Mr. Badguy87: Well last chapter was pretty entertaining, don't you all
think?
Sakura: I think they're wondering what happens to me?
Ryo: How could you tarnish my spotless reputation like this?
Mr. Badguy87: Well you never had a good reputation to begin with. From the start of the story I always planned to have you have a shady past.
Ryo: hmph
Mr. Badguy87: I didn't want my character to be some spotless spandex wearing boyscout
Ryo: I guess you're right
Meiling: Ryo and Mr. Baguy87 agreeing? I think that the apocalypse may be starting soon...
Kero: Well while we wait for armageddon I think some thanks are in order for all those that reviewed.
Suppi: Mr. Badguy87 would also like his loyal readers to know:
"speaking" 'thinking' [[psychically communicating]]
~*****~ change of scene ~^^^^^~ flashback ~~ Change into/out of first person POV
Mr. Badguy87: Now on with my story!!
He Has Returned
Chapter Thirteen
Redemption
When Sakura cam to she was in a dark cold place. She could feel the evil swirl around her.
'Where am I?' Sakura asked herself 'The last thing I remember is Ryo taking...'
Sakura zoned out for a moment.
"Why would Ryo do this to me?" Sakura asked out loud
Sakura looked back on all of the memories that she had of Ryo. When they first met, the first time he saved them, when he took them into his home and healed Syaoran. He was an amazing person, one whose life was fighting the evil that had almost killed Meiling.
"What will Meiling think?"
Sakura turned her head when she heard the clang of metal as the door to her dungeon was opened.
"Ryo!"
"Clowmistress"
"Why are you doing this Ryo? I thought that you cared about us. I thought that you hated Mangkukulam and his cronies!"
Ryo said nothing as he took the keys to her cell off the wall and opened her jail cell.
"Meiling is still alive Ryo."
Ryo stopped all of his movement, for a second Sakura thought he stopped breathing as well.
"A...live?"
"Yes Ryo, she's still alive, Eriol made a potion for her and I healed her wounds."
Ryo said nothing as he set a platter of food down on the floor.
"You do remember Eriol?" Sakura asked, thinking he may have been brainwashed. "And me? Right, Ryo?"
"I remember Eriol, but you, you were..."
Sakura looked into cool blue eyes. They were deep and searching.
"I can't remember why you..."
"STOP THAT YOU LITTLE WENCH!!" Unawa screamed, slapping Sakura
Sakura stumbled backwards and landed on her back.
"Ryo" Unawa said turning to his new servant "Leave. Now"
"Yes Master"
Unawa watched as his newly acquired servant left the dungeon.
"What have you done to him?"
"It may be against my better judgement but I'll tell you anyway, since you'll be dead in a day." Unawa said with a smirk. "It all starts with Ryo's past. Not many people know the truth about his past. I am among the select few, including Master Lakas and Ryo himself. Ryo told you something about his past did he not?"
"He told us that his parents were killed when he was an infant, and that he was raised by his aunt."
"The first part may be true, but the second part of his story is false. The truth is that he was captured as an infant. He was raised as a murderer by a small group of demons. He was trained in every fighting style imaginable, and trained in the magics of nature. However he did not use these skills as he does now. From when he could first throw a decent punch and control nature to his eventual capture, he killed over 200 Guardians and magicians alike."
"No!!"
"It's true Clowmistress, Ryo was once indeed a murderer. Since he was not raised from infancy as a Guardian he could not control his emotions like other Guardians do, I am sure you have noticed this, how affectionate he is to Meiling. Anyways when he was about 8 a party of Elven..."
"Elves?"
"Yes elves. There are other creatures in this dimension than just humans you know. Elves are among them. Now don't interrupt me again. A hunting party of elven huntresses led by the Guardian, Master Lakas, hunted down Ryo, who was ravaging the towns along Gromspell, the border between the human world and the elven lands. Lakas was able to subdue Ryo and when he realized that Ryo was the missing son of Takeru and Sabrinis Yamamoto, two powerful Guardians, he took him in. It took awhile for him to just to be able to control Ryo. He did it by showing him there are better things in life than destruction. Not that I agree with that. Ryo was so powerful by the time he mastered the powers of a Guardian that he was able to take his trials when he was around eleven or twelve. The only reason he was able to do this was because of his lineage, his training with demons, and the constant tutalage of Master Lakas."
"But how did you take control of him."
"I simply caused him to become angry enough that he would be blinded by loss and anger. It is simpler to take control of someone that is lost."
"Let him go"
"What?"
"let him go" Sakura said forcefully "He didn't do anything wrong, he simply wants to protect Meiling."
Unawa let out a devilish laugh "LET HIM GO?!?!" Unawa laughed out "Are you crazy? I have the Clowmistress in the palm of my hand and I am in control of the world's most powerful Guardian! And you want to boss me around??"
"Once he finds out the truth he'll destroy you."
"I'll just have to make sure that he'll never find out the then." Unawa said with a smirk "And destroying the evidence would be the best course of action to accomplish that. And you and your friends are the evidence."
~*****~
"Where am I?" Syaoran asked out loud sitting up straight. He looked around and could see his friends all struggling to sit up. Eriol and Yelan were walking around checking on everyone that was injured, they were assisted by several of the Li Clan women. Touya and Fujitaka were tending to some of the Li clan guards, and Yukito was sitting next to Rika.
"Lay back down son" Yelan said, trying to push Syaoran down "You're safe"
"But Sakura...was taken by Ryo"
Then he saw Meiling standing in the doorway, a shocked look on her face.
"You mean RYO attacked you?"
"You mean..."Syaoran then saw the dejected looks on Eriol and Yelan's faces. They said plain and clear that Meiling didn't know, and were hoping it would stay that way.
"Meiling let me explai..."
But Meiling was already gone.
Syaoran got up to look for her but once again Eriol placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It's a lot for her to take in right now Syaoran, leave her be"
"Not this time Eriol" Yelan interrupted "Syaoran is right. We must explain things to Meiling."
Syaoran and Eriol found Meiling sitting in a corner, with her knees to her chest.
"You can't be right about Ryo Syaoran" Meiling said "He wouldn't do something like this."
"You are right Meiling" Eriol siad "But Ryo isn't himself right now. We don't know what's going on with him."
"I think that he was taken over by Unawa" Syaoran said
"But I thought Ryo was too strong for that."Meiling sniffed, thinking of her fiance
"But after what happened to you he probably lost it" Eriol said
"What are we going to do?" Meiling asked
"We are going to get them back. Both of them." Syaoran said smiling at his cousin
"Okay."
"How could this have happened?" Master Lakas said as he walked into the mansion
"Master Lakas!!" Yelan said in surprise
"For ten years I have feared that something like this would happen to Ryo."
"You mean you know?" Syaoran asked, bewildered at how Master Lakas could know Ryo caused this destruction.
"Of course I know." Master Lakas said "But I must explain this to all of you."
Yelan sent a messenger to get everyone into the living room
"Please sit Master Lakas."
Master Lakas sat down, adjusting his silver robes.
"It all started in Ryo's youth. When his parents were killed. When he said that he was taken in by his aunt he lied to you. In reality he was taken in by a group of demonic sorcerers. They trained him in several fighting arts and magics. They trained him to be a cold hearted killer. And he was. An amazingly skilled one for him only being six or seven when he started the chaos. For one and a half years Ryo ravaged the world. He killed over two hundred Guardians and magicians. I was the one assigned to stop him, by any means necessary. I led a group a elven hunters on an expedition to stop him."
"Elven hunters?" Naoko asked
"Yes, but that may be explained later, by Ryo or myself."
