Title: War Beat
Chapter 6: "The Locket and the Mysterious Sakura"
Author: Peonyqt1004
DISCLAIMER: *holds tightly onto Eriol and cuddles him* Dis wittle cutie is... *drops Eriol who had turned blue* not mine. *Hugs Syaoran* This one isn't mine either! *Gets punched by Sakura* @_@; He obviously belongs to Sakura... *gets hit by Tomoyo* And Eriol is Tomoyos.... *Sniff* I don't own CCS.
^_^ Thank you everyone who reveiwed! *SNIFF*
Sakura let out a shrill gasp of relief and agony. She fell onto her hands and knees as a large wave of power came rom her body, over and over again. Syaoran blinked, he had seen it coming... he sensed the strange unrest her aura was in... Syaoran threw up a large sheild over himself and the child, drawing the large cutain of magic over them, a green mist gleaming a faint green against the lagre blast of pink. Sakura was panting, everything was becoming blurry in front of her eyes. Sweat trickled down her forehead but she felt a faint relief from this sudden blessed release... Sakura stared in horror as her magic broke down her sheild and Syaorans as well. It blew the wooden oak door to smithereens and the soldiers ramming it never knew what was coming. She watched everything, numbly... Her power rammed into them, the soldiers dressed in black flew backwards and exploded in midair, raining blood and flesh everywhere. There was a scream of confusion and agony from the teeming group of soldiers, they were drawing back. Quickly.
Syaoran saw his chance. His mist of magic was worn away, it was thread bare. She felt the burning sensation of magic on his back, but bit his lips and ignored it. The childs wails subsided into a frightened whimper. 'Sleep.' Syaoran thought. He touched a shaking finger on the childs forehead. A faint flash of green sparked, and the child was fast asleep. Syaoran sighed and glared at Sakura. "Just what the hell do you think you're doing?!" He demanded. Sakura glared at him from under her adburn bangs. "Shut up Prince." She got up, shaking slightly. "I know what I'm doing." Sakura blinked as her legs gave away underneath her, Sakura caught herself by grabbing Syaoran's arm quickly, turning slightly pink as she felt his perfectly shaped arm under her hands. She yanked away quickly, her body tingling with a strange feeling of awareness. "Come on." Sakura said curtly. "We cannot follow Julian, we might lead them towards the people we are trying to protect, we have to hide..." Syaoran gaped at her. "But Sakura! They have mages!" "Its Kinomoto." Sakura said cooly. "Don't you know how to hide your aura?" Sakura asked. Syaoran nodded, but frowned. "But they can find us Sakura..." Sakura looked zoned out. "Hm?" Her voice sounded whispy for a strange reason. Syaoran's frown deeped. "Hello? Kinomoto?" He waved a hand in front of Sakura's eyes. She blinked slowly, her voice sounded far off. "Hmm... Come with me..." Sakura suddenly grasped Syaoran's hand in a strong grip and started to run towards something. Syaoran cursed and stumbled, holding the sleeping child close to his chest he looked behind him, the army was starting to get bold, and was starting to enter. He managed to send a little ball of green light flying at them, scaring the soldiers back, making them scurry back behind the wall.
Nubis's eyes widened with amazement. A large pink aura... a magical aura, surged towards him. Awe struck and shocked, he could'nt move from the spot for the longest time, as the aura pulsated and started moving out towards them, going slowly at first, then gathering speed. "OPTIUS!" Nubis bellowed. Just as the pink magic was about to come engulf them. Optius threw up a powerful black sheild, his two mage students aiding him. The pink magic slammed against the barrier, seemingly infuriated at not being able to break it. The three magic users jolted and started to sweat as the magic pounded into their sheild again, making their magic scream with pain. Optius faltered, his lips drying and a catholic prayer graced his lips as he watched, his barriers weakining slowly. His eyes turned into two wide red orbs as the magic twisted like a snake, and pulled back, sprining at them in full speed. Optius didn't know if this was the end of him. Optius gathered his last strength, and slammed his black magic outward, meeting the pink aura in midair. He felt his students slam their aura against this destructive pink aura. It faltered, and assulted them, full power... and suddenly faded, dissappearing as suddenly as it had appeared. Optius collapsed to the ground, shaking and steadying himself atop his horse, afraid that he may fall. Nubis blinked, he seemed to just see the destruction about him, about half of his army was destroyed. A strange breeze passed by them, the cold wind suddenly was warm... and it brought a tuft of hair from one of his soldiers onto his cheek. Nubis frowned and swiped it away, infuriated with Optius. "OPTIUS!" Nubis demanded, "WHY COULDN'T YOU STOP THAT!" Optius blinked his eyes quickly, "It... it was so sudden..." Optius let out a small whine. Nubis stalked towards the sorcerer, his black stallion fidgeting and neighing nervously as it came up towards the magicians red roan. "Don't let anything take you by suprise again Optius." Nubis growled deeply. "You might not like the consenquences."
