol said as Sakura ran into Syaoran arms.
"I wouldn't doubt that you or Sakura could give me a run for my money" Ryo said, joining the group.
"You were really powerful Ryo, I had no idea how much power you really possess" Meiling said pecking him on the cheek.
"Anyways, there won't be any training tomorrow, for any of you."
"Really?" Tomoyo said
"Yeah, it's a weekend and I don't feel like training tomorrow anyway"
"Cool, finally a moment of peace" Shen said as he wrapped his arms around Naoko
"I was thinking that we could go to the park tomorrow." Ryo said
"That's cool" Takashi said
"It would sure beat training." Naoko said. "I could finally read a book and not fall asleep from exhuastion."
"Some things will never change" Shen said giving Naoko a peck on the cheek "And I don't want them to."
"Finally some fun!" Sakura exclaimed.
~*****~
"Yes Clowmistress, tomorrow will be a lot of fun." Unawa said devilishly "If you consider fun getting stabbed in your back by a loyal friend, that is."
~*****~
The sun was up and birght the next day. The group of energetic teens, decked in beach gear and carrying various items, decided to walk to the park. The were going to a beautiful lake park. It was due east of the island. Yelan had objected to their decision to go off the island, but since Ryo was accompanying them she relented.
"I can't wait till we get there." Meiling said, walking by Ryo's side.
"It's very beautiful there. I was there only once before and only saw part of the park, but I'm sure the rest is very beautiful too." Syaoran said, carrying a heavy cooler of drinks and snacks with Eriol.
Sakura and her friends finally reached the park gates, where they paid a very small fee. They walked through the nature trail then picked out a spot on the shore of the lake. The waters of the lake were crystal clear, and the shores were perfect. The lake was surrounded by a multitude of beautiful trees. The park was not particularly full, but there was a pleasant number of people present.
Ryo and Meiling were the first to venture into the water. They were soon joined by Shen and Naoko. Naoko however was not pleased by the way she had entered the water. Shen had picked her up, put her over his shoulder then took her into the water with him. Tomoyo had recorded the entire incident.
"Shen, you are so going to get it tonight!" Naoko screamed
"Oh, really?" Shen asked incredulously
Shen smiled at her, but Naoko did her best in attempting not to smile back. After two minutes or so, her face twitched into a smile then she started laughing.
The entire group of teenagers was having fun. Syaoran and Sakura were flying a kite that Meiling had brought with them. Sakura had quite a difficult time keeping it in the air. Takashi, Chiharu, Meiling, Ryo, Naoko, and Shen set up the volleyball nets and started a game. Eriol and Tomoyo were on the sidelines watching. Tomoyo was sitting in Eriol's lap while she recorded the game. Eriol had his arms around her and kept whispering things into her ears that kept making her blush.
"TOMOYO WATCH OUT!!" Sakura yelled
Tomoyo looked just in time to see a kite smack her the face.
"OMIGOD!!" Sakura yelled "Are you alright Tomoyo??"
"Yeah.." Tomoyo said, recovering. "Good thing Ryo toughened me up."
"Maybe if you weren't so distracted by what Eriol had to say perhaps you might have ducked in time Tomoyo" Chiharu teased
"What was he saying to you anyway Tomoyo?" Rika asked
Tomoyo mumbled some indistinguishable words and blushed, looking down.
"Exactly what did you say to her?" Shen asked Eriol
Very uncharacteristic of Eriol, he put his down and buried his face in Tomoyo's neck. However he couldn't hide the blush that had crept to his face moments before.
"How kawaii!!" Sakura squealed, holding up Tomoyo's camera
"Sakura!!" Eriol and Tomoyo yelled at the same time
"We have to head back now guys," Ryo called out, already packing up some of the things "It's already seven!"
"Do we have to?" Sakura whined "It's so nice out now, and it's still sunny!"
"Sorry Sakura, but I promised Aunt Yelan that we would be back before seven thirty" Ryo answered "You know, safety reasons."
"I guess you're right."
The entire group had begun packing up their things. Meiling and Sakura helped Ryo put all of their drinks and snacks back in the cooler. Syaoran and the other guys took down the nets. Rika, Chiharu, and Naoko gathered up the other miscellaneous belongings. By the time they had finished it had become quite dark.
"Is anyone else feeling a little uneasy right now?" Rika asked
"I feel it too Ryo." Eriol said
"We must leave right now." Ryo said urgently.