"Please, continue" Eriol said
"I did eventually stop him. We subdued him but when I went to execute him I couldn't. He was just so young. He was wrongfully trained and shouldn't be blamed for his actions. So I took him back with me to the Sanctuary. Many of my colleagues thought I was insane bringing him with me. I believed he could be changed. They argued that he did not have the potential. So I did research. It turned out that he was the long lost son of Takeru and Sabrinis Yamamoto. When I studied him further I could see that he did indeed have the needed potential, only it was overshadowed by his impressive magical abilities. Many still claimed that he could not be tamed. I proved them wrong. I showed him the better parts of life, not just the death, pain, and destruction he has experienced and caused. I began taking him on walks with me. I ate with him, spoke with him, and comforted him. I considered him a son. I let him meet people. I let him befriend people. He quickly became a favorite among other apprentices. He was so happy then. he excelled quickly in his training. I saw him fit to take the Master Trials. He passed with flying colors. He quickly became a role model to other younger apprentices. I eventually let him out of the Sanctuary to experience the world. He set up a home on a beautiful island south of Japan. I learned that befriended two people his age in Hong Kong. I was so proud when he told me that he had fallen in love with a beautiful girl."
Master Lakas sighed. "But now, I am not so sure about him."
"How did he get to be like this?" Takashi asked
"Why did he take Sakura?" Meiling said quietly
"Unawa was very smart. When you can't beat your enemy go around them, or better yet, get them to help you. Unawa made Ryo become so angry, so enraged, that Ryo's old hatreds would resurface. In doing so he also released some more of Ryo's latent powers. Ryo was so blinded by his anger that he was easy to control for Unawa."
"So how do we get him and Sakura back?" Syaoran asked
"You will never be able to defeat Ryo with brute force. It is simply impossible now. You have two options right now. One you can try to get through to him, attempt to make him remember all of his experiences and friendships with you. Or two..." Master Lakas trailed off
"What? We'll do anything to get our friends back" Chiharu said
"You can do the unthinkable." Master Lakas placed dagger on the coffee table.
"You don't mean for us to..." Naoko said shaking
"Should all your courses of action be exhuasted this is your last option. I believe Chiharu is excellent in the use of daggers."
"No I can't." Chiharu said while eyeing the blade "I won't."
"I told you, it is a last resort. The blade is coated with red dragon's blood, it causes instant death to those of elven descent."
"Elven descent?" Meiling asked
"Ryo is indeed an elf. A half-elf to be exact. His mother, Sabrinis Windrunner was a full-blooded elf." Master Lakas stated. "You must be careful when you face them, because there is no Guardian to lead you this time."
"We won't fail" Syaoran said "The stakes are too high"
The group of teenagers got prepared for the upcoming battle. Syaoran didn't want Meiling to come in case they were forced to kill Ryo, but Master Lakas objected.
"If you want to successfully return Ryo to his previous state, the Meiling will be essential to it."
Master Lakas also brought them special elven armor and cloaks. He also presented them with specially crafted swords, lances, and other weaponry.
"I could not bring Guardian armor, since it against our ethics to allow non- Guardians to use our armor and weaponry, but Ryo stored these away. He would have wanted you to use them."
Everyone put on the armor. They found it not to be bulky and heavy, but extremely flexible and light. It conformed perfectly to the shape of their bodies and gave them a full range of motion.
"This elven armor is custom crafted. They are made for the druids of the wing, a special force of elves that Ryo is descended from. The armor is resistance to magic. It is incredibly durable and will protect you from blows of sharp and blunt weaponry. Many guardians that have used it prefer it over our own armor, Ryo himself sometimes uses it in certain situations where he needs speed over strength. The cloaks are similar to the armor. They protect you from some magic, but they will also camouflage you if you need it."
Everyone except Sakura, Eriol, Syaoran, Meiling, and Tomoyo picked up one of the weapons. Shen strapped on a quiver and a short blade, then picked up a long bow.
"The quiver is enchanted to refill every time you run out of arrows. If you concentrate you can enchant your arrows and your sword. If you channel your magics you can create flame arrows and a flaming sword."
"Okay" Shen said
Naoko picked up a shortened bo staff.
"Like Tomoyo's bo, that will extend at your command. You can also use it to use your magic element. You are wind I believe"
Naoko nodded in response
"Like I told Shen, channel your energies through your weapon then release it. Your weapon is no different than emitting magic from you palm, use the weapon as an extension of your body.
Rika reached for a lance.
"You must be Rika. Ryo told me about you and your capabilities. He said that you are able to control lightning."
"yes" Rika replied timidly
"Then that is the perfect weapon. If you channel your magic through it than you can release a powerful bolt of lightning through it"
Rika took the lance, but she was shaking. Yukito put his hand on hers.
"It'll be alright."
Rika looked up at Yukito's smiling face and couldn't help but smiling too.
"Are you coming with us Yukito?"
"I am afraid not, Rika." Yukito said, saddened "Unawa's powers prevent the other Guardians and I from even entering the area of the fortress."
Yukito smiled at her.
"I will stay behind with Touya and the others awaiting you return."
Rika nodded
Yamazaki picked up two warhammers.
"The perfect weapon for one who wields the power of the earth. Like the others can do, you too can channel your magic through those hammers."
Yamazaki nodded with understanding
Chiharu was the last. She picked up four daggers and a long sword.
"I would have thought that you possessed the power of a different element, but I can sense the power of water in you."
"That's exactly what Ryo said when he searched for our magical powers."
"And correct he was. You are a powerful summoner. Use your powers wisely."
Master Lakas took one of the four daggers Chiharu had chosen then replaced it with the one he had brought.
"A last resort"
Chiharu nodded without a word.
Master Lakas turned to them one last time.
"I must be going soon. If I could, I would accompany you, but I am unfortunately unable to do so. This will be one of your most difficult battles, for many reasons. Good Luck"
With a last nod he disappeared in a bright flash.
Everyone adjusted their armor and cloaks. They fixed their weapons into position and made final preparations.
"Is everyone ready to go?" Syaoran asked
"How are we getting there?" Eriol asked
"Master Lakas told me the only way into Unawa's lands are to go by land. The fastest way for you to get there is to teleport right outside the area he can sense magic then sneak in on foot" Yelan said waiting by the door.
"Good Luck" Touya and Fujitaka said
"Bring my kaijuu back, gaki" Touya called out to Syaoran
"I definitely will"
"Just come back alright Rika" Yukito told Rika
Rika didn't say anything but nodded and blushed.
"Good luck my son, bring back our cherry blossom"
"I will mother." Syaoran said looking into his mother's eyes "I will."
With a quick incantation the group disappeared
~*****~
The group quickly rematerialized in a dark forest.
"This is only a few miles east of the island Syaoran" Meiling whispered
"I had no idea Unawa was this close to us all this time."
They silently moved towards a clearing in the woods. When they reached it, they let out a collective gasp.
It was a humongous fortress It was comfortably nestled in between two mountains. However it did not look inviting. It had dark black spires rising out of the darkness. Men armed with large swords and spears could be seen, menacingly patrolling the walls. To the west a large contingent of men advanced towards the huge doors of the fort.
"We'll never break our way in and it could take days to find another way inside." Shen said
"We don't have days we have hours, possibly even minutes" Naoko said urgently
"There" Meiling said, pointing to the battallion "We can use them as cover. We can slip in next to them using these cloaks."
"We don't even know how to use them" Chiharu said
"I do, Ryo taught me how" Meiling answered "You simply think about becoming invisible and it happens."
In two seconds Meiling disappeared. The group, perplexed, were surprised when her head popped out of thin air.
"See, now you try."
One by one each of them was able to become invisible.
"Hurry up, we have to be quick." Syaoran said
They slipped inside the heavily guarded castle unnoticed by any of the guards.
