Title: War Beat
Author: Peonyqt1004
Chapter Title: Leaving for Raihland

A/N: Excuse any grammar or spelling errors. This is not edited, I'm afraid to tamper with the html with any spelling check added onto this...

DISCLAIMER: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! NOT AGAIN! NOT MINE NOT MINE! *tears out hair and sobs* But Earthbound, Raylight, and Silver Jade are MINE MINE MINE! BWAHAHAHAHA! NUBIS AND OPTIUS TOO! XP






"You see..." Earth Bound said slowly, flickering his scarlet tounge out this way and that. "Sakura wasn't a happy girl." Syaoran snorted. "Happy? She's always so touchy, I can see why she wasn't a happy child. One word and she'll go mad." Earthbound looked at Syaoran strangely. "Quiet..." The dragon rumbled, his sky blue eyes clouding over to a dark shade of blue. The color of the deep dark ocean during a turbulent stormy day. Syaoran noticed that dragons spoke through their eyes more then through words, for the dragons eyes pinned him down, daring him to say anything to make him mad. "Sakura is like a daughter to me. She is more then what you will ever be." The dragon got up, its muscles rippling under his thick skin of colorful shimmering scales. "You do not know who she really is, you are yet not wise.... You have not lived a million plus years as I have. I have been here since the beggining of dragon creatrion, since the time fairies and humans used to play together." Syaoran smirked. "Yes, but that does not make you anybody to judge me like that. Sakura is a snobby bodygaurd, I don't even know why she is protecting me, I can do well on my own." The dragons eyes snapped fire, its eyes enraged, it became a icy shade of blue. "You are not a wise man." The dragon's calm voice dropped to a low dangerous growl. "Fate intertwines... according to its won accords. You will never know what pain you may cause with that reckless moouth of yours! Although your servants and parents at your palace home tolerated it, nobody out here will!" The dragon twitched its tail and stormed out. Syaoran blinked. 'Stupid dragons... why am I here anyways?'

Sakura closed the locket, her heart was at peace again... Yet, it made her sad and down to hear what SYaoran had said to her. She should've been used to it by now. She brought out her metal fans with a strong flick of her wrist. They were hidden clevery in her sleeves and came out as fluidly and natrually as the moon pulls at the waves in a ocean. She decided to start with some training. But then, she reconsidered, and decided to do some light springy fan dance moves her mother had taught her. Bringing up the fan gently in front of her face, Sakura moved her body gracefully in the moonlight. She brought up a fan gracefully with another flick of her wrist and danced along with the silence about her. Twirling, leaping.... she felt free. She could almost hear her mother playing the flute in the background as she danced. Sakura flung the light pink vest liek dress off of her pale silk white dress, and danced about like a breeze. She freed her mind. She didn't want to to think.... Ignorance was bliss.


Silver Jade looked at her mate angrily. "I hate that ignorant bastard." She spat delicately in her own dragon language. "Dear, don't be rash, he was just being a boy about it all." "But not a man!" Silver Jade hissed, her green jade like eyes watched Sakura dance in the moonlight. "I feel sorry for her, why did she have to... why IS she protecting that prince?" Earthbound slighed, of course, she had a 1000 years diffrence with him. She was younger, and less likely to be a deep thinker. "Think about it, its fate, I can almost see the legend unfold by itself." Seilver Jade snorted. "If that damn prince hurts my Sakura, I'll tear him to peices with my claws!" Earthbound gave her a glare. "Don't be rash Silver Jade of Green Mountain! You are judging him too quickly, being biased is not good. Not at all." Silver Jade looked at her husband haugtily, flapping her silverish translucent wings lightly. "Earthbound... sometimes you are really annoying." Earthbound didn't want to let his pride to create a war, and let her off. After all, he did love her. "That's why I fell in love with you." He teased, his language was filled with chirps and cooes. "To annoy you." Silver Jade glared at him and suddenly started laughing. To human ears it may sound like someone playing a silver flute, but it was a beautiful sound. "Earthbound, sometimes... I feel so lucky to have you. If only Sakura could have such luck. She has strength, but she will fall once her heart.... her body.... and her mind is broken..."