The group left in a hurry, hoping to leave behind whatever evil was looming. However when they reached the gate it was locked and there was no one around,as if everyone had disappeared. There was no one in the office, no cars on the parking lot or the street, and no peoplewalking on the sidewalks.
"I thought you said it was only around seven." Syaoran said to Ryo.
"It is, it's only seven fifteen." Ryo said with increasing worry
"Well I guess we can use magic on the lock since no one's around right now" Meiling said pushing her way to the front of the group
"That won't be happening anytime soon Li Meiling."
"UNAWA!!" Ryo yelled, immediately calling his sword.
Eriol and Syaoran also took out there staffs.
"You won't even get near Sakura." Syaoran said, gritting his teeth. "If you haven't noticed, all of us are a lot stronger now. Ryo also taught us how to protect our minds from attacks, namely your attacks"
"Indeed," Unawa said with a slight smirk "But whoever said I was here for Sakura?"
Syaoran looked slightly confused for a moment, but clarity to the situation soon came. Unawa drrew a dagger from his robes and threw straight at the group. It flew straight and true, hitting its intended target in the heart. But its target wasn't Sakura, or Syaoran, or Eriol, not even Ryo.
It was Meiling.
For Meiling the pain did not come until she realized that she had been hit. No one had realized she had been hit until she cried out in pain. Her bloodand life flowed freely out of her heart spilling out of her chest. Ryo immediately ran to her side and cradled her in his arms. He attempted to heal her but to no avail.
"Let me try." Eriol said, using magic to attempt to heal her, but his own efforts proved to be not enough.
Syaoran and Sakura also tried using magic, but neitherof them were able to heal the wound. Their attention was soon diverted from Meiling to Unawa once again by his cruel laugh.
"You will never be able to heal her." That dagger was coated with the blood of a black dragon. A black dragon's blood prevents a human's from coagulating properly, which means they can't heal from even the smallest of wounds."
Ryo was still shocked and still cradled Meiling in his arms.
"I'll be waiting for your reaction." Unawa said, motioning to Ryo. 'You no where to find me."
"Ryo," Meiling whispered "It's okay"
Ryo's tears now poured freely down his face.
"No Meiling it's not okay," He said cupping her face "I can't lose you"
"I'm sorry Ryo." Meiling said closing her eyes
"Meiling" Ryo said sniffing "You have nothing to be sorry for."
"I do Ryo," Meiling said, reaching up to touc his face. "I'm sorry for not realizing who I truly loved seven years ago, and I'm sorry for not being strong enough for you"
"Meiling" Ryo said hugging her to his chest "You are the strongest person I know, now quiet now, it's time for to rest, we'll bring you back to the island and everything is going to be better."
The rest of the group was speechless. Syaoran had latched onto Sakura, who was crying her eyes out. Everyone of them was crying.
"I love you Ryo."
"I love you too Meiling"
Meiling breathed one last time.
"Meiling?" Ryo said shaking her a little
"Meiling?" Ryo said once again, a little louder and shaking her a little more forcefully.
"Meiling..." Ryo whispered.
With that tears poured down his face. He was shaking from head to toe. Rain began pouring out of clouds that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. His hair was drooped, his entire body was limp, but it was the look in his eyes that got to you. He looked like a man that had lost everything in life, one that no longer anything to live for. In Ryo's mind, that was true.
Ryo gently laid Meiling on the groun and stood up, his white button-down shirt soaked with the blood of his fiance. He walked away from the group without a word.
"Ryo?" Syaoran asked as he passed him
"Ryo? Where are you going" Sakura asked, only to receive the cold shoulder.
Syaoran was about to go after him when Eriol grabbed his shoulder
"Don't" Eriol said with sadness in his eyes "He needs to be alone."
He looked at the limp body of Meiling. blood was still being pumped out of her heart.
'Pumped? This could mean...' Eriol thought as he walked up to the body
"Everyone!!v Meiling isn't dead!" Eriol exclaimed
"Really?" Syaoran asked "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely sure" Eriol said excitedly "But she hasn't got much time, we have to get her back to the island where a potion can be made. I know of something that stops the effects of black dragon blood."
Shen and Takashi gently lifted up Meiling while Syaoran and Eriol teleported everyone back to the island.
~*****~
Ryo flew towards his destination. The mountain fortress of Demonyo Unawa. The air around him pulsated with power. Clouds thundered and the ground quaked ashe passed it. The dam holding back the true powers of Ryo Yamamoto have been broken. The sleeping giant has been awakened. Only this giant did not have good intentions in mind.