Sakura was in a strange dreamy trance like state. She let go of Syaoran's sweaty palm as she came to a strange dilapidated room. "Under there..." Sakura said, a faint but glazed look on her face. "I felt it over there..." Sakura smiled queerly, drawing a worried look from Syaoran. "Sakura?" he asked uneasily. Sakura ignored him as she started to dig under the rubble. "It calls me..." She whispered, a desperate moan escaped her mouth as she clawed at the debris. "Help me Syaoran... oh god... the calling is stronger now..." Sakura got a mad look in her eye as she lifted the beam covering something she was looking for. "We should be safe here." Sakura whispered, her dreamy eyes still far off. Syaoran stared as Sakura pointed, a small passage was was uncovered from the debris. Cold air wafted up to them, drawing a shiver from Syaoran. "Sakura, are you ok? Are you sane?" He demanded. She didn't answer him, she stepped into the passage way. Her aura glowing pink around her. "I've came here once before..." Sakura whispered, her voice only an echo as she started down the strange twisted stairway. "This is where... this is where..." Sakura never got to finish as the passageway beneathe her fell and caved in under her feet. Yet she let out not even a scream. Syaoran's eyes grew wide. "SAKURA!"
Tomoyo rolled up her sleeves, she never worked so hard in her life. She was cooking for all the men here. She could'nt belive that Eriol had made her agree to do this. Her arm's were sore as she stirred the thick and bubbling soup, she let out a small moan as she drew back her thumb quickly as it brushed lightly onto the black hot pot. "You ok?" Her back stiffened at that voice. Of course she knew who it was... "No." She said cutly, ladeling soup into more bowels. She gently set each bowel onto a tray and carried it. She was slightly unstable and nearly tripped. A hot bowel of soup spilled on her arm. Tomoyo let out a startled gasp and an audible moan of pain escaped her lips as the tray came tumbling out of her hands. A swift and deft hand caught the tray and neatly set the bowels of soup back onto a table. "You ok?" His voice was sharp with concern. "No, I'm fine." Tomoyo lied. Eriol frowned, he quickly caught her burnt arm, making her wince. "You're far from ok Tomoyo." Tomoyo stared at Eriol quizzically. "I am Miss Daiijabou to you." She said curtly, yanking her damaged arm away and wincing as pain shot up her arm. Eriol frowned. "I can put down the swelling with a little bit of..." His voice faltered as he watched, wide eyed, as Tomoyo used her magic. Her very weak and faint purple aura shot out from her fingers, a small purple flash was seen and her arms looked non worse for the wear. She sighed. "I'm leaving Mr. Hiro, good luck to you." Tomoyo curtsied formally and was about to leave. Eriol grabbed her wrist. "Listen Tomoyo, if your still mad at me for saying that, I'm here to apologize--" Tomoyo wrenched her arm away, her eyes flashing sparks. "Me? A royal lady? Swing a sword and cook? I should'nt." Tomoyo muttered. "Leave me alone." She twirled around and left in a huff. Eriol sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose.
Sakura felt herself wake from her stupor, but in this dire situation, it may have been too late. "AHHHHHHHH!" Sakura's peircing scream shattered her strange dream like state as she felt herself falling... "SAKURA!" Sakura heard Syaoran somewhere in the distance as she started to descend down the long dark tunnel...
Syaoran cursed and rummaged one of his pockets, taking out a small sheet of rice paper. "WIND! COME FORTH!" He threw the paper in the air, as it got to midair, he slapped it down with his hand as his green aura poured forth, emitting a howling wind. He forced the wind to grab Sakura. But for some strange reason, her descent was hard to stop... it was as if magic was the thing which was yabking her down with graivty. He cursed slightly, his magic flew back into him as his peice of paper burned up and a faint breeze took its ashes into the far distance. 'I can't belive I'm doing this...' Syaoran thought, he held the child tightly, and jumped in after her.
Sakura fell onto something... something soft. She landed with a muffled thud. Her tightly shut eyes opened wide as a faint silver light twinkled above her, bathing the strange room in a faint glow. "Hoe... so beautiful..." Sakura thought, breathless as she looked around the large gothic styled structure around her. Sakura sneezed as dust, centuries old, tickled her nose. Her eyebrows clicked together as she started to wonder why she had been lured here by something she could'nt quite explain. "ARRRRGH!" A loud thud made her turn around. Sakura stepped back and sweatdropped as she watched Syaoran get up, off his face, with the child securely in his arms... His face was red from the impact and his nose was bleeding, however, he looked far from happy. "Don't go running off like that!" Syaoran bellowed, wiping his bleeding nose and glaring at Sakura in such a way that it made her blood freeze in her veins. Sakura glared back at him, looking a bit remorseful. "Sorry, I didn't know what I was doing." She apologized... suddenly she felt the tug again. Sakura tried to put it off but it nearly yanked her off her feet and carried her through the dark corridors of this mysterious place. "SAKURA!" Syaoran roared, angry and tired. Sakura gave him a half pleading and imploring look as she suddenly stopped. Tiny silverish stars mad a small path towards a large dark door. Sakura gulped as she felt the strange mysterious thing push her towards the door. With shaky and unsure steps, Sakura obeyed, trusting her instincts. Syaoran grabbed her arm, he gripped it so hard she felt herself wincing under his grip. "Stop wandering! Lets find our way out of here!" He whispered dangerously. Sakura yanked away and suddenly blinked. She felt the strange magic again. Syaoran must've felt it too because he stopped and stared hard at the door in front of them. The stars blinked invitingly. Sakura gulped and started to run towards the large dark door. Something was calling her there in her mind...