Optius felt like crying, it was his grandsons grave. He started to weep, in time with his other self. 'Why... why?' Optius looked around with watery eyes, he realized he was back in the musty old room. "I only want to have power... is that so wrong?" The empty echo of his voice revebrated in the empty room. There was no answer. "Leave, the key has gone to its true owner." A sweet voice said. He turned around in suprise. A tall woman with cascading black hair and breathtaking green eyes told him. She was a mere spirit. She was translucent and floating. "This place is forbidden for anyone who wants to cause the delicate balance wrong. Pursue your evil ways and things most precious to you will be gone." The beautiful slender woman smiled coldly. "This greed within your heart will be the death of the ones you love... yet... as I speak. I still see that greed lingering in you, even after your vision of your grandson dying. You really are an evil man." She glared at him. Slowly dissappearing into nowhere. Optius stared, those green eyes looked so familiar.... He could'nt pin point where he saw them before...


Sakura breathed heavily as she went into her small bamboo hut. She noticed that Syaoran was already there. Ignoring him completely, she went to the crystal wash basin and slpashed water onto her face and she calmly drew the thick black curtain between them, seperating themselves from each other. She really didn't want to see that ignorant prince. He was lying there like a sack of potatoes, not even turning around to see if it was her. Sakura shook off the wet droplets of water in her hair and changed into a soft teal blue nighgown which the dragons had made specially for her. It was cool and smooth against her hot skin. She cuddled her face against the soft matress stuffed with fragrant blossoms and moss, it felt like heaven against her tired aching back. She pulled the fluffy moss blankets over her and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Syaoran heard the curtains drawing shut and the splashing of water. Ofc ourse she would'nt talk to him. What else did he expect? He scowled as he got out of bed. She was sleeping. A light snoring from the other side drew his attention. He drew back the thick curtains and stared. The small dragon made windowpane let a small ray of moonlight shine upon her locks. She looked... at peace. Her face was like a childs, rested and serene. He gulped down a strange feeling of guilt as he remebered Sakura's enraged and hurt face as she slammed down the plate and left. He was sure she didn't eat dinner. Syaoran pulled back the curtains and turned back, he felt restless. He grabbed his sword, which rested near his bed and proceeded outside. He came to the garden where Sakura had danced before and started to use his sword. He was as graceful as a dancer... He made controlled slashing movements at a imaginary target and flipped up into the air coming down with a quick jab with his sword. Gracefully he twirled his sword about his hands and threw it and caught it with his left hand. Liek a panther, he walked around an imaginary arena. Slash. Hack. Retreat, parry, draw back. Syaoran suddenly dropped his sword and did a series of hand springs and flips and started to punch and kick and imaginary target. He imagined Nubis's face and punched harder. He would have his revenge... Sweat soaked Syaorans brow and he launched himself into a series of complicated attacks till someone tripped him with her tail.

It was Raylight. His green scales rippled and his eyes looked at Syaoran in intrerest. "Very intreseting. But too much hatred in the moves. You should be calm when fighting or you'll lose concentration." Syaoran wiped his brow and scowled. "Who made you my master?" Raylight grinned. "Nobody. I felt a magical aura from you as you moved about. Mind if I test your skill?" Syaoran shrugged. "Go on ahead." Raylight flapped his wings and floated in midair. His eyes glowed an unearthly glow as a sudden blast of dragon magic bursted from the dimond between its eyes. Syaoran gasped and quickly brought up a sheild of magic to block it, but the firey heat and powerful energy emitted from the blast crumbled his defenses.

Sakura's eyes snapped open. "Raylight is using his magic again." She grumbled, using some of her magic to stop her ears from the loud powerful scream of magic from outside.

Syaoran barely managed to dodge the attack and stared at Raylight. "Wh-wh-what was that?" "A simple dragon attack." Raylight replied lightly. "Every baby dragons know how to do this. Pity you can't even sheild this. Sakura can." Syaoran felt rage bubbling over him. How dare this dragon compare his to that...that...that brat?! "I swear, I'm not going to sleep till I get the sheild right." Syaoran growled. The dragon grinned mischeviously, the corner of his lips drawing up into a evil smile. " Alright, but its going to be a loonngg night for you."