He landed on the front steps of the castle to be met by some of Unawa guardsmen. He simply walked towards them. When he was about fifty yards away from them they were blown back by the sheer force of the power radiating from his body. He raised his palm to the cold metal doors of Unawa's castle, which quickly melted at his touch. Ryo slowly made his way up the stairs, met by barely any resistance. As if any one of Unawa's men could even get close to him.
"I'm glad you could make it Ryo" Unawa said while turning around
Ryo wasted no time with formalities. He quickly rushed Unawa and wrapped his hands around Unawa's neck
"Cu the crap you bastard!" Ryo yelled in his face "You took away my only reason for living and existing!"
Ryo began to squeeze harder
'This is my chance, he is blinded by hate and anger' Unawa thought devilishly
"But you must really think now Ryo" Unawa said 'Was it my fault she died? Or was another at fault here? The Clowmistress perhaps?"
"What?!?" Ryo yelled "Sakura would never do that!!"
"Sakura was always jealous of Meiling Ryo." Unawa reasoned. "Sakura had always wanted Syaoran, and Meiling was in the way."
"Not anymore she wasn't" Ryo said squeezing a little harder "Now keep that forked tongue quiet"
"If Sakura had been able to handle the Clow Cards, Meiling would not have died"
"What?"
"it's true, Sakura was holding back her power for her own selfish reasons Ryo. Sakura could have saved Meiling's life."
'I have him now' Unawa thought
"No if she had that power she would have used it" Ryo said, not believing his own words, for now his arms were at his sides, not around Unawa's neck
Unawa now circled around Ryo talking.
"Yes, it is the Clowmistress's fault yor beloved died. She wasn't strong enough to handle the Clow Cards, and Meiling paid for it with he life."
"The... Clowmistress's...fault"
"Indeed it was."
"Sakura's fault"
"yes Ryo, it was her" Unawa said looking into Ryo's eyes.
Unawa accessed Ryo's mind, warping every memory of Sakura he had, from a cheerful, friendly, and loving girl, to a hateful and lying one.
"It was Sakura's fault"
"And now you want revenge"
"Yes, I want revenge upon those that did this to me!" Ryo said, fists clenched.
"We can bring back Meiling Ryo, all you have to do is bring us Sakura, the Clowmistress."
"I will do whatever I must to bring Meiling back. And I will gladly bring that selfish bitch Sakura to you."
"Good"
~*****~
"I'm finished" Eriol said, walking out of the room in which Meiling rested. "The potion worked perfectly, she is no longer bleeding. I was unable to seal the wound magically though, since it is too early to do so and some of the effects of the dragon's blood are still lingering."
"That's a relief" Yelan said
"When will she be awake? It would be good for her to be awake when Ryo comes back." Syaoran said
"She won't be awake for at least several hours. She simply lsot too much blood."
"Ryo will be so glad to hear the Meiling is alright." Tomoyo said
"I think we all are." Sakura said, relieved one of her best friends was no longer on her deathbed.
Just then they could hear several shouts and bangs.
"What's that?" yelan said, but was blown back by the explosion that opened the door. Syaoran went and supported his mother, but was surprised to see that Ryo was the cause of the blast.
"Ryo!! Good news buddy..." Takashi started
"Save it you. I'm only here for one reason" Ryo said coldly 'To bring her back with me" pointing towards Sakura.
"What?!?" Bring me where??"
"To Mangkukulam"
"Ryo!!"
"Have you gone crazy??"
"Why the hell would you want to bring her there?"
"So Mangkukulam can strip her of the power that she doesn't deserve."
The entire group of people stood there dumbfounded. Was this the same Ryo that had befriended them all? Was this the same Ryo that had defended them all against evil? Was this the same Ryo that had loved Meiling? No it couldn't be, since that Ryo would never, could never, do such a thing.
"You're not thinking straight Ryo." Eriol said drawing out his staff "And I guess I'll have to stop you from making irrational decisions."
The others followed suit, drawing out staffs and other various weapons. Ryo however, had no time for petty child's play. He simply raised his palms and blew them all away, throwing them straight through the wall and into the next room. He walked through the rubble and over his old friends, and walked next to Sakura.
"My revenge is at hand Clowmistress"
Ryo hoisted Sakura over his shoulder and teleported of the island.
AAACK! CLIFFHANGER ALERT!! I can't believe I actually wrote that!! It's just a work of pure evil. But anyways, I didn't want to include everything- from Ryo's betrayal to Unawa's defeat- all in one chapter so I seperated it into two! Anyways review and I will promise to get the next chapter out in a week!! See Ya Later!!