'Sakura...'
Sakura started to sweat as she flung open the doors.
'Sakura.' The voice was louder this time, pouding a strange beat in her head.
Sakura stood face to face with herself, a smoky haze covered the imposter who stood there in the mist, sprinkles of white frost and snow in her hair.
'SAKURA!'
The voice in her head scream, making Sakura gasp like as if a sudden powerful blow stiked her against the side of her head. Her ear started to bleed a little as sudden strange magic started to scream in her ears. It was a strange and deadly chant.
'Sakura.... Sakura.... SAKURA!'
Sakura's scream of horror was covered by the howling wind as her eyes became large round orbs as she watched her other self open her eyes slowly. The imposters eyelashes were frined with ice flakes and snow... Green orbs met green... One was large and frightened... the other one was glazed and dark. The dark eyed Sakura reached out a hand, as if begging for Sakura's touch. Sakura shivered and stepped back. "Who are you?" Sakura questioned, feear evident in her eyes as the other her stepped towards her, dressed in a furry white gown... Sakura cried out as the other figures cold hand touched her face. A cold gust of air whipped passed Sakura and snow started to fall blindingly. "Please..." Sakura begged. "Don't kill me... what do you want?" The figure touched Sakura's cheek with a cold finger, and her mouth opened. Her words sounded like the wind... "Love ... The truth... Life... and honor..." The creature suddenly looked up sharply. Sakura's eyes followed the girls eyes. The girl was staring at Syaoran, who stood there with his lips twisted in a grim line. "GET AWAY FROM HER!" Syaoran yelled, glancing quickly between the two. "Sakura! Which one is you?" Sakura tried to move her lips but found it hard to, something wet and warm dropped onto her arm. Sakura glanced up, confused... The other Sakura was crying.
"Wish that you do not become me Sakura... because if you do..."
The figure looked back over at Syaoran, more tears falling from her eyes.
"You will regret it forever... farewell, and pray not that we meet again... Don't deny yourself... ever... or you'll become who I am now..."
The girl started to fade away, the wind dissappeared and it was strangely quiet and empty again... the girls empty sobs were nothing but an echo in the large vast tunnel. Sakura blinked, shaken by what she saw.
"SAKURA!" Syaoran ran next to Sakura. "What was that? Are you ok?" Sakura looked up at Syaoran, her face pale. "That was... me." Sakura said slowly... "Like a ghost from the future..." Sakura stared around her and started to notice the surroundings... It was an old used bedroom, and she was standing in front of a mirror. Sakura stared at herself again, her green large eyes sought herself... inside herself... she placed a hand on the dusty mirror, making a faint handprint. "Syaoran... do you think this place is haunted?" Sakura asked, her voice an octave higher then normal. Syaoran sighed and shooked his head, slightly noticing that Sakura used his first name instead of "Mr. Li" or "Prince". "No, sissy, ghost's are'nt real." Sakura shivered. "I hate ghosts..." Sakura whispered. "When I was young... I've always heard voices around my bed... when I knew no one was there." Her face was pale and her eyes so scared. "Stay next to me?" Sakura asked pleadingly. She wasn't a warrior now... she was a girl... Syaoran's eyes gentled as he held Sakura closer to him. "Its going to be all right." He whispered. Sakura nodded. Her eyes filling with tears. Syaoran quickly let go of her, and his face turned red as Sakura snuggled closer to him, her face buried in his clothes. "Sakura, lets get going." He said tightly. He turned and left quickly. Sakura blinked back tears. She didn't want to be alone...
"Nobody does..." a faint but familiar voice whispered in her ear. Sakura started, her eyes wide and her body becoming weak. "W-w-whose there?!" She squeaked. She fumbled to take her fans out.
"Only you are... You're need this while you're around. Trust in yourself... and don't let hate destroy you." Sakura felt a strangely warm and comforting hand touch the nape of her neck, and something cold slid about her throat and rested there. "I'll always be here... because we are the one and only..." The voice faded off and Sakura blinked quickly and quickly brought her hands to her throat. It was a necklace. Sakura unclasped it and stared, not being able to comprehend what had just happened.
It was a beautiful silver locket, cleverly and expertly decorated with exquistive designs. A large moon and sun symbol was carved in the front... Sakura oepend the locket and stared. There was a silver light in the middle of the locket, blinking and gleaming... winking and glimmering brightly. Sakura snapped it shut, putting the delicate silver necklace about her throat again. The locked hummed a tune she didn't know... and the tune faded off almost as instantly as it had started. Sakura felt her heart flutter and lift... until Syaoran bellowed her name again.
"KINOMOTO!!!"
Sakura yelped and ran after the angry prince. She covered her necklace with the collar of her shirt. This was her little secret... her treasure.