"We could be stuck in here for hours" Meiling said, looking at all the passageways and halls.
"Maybe we should split up." Naoko suggested
"No," Eriol replied, "if we encounter Ryo or Unawa it's going to take all of us together to take either one of them down."
"I agree." Meiling said
"Agreed, but we need to move fast." Syaoran said, moving along.
The group moves in and out of corridors. They were unable to sense Sakura and Ryo's auras because of some interference, probably Unawa's doing. Eriol and Syaoran both tried locator spells, but each time they went haywire.
"We're getting nowhere fast" Takashi said
The group moved into a big hall, where they were dismayed to see about one hundred soldiers eating.
"I think we may have a problem here" Shen said, nocking an arrow into his bow.
"It may be more than that Shen" Syaoran said, pulling out his sword.
~*****~
"It is time Clowmistress" Unawa said walking into her cell. He was accompanied by five guards.
"Follow me."
Sakura was lead into a large chamber. In the back of it she could see a large platform, and a black orb in front of it.
"What are you planning to do with me?" Sakura asked Unawa
"Nothing much really. I am only going to drain you of your powers. It may cause a rupture in the flow of energy around us, but the prize is well worth it." Unawa explained with a smirk "Now step onto the platform."
Sakura did as she was told. After stepping onto the platform her feet and ankles were bound by heavy chains and her hands as well. They were raised above her head and the tension increased until she couldn't move an inch.
"Master" Ryo called out stepping into the room "Her friends have come for her."
"Where are they?"
"They are three floors down, fighting with soldiers in the mess hall. They will break through easily."
"Very well" Unawa said pursing his lips. "Are you prepared?"
"Yes Master"
"Good" Unawa said, with an evil smile he turned to Sakura
Sakura looked at Ryo.
"Once they come he will remember everything Unawa" Sakura said
"Not true Clowmistress. I made him forgot all of them now. He doesn't even remember Meiling." Unawa said "Now let's begin Clowmistress, don't worry, there will only be some momentary discomfort."
The Clowmistress was supposed to be strong. She had to be, in order to wield the powers of the Clow Cards. This one was proclaimed to be one of the strongest ever. What Unawa expected at most was a grunt or a groan. The piercing, tortured howl that was pulled from the very depths of Sakura's soul, was well worth the outright disruption of the flow of magic in the area.
Ryo flinched again and again as Sakura cried out in pain and anguish. She howled in suffering. Ryo merely looked away.
~*****~
"What was that?" Eriol asked, hearing Sakura's scream
"That must be Sakura." Tomoyo said, frightened for her best friend
"Can you feel that?" Meiling asked
"They must be draining her magic from her" Eriol answered "And because of Sakura's enormous powers it's causing a disruption in the energies around us. In my estimation this entire castle and the mountains around should be rubble in about thirty minutes."
"Then what are we standing around outside the door for?" Syaoran said while kicking down the door.
He laid eyes on Sakura, chained upright and being tortured by demoin forces that were draining her of life. His eyes moved to Ryo, his best friend, who stood straight as statue, emotionless. Then his eyes rested upon Unawa, the man that had taken two of the most important people in his life away from him.
Syaoran raised his sword up high and charged Unawa, his enormoues energies swirling around him.
"Syaoran wait!!" Eriol called out, but it was too late, Syaoran was ahead of them. He quickly followed him and he was followed by the rest of the group.
"Ryo, please take care of our guests."
"Yes Master"
Ryo moved in between Syaoran and the group and Unawa. Syaoran stopped in his tracks.
"Get out of my way Ryo" Syaoran growled
"We don't have time for this." Eriol said stepping up next to Syaoran.
"I can't let you through" Ryo said, emotionless.
"Why can't you remember us Ryo?" Naoko asked
"Come on buddy, you can't let Unawa do this to you" Takashi said
Meiling remained speechless. Chiharu had been discretely sneaking behind Ryo, in order to surprise him if she needed to kill him. She looked to Syaoran for some sort of signal. Syaoran tried to shake his head without alerting Ryo to some sort of presence, but to no avail. Ryo's eyes shifted to his far right, where he saw Chiharu sneaking up on him. Realizing that both their plans had failed, Syaoran charged him, closely followed by Eriol and the others. Ryo gritted his teeth then let outa huge bolt of negative energy. It coursed through Syaoran and the others, making them scream in pain. He then created seperate dark energy casings for each of them.
Syaoran yelled out in frustration and began attacking his cell. He struck it again and again but it had no effect.
"Why are you doing this Ryo?" Eriol pleaded
"Don't you remember how much we care about you?" Tomoyo asked of him
Ryo remained emotionless.
Syaoran spoke next. "Ryo, please, we are your friends. Don't let this happen Ryo, don't let Unawa take control of you. You stronger than this. You have to remember us. You have to remember all of the good times we had together with Sakura."
Ryo still remained as cold as ever, giving Syaoran no answer.
"Please Ryo" Meiling asked next "Please remember us, please remember me."
Ryo looked into her eyes and saw pleading and desperation.
"remember..."Ryo whispered "why can't I remember?"
"Ignore them Ryo, they fill your heads with lies." Unawa interrupted, for the first time becoming interested in something other than Sakura.
"Ryo you must try to remember how much we all love you, how much I love you." Meiling pleaded again.
"I can remember...Syaoran...Eriol...Chiharu...Takashi...Naoko...Shen...Rika...and Meiling. My love for Meiling."
He walked up to the box of black magic and held his hand up to the wall, which was shocked away. Unawa was too absorbed in what he was doing to notice.
"But you're dead Meiling, you died in my lap..." Ryo said, backing away.
"I'm alive Ryo, becuase Eriol and Sakura were able to save me."
"Why can't I remember everything...why can't I remember Sakura?"
An explosion rocked the room, sending everyone, including Ryo, to the floor. Ryo landed on his back. He propped himself up on all fours, then something fell out of his collar. Upon closer inspection he realized that they wer two rings. One of the rings was from Hong Kong Academy, the second from Tomeoda High.
Immediately, like a wave, the memories flooded back into his mind. His friendship with Syaoran. His love for Meiling. His first meeting with Sakura, the Clowmistress. Their first day at school together. Their training together. The day at the park, when Meiling had been attacked. Attacked by Unawa.
Sakura's scream brought him back out of his reverie. He turned his back to Syaoran, Meiling, and the others.
"Good Lord what have I done?" Ryo asked himself, his memories fully returning.
Ryo looked over at Unawa then frowned, realizing what happened to him, that he had become a puppet of one of his worst enemies. He walked up next to Unawa, unnoticeable. Unawa was far too absorbed in the torture of Sakura.
With a roar, Ryo released a humongous bolt of white energy at Unawa, catching him offguard. Unawa landed twenty yards away, stunned by Ryo's attack. The drainage of Sakura was disrupted soon after. Ryo gently took Sakura out of her bonds. Her breathing was extremely heavy and labored. She was unconscious.
Ryo then walked over to Syaoran and the others. They were all smiling at him, grateful that the real Ryo had returned. Ryo attempted to relase them from their prison, but couldn't do so, now that he lost his control over the dark magics.
"You are a fool Ryo, when I took over you could have had anything you wanted, even that Meiling bitch. But now you ruined it all."
In his fury Unawa tansformed himself to his final stage, a devil-like creature that was twenty feet in height.
"I will never forgive myself for what has happened these past few days, but I may be able to redeem myself." Ryo said, while starting an incantation. Immediately vines shot out of the floor, entangling Unawa in unbreakable bonds. This gave him the chance to break through the barrier encasing Syaoran and the others.
"Glad you're back on our side man.' Syaoran said
"I'm so sorry guys"
"We have time to brood on past decisions later on. Right now we have to get out of here."