Ryo: So he actually has some decency in that empty brain of his!
Mr. Badguy87: Why you little.. Hmph, I promised to write better chapters and I'm not gonna let you bring me down, now start the disclaimer before I become angry again!!
Ryo: Okay okay, Mr. Badguy87 does not own anything associated with CCS and CLAMP, however he does own this plot, the Guardian Force, Mangkukulam and his 13 demons, and myself.
Suppi: I'm a little disappointed the other true Guardians and I have not had a real part in this story like in other stories
Nakuru: Me too
Kero: Me three
Yue: I'm happy with it, my alter ego is falling in love with a girl, which means I won't be trapped in the body of a gay person
*Kero, Suppi, and Nakuru sweat drop*
Mr. Badguy87: Now before those four bungling idiots reveal anything else in the future here are some things you should know:
"speaking" 'thinking' [[psychically communicating]]
~*****~ change of scene ~^^^^^~ flashback ~~ Change into/out of first person POV
Mr. Badguy87: Now onto my story!!!
He Has Returned
Chapter Twelve
Taken
Sakura collapsed onto the couch, along with Tomoyo, Meiling, Chiharu, Naoko, Rika, Takashi, Shen, and Eriol.
"Michael wasn't kidding when he said training with Ryo was a living hell." Eriol said exhausted
"I agree with that. Ryo doesn't even break a sweat when he runs that fifteen miles with us. I could swear he laps us." Takashi said, totally wiped out.
"Shouldn't you guys be able to keep up with him?" Meiling asked "I mean all of you look fit anough."
That statement was true. All three of them were star soccer players, all of them took at least one form of martial arts, and all of them were some of the strongest and fittest guys in their old high school in Tomeoda and at the new one at Hong Kong Academy.
"Well none of my training prepared me for this" Shen said
"Damn right" Eriol agreed, "What about you Meiling, you've trained alongside Syaoran, shouldn't you be tough enough to handle this?"
"Well I may be a born tiger, but I'm still a woman!" Meiling said "And a woman shouldn't have to be running fifteen miles followed by rigorous calisthenics and martial arts training!"
Sakura, Tomoyo, Chiharu, Naoko, and Rika all yelled out 'amen to that', causing everyone to laugh
"Where's Syaoran?" Sakura asked
"How should we know, he's your fiance after all" Meiling said
"I seem to remember at one point in our childhood that you were obsessed with him Meiling" Chiharu said with a smile.
"What's past is past, anyways I remember him wanting to spar with Ryo"
"Let's go watch them, it should be a pretty evenly matched fight." Eriol said
He got up and went out to the other side of the island, followed by Sakura and the others.
~*****~
One man however was not letting the past go.
"You have failed me Unawa." Mangkukulam said with as much venom as he could muster "Not only did you let a perfectly good oppurtunity to capture the clowmistress slip through your fingers, but you let the Guardian escape with his life as well!"
"Master, you must understand, I almost had her, had those three bungling idiots done their part, she would be in your grasp today and her powers would be yours"
"Do not blame us for your ineptitude, Unawa" Mamamana said
"Shut up Mamamana, you let yourself get stunned by a spell any second rate magician could cast!" Unawa said with fury
"It was a Guardian incantation" Manunuligsa said, defending his comrade
"It still works on the same principles you idiot!"
"Unawa is right" Mangkukulam interrupted "However Demonyo, I cannot overlook your own failures. I give you one last chance to capture her, should you fail, I will have your head."
~*****~
Unawa steamed out of Mangkukulam's war room, furious at his former comrade's betrayal.
'How could they do that to me, after all I had done for them!' He thought spitefully
"If that foolish Guardian hadn't gotten in the way I could have had her."
"Indeed Master Unawa," One of his necromancers said
"I must find a way to destroy him"
"He is extremely powerful Lord Unawa, I doubt that he can be taken down with brute force."
"You are right servant, maybe I have been going about this the wrong way."
"Perhaps the Guardian could be influenced to join our ranks Lord" another necromancer said.
"Impossible, their psychic powers are too strong for them to be taken over" A death knight yelled
"Perhaps coersion might work, threatening one he loves perhaps?"
"That might just work," Unawa said with a smile "We could threaten someone close to him, so dear to him that he would become so enraged that he turns almost evil. The we work off of his emotions and turn him against his comrades."
"I am still skeptical about this plan."