Nubis scanned the large... destroyed village where the Starrs had once been and cursed. He kicked the rubble and grabbed Optius's shirt collar. "WHATS THE MEEANING OF THIS!" Nubis growled menacingly. "They came here first... half our men are dead... You are failing old man. We will never be able to get what we wanted!" Nubis threw the sorcerer away from him and stepped back, his face a dark scowl. "I swear... Optius... another mistake like this will cost you dearly... You better see a magical attack before it happens and protect my men..." Nubis leaned forwards, his face a dark sneer... his eyes glimmering dangerously. "Or... it's your head on my sword." Nubis unsheathed his glittering obsidian sword, swung it around expertly, and pointed it straight at Optius's face. "You know, I am the greatest sword fighter of my time." Nubis said with contained anger. "You don't want to mess with me, magic or no." Nubis sheathed his sword and smiled at Optius in an unerving fashion. "Good day to you." He said mockingly and loudly as one of his soldiers passed by their secluded area of where their "chit chat" was done. Optius glared at Nubis, straighteneing his collar. "You too, oh great one." Optius said gruffly, his voice visibly shaking with unconcealable rage. Nubis bowed mockingly and clicked his heels. "Best be going, its high noon. We best be searching for that key right now."
Sakura frowned as they came to another dead end. Syaoran made a loud exhasperated sound. "See Sakura? Look what happened, you go wadnering around and got up somewhere! We don't even know where the hell this somewhere is?!" He turned and faced Sakura, his eyes were hard as flint. "Look at this you baka! Next time watch where you're going!" Sakura blew her long bangs away from her face, her face dark with anger. "Listen, its Kintomoto to you. You didn't have to follow me." Sakura pointed out rather briskly. Making Syaoran blink. "And you would'nt be saying this if something drew you to it as it had done to me." Sakura turned away, her eyes looked rather sad. "I am sorry you know, for making all this trouble." Sakura wrung her hands and kicked the pebbles at her feet. Syaoran sighed. "Its ok Kinomoto." He said. "Next time, let me lead the way." He pushed past her. Sakura sighed, it was amazing how the little child did not awaken, even fter the 12 fights that she and SYaoran had in the 30 minutes they had been down there. Sakura blinked as she looked at the wall. Was it just her, or did the wall flicker? Sakura blinked again, there. There was another movement. Sakura probed the flickering wall with her magic. What was this? She found a door. Sakura felt curiosity grab her once again, and she yanked at the hidden door. The door didn't budge. Sakura kicked and cursed at the door. 'OPEN!" Sakura kicked it again and furiously rattled the dusty knob. Sakura pulled back, panting furiously, and gave the door a nice solid punch right on the star symbol which was in the center of the door itself. There was a strange familiar melody again.
Sakura stepped back, becoming more and more nervous as the song started to get louder. Her locket started to get unbearably hot. Sakura gripped it with her hand and suddenly the locket started playing the tune again. The locket sprang open in Sakura's now open palm. The small shimmering silver slight faded and a small silver key with a small shimmering star on it lay in there, sparkling. Sakura stared at it, and she looked at the door knob. She saw the keyhole, and apprehension filled her as she slowly inserted the key into the doorknob. Making the door fling open by itself. Sakura was momentairly blinded by a bright light.
Sunlight.
"PRINCE LI!" Sakura called quickly. "I found a way out!" Sakura heard a curse and somebody scrambling behind her. Syaoran's brown eyes widened. "This door wasn't here before." Syaoran commented. Sakura shrugged, carefully concealing the locket behind her collar again, silently clicking the locket closed. "ITs a way out. And this terrian looks familiar. This is the eastern district of the Dragon Lords land." Sakura frowned. "This door comes right out of the bottom of the castle's large fortress wall!" Sakura faced the back of the city wall, green ivy concealed the small door quite well. The door slowly shut by itself, and Sakura stared hardly at it as the door seemed to dissappear.
"Magic." Syaoran commented. "That's what I've been feeling down there." Syaoran touched the door. "But this is solid rock... and... its no illusion." Syaoran tapped a finger to his teeth and shrugged slightly. "Well. Good job Kinomoto, you take us into trouble, and back out again." His voice dripped with sarcasm. Sakura gave him a glare and flaunted off. "I think you should follow me." Syaoran countered, his mouth in a half grin. "Its my turn to do leadership." Sakura glared at him. Syaoran smiled slightly, tiliting his head to the side. "Ok, we go to the Dragon Lord's land, and we will ask for assistance, and we best get training." Sakura stuck out a tounge. "You don't speak all pretty do you." Sakura said teasingly. "I'm guessing you do hang out with peasents once in a while." Syaoran blinked. "How did you--." Sakura smiled and winked. "An observation Prince Li, let us get going to the Dragon Lord's land. I know the prince of the dragon lords himself. He is a great fighter. I suggest we take up a little advice from him." Syaoran grabbed Sakura's arm. "I'm leading this time." He gritted out. He started when the small child in his arm yawned and blinked its sleepy amber eyes up at him. Sakura's playful countence suddenly dissppeared as she stared at something behind Syaoran. "Syaoran..." Sakura said, her face dead serious. "Don't turn around... no matter what you do... Don't..." Syaoran frowned. "What are you talking about?" He slowly turned around, ignoring Sakura's advice, and came face to face with a large creature with large cat like yellow eyes. It hissed, eyeing the child in his arms.
To be continued...
A/N: Ok, BIIIGGG writers block! *scratches head* Thats why this chapter wasn't all that good. Sorry. The next one I'll need to think about it. So, please R and R.