Ryo nodded. He chanted a quick incantation and with a bright light, they disappeared
~*****~
The group appeared right in the Li Mansion living room. Almost immediately everyone gathered around Sakura to see if she was okay. In a few moments she was as energetic as ever. Ryo looked longingly at the group that was in a gigantic group hug. He looked away dejectedly.
Sakura walked up to Ryo, whose head was down. She looked at him for a minute, then gave him a big hug. Everyone was surprised to see that Ryo started to cry.
"I don't deserve this."
"You were in a vulnerable state of mind at the time, Ryo" Eriol said "It wasn't your fault"
"If I had only thought before I became so angry."
"Ryo you can't blame yourself." Syaoran said putting a hand on his shoulder "God knows how I would've reacted if Sakura had been hit. It's normal human emotion."
Ryo smiled and nodded then turned to Meiling. She smiled at him.
"I'm so glad you're alive Meiling." He said enveloping her in a hug
"You have no idea how happy I am to have you back with me" Meiling said while burying her face in his chest "I was so worried when you weren't there when I came to."
"I'm so sorry Meiling" he said inhaling the sweet scent of her hair "For being such a fool"
"I love you Ryo."
"I love you too Meiling"
Ryo took into his account his friends attire.
"Where did you get those?"
"Master Lakas gave them to us" Rika said
"He didn't tell us where they came from though" Takashi said
"Oh he didn't huh?"
"Nope, no idea"
Ryo turned his head to Meiling
"Let's go for a walk honey"
The group smiled at the retreating backs of the couple.
~*****~
"Meiling it's time I showed you something." Ryo stated "I know I lied to you about my past, and the Master Lakas explained to you about it. But I don't think he explained my heritage."
"He did Ryo," Meiling answered Ryo "He told us that you're half elf"
"I want to show you anyway"
He steped back for a moment. His head tilted backwards as a light bluish light enveloped him. When it had gone, Meiling could notice some changes. The tipes of his ears were now pointed. And there were strange markings on his face. They were dark blue stripes, that curled around the right side of his face in an ornate fashion. His muscles became slightly more defined. Ryo took off his armor and cloak, revealing his muscular chest and chiseled abs. Meiling noticed that the markings also decorated one side of his chest.
"If that's it then it's not much of a change, Ryo"
"Well remember, I'm only half elf" Ryo lookinto Meiling's eyes "You don't think any of this is remotely disturbing?"
"Nope, not at all "Meiling said, as she tilted her head back for the oncoming kiss "In fact I find it sexy"
Meiling ran her hands through Ryo's long hair as her senses were enveloped by pure bliss.
~*****~
The next two months went by with a blur. Everyone one of them was extremely busy, with schoolwork and the training. Ryo had invited several elven druids to help train Shen, Takashi, Naoko, Chiharu, and Rika with their magical skills. Each druid specialized in a certain elemental, and helped their students to control them. Ryo was impressed to see that, despite a lack of predisposition and no other training, Shen, Naoko, Chiharu, Takashi, and Rika were excelling quickly. He was stunned to learn that Tomoyo and Meiling rivaled himself in magics. He sparred once again with Syaoran, using both magic and martial arts, but this time he lost. He wanted to spar with Eriol and Sakura, but they adamantly refused, saying they were nowhere skilled enough to defeat him. However, despite all this, the friends became closer to one another than ever before. They were a tight knit family that could never be broken.
Ryo was proud of all of them, not only for the progress in their skills, but the closeness and togetherness they exhibited. He was sure that they would be able to defeat whatever challenge arose now. Early in May, his only superior, Master Lakas, paid them a visit.
"Ryo, it's good to see that you're back." Master Lakas said jovially
"it's good to be back master" Ryo said smiling
"I would like to speak to you for a moment"
"Of course Master"
Ryo and Master Lakas walked out of the room, speaking in a strange dialect.
"What are the saying to each other Eriol?" Tomoyo asked
"I don't know," Eriol replied, wrapping an arm around her waist, "they're talking in an ancient language even I don't understand. It's some divine language, the Guardian language only ordained Guardians can understand."
Ryo and Master lakas walked back into the room.
"You understand now Ryo?"
"I still have my objections Master," Ryo sighed, "but yes, I understand."
"Good, I will see you soon then."
"Good bye Master"
"See you soon, Ryo"
"What was that about?" Meiling said as she came up behind Ryo and wrapped her arms around him
"It was just some good news"
"Really?" Sakura asked happily
"Yep," Ryo said smiling "You can all go back to Japan now."
This was met with a lot of cheering.
"Why Ryo?" Tomoyo asked him
"I have trained you as much as I can now." Ryo said, looking at all of them "All of you have greatly improved. You will be able to overcome any obstacle that arises. For the past two months I trained you in various martial arts skills. I brought out the latent magical abilities in each of you. My own friends from Quel' Thalas (props to Warcraft 3) helped to further those abilities. I now have nothing more to teach you."
He looked at each of them, genuinely proud.
"That is why I will not be accompanying you to Japan."
"What?!?"
"Why not???"
"My mission is now complete. I protected you from the threats presented early by Mangkukulam, while you prepared yourselves. Now that I cannot teach you anymore, you will not be needing my services."
'But we need you Ryo" Meiling said, "As a friend. And I need you to be there with me."
"As much as I would like to, I can no longer ignore my other responsibilities. With Mangkukulam's attacks increasing in frequency, my apprentice cannot handle my own missions. I need to help him. I have faith in every one of you. As long as you all work together and stay true to each other, you will all be safe. I promise."
Ryo gave Meiling one last kiss. He went around hugging Sakura, Tomoyo, Naoko, Rika, and Chiharu, and shook all of his best friends' hands.
"Stay safe bro" Takashi said
"I will. You too"
"Come back in one piece, and give Mangkukulam's guys an ass kicking for us" Shen said
"You can count on that."
"Keep safe, and make sure you visit once in a while" Eriol said
"I'll make sure to."
"Everything I want to say has already been said." Syaoran said walking up to him "You've been like a brother to me, so just come back to the family."
Ryo nodded and hugged him.
"You gonna tell your mom about our tattoos?"
"No, and that's the way it stays"
Ryo laughed then, with one, last wave to his friends, he teleported.
"What tattoo?" Sakura asked Syaoran
"Oh, well a while back after you were abducted we all got tattoos"
Syaoran, Eriol, Takashi, and Shen a pulled their shirts over their right shoulder, revealing intricately drawn tattoos. There were five symbols, one for the moon, one for the sun, one for the earth, one for fire, and one for light.
"We had one of the Clans memebrs draw them." Eriol said "They're enchanted so that whenever one of is in trouble their symbol will glow and sting."
The girls looked at each.
"We should do that." Meiling said
"I think we should." Naoko agreed
"it would be cool" Tomoyo said
"We should get it printed on our butts so that they'll faint whenever they see it" Sakura said with a smile
"SAKURA!!" everyone yelled, surprised
The group collapsed on the couch, laughing, excited that they would finally be returning home.
So what did you all think??? Good? Bad? TELL ME in a review!! The next chapter will focus mainly Sakura and her friends' lives, I don't even think that any enemies will be showing up. Unfortunately Ryo won't either since from now on he will be making only minimal appearances. I believe that I developed him too much, and left out the rest of the characters.
Three of my new stories may also be making a debut in the near future: one will be all that prince/princess stuff with a twist, the second will be a story focusing on Syaoran and Sakura and their life, the third will be a prequel to this story, focusing on Syaoran and Meiling, and their life upon their return to Hong Kong, and how they met Ryo. Tell me what you think about these stories!! I will be posting more information on them in my bio!