Sakura woke up, the slight streamed in from her window, making her blink a few times and she strectched like a cat. She splashed some water on her face and decided to do some training. "Prince?" Sakura asked, opening the curtains, she hated him, but the boyish and serene look on Syaorans face made her heart soften, softening her early rage. "Prince Li? Li?" She went over to him, seeing that his clothes were slightly charred from what smelled like magic. Syaoran's eyelids twitched. "Leave me alone Lei!" He bellowed, a stressmark growing on his forehead. "I'm tired! Tell mother I'm not ready to go training yet!" Sakura stifled a giggle. "Oh... your majesty I'm sooo sorry..." She said, purring in his ears, enjoying watching Syaoran squirm. Syaoran's eyes shot open. "LEI DID'NT I--" He stopped and stared into a pair of laughing green eyes. "Oh damn..." Syaoran growled angrily. "Whats your problem?! I'm tired! Leave me alone!" He pulled the blankets over his head. Sakura felt annoyance overcome her childish joy. "PRINCE LI NO BAKA!" She yelled, throwing off the covers and pouring the water from the wash basin onto his face. Draing a shriek from Syaoran. Syaoran got up, looking royally pissed. "WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR FUCKING PROBLEM WOMAN?!" He dripped and stood there like a cow, glaring at her. Sakura frowned. "Don't cuss." She replied primly. "Its training time, after we learn a few helpful moves, we will bathe and then set off to find new allies. This is the best solution." Syaorans face turned pale. "You and me bathe... together?!" Sakura jumped up in suprised and shock. "HHHOEEEEE! PERVERT! Hell no!" Sakura stomped a feet, blushing becomingly in her teal blue nightgown. "Oh yea, Julian and his kingdom made it here safely." She said dreamily. Syaoran scowled. He really didn't like the Starr prince all too much. "Oh." He muttered as he stomped off to get changed.


Sakura dressed into a comfortable pair of trousers and a loose shirt. They were all made by dragons. The cloth and decorations were priceless. The shirt was a pale off-white color, with small silver emboridery around the hems. The sleeves were slightly loose for concealing weapons, and it was stylishly made so it can accent her curves in just the right places. The trousers were made of slightly coarser cloth. It was a dark shade of green, ending a little bit above her ankle. It was tight so it wouldn't hinder Sakura's movements. However, around her ankles it was slightly loose, for concealed weapons of course. They had given her a dragon scale belt to put her fans on. It glimmered green, pink, silver, gold, and white every time she moved. Her boots were leather and was plain and simple. A simple silver buckle was around the hem of her boots. She loved it. Tears in her eyes she hugged Silver Jade tightly. "Oh... thank you..." Silver jade chirped happily and smiled, her beauty lighting up. Sakura grinned at her friend Earthbound. He smiled. "Just a little token for saving my life so long ago." He replied, nuzzling her neck affectionelty. Sakura giggled, holding his large triangular head between her hands as she planted a kiss on his snout. "I'm sorry I'm leaving so soon." She whispered. She met her friends eyes and smiled sadly as she kissed each of her dragon friends on the snout in turn. Raylight smiled. "You know we will meet again, we are always on you side Sakura." Sakura smiled and rubbed his smooth snout. "Yes. I know."

Syaoran was dressed in a red dragon silk shirt. His brown trousers were lose and long against his legs. It was a simple design, but made it so Li looked princely in such peasent like attire. A small golden belt was about his waist, where he carried his sword proudly. He nodded at Sakura, watching her wipe her tears as she faced away from her friend dragons. "We're ready to leave." Syaoran said in monotone. Sakura sniffled. "Thanks for the lessons Rayearth... thansk for the breakfast Silver Jade... and Earthbound, thank you for letting us stay here." The dragon snuffled. "Julian thanks you too, don't you want to see him before you leave?" Sakura froze, undecided. "I don't know." Sakura sighed. Smiling. "Send him my regards, I will meet him again..." Sakura smiled. "He didn't get hurt did he?" "No." The dragon replied smiling. "He's fine." Sakura smiled and kneeled down in the dragon's way of respect and farewell. "I'll miss you..." Sakura's voice was a faint whisper, but she got up, strongly, and smiled. "I'm going to Raihland next."