Chapter 6: "The Locket and the Mysterious Sakura"
Author: Peonyqt1004
DISCLAIMER: *holds tightly onto Eriol and cuddles him* Dis wittle cutie is... *drops Eriol who had turned blue* not mine. *Hugs Syaoran* This one isn't mine either! *Gets punched by Sakura* @_@; He obviously belongs to Sakura... *gets hit by Tomoyo* And Eriol is Tomoyos.... *Sniff* I don't own CCS.
^_^ Thank you everyone who reveiwed! *SNIFF*
Sakura let out a shrill gasp of relief and agony. She fell onto her hands and knees as a large wave of power came rom her body, over and over again. Syaoran blinked, he had seen it coming... he sensed the strange unrest her aura was in... Syaoran threw up a large sheild over himself and the child, drawing the large cutain of magic over them, a green mist gleaming a faint green against the lagre blast of pink. Sakura was panting, everything was becoming blurry in front of her eyes. Sweat trickled down her forehead but she felt a faint relief from this sudden blessed release... Sakura stared in horror as her magic broke down her sheild and Syaorans as well. It blew the wooden oak door to smithereens and the soldiers ramming it never knew what was coming. She watched everything, numbly... Her power rammed into them, the soldiers dressed in black flew backwards and exploded in midair, raining blood and flesh everywhere. There was a scream of confusion and agony from the teeming group of soldiers, they were drawing back. Quickly.
Syaoran saw his chance. His mist of magic was worn away, it was thread bare. She felt the burning sensation of magic on his back, but bit his lips and ignored it. The childs wails subsided into a frightened whimper. 'Sleep.' Syaoran thought. He touched a shaking finger on the childs forehead. A faint flash of green sparked, and the child was fast asleep. Syaoran sighed and glared at Sakura. "Just what the hell do you think you're doing?!" He demanded. Sakura glared at him from under her adburn bangs. "Shut up Prince." She got up, shaking slightly. "I know what I'm doing." Sakura blinked as her legs gave away underneath her, Sakura caught herself by grabbing Syaoran's arm quickly, turning slightly pink as she felt his perfectly shaped arm under her hands. She yanked away quickly, her body tingling with a strange feeling of awareness. "Come on." Sakura said curtly. "We cannot follow Julian, we might lead them towards the people we are trying to protect, we have to hide..." Syaoran gaped at her. "But Sakura! They have mages!" "Its Kinomoto." Sakura said cooly. "Don't you know how to hide your aura?" Sakura asked. Syaoran nodded, but frowned. "But they can find us Sakura..." Sakura looked zoned out. "Hm?" Her voice sounded whispy for a strange reason. Syaoran's frown deeped. "Hello? Kinomoto?" He waved a hand in front of Sakura's eyes. She blinked slowly, her voice sounded far off. "Hmm... Come with me..." Sakura suddenly grasped Syaoran's hand in a strong grip and started to run towards something. Syaoran cursed and stumbled, holding the sleeping child close to his chest he looked behind him, the army was starting to get bold, and was starting to enter. He managed to send a little ball of green light flying at them, scaring the soldiers back, making them scurry back behind the wall.
Nubis's eyes widened with amazement. A large pink aura... a magical aura, surged towards him. Awe struck and shocked, he could'nt move from the spot for the longest time, as the aura pulsated and started moving out towards them, going slowly at first, then gathering speed. "OPTIUS!" Nubis bellowed. Just as the pink magic was about to come engulf them. Optius threw up a powerful black sheild, his two mage students aiding him. The pink magic slammed against the barrier, seemingly infuriated at not being able to break it. The three magic users jolted and started to sweat as the magic pounded into their sheild again, making their magic scream with pain. Optius faltered, his lips drying and a catholic prayer graced his lips as he watched, his barriers weakining slowly. His eyes turned into two wide red orbs as the magic twisted like a snake, and pulled back, sprining at them in full speed. Optius didn't know if this was the end of him. Optius gathered his last strength, and slammed his black magic outward, meeting the pink aura in midair. He felt his students slam their aura against this destructive pink aura. It faltered, and assulted them, full power... and suddenly faded, dissappearing as suddenly as it had appeared. Optius collapsed to the ground, shaking and steadying himself atop his horse, afraid that he may fall. Nubis blinked, he seemed to just see the destruction about him, about half of his army was destroyed. A strange breeze passed by them, the cold wind suddenly was warm... and it brought a tuft of hair from one of his soldiers onto his cheek. Nubis frowned and swiped it away, infuriated with Optius. "OPTIUS!" Nubis demanded, "WHY COULDN'T YOU STOP THAT!" Optius blinked his eyes quickly, "It... it was so sudden..." Optius let out a small whine. Nubis stalked towards the sorcerer, his black stallion fidgeting and neighing nervously as it came up towards the magicians red roan. "Don't let anything take you by suprise again Optius." Nubis growled deeply. "You might not like the consenquences."