Thanks to all those that reviewed and review some more!!
Sakura: I think they're wondering what happens to me?
Ryo: How could you tarnish my spotless reputation like this?
Mr. Badguy87: Well you never had a good reputation to begin with. From the start of the story I always planned to have you have a shady past.
Ryo: hmph
Mr. Badguy87: I didn't want my character to be some spotless spandex wearing boyscout
Ryo: I guess you're right
Meiling: Ryo and Mr. Baguy87 agreeing? I think that the apocalypse may be starting soon...
Kero: Well while we wait for armageddon I think some thanks are in order for all those that reviewed.
Suppi: Mr. Badguy87 would also like his loyal readers to know:
"speaking" 'thinking' [[psychically communicating]]
~*****~ change of scene ~^^^^^~ flashback ~~ Change into/out of first person POV
Mr. Badguy87: Now on with my story!!
He Has Returned
Chapter Thirteen
Redemption
When Sakura cam to she was in a dark cold place. She could feel the evil swirl around her.
'Where am I?' Sakura asked herself 'The last thing I remember is Ryo taking...'
Sakura zoned out for a moment.
"Why would Ryo do this to me?" Sakura asked out loud
Sakura looked back on all of the memories that she had of Ryo. When they first met, the first time he saved them, when he took them into his home and healed Syaoran. He was an amazing person, one whose life was fighting the evil that had almost killed Meiling.
"What will Meiling think?"
Sakura turned her head when she heard the clang of metal as the door to her dungeon was opened.
"Ryo!"
"Clowmistress"
"Why are you doing this Ryo? I thought that you cared about us. I thought that you hated Mangkukulam and his cronies!"
Ryo said nothing as he took the keys to her cell off the wall and opened her jail cell.
"Meiling is still alive Ryo."
Ryo stopped all of his movement, for a second Sakura thought he stopped breathing as well.
"A...live?"
"Yes Ryo, she's still alive, Eriol made a potion for her and I healed her wounds."
Ryo said nothing as he set a platter of food down on the floor.
"You do remember Eriol?" Sakura asked, thinking he may have been brainwashed. "And me? Right, Ryo?"
"I remember Eriol, but you, you were..."
Sakura looked into cool blue eyes. They were deep and searching.
"I can't remember why you..."
"STOP THAT YOU LITTLE WENCH!!" Unawa screamed, slapping Sakura
Sakura stumbled backwards and landed on her back.
"Ryo" Unawa said turning to his new servant "Leave. Now"
"Yes Master"
Unawa watched as his newly acquired servant left the dungeon.
"What have you done to him?"
"It may be against my better judgement but I'll tell you anyway, since you'll be dead in a day." Unawa said with a smirk. "It all starts with Ryo's past. Not many people know the truth about his past. I am among the select few, including Master Lakas and Ryo himself. Ryo told you something about his past did he not?"
"He told us that his parents were killed when he was an infant, and that he was raised by his aunt."
"The first part may be true, but the second part of his story is false. The truth is that he was captured as an infant. He was raised as a murderer by a small group of demons. He was trained in every fighting style imaginable, and trained in the magics of nature. However he did not use these skills as he does now. From when he could first throw a decent punch and control nature to his eventual capture, he killed over 200 Guardians and magicians alike."
"No!!"
"It's true Clowmistress, Ryo was once indeed a murderer. Since he was not raised from infancy as a Guardian he could not control his emotions like other Guardians do, I am sure you have noticed this, how affectionate he is to Meiling. Anyways when he was about 8 a party of Elven..."
"Elves?"
"Yes elves. There are other creatures in this dimension than just humans you know. Elves are among them. Now don't interrupt me again. A hunting party of elven huntresses led by the Guardian, Master Lakas, hunted down Ryo, who was ravaging the towns along Gromspell, the border between the human world and the elven lands. Lakas was able to subdue Ryo and when he realized that Ryo was the missing son of Takeru and Sabrinis Yamamoto, two powerful Guardians, he took him in. It took awhile for him to just to be able to control Ryo. He did it by showing him there are better things in life than destruction. Not that I agree with that. Ryo was so powerful by the time he mastered the powers of a Guardian that he was able to take his trials when he was around eleven or twelve. The only reason he was able to do this was because of his lineage, his training with demons, and the constant tutalage of Master Lakas."
"But how did you take control of him."
"I simply caused him to become angry enough that he would be blinded by loss and anger. It is simpler to take control of someone that is lost."
"Let him go"
"What?"
"let him go" Sakura said forcefully "He didn't do anything wrong, he simply wants to protect Meiling."
Unawa let out a devilish laugh "LET HIM GO?!?!" Unawa laughed out "Are you crazy? I have the Clowmistress in the palm of my hand and I am in control of the world's most powerful Guardian! And you want to boss me around??"
"Once he finds out the truth he'll destroy you."
"I'll just have to make sure that he'll never find out the then." Unawa said with a smirk "And destroying the evidence would be the best course of action to accomplish that. And you and your friends are the evidence."
~*****~
"Where am I?" Syaoran asked out loud sitting up straight. He looked around and could see his friends all struggling to sit up. Eriol and Yelan were walking around checking on everyone that was injured, they were assisted by several of the Li Clan women. Touya and Fujitaka were tending to some of the Li clan guards, and Yukito was sitting next to Rika.
"Lay back down son" Yelan said, trying to push Syaoran down "You're safe"
"But Sakura...was taken by Ryo"
Then he saw Meiling standing in the doorway, a shocked look on her face.
"You mean RYO attacked you?"
"You mean..."Syaoran then saw the dejected looks on Eriol and Yelan's faces. They said plain and clear that Meiling didn't know, and were hoping it would stay that way.
"Meiling let me explai..."
But Meiling was already gone.
Syaoran got up to look for her but once again Eriol placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It's a lot for her to take in right now Syaoran, leave her be"
"Not this time Eriol" Yelan interrupted "Syaoran is right. We must explain things to Meiling."
Syaoran and Eriol found Meiling sitting in a corner, with her knees to her chest.
"You can't be right about Ryo Syaoran" Meiling said "He wouldn't do something like this."
"You are right Meiling" Eriol siad "But Ryo isn't himself right now. We don't know what's going on with him."
"I think that he was taken over by Unawa" Syaoran said
"But I thought Ryo was too strong for that."Meiling sniffed, thinking of her fiance
"But after what happened to you he probably lost it" Eriol said
"What are we going to do?" Meiling asked
"We are going to get them back. Both of them." Syaoran said smiling at his cousin
"Okay."
"How could this have happened?" Master Lakas said as he walked into the mansion
"Master Lakas!!" Yelan said in surprise
"For ten years I have feared that something like this would happen to Ryo."
"You mean you know?" Syaoran asked, bewildered at how Master Lakas could know Ryo caused this destruction.
"Of course I know." Master Lakas said "But I must explain this to all of you."
Yelan sent a messenger to get everyone into the living room
"Please sit Master Lakas."
Master Lakas sat down, adjusting his silver robes.
"It all started in Ryo's youth. When his parents were killed. When he said that he was taken in by his aunt he lied to you. In reality he was taken in by a group of demonic sorcerers. They trained him in several fighting arts and magics. They trained him to be a cold hearted killer. And he was. An amazingly skilled one for him only being six or seven when he started the chaos. For one and a half years Ryo ravaged the world. He killed over two hundred Guardians and magicians. I was the one assigned to stop him, by any means necessary. I led a group a elven hunters on an expedition to stop him."
"Elven hunters?" Naoko asked
"Yes, but that may be explained later, by Ryo or myself."