Sakura strapped the leather bag onto her back which contained their food, water, clothes, and their essentials. Sakura sighed. Raylight had given them a rather rough ride out of the dragon terrirotey, and they were heading north. Sakura felt reassured that she had the dragons backing. But she had heard that Raihland people were very harsh and cruel. But she was sure they hated Nubis enough to do what she must do. Syaoran walked next to her, his long strides matching her quick short determined ones. "Why do you like Julian so much?" Syaoran asked, interupting Sakura's train of thought. Sakura became red. "NANI?!" She glared at Syaoran. 'I-I-I don't l-l-like him!" "And my uncle is a monkey." Syaoran said drily. "I can belive that." Sakura said quietly, drawing a glared from Syaoran. Sakura stared at the sky. "Looks like bad weather." Sakura said quietly. "We have two more days till we arrive in Raihland. We should stop and rest under a shelther while the storm passes." Sakura pointed at a fallen tree. "Over there." Syaoran snorted. "Listen. I know this better then you." He snatched out a large tarp which the dragons had given them, and stretched it out on top of the fallen angeled tree, making a little tent. Rain started to fall on the two. Sakura winced. "Cold." She whispered as thunder rumbled across the sky. She felt her heart leap but held it down. It was only thunder. Syaoran scooted over under the shelter. "Here." He said curtly. Sakura nodded and sat down next to him, unnerved by their closeness. "What? I don't bite." Syaoran said annoyingly as Sakura jumped as their legs brushed against each other. "They say the bark is worse then its bite." Sakura snapped back, tightening herself into a little ball and scooting far away from Syaoran. Syaoran, hurt by her rejection of him hardened his voice. "I took a bath you know." Sakura snorted. "You still smell." Syaoran wanted to grab Sakura and shake her till her teeth rattled. Thunder rumbled again, it was closer... and Sakura suddenly looked terrified. "Did you feel that?" Syaoran shook his head. "Feel what?" Sakura gripped Syaorans arm, scooting closer to him now. "That...magic..." Syaoran's keen magical senses picked up a faint rumble of magic. "What can it be?" Sakura's eyes widened as her magical aura suddenly sprang free of her trembling body. "The magic... its calling me./..." Sakura suddenly felt sick as the cold splashes of water soaked her to the bone as she ran out, her aura was wild and confused. It sprang towards the faint magic. "I feel sick..." Sakura muttered, suddenly collapsing on her knees. Her magic swirled around her and went back in... Syaoran flew to her side, a bit worried. "You ok?" Sakura blinked. "I have a terrible headache..." She muttered. "I wonder what that was all about?" Syaoran shrugged and patted her head like a dog. "Good, you're ok..." Thunder rumbled again, a strange creature with spikes along its back, in a form of a wolf sprang towards them. Syaoran felt the faint magic from it, and recognized it quickly. "You!" He whirled around, facing the growling magical beast. "What the HELL are you?" Sakura gave a small moan as her magic reached out towards the creature, who sniffed the air, and bounded towards Sakura, electricity spurted from its back as Sakura's tired eyes met the strange magical eyes of the creature.