Sakura was in a strange dreamy trance like state. She let go of Syaoran's sweaty palm as she came to a strange dilapidated room. "Under there..." Sakura said, a faint but glazed look on her face. "I felt it over there..." Sakura smiled queerly, drawing a worried look from Syaoran. "Sakura?" he asked uneasily. Sakura ignored him as she started to dig under the rubble. "It calls me..." She whispered, a desperate moan escaped her mouth as she clawed at the debris. "Help me Syaoran... oh god... the calling is stronger now..." Sakura got a mad look in her eye as she lifted the beam covering something she was looking for. "We should be safe here." Sakura whispered, her dreamy eyes still far off. Syaoran stared as Sakura pointed, a small passage was was uncovered from the debris. Cold air wafted up to them, drawing a shiver from Syaoran. "Sakura, are you ok? Are you sane?" He demanded. She didn't answer him, she stepped into the passage way. Her aura glowing pink around her. "I've came here once before..." Sakura whispered, her voice only an echo as she started down the strange twisted stairway. "This is where... this is where..." Sakura never got to finish as the passageway beneathe her fell and caved in under her feet. Yet she let out not even a scream. Syaoran's eyes grew wide. "SAKURA!"
Tomoyo rolled up her sleeves, she never worked so hard in her life. She was cooking for all the men here. She could'nt belive that Eriol had made her agree to do this. Her arm's were sore as she stirred the thick and bubbling soup, she let out a small moan as she drew back her thumb quickly as it brushed lightly onto the black hot pot. "You ok?" Her back stiffened at that voice. Of course she knew who it was... "No." She said cutly, ladeling soup into more bowels. She gently set each bowel onto a tray and carried it. She was slightly unstable and nearly tripped. A hot bowel of soup spilled on her arm. Tomoyo let out a startled gasp and an audible moan of pain escaped her lips as the tray came tumbling out of her hands. A swift and deft hand caught the tray and neatly set the bowels of soup back onto a table. "You ok?" His voice was sharp with concern. "No, I'm fine." Tomoyo lied. Eriol frowned, he quickly caught her burnt arm, making her wince. "You're far from ok Tomoyo." Tomoyo stared at Eriol quizzically. "I am Miss Daiijabou to you." She said curtly, yanking her damaged arm away and wincing as pain shot up her arm. Eriol frowned. "I can put down the swelling with a little bit of..." His voice faltered as he watched, wide eyed, as Tomoyo used her magic. Her very weak and faint purple aura shot out from her fingers, a small purple flash was seen and her arms looked non worse for the wear. She sighed. "I'm leaving Mr. Hiro, good luck to you." Tomoyo curtsied formally and was about to leave. Eriol grabbed her wrist. "Listen Tomoyo, if your still mad at me for saying that, I'm here to apologize--" Tomoyo wrenched her arm away, her eyes flashing sparks. "Me? A royal lady? Swing a sword and cook? I should'nt." Tomoyo muttered. "Leave me alone." She twirled around and left in a huff. Eriol sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose.
Sakura felt herself wake from her stupor, but in this dire situation, it may have been too late. "AHHHHHHHH!" Sakura's peircing scream shattered her strange dream like state as she felt herself falling... "SAKURA!" Sakura heard Syaoran somewhere in the distance as she started to descend down the long dark tunnel...
Syaoran cursed and rummaged one of his pockets, taking out a small sheet of rice paper. "WIND! COME FORTH!" He threw the paper in the air, as it got to midair, he slapped it down with his hand as his green aura poured forth, emitting a howling wind. He forced the wind to grab Sakura. But for some strange reason, her descent was hard to stop... it was as if magic was the thing which was yabking her down with graivty. He cursed slightly, his magic flew back into him as his peice of paper burned up and a faint breeze took its ashes into the far distance. 'I can't belive I'm doing this...' Syaoran thought, he held the child tightly, and jumped in after her.
Sakura fell onto something... something soft. She landed with a muffled thud. Her tightly shut eyes opened wide as a faint silver light twinkled above her, bathing the strange room in a faint glow. "Hoe... so beautiful..." Sakura thought, breathless as she looked around the large gothic styled structure around her. Sakura sneezed as dust, centuries old, tickled her nose. Her eyebrows clicked together as she started to wonder why she had been lured here by something she could'nt quite explain. "ARRRRGH!" A loud thud made her turn around. Sakura stepped back and sweatdropped as she watched Syaoran get up, off his face, with the child securely in his arms... His face was red from the impact and his nose was bleeding, however, he looked far from happy. "Don't go running off like that!" Syaoran bellowed, wiping his bleeding nose and glaring at Sakura in such a way that it made her blood freeze in her veins. Sakura glared back at him, looking a bit remorseful. "Sorry, I didn't know what I was doing." She apologized... suddenly she felt the tug again. Sakura tried to put it off but it nearly yanked her off her feet and carried her through the dark corridors of this mysterious place. "SAKURA!" Syaoran roared, angry and tired. Sakura gave him a half pleading and imploring look as she suddenly stopped. Tiny silverish stars mad a small path towards a large dark door. Sakura gulped as she felt the strange mysterious thing push her towards the door. With shaky and unsure steps, Sakura obeyed, trusting her instincts. Syaoran grabbed her arm, he gripped it so hard she felt herself wincing under his grip. "Stop wandering! Lets find our way out of here!" He whispered dangerously. Sakura yanked away and suddenly blinked. She felt the strange magic again. Syaoran must've felt it too because he stopped and stared hard at the door in front of them. The stars blinked invitingly. Sakura gulped and started to run towards the large dark door. Something was calling her there in her mind...