"Please, continue" Eriol said
"I did eventually stop him. We subdued him but when I went to execute him I couldn't. He was just so young. He was wrongfully trained and shouldn't be blamed for his actions. So I took him back with me to the Sanctuary. Many of my colleagues thought I was insane bringing him with me. I believed he could be changed. They argued that he did not have the potential. So I did research. It turned out that he was the long lost son of Takeru and Sabrinis Yamamoto. When I studied him further I could see that he did indeed have the needed potential, only it was overshadowed by his impressive magical abilities. Many still claimed that he could not be tamed. I proved them wrong. I showed him the better parts of life, not just the death, pain, and destruction he has experienced and caused. I began taking him on walks with me. I ate with him, spoke with him, and comforted him. I considered him a son. I let him meet people. I let him befriend people. He quickly became a favorite among other apprentices. He was so happy then. he excelled quickly in his training. I saw him fit to take the Master Trials. He passed with flying colors. He quickly became a role model to other younger apprentices. I eventually let him out of the Sanctuary to experience the world. He set up a home on a beautiful island south of Japan. I learned that befriended two people his age in Hong Kong. I was so proud when he told me that he had fallen in love with a beautiful girl."
Master Lakas sighed. "But now, I am not so sure about him."
"How did he get to be like this?" Takashi asked
"Why did he take Sakura?" Meiling said quietly
"Unawa was very smart. When you can't beat your enemy go around them, or better yet, get them to help you. Unawa made Ryo become so angry, so enraged, that Ryo's old hatreds would resurface. In doing so he also released some more of Ryo's latent powers. Ryo was so blinded by his anger that he was easy to control for Unawa."
"So how do we get him and Sakura back?" Syaoran asked
"You will never be able to defeat Ryo with brute force. It is simply impossible now. You have two options right now. One you can try to get through to him, attempt to make him remember all of his experiences and friendships with you. Or two..." Master Lakas trailed off
"What? We'll do anything to get our friends back" Chiharu said
"You can do the unthinkable." Master Lakas placed dagger on the coffee table.
"You don't mean for us to..." Naoko said shaking
"Should all your courses of action be exhuasted this is your last option. I believe Chiharu is excellent in the use of daggers."
"No I can't." Chiharu said while eyeing the blade "I won't."
"I told you, it is a last resort. The blade is coated with red dragon's blood, it causes instant death to those of elven descent."
"Elven descent?" Meiling asked
"Ryo is indeed an elf. A half-elf to be exact. His mother, Sabrinis Windrunner was a full-blooded elf." Master Lakas stated. "You must be careful when you face them, because there is no Guardian to lead you this time."
"We won't fail" Syaoran said "The stakes are too high"
The group of teenagers got prepared for the upcoming battle. Syaoran didn't want Meiling to come in case they were forced to kill Ryo, but Master Lakas objected.
"If you want to successfully return Ryo to his previous state, the Meiling will be essential to it."
Master Lakas also brought them special elven armor and cloaks. He also presented them with specially crafted swords, lances, and other weaponry.
"I could not bring Guardian armor, since it against our ethics to allow non- Guardians to use our armor and weaponry, but Ryo stored these away. He would have wanted you to use them."
Everyone put on the armor. They found it not to be bulky and heavy, but extremely flexible and light. It conformed perfectly to the shape of their bodies and gave them a full range of motion.
"This elven armor is custom crafted. They are made for the druids of the wing, a special force of elves that Ryo is descended from. The armor is resistance to magic. It is incredibly durable and will protect you from blows of sharp and blunt weaponry. Many guardians that have used it prefer it over our own armor, Ryo himself sometimes uses it in certain situations where he needs speed over strength. The cloaks are similar to the armor. They protect you from some magic, but they will also camouflage you if you need it."
Everyone except Sakura, Eriol, Syaoran, Meiling, and Tomoyo picked up one of the weapons. Shen strapped on a quiver and a short blade, then picked up a long bow.
"The quiver is enchanted to refill every time you run out of arrows. If you concentrate you can enchant your arrows and your sword. If you channel your magics you can create flame arrows and a flaming sword."
"Okay" Shen said
Naoko picked up a shortened bo staff.
"Like Tomoyo's bo, that will extend at your command. You can also use it to use your magic element. You are wind I believe"
Naoko nodded in response
"Like I told Shen, channel your energies through your weapon then release it. Your weapon is no different than emitting magic from you palm, use the weapon as an extension of your body.
Rika reached for a lance.
"You must be Rika. Ryo told me about you and your capabilities. He said that you are able to control lightning."
"yes" Rika replied timidly
"Then that is the perfect weapon. If you channel your magic through it than you can release a powerful bolt of lightning through it"
Rika took the lance, but she was shaking. Yukito put his hand on hers.
"It'll be alright."
Rika looked up at Yukito's smiling face and couldn't help but smiling too.
"Are you coming with us Yukito?"
"I am afraid not, Rika." Yukito said, saddened "Unawa's powers prevent the other Guardians and I from even entering the area of the fortress."
Yukito smiled at her.
"I will stay behind with Touya and the others awaiting you return."
Rika nodded
Yamazaki picked up two warhammers.
"The perfect weapon for one who wields the power of the earth. Like the others can do, you too can channel your magic through those hammers."
Yamazaki nodded with understanding
Chiharu was the last. She picked up four daggers and a long sword.
"I would have thought that you possessed the power of a different element, but I can sense the power of water in you."
"That's exactly what Ryo said when he searched for our magical powers."
"And correct he was. You are a powerful summoner. Use your powers wisely."
Master Lakas took one of the four daggers Chiharu had chosen then replaced it with the one he had brought.
"A last resort"
Chiharu nodded without a word.
Master Lakas turned to them one last time.
"I must be going soon. If I could, I would accompany you, but I am unfortunately unable to do so. This will be one of your most difficult battles, for many reasons. Good Luck"
With a last nod he disappeared in a bright flash.
Everyone adjusted their armor and cloaks. They fixed their weapons into position and made final preparations.
"Is everyone ready to go?" Syaoran asked
"How are we getting there?" Eriol asked
"Master Lakas told me the only way into Unawa's lands are to go by land. The fastest way for you to get there is to teleport right outside the area he can sense magic then sneak in on foot" Yelan said waiting by the door.
"Good Luck" Touya and Fujitaka said
"Bring my kaijuu back, gaki" Touya called out to Syaoran
"I definitely will"
"Just come back alright Rika" Yukito told Rika
Rika didn't say anything but nodded and blushed.
"Good luck my son, bring back our cherry blossom"
"I will mother." Syaoran said looking into his mother's eyes "I will."
With a quick incantation the group disappeared
~*****~
The group quickly rematerialized in a dark forest.
"This is only a few miles east of the island Syaoran" Meiling whispered
"I had no idea Unawa was this close to us all this time."
They silently moved towards a clearing in the woods. When they reached it, they let out a collective gasp.
It was a humongous fortress It was comfortably nestled in between two mountains. However it did not look inviting. It had dark black spires rising out of the darkness. Men armed with large swords and spears could be seen, menacingly patrolling the walls. To the west a large contingent of men advanced towards the huge doors of the fort.
"We'll never break our way in and it could take days to find another way inside." Shen said
"We don't have days we have hours, possibly even minutes" Naoko said urgently
"There" Meiling said, pointing to the battallion "We can use them as cover. We can slip in next to them using these cloaks."
"We don't even know how to use them" Chiharu said
"I do, Ryo taught me how" Meiling answered "You simply think about becoming invisible and it happens."
In two seconds Meiling disappeared. The group, perplexed, were surprised when her head popped out of thin air.
"See, now you try."
One by one each of them was able to become invisible.
"Hurry up, we have to be quick." Syaoran said
They slipped inside the heavily guarded castle unnoticed by any of the guards.