"I would expect that," Unawa said with a devious smile, "But not many people know about his past."
"His past, Lord?"
"Yes, I know for a fact that he used to be evil"
~*****~
The group arrived in the midle of Syaoran and Ryo's match. It looked as if both of them had been giving it their all, Ryo looked as if he was holding back.
"Come on Ryo," Syaoran called out "I know for a fact you have more power than this. The Guardians trained you all your life and all they taught you were little fairy punches?"
"Don't tempt me Syaoran," Ryo answered "I might just do that."
"Come on then" Syaoran jeered "I want to see what you 'Guardians' are made of"
Ryo smirked, then all of sudden rumbling began. It got stronger and stronger. Eriol and the others looked towards Ryo, whom they realized was the cause of the sudden tremors.
'I had no idea he was this powerful' Eriol thought
Several Li clan members came out of the island to watch what was happening. Several others who were training nearby also came to witness the fight.
Syaoran was a little taken aback at how much power Ryo was exhibiting. He had already transformed to his ranger stage, then to his knight, but he was going far beyond that. He transformed again then a fourth time, and with that he settled down.
"Well," Ryo said smirking,"You ready for a challenge?"
"Absolutely"
~*****~
"Look at how much power he is showing master!"
"I know, but look at how much more he is holding back." Unawa said deviously"It will only take one little event for him to let it all out, then in his rage and fury, we take control of the world's most powerful Guardian."
~*****~
Even with Ryo's fourth tansformation, Syaoran was able to hold his own. However, he had to pull out every trick in the book even to keep up with Ryo. Ryo was all over the place, first in front then back, so fast he left his shadow behind him. Syaoran could barely see him as he moved. Ryo delivered blow after blow after blow, and it took Syaoran much energy to block or dodge them, barely having time to deliver his own. Syaoran had never before experienced a fight like this. He never had fought any opponent like Ryo. Even though he had no edge or advantage on the battlefield, it was exhilirating.
The spectators had grown to quite an amount of people. Almost everyone was cheering for Syaoran, including Sakura and her friends in the front. Even Meiling was cheering for Syaoran. Sakura managed to conjure a banner saying "GO SYAORAN!". Rika and Chiharu were both doing cheers on the sidelines. Meiling and Tomoyo held up the sign.
"I thought you're supposed to be my fiance, Meiling" Ryo said while parrying one of Syaoran's blows
"I like to cheer for the underdog." Meiling replied
Ryos smiled at her then continued to fight. He was surprised at how well Syaoran was keeping up with him. Then again, he was surprised at the progress all of his friends had been making. Tomoyo and Meiling's magical skills were at an amazingly high level for only training for four years. Naoko, Shen, and Rika both had the makings of excellent conjurers. Chiharu and Takashi both were making astounding progress in their dueling skills. He wondered how he would fare in a fight against Sakura or Eriol nowadays.
Ryo was caught off guard as Syaoran chanted an incantation that made a duplicate of himself. Ryo was also surprised at how he was unable to accuratey predict Syaoran's next moves, despite his psychic abilities.
"What have you been doing Syaoran?" Ryo called out, frustrated when he was cuaght off guard by another one of Syaoran's spells. "Pulling these moves out of your ass?"
"Well if I don't know what I'm going to do next, that means that you can't read my mind and find out!" Syaoran said, smirking.
"Smart moves Syaoran, but you're eventually gonna make a mistake!"
"You might be the first Ryo so don't get cocky!"
Syaoran and Ryo traded blows once again, moving too fast for a normal person to see. Some of the fighters of the Li Clan even had trouble keeping up. Syaoran eventually took control of the fight, but made one fatal mistake. He glanced over at Sakura just as she did a backflip, and caugt a glimpse of his beloved's well-developed chest.
"Mistake number one Syaoran!!"
Ryo charged into him, kicking away his sword and bringing his own to Syaoran's neck.
"Match"
Ryo offered his hand and Syaoran smiled as he took it.
"You must learn to focus on your battle more Syaoran. Focus and calm yourself. You did really great but ou could work on some areas of your technique. You raise your sword too far over your head, leaving yourself open to attack for a brief period of time. You also parry a blow to hard, expending too much energy. But on the whole I was rather surprised at how well you did."
"Syaoran!!"
"Sakura!"
"Great job Syaoran, I doubt any of us could have lasted that long against him!" Eriol said as Sakura ran into Syaoran arms.
"I wouldn't doubt that you or Sakura could give me a run for my money" Ryo said, joining the group.