'Sakura...'
Sakura started to sweat as she flung open the doors.
'Sakura.' The voice was louder this time, pouding a strange beat in her head.
Sakura stood face to face with herself, a smoky haze covered the imposter who stood there in the mist, sprinkles of white frost and snow in her hair.
'SAKURA!'
The voice in her head scream, making Sakura gasp like as if a sudden powerful blow stiked her against the side of her head. Her ear started to bleed a little as sudden strange magic started to scream in her ears. It was a strange and deadly chant.
'Sakura.... Sakura.... SAKURA!'
Sakura's scream of horror was covered by the howling wind as her eyes became large round orbs as she watched her other self open her eyes slowly. The imposters eyelashes were frined with ice flakes and snow... Green orbs met green... One was large and frightened... the other one was glazed and dark. The dark eyed Sakura reached out a hand, as if begging for Sakura's touch. Sakura shivered and stepped back. "Who are you?" Sakura questioned, feear evident in her eyes as the other her stepped towards her, dressed in a furry white gown... Sakura cried out as the other figures cold hand touched her face. A cold gust of air whipped passed Sakura and snow started to fall blindingly. "Please..." Sakura begged. "Don't kill me... what do you want?" The figure touched Sakura's cheek with a cold finger, and her mouth opened. Her words sounded like the wind... "Love ... The truth... Life... and honor..." The creature suddenly looked up sharply. Sakura's eyes followed the girls eyes. The girl was staring at Syaoran, who stood there with his lips twisted in a grim line. "GET AWAY FROM HER!" Syaoran yelled, glancing quickly between the two. "Sakura! Which one is you?" Sakura tried to move her lips but found it hard to, something wet and warm dropped onto her arm. Sakura glanced up, confused... The other Sakura was crying.
"Wish that you do not become me Sakura... because if you do..."
The figure looked back over at Syaoran, more tears falling from her eyes.
"You will regret it forever... farewell, and pray not that we meet again... Don't deny yourself... ever... or you'll become who I am now..."
The girl started to fade away, the wind dissappeared and it was strangely quiet and empty again... the girls empty sobs were nothing but an echo in the large vast tunnel. Sakura blinked, shaken by what she saw.
"SAKURA!" Syaoran ran next to Sakura. "What was that? Are you ok?" Sakura looked up at Syaoran, her face pale. "That was... me." Sakura said slowly... "Like a ghost from the future..." Sakura stared around her and started to notice the surroundings... It was an old used bedroom, and she was standing in front of a mirror. Sakura stared at herself again, her green large eyes sought herself... inside herself... she placed a hand on the dusty mirror, making a faint handprint. "Syaoran... do you think this place is haunted?" Sakura asked, her voice an octave higher then normal. Syaoran sighed and shooked his head, slightly noticing that Sakura used his first name instead of "Mr. Li" or "Prince". "No, sissy, ghost's are'nt real." Sakura shivered. "I hate ghosts..." Sakura whispered. "When I was young... I've always heard voices around my bed... when I knew no one was there." Her face was pale and her eyes so scared. "Stay next to me?" Sakura asked pleadingly. She wasn't a warrior now... she was a girl... Syaoran's eyes gentled as he held Sakura closer to him. "Its going to be all right." He whispered. Sakura nodded. Her eyes filling with tears. Syaoran quickly let go of her, and his face turned red as Sakura snuggled closer to him, her face buried in his clothes. "Sakura, lets get going." He said tightly. He turned and left quickly. Sakura blinked back tears. She didn't want to be alone...
"Nobody does..." a faint but familiar voice whispered in her ear. Sakura started, her eyes wide and her body becoming weak. "W-w-whose there?!" She squeaked. She fumbled to take her fans out.
"Only you are... You're need this while you're around. Trust in yourself... and don't let hate destroy you." Sakura felt a strangely warm and comforting hand touch the nape of her neck, and something cold slid about her throat and rested there. "I'll always be here... because we are the one and only..." The voice faded off and Sakura blinked quickly and quickly brought her hands to her throat. It was a necklace. Sakura unclasped it and stared, not being able to comprehend what had just happened.
It was a beautiful silver locket, cleverly and expertly decorated with exquistive designs. A large moon and sun symbol was carved in the front... Sakura oepend the locket and stared. There was a silver light in the middle of the locket, blinking and gleaming... winking and glimmering brightly. Sakura snapped it shut, putting the delicate silver necklace about her throat again. The locked hummed a tune she didn't know... and the tune faded off almost as instantly as it had started. Sakura felt her heart flutter and lift... until Syaoran bellowed her name again.
"KINOMOTO!!!"
Sakura yelped and ran after the angry prince. She covered her necklace with the collar of her shirt. This was her little secret... her treasure.