"We could be stuck in here for hours" Meiling said, looking at all the passageways and halls.
"Maybe we should split up." Naoko suggested
"No," Eriol replied, "if we encounter Ryo or Unawa it's going to take all of us together to take either one of them down."
"I agree." Meiling said
"Agreed, but we need to move fast." Syaoran said, moving along.
The group moves in and out of corridors. They were unable to sense Sakura and Ryo's auras because of some interference, probably Unawa's doing. Eriol and Syaoran both tried locator spells, but each time they went haywire.
"We're getting nowhere fast" Takashi said
The group moved into a big hall, where they were dismayed to see about one hundred soldiers eating.
"I think we may have a problem here" Shen said, nocking an arrow into his bow.
"It may be more than that Shen" Syaoran said, pulling out his sword.
~*****~
"It is time Clowmistress" Unawa said walking into her cell. He was accompanied by five guards.
"Follow me."
Sakura was lead into a large chamber. In the back of it she could see a large platform, and a black orb in front of it.
"What are you planning to do with me?" Sakura asked Unawa
"Nothing much really. I am only going to drain you of your powers. It may cause a rupture in the flow of energy around us, but the prize is well worth it." Unawa explained with a smirk "Now step onto the platform."
Sakura did as she was told. After stepping onto the platform her feet and ankles were bound by heavy chains and her hands as well. They were raised above her head and the tension increased until she couldn't move an inch.
"Master" Ryo called out stepping into the room "Her friends have come for her."
"Where are they?"
"They are three floors down, fighting with soldiers in the mess hall. They will break through easily."
"Very well" Unawa said pursing his lips. "Are you prepared?"
"Yes Master"
"Good" Unawa said, with an evil smile he turned to Sakura
Sakura looked at Ryo.
"Once they come he will remember everything Unawa" Sakura said
"Not true Clowmistress. I made him forgot all of them now. He doesn't even remember Meiling." Unawa said "Now let's begin Clowmistress, don't worry, there will only be some momentary discomfort."
The Clowmistress was supposed to be strong. She had to be, in order to wield the powers of the Clow Cards. This one was proclaimed to be one of the strongest ever. What Unawa expected at most was a grunt or a groan. The piercing, tortured howl that was pulled from the very depths of Sakura's soul, was well worth the outright disruption of the flow of magic in the area.
Ryo flinched again and again as Sakura cried out in pain and anguish. She howled in suffering. Ryo merely looked away.
~*****~
"What was that?" Eriol asked, hearing Sakura's scream
"That must be Sakura." Tomoyo said, frightened for her best friend
"Can you feel that?" Meiling asked
"They must be draining her magic from her" Eriol answered "And because of Sakura's enormous powers it's causing a disruption in the energies around us. In my estimation this entire castle and the mountains around should be rubble in about thirty minutes."
"Then what are we standing around outside the door for?" Syaoran said while kicking down the door.
He laid eyes on Sakura, chained upright and being tortured by demoin forces that were draining her of life. His eyes moved to Ryo, his best friend, who stood straight as statue, emotionless. Then his eyes rested upon Unawa, the man that had taken two of the most important people in his life away from him.
Syaoran raised his sword up high and charged Unawa, his enormoues energies swirling around him.
"Syaoran wait!!" Eriol called out, but it was too late, Syaoran was ahead of them. He quickly followed him and he was followed by the rest of the group.
"Ryo, please take care of our guests."
"Yes Master"
Ryo moved in between Syaoran and the group and Unawa. Syaoran stopped in his tracks.
"Get out of my way Ryo" Syaoran growled
"We don't have time for this." Eriol said stepping up next to Syaoran.
"I can't let you through" Ryo said, emotionless.
"Why can't you remember us Ryo?" Naoko asked
"Come on buddy, you can't let Unawa do this to you" Takashi said
Meiling remained speechless. Chiharu had been discretely sneaking behind Ryo, in order to surprise him if she needed to kill him. She looked to Syaoran for some sort of signal. Syaoran tried to shake his head without alerting Ryo to some sort of presence, but to no avail. Ryo's eyes shifted to his far right, where he saw Chiharu sneaking up on him. Realizing that both their plans had failed, Syaoran charged him, closely followed by Eriol and the others. Ryo gritted his teeth then let outa huge bolt of negative energy. It coursed through Syaoran and the others, making them scream in pain. He then created seperate dark energy casings for each of them.
Syaoran yelled out in frustration and began attacking his cell. He struck it again and again but it had no effect.
"Why are you doing this Ryo?" Eriol pleaded
"Don't you remember how much we care about you?" Tomoyo asked of him
Ryo remained emotionless.
Syaoran spoke next. "Ryo, please, we are your friends. Don't let this happen Ryo, don't let Unawa take control of you. You stronger than this. You have to remember us. You have to remember all of the good times we had together with Sakura."
Ryo still remained as cold as ever, giving Syaoran no answer.
"Please Ryo" Meiling asked next "Please remember us, please remember me."
Ryo looked into her eyes and saw pleading and desperation.
"remember..."Ryo whispered "why can't I remember?"
"Ignore them Ryo, they fill your heads with lies." Unawa interrupted, for the first time becoming interested in something other than Sakura.
"Ryo you must try to remember how much we all love you, how much I love you." Meiling pleaded again.
"I can remember...Syaoran...Eriol...Chiharu...Takashi...Naoko...Shen...Rika...and Meiling. My love for Meiling."
He walked up to the box of black magic and held his hand up to the wall, which was shocked away. Unawa was too absorbed in what he was doing to notice.
"But you're dead Meiling, you died in my lap..." Ryo said, backing away.
"I'm alive Ryo, becuase Eriol and Sakura were able to save me."
"Why can't I remember everything...why can't I remember Sakura?"
An explosion rocked the room, sending everyone, including Ryo, to the floor. Ryo landed on his back. He propped himself up on all fours, then something fell out of his collar. Upon closer inspection he realized that they wer two rings. One of the rings was from Hong Kong Academy, the second from Tomeoda High.
Immediately, like a wave, the memories flooded back into his mind. His friendship with Syaoran. His love for Meiling. His first meeting with Sakura, the Clowmistress. Their first day at school together. Their training together. The day at the park, when Meiling had been attacked. Attacked by Unawa.
Sakura's scream brought him back out of his reverie. He turned his back to Syaoran, Meiling, and the others.
"Good Lord what have I done?" Ryo asked himself, his memories fully returning.
Ryo looked over at Unawa then frowned, realizing what happened to him, that he had become a puppet of one of his worst enemies. He walked up next to Unawa, unnoticeable. Unawa was far too absorbed in the torture of Sakura.
With a roar, Ryo released a humongous bolt of white energy at Unawa, catching him offguard. Unawa landed twenty yards away, stunned by Ryo's attack. The drainage of Sakura was disrupted soon after. Ryo gently took Sakura out of her bonds. Her breathing was extremely heavy and labored. She was unconscious.
Ryo then walked over to Syaoran and the others. They were all smiling at him, grateful that the real Ryo had returned. Ryo attempted to relase them from their prison, but couldn't do so, now that he lost his control over the dark magics.
"You are a fool Ryo, when I took over you could have had anything you wanted, even that Meiling bitch. But now you ruined it all."
In his fury Unawa tansformed himself to his final stage, a devil-like creature that was twenty feet in height.
"I will never forgive myself for what has happened these past few days, but I may be able to redeem myself." Ryo said, while starting an incantation. Immediately vines shot out of the floor, entangling Unawa in unbreakable bonds. This gave him the chance to break through the barrier encasing Syaoran and the others.
"Glad you're back on our side man.' Syaoran said
"I'm so sorry guys"
"We have time to brood on past decisions later on. Right now we have to get out of here."