"You were really powerful Ryo, I had no idea how much power you really possess" Meiling said pecking him on the cheek.
"Anyways, there won't be any training tomorrow, for any of you."
"Really?" Tomoyo said
"Yeah, it's a weekend and I don't feel like training tomorrow anyway"
"Cool, finally a moment of peace" Shen said as he wrapped his arms around Naoko
"I was thinking that we could go to the park tomorrow." Ryo said
"That's cool" Takashi said
"It would sure beat training." Naoko said. "I could finally read a book and not fall asleep from exhuastion."
"Some things will never change" Shen said giving Naoko a peck on the cheek "And I don't want them to."
"Finally some fun!" Sakura exclaimed.
~*****~
"Yes Clowmistress, tomorrow will be a lot of fun." Unawa said devilishly "If you consider fun getting stabbed in your back by a loyal friend, that is."
~*****~
The sun was up and birght the next day. The group of energetic teens, decked in beach gear and carrying various items, decided to walk to the park. The were going to a beautiful lake park. It was due east of the island. Yelan had objected to their decision to go off the island, but since Ryo was accompanying them she relented.
"I can't wait till we get there." Meiling said, walking by Ryo's side.
"It's very beautiful there. I was there only once before and only saw part of the park, but I'm sure the rest is very beautiful too." Syaoran said, carrying a heavy cooler of drinks and snacks with Eriol.
Sakura and her friends finally reached the park gates, where they paid a very small fee. They walked through the nature trail then picked out a spot on the shore of the lake. The waters of the lake were crystal clear, and the shores were perfect. The lake was surrounded by a multitude of beautiful trees. The park was not particularly full, but there was a pleasant number of people present.
Ryo and Meiling were the first to venture into the water. They were soon joined by Shen and Naoko. Naoko however was not pleased by the way she had entered the water. Shen had picked her up, put her over his shoulder then took her into the water with him. Tomoyo had recorded the entire incident.
"Shen, you are so going to get it tonight!" Naoko screamed
"Oh, really?" Shen asked incredulously
Shen smiled at her, but Naoko did her best in attempting not to smile back. After two minutes or so, her face twitched into a smile then she started laughing.
The entire group of teenagers was having fun. Syaoran and Sakura were flying a kite that Meiling had brought with them. Sakura had quite a difficult time keeping it in the air. Takashi, Chiharu, Meiling, Ryo, Naoko, and Shen set up the volleyball nets and started a game. Eriol and Tomoyo were on the sidelines watching. Tomoyo was sitting in Eriol's lap while she recorded the game. Eriol had his arms around her and kept whispering things into her ears that kept making her blush.
"TOMOYO WATCH OUT!!" Sakura yelled
Tomoyo looked just in time to see a kite smack her the face.
"OMIGOD!!" Sakura yelled "Are you alright Tomoyo??"
"Yeah.." Tomoyo said, recovering. "Good thing Ryo toughened me up."
"Maybe if you weren't so distracted by what Eriol had to say perhaps you might have ducked in time Tomoyo" Chiharu teased
"What was he saying to you anyway Tomoyo?" Rika asked
Tomoyo mumbled some indistinguishable words and blushed, looking down.
"Exactly what did you say to her?" Shen asked Eriol
Very uncharacteristic of Eriol, he put his down and buried his face in Tomoyo's neck. However he couldn't hide the blush that had crept to his face moments before.
"How kawaii!!" Sakura squealed, holding up Tomoyo's camera
"Sakura!!" Eriol and Tomoyo yelled at the same time
"We have to head back now guys," Ryo called out, already packing up some of the things "It's already seven!"
"Do we have to?" Sakura whined "It's so nice out now, and it's still sunny!"
"Sorry Sakura, but I promised Aunt Yelan that we would be back before seven thirty" Ryo answered "You know, safety reasons."
"I guess you're right."
The entire group had begun packing up their things. Meiling and Sakura helped Ryo put all of their drinks and snacks back in the cooler. Syaoran and the other guys took down the nets. Rika, Chiharu, and Naoko gathered up the other miscellaneous belongings. By the time they had finished it had become quite dark.
"Is anyone else feeling a little uneasy right now?" Rika asked
"I feel it too Ryo." Eriol said
"We must leave right now." Ryo said urgently.
The group left in a hurry, hoping to leave behind whatever evil was looming. However when they reached the gate it was locked and there was no one around,as if everyone had disappeared. There was no one in the office, no cars on the parking lot or the street, and no peoplewalking on the sidewalks.