Nubis scanned the large... destroyed village where the Starrs had once been and cursed. He kicked the rubble and grabbed Optius's shirt collar. "WHATS THE MEEANING OF THIS!" Nubis growled menacingly. "They came here first... half our men are dead... You are failing old man. We will never be able to get what we wanted!" Nubis threw the sorcerer away from him and stepped back, his face a dark scowl. "I swear... Optius... another mistake like this will cost you dearly... You better see a magical attack before it happens and protect my men..." Nubis leaned forwards, his face a dark sneer... his eyes glimmering dangerously. "Or... it's your head on my sword." Nubis unsheathed his glittering obsidian sword, swung it around expertly, and pointed it straight at Optius's face. "You know, I am the greatest sword fighter of my time." Nubis said with contained anger. "You don't want to mess with me, magic or no." Nubis sheathed his sword and smiled at Optius in an unerving fashion. "Good day to you." He said mockingly and loudly as one of his soldiers passed by their secluded area of where their "chit chat" was done. Optius glared at Nubis, straighteneing his collar. "You too, oh great one." Optius said gruffly, his voice visibly shaking with unconcealable rage. Nubis bowed mockingly and clicked his heels. "Best be going, its high noon. We best be searching for that key right now."
Sakura frowned as they came to another dead end. Syaoran made a loud exhasperated sound. "See Sakura? Look what happened, you go wadnering around and got up somewhere! We don't even know where the hell this somewhere is?!" He turned and faced Sakura, his eyes were hard as flint. "Look at this you baka! Next time watch where you're going!" Sakura blew her long bangs away from her face, her face dark with anger. "Listen, its Kintomoto to you. You didn't have to follow me." Sakura pointed out rather briskly. Making Syaoran blink. "And you would'nt be saying this if something drew you to it as it had done to me." Sakura turned away, her eyes looked rather sad. "I am sorry you know, for making all this trouble." Sakura wrung her hands and kicked the pebbles at her feet. Syaoran sighed. "Its ok Kinomoto." He said. "Next time, let me lead the way." He pushed past her. Sakura sighed, it was amazing how the little child did not awaken, even fter the 12 fights that she and SYaoran had in the 30 minutes they had been down there. Sakura blinked as she looked at the wall. Was it just her, or did the wall flicker? Sakura blinked again, there. There was another movement. Sakura probed the flickering wall with her magic. What was this? She found a door. Sakura felt curiosity grab her once again, and she yanked at the hidden door. The door didn't budge. Sakura kicked and cursed at the door. 'OPEN!" Sakura kicked it again and furiously rattled the dusty knob. Sakura pulled back, panting furiously, and gave the door a nice solid punch right on the star symbol which was in the center of the door itself. There was a strange familiar melody again.
Sakura stepped back, becoming more and more nervous as the song started to get louder. Her locket started to get unbearably hot. Sakura gripped it with her hand and suddenly the locket started playing the tune again. The locket sprang open in Sakura's now open palm. The small shimmering silver slight faded and a small silver key with a small shimmering star on it lay in there, sparkling. Sakura stared at it, and she looked at the door knob. She saw the keyhole, and apprehension filled her as she slowly inserted the key into the doorknob. Making the door fling open by itself. Sakura was momentairly blinded by a bright light.
Sunlight.
"PRINCE LI!" Sakura called quickly. "I found a way out!" Sakura heard a curse and somebody scrambling behind her. Syaoran's brown eyes widened. "This door wasn't here before." Syaoran commented. Sakura shrugged, carefully concealing the locket behind her collar again, silently clicking the locket closed. "ITs a way out. And this terrian looks familiar. This is the eastern district of the Dragon Lords land." Sakura frowned. "This door comes right out of the bottom of the castle's large fortress wall!" Sakura faced the back of the city wall, green ivy concealed the small door quite well. The door slowly shut by itself, and Sakura stared hardly at it as the door seemed to dissappear.
"Magic." Syaoran commented. "That's what I've been feeling down there." Syaoran touched the door. "But this is solid rock... and... its no illusion." Syaoran tapped a finger to his teeth and shrugged slightly. "Well. Good job Kinomoto, you take us into trouble, and back out again." His voice dripped with sarcasm. Sakura gave him a glare and flaunted off. "I think you should follow me." Syaoran countered, his mouth in a half grin. "Its my turn to do leadership." Sakura glared at him. Syaoran smiled slightly, tiliting his head to the side. "Ok, we go to the Dragon Lord's land, and we will ask for assistance, and we best get training." Sakura stuck out a tounge. "You don't speak all pretty do you." Sakura said teasingly. "I'm guessing you do hang out with peasents once in a while." Syaoran blinked. "How did you--." Sakura smiled and winked. "An observation Prince Li, let us get going to the Dragon Lord's land. I know the prince of the dragon lords himself. He is a great fighter. I suggest we take up a little advice from him." Syaoran grabbed Sakura's arm. "I'm leading this time." He gritted out. He started when the small child in his arm yawned and blinked its sleepy amber eyes up at him. Sakura's playful countence suddenly dissppeared as she stared at something behind Syaoran. "Syaoran..." Sakura said, her face dead serious. "Don't turn around... no matter what you do... Don't..." Syaoran frowned. "What are you talking about?" He slowly turned around, ignoring Sakura's advice, and came face to face with a large creature with large cat like yellow eyes. It hissed, eyeing the child in his arms.
To be continued...
A/N: Ok, BIIIGGG writers block! *scratches head* Thats why this chapter wasn't all that good. Sorry. The next one I'll need to think about it. So, please R and R.