Ryo nodded. He chanted a quick incantation and with a bright light, they disappeared
~*****~
The group appeared right in the Li Mansion living room. Almost immediately everyone gathered around Sakura to see if she was okay. In a few moments she was as energetic as ever. Ryo looked longingly at the group that was in a gigantic group hug. He looked away dejectedly.
Sakura walked up to Ryo, whose head was down. She looked at him for a minute, then gave him a big hug. Everyone was surprised to see that Ryo started to cry.
"I don't deserve this."
"You were in a vulnerable state of mind at the time, Ryo" Eriol said "It wasn't your fault"
"If I had only thought before I became so angry."
"Ryo you can't blame yourself." Syaoran said putting a hand on his shoulder "God knows how I would've reacted if Sakura had been hit. It's normal human emotion."
Ryo smiled and nodded then turned to Meiling. She smiled at him.
"I'm so glad you're alive Meiling." He said enveloping her in a hug
"You have no idea how happy I am to have you back with me" Meiling said while burying her face in his chest "I was so worried when you weren't there when I came to."
"I'm so sorry Meiling" he said inhaling the sweet scent of her hair "For being such a fool"
"I love you Ryo."
"I love you too Meiling"
Ryo took into his account his friends attire.
"Where did you get those?"
"Master Lakas gave them to us" Rika said
"He didn't tell us where they came from though" Takashi said
"Oh he didn't huh?"
"Nope, no idea"
Ryo turned his head to Meiling
"Let's go for a walk honey"
The group smiled at the retreating backs of the couple.
~*****~
"Meiling it's time I showed you something." Ryo stated "I know I lied to you about my past, and the Master Lakas explained to you about it. But I don't think he explained my heritage."
"He did Ryo," Meiling answered Ryo "He told us that you're half elf"
"I want to show you anyway"
He steped back for a moment. His head tilted backwards as a light bluish light enveloped him. When it had gone, Meiling could notice some changes. The tipes of his ears were now pointed. And there were strange markings on his face. They were dark blue stripes, that curled around the right side of his face in an ornate fashion. His muscles became slightly more defined. Ryo took off his armor and cloak, revealing his muscular chest and chiseled abs. Meiling noticed that the markings also decorated one side of his chest.
"If that's it then it's not much of a change, Ryo"
"Well remember, I'm only half elf" Ryo lookinto Meiling's eyes "You don't think any of this is remotely disturbing?"
"Nope, not at all "Meiling said, as she tilted her head back for the oncoming kiss "In fact I find it sexy"
Meiling ran her hands through Ryo's long hair as her senses were enveloped by pure bliss.
~*****~
The next two months went by with a blur. Everyone one of them was extremely busy, with schoolwork and the training. Ryo had invited several elven druids to help train Shen, Takashi, Naoko, Chiharu, and Rika with their magical skills. Each druid specialized in a certain elemental, and helped their students to control them. Ryo was impressed to see that, despite a lack of predisposition and no other training, Shen, Naoko, Chiharu, Takashi, and Rika were excelling quickly. He was stunned to learn that Tomoyo and Meiling rivaled himself in magics. He sparred once again with Syaoran, using both magic and martial arts, but this time he lost. He wanted to spar with Eriol and Sakura, but they adamantly refused, saying they were nowhere skilled enough to defeat him. However, despite all this, the friends became closer to one another than ever before. They were a tight knit family that could never be broken.
Ryo was proud of all of them, not only for the progress in their skills, but the closeness and togetherness they exhibited. He was sure that they would be able to defeat whatever challenge arose now. Early in May, his only superior, Master Lakas, paid them a visit.
"Ryo, it's good to see that you're back." Master Lakas said jovially
"it's good to be back master" Ryo said smiling
"I would like to speak to you for a moment"
"Of course Master"
Ryo and Master Lakas walked out of the room, speaking in a strange dialect.
"What are the saying to each other Eriol?" Tomoyo asked
"I don't know," Eriol replied, wrapping an arm around her waist, "they're talking in an ancient language even I don't understand. It's some divine language, the Guardian language only ordained Guardians can understand."
Ryo and Master lakas walked back into the room.
"You understand now Ryo?"
"I still have my objections Master," Ryo sighed, "but yes, I understand."
"Good, I will see you soon then."
"Good bye Master"
"See you soon, Ryo"
"What was that about?" Meiling said as she came up behind Ryo and wrapped her arms around him
"It was just some good news"
"Really?" Sakura asked happily
"Yep," Ryo said smiling "You can all go back to Japan now."
This was met with a lot of cheering.
"Why Ryo?" Tomoyo asked him
"I have trained you as much as I can now." Ryo said, looking at all of them "All of you have greatly improved. You will be able to overcome any obstacle that arises. For the past two months I trained you in various martial arts skills. I brought out the latent magical abilities in each of you. My own friends from Quel' Thalas (props to Warcraft 3) helped to further those abilities. I now have nothing more to teach you."
He looked at each of them, genuinely proud.
"That is why I will not be accompanying you to Japan."
"What?!?"
"Why not???"
"My mission is now complete. I protected you from the threats presented early by Mangkukulam, while you prepared yourselves. Now that I cannot teach you anymore, you will not be needing my services."
'But we need you Ryo" Meiling said, "As a friend. And I need you to be there with me."
"As much as I would like to, I can no longer ignore my other responsibilities. With Mangkukulam's attacks increasing in frequency, my apprentice cannot handle my own missions. I need to help him. I have faith in every one of you. As long as you all work together and stay true to each other, you will all be safe. I promise."
Ryo gave Meiling one last kiss. He went around hugging Sakura, Tomoyo, Naoko, Rika, and Chiharu, and shook all of his best friends' hands.
"Stay safe bro" Takashi said
"I will. You too"
"Come back in one piece, and give Mangkukulam's guys an ass kicking for us" Shen said
"You can count on that."
"Keep safe, and make sure you visit once in a while" Eriol said
"I'll make sure to."
"Everything I want to say has already been said." Syaoran said walking up to him "You've been like a brother to me, so just come back to the family."
Ryo nodded and hugged him.
"You gonna tell your mom about our tattoos?"
"No, and that's the way it stays"
Ryo laughed then, with one, last wave to his friends, he teleported.
"What tattoo?" Sakura asked Syaoran
"Oh, well a while back after you were abducted we all got tattoos"
Syaoran, Eriol, Takashi, and Shen a pulled their shirts over their right shoulder, revealing intricately drawn tattoos. There were five symbols, one for the moon, one for the sun, one for the earth, one for fire, and one for light.
"We had one of the Clans memebrs draw them." Eriol said "They're enchanted so that whenever one of is in trouble their symbol will glow and sting."
The girls looked at each.
"We should do that." Meiling said
"I think we should." Naoko agreed
"it would be cool" Tomoyo said
"We should get it printed on our butts so that they'll faint whenever they see it" Sakura said with a smile
"SAKURA!!" everyone yelled, surprised
The group collapsed on the couch, laughing, excited that they would finally be returning home.
So what did you all think??? Good? Bad? TELL ME in a review!! The next chapter will focus mainly Sakura and her friends' lives, I don't even think that any enemies will be showing up. Unfortunately Ryo won't either since from now on he will be making only minimal appearances. I believe that I developed him too much, and left out the rest of the characters.
Three of my new stories may also be making a debut in the near future: one will be all that prince/princess stuff with a twist, the second will be a story focusing on Syaoran and Sakura and their life, the third will be a prequel to this story, focusing on Syaoran and Meiling, and their life upon their return to Hong Kong, and how they met Ryo. Tell me what you think about these stories!! I will be posting more information on them in my bio!
Thanks to all those that reviewed and review some more!!