"I thought you said it was only around seven." Syaoran said to Ryo.
"It is, it's only seven fifteen." Ryo said with increasing worry
"Well I guess we can use magic on the lock since no one's around right now" Meiling said pushing her way to the front of the group
"That won't be happening anytime soon Li Meiling."
"UNAWA!!" Ryo yelled, immediately calling his sword.
Eriol and Syaoran also took out there staffs.
"You won't even get near Sakura." Syaoran said, gritting his teeth. "If you haven't noticed, all of us are a lot stronger now. Ryo also taught us how to protect our minds from attacks, namely your attacks"
"Indeed," Unawa said with a slight smirk "But whoever said I was here for Sakura?"
Syaoran looked slightly confused for a moment, but clarity to the situation soon came. Unawa drrew a dagger from his robes and threw straight at the group. It flew straight and true, hitting its intended target in the heart. But its target wasn't Sakura, or Syaoran, or Eriol, not even Ryo.
It was Meiling.
For Meiling the pain did not come until she realized that she had been hit. No one had realized she had been hit until she cried out in pain. Her bloodand life flowed freely out of her heart spilling out of her chest. Ryo immediately ran to her side and cradled her in his arms. He attempted to heal her but to no avail.
"Let me try." Eriol said, using magic to attempt to heal her, but his own efforts proved to be not enough.
Syaoran and Sakura also tried using magic, but neitherof them were able to heal the wound. Their attention was soon diverted from Meiling to Unawa once again by his cruel laugh.
"You will never be able to heal her." That dagger was coated with the blood of a black dragon. A black dragon's blood prevents a human's from coagulating properly, which means they can't heal from even the smallest of wounds."
Ryo was still shocked and still cradled Meiling in his arms.
"I'll be waiting for your reaction." Unawa said, motioning to Ryo. 'You no where to find me."
"Ryo," Meiling whispered "It's okay"
Ryo's tears now poured freely down his face.
"No Meiling it's not okay," He said cupping her face "I can't lose you"
"I'm sorry Ryo." Meiling said closing her eyes
"Meiling" Ryo said sniffing "You have nothing to be sorry for."
"I do Ryo," Meiling said, reaching up to touc his face. "I'm sorry for not realizing who I truly loved seven years ago, and I'm sorry for not being strong enough for you"
"Meiling" Ryo said hugging her to his chest "You are the strongest person I know, now quiet now, it's time for to rest, we'll bring you back to the island and everything is going to be better."
The rest of the group was speechless. Syaoran had latched onto Sakura, who was crying her eyes out. Everyone of them was crying.
"I love you Ryo."
"I love you too Meiling"
Meiling breathed one last time.
"Meiling?" Ryo said shaking her a little
"Meiling?" Ryo said once again, a little louder and shaking her a little more forcefully.
"Meiling..." Ryo whispered.
With that tears poured down his face. He was shaking from head to toe. Rain began pouring out of clouds that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. His hair was drooped, his entire body was limp, but it was the look in his eyes that got to you. He looked like a man that had lost everything in life, one that no longer anything to live for. In Ryo's mind, that was true.
Ryo gently laid Meiling on the groun and stood up, his white button-down shirt soaked with the blood of his fiance. He walked away from the group without a word.
"Ryo?" Syaoran asked as he passed him
"Ryo? Where are you going" Sakura asked, only to receive the cold shoulder.
Syaoran was about to go after him when Eriol grabbed his shoulder
"Don't" Eriol said with sadness in his eyes "He needs to be alone."
He looked at the limp body of Meiling. blood was still being pumped out of her heart.
'Pumped? This could mean...' Eriol thought as he walked up to the body
"Everyone!!v Meiling isn't dead!" Eriol exclaimed
"Really?" Syaoran asked "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely sure" Eriol said excitedly "But she hasn't got much time, we have to get her back to the island where a potion can be made. I know of something that stops the effects of black dragon blood."
Shen and Takashi gently lifted up Meiling while Syaoran and Eriol teleported everyone back to the island.
~*****~
Ryo flew towards his destination. The mountain fortress of Demonyo Unawa. The air around him pulsated with power. Clouds thundered and the ground quaked ashe passed it. The dam holding back the true powers of Ryo Yamamoto have been broken. The sleeping giant has been awakened. Only this giant did not have good intentions in mind.