Tomoyo told Eriol about what she had heard, and almost immediately he sent her to buy some supplies for his troops, who were going to move out against Nubis in a day or two. Grumbling at his lack of interest, she picked out some ripe apples and peaches when somebody suddenly jarred into her. She found herself looking at a familiar face. It was Tory. She found herself stuttering, he should be dead... But he did not recognize her nor Sakura... She didn't understand. Tory stared at her. "How do you know my name?" He demanded, he looked worse for the wear, his clothes soaked with sweat and grime. "You... you don't remeber me? Your sisters best friend?" Tory looked at her quizzically, his voice suddenly became dry. "You know who I am?" He asked, his voice disbeliving. Tomoyo stared. "What happened to you Tory? Why can't you remeber me?" Tory blinked, "Tomoyo? I never heard that name before... but..." Tomoyo suddenly frowned. "Wait... Sakura said you died from Nubis's attack.... your mother and father was killed as well." Tory's eyes became wide. "My parents?" He asked, his eyes snapping with anger. "HOW?!" He bellowed, his face becoming red with rage. "Parents I can't even remebered died!" Tomoyo grasped Tory's arm firmly. "Come with me, we have shelther for you."

Eriol looked up at sudden voices, it must be Tomoyo... he thought, but he heard a mans voice beside her. She was walking with a tall lanky man with dark raven black hair. Tomoyo was in good terms with him. Eriol felt a sudden jelousy he had never felt before which he quickly squashed down as he got up. Tomoyo caught sight of him, her earlier outburst of rage seemed to have dissappeared. "Eriol! This is Tory Kinomoto, Tory, this is Eriol!" She smiled at Eriol, her face pratically glowing with happiness. "Eriol, this is the brother of that girl I told you about!"

Optius had told Nubis the key was gone, and Nubis had left in a rage... If he only knew who had the key... And those green eyes were so familiar. Optius tapped his teeth together, the sudden visions of his grandson's grave making him shudder. But the stone, it would give him the power to keep that from happening. Optius was sure of it. He got up, his eyes focused ahead of him.

Nubis was enraged, someone had taken the key. Stupid Optius was too slow. He needed a younger mage... Suddenly, his eyes narrowed. Of course... Tyler... Hmmm... Nubis rubbed the tip of his rough thumb against the stubble of his beard at the tip of his chin. "NUBIS! LORD NUBIS!" A frantic soldier threw himself in front of Nubis, who was sitting near the bonfire his soldiers had lit for the night. "What is it?" He asked irritated. "T-t-t-roy Kinomoto! He has escaped!" Nubis leapt off of his seat, his eyes enraged. "WHAT?!" He glared at his fellow soldiers angrily. "How could you have let him go?! How could he have escaped?! There was four or three soldiers gaurding him..." The soldier shook in fear and groveled underneath Nubis's furious purpple gaze. "Oh sir... please... please forgive your servant!" Nubis hit his head with the base of his palm. Another pawn, lost. It was stupid... so many mistakes... he could'nt afford to make more. "Link!" He called out, his voice rapping out each syllable. "Take this filthy piece of crap from me and go give him 50 whiplashes! Make him promise to not make another grave error EVER again!" The soldier howled in response as the blue eyed general grasped his forearm and dragged the kicking and wailing soldier out. Nubis whirled around. His back stiff and his eyes determined. He was going to get that stone, and destroy all these weaklings... and... his mind wandered off to a certain emerald eyed woman... he was going to take Sakura as his wife, unwilling or no. If she refused till the bitter end, he would do what he want with her and kill her. He smiled evilly as he sauntered off into the darkness, towards his warded tent.



To be continued....


Special Thanks list grows longer! =D

Thank you reveiwers!

H_A
Treeleaf (Hehehe, ur names here again! ;) )
KristiexxNguyen
Amy
WezL (Hehehe, u reviewed alot, THANK YOU!! =D)
Lireal
Tomoyo-Chan (Thanx for ur numerous reviews! LOVED THEM! *sniffle*)
mesmer
C.M Dracoon ^^
Lunemangelus (Hmm. I get mixed up with Japanese spelling so bear with me, and Daiijabou means are you alright in jap I think... Well, lets just use it for a last name for now, okie? LOL)
Cherry Blossom
Danielle Ngo (Hehehe, loved ur LLOOONGGG review, LOL)

Thank you for your reviews! LOVE U ALL! *huggies* And, remeber to reveiw after this one too OK?! Sorry this one was short, If I continued, it would've been too long... and I wanted to leave a cliffie. ^^=~3


Peony~