He landed on the front steps of the castle to be met by some of Unawa guardsmen. He simply walked towards them. When he was about fifty yards away from them they were blown back by the sheer force of the power radiating from his body. He raised his palm to the cold metal doors of Unawa's castle, which quickly melted at his touch. Ryo slowly made his way up the stairs, met by barely any resistance. As if any one of Unawa's men could even get close to him.
"I'm glad you could make it Ryo" Unawa said while turning around
Ryo wasted no time with formalities. He quickly rushed Unawa and wrapped his hands around Unawa's neck
"Cu the crap you bastard!" Ryo yelled in his face "You took away my only reason for living and existing!"
Ryo began to squeeze harder
'This is my chance, he is blinded by hate and anger' Unawa thought devilishly
"But you must really think now Ryo" Unawa said 'Was it my fault she died? Or was another at fault here? The Clowmistress perhaps?"
"What?!?" Ryo yelled "Sakura would never do that!!"
"Sakura was always jealous of Meiling Ryo." Unawa reasoned. "Sakura had always wanted Syaoran, and Meiling was in the way."
"Not anymore she wasn't" Ryo said squeezing a little harder "Now keep that forked tongue quiet"
"If Sakura had been able to handle the Clow Cards, Meiling would not have died"
"What?"
"it's true, Sakura was holding back her power for her own selfish reasons Ryo. Sakura could have saved Meiling's life."
'I have him now' Unawa thought
"No if she had that power she would have used it" Ryo said, not believing his own words, for now his arms were at his sides, not around Unawa's neck
Unawa now circled around Ryo talking.
"Yes, it is the Clowmistress's fault yor beloved died. She wasn't strong enough to handle the Clow Cards, and Meiling paid for it with he life."
"The... Clowmistress's...fault"
"Indeed it was."
"Sakura's fault"
"yes Ryo, it was her" Unawa said looking into Ryo's eyes.
Unawa accessed Ryo's mind, warping every memory of Sakura he had, from a cheerful, friendly, and loving girl, to a hateful and lying one.
"It was Sakura's fault"
"And now you want revenge"
"Yes, I want revenge upon those that did this to me!" Ryo said, fists clenched.
"We can bring back Meiling Ryo, all you have to do is bring us Sakura, the Clowmistress."
"I will do whatever I must to bring Meiling back. And I will gladly bring that selfish bitch Sakura to you."
"Good"
~*****~
"I'm finished" Eriol said, walking out of the room in which Meiling rested. "The potion worked perfectly, she is no longer bleeding. I was unable to seal the wound magically though, since it is too early to do so and some of the effects of the dragon's blood are still lingering."
"That's a relief" Yelan said
"When will she be awake? It would be good for her to be awake when Ryo comes back." Syaoran said
"She won't be awake for at least several hours. She simply lsot too much blood."
"Ryo will be so glad to hear the Meiling is alright." Tomoyo said
"I think we all are." Sakura said, relieved one of her best friends was no longer on her deathbed.
Just then they could hear several shouts and bangs.
"What's that?" yelan said, but was blown back by the explosion that opened the door. Syaoran went and supported his mother, but was surprised to see that Ryo was the cause of the blast.
"Ryo!! Good news buddy..." Takashi started
"Save it you. I'm only here for one reason" Ryo said coldly 'To bring her back with me" pointing towards Sakura.
"What?!?" Bring me where??"
"To Mangkukulam"
"Ryo!!"
"Have you gone crazy??"
"Why the hell would you want to bring her there?"
"So Mangkukulam can strip her of the power that she doesn't deserve."
The entire group of people stood there dumbfounded. Was this the same Ryo that had befriended them all? Was this the same Ryo that had defended them all against evil? Was this the same Ryo that had loved Meiling? No it couldn't be, since that Ryo would never, could never, do such a thing.
"You're not thinking straight Ryo." Eriol said drawing out his staff "And I guess I'll have to stop you from making irrational decisions."
The others followed suit, drawing out staffs and other various weapons. Ryo however, had no time for petty child's play. He simply raised his palms and blew them all away, throwing them straight through the wall and into the next room. He walked through the rubble and over his old friends, and walked next to Sakura.
"My revenge is at hand Clowmistress"
Ryo hoisted Sakura over his shoulder and teleported of the island.
AAACK! CLIFFHANGER ALERT!! I can't believe I actually wrote that!! It's just a work of pure evil. But anyways, I didn't want to include everything- from Ryo's betrayal to Unawa's defeat- all in one chapter so I seperated it into two! Anyways review and I will promise to get the next chapter out in a week!! See Ya Later!!