War Beat
Title: The Chosen
Author: Peonyqt1004
Disclaimer: I dun't own CCS
A/N: I was sick so gomen nasai! I didn't write in a long time. ^^; Thanks for the reviews and enjoy!
Syaoran groaned as the dull pounding on the bottom of his skull woke him. Something was poking his eyelid, and it was irritating. Syaoran swatted at whatever it was, bit somehow it would'nt stop. "Stop it." He said in a half groggily tone. Maybe it was Sheifa? His oldest sister? She had a habit of always annoying him. "Sheifa stop it." The poking ceased and a blissful smile spread across the princes face. Wait a second.... Sheifa was dead.... His eyes shot open and came face to face with two beady eyes.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Amazingly, Sakura did not stir from the loud scream that reveberated around them, howvere, the thing in front of Syaoran went flying backwards into the air, landing with a thump on the forest floor. Sakura snorted slightly, crinkling her nose slightly as she giggled in her sleep. Syaoran blinked. Suddenly everything came rushing back to him. The spirit... Sakura... the winid... The creature got up and dusted itself off, its corn yellow fur shining softly in the morning light. "You were cleaned knocked off yer feet by Windy I think, I sorta recognized that aura." Syaoran stared at the little creature in front of him. "I must be dreaming...." Syaoran said, scowling a bit, "A stuffed animal is *talking* to me." The little creature bared its teeth at him. "WHAT WHY U LITTLE PUNK!" The yellow creature launched itself into a attack and attacked Syaoran's index finger. Syaoran gave a loud screech and swung the creature around the air and gasped in relief when the little creature got off. His index finger was throbbing and turning red. "Yeesh!" Syaoran exclaimed, holdiing his finger. "What if that creature has RABIES." The creature twitched slightly and smiled, "Heya, yer that Li descendent ne?" Syaoran nodded, dumbfounded. "I guess I'm dreaming." Syaoran muttered under his breathe. "I'm Kerobeous of the Seal." The creature continued, looking proud as he strutted his stuff in front of Syaoran, Syaoran blinked as all his magic lessons from the palace came crashing to him.
"Oh." Syaoran said, rather indiffrently, then Syaoran started to laugh, uncontrollably, to Keros indignation.
Tomoyo panted, hauling herself next to Eriol. "Eriol baka!" She yelled in his ear as they continued their trek up the side of the mountain. "What?" He asked, a bit irritated. "Why did you tell me to come here when all you're doing is making me sweat like a pig!" Tomoyo wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her wrist. Eriol smirked and rather flirtacioously, he brought out a hand. "Assitance my lady?" Tomoyo, rather shocked by his sudden good manners, only stared at his hand and step back, and landed on her rear with a splat into the mud, making Eriol laugh. Tomoyo was shaking with anger as she got up, attempting to clean her rear. "That was not funny." She said, quivering. Eriol stopped laughing and gave her a wink, making Tomoyo stop and gape at him again. Eriol pushed her quickly, making her land on her rear again. "ERIOL!" She shrieked angrily, her face staining into a pink hue.
Sakura smiled, somehow, she was back home at her dojo. She heard the clattering of feet outside, people were sparring... and she heard strings plucking from a room, her mother... She walked down her wooden hallway, her shoes clacking on the floor as she opened a door, the living room.
"Sakura!" A girl around her age with curling brown hair called. Sakura smiled and joined them.
"Sakura, did you hear?" The girl gossiped, "Greg likes Chira!" Sakura giggled. "I knew he liked her." Sakura boasted, "I told you."
"Girls?"
The girl stood straight up and Sakura chasted her friend. "Rika, ma ma won't punish you anymore for gossiping." Rika giggleed nervously as a tall beautiful woman entered. Her eyes were a startling shade of green, her hair long lusterous and black like the midnight sky. "Now girls." Nadeshiko ssaid, waggling a finger. "I smell gossip." Rika hung her head. "Gomen nasai sensei." Nadeshiko laughed charmingly, "Its ok, all woman gossip, but be careful in what you say." Nadeshiko knelt besides her daughter, smiling. "Remeber, gossip is like feathers in the wind, you can never take it back." "Hai." The two girls answered.
Rika heard her name being called by somebody. "Oh, its Teresa, I think she wants me to help with the dishes." Rika smiled, got up and left. Nadeshiko smiled at her daughter. "My daugher." Nadeshiko whispered, touching Sakuras face. Sakura felt a rush of longing... this was her mother, wasn't she dead? A cold feeling entered Sakura's chest, but Nadeshiko spoke, her voice warm and uplifting.
"Sakura, no ones realy dead till they are forgotten."
Sakura felt like crying as she opened her eyes... but her mother was gone... she was alone in the middle of a vast valley.
"You're never alone."
The voice was like a wisp in the air, but Sakura recognized the voice... it was her mother. Tears filled her eyes as she stood, alone... and faced the east.
"Always, the humbleness and forgivness in a humans soul shall defeat vengence and greed." A voice said... it sounded like her mother... yet... Sakura wasn't sure.
"You're close, let the gaurdian of the sun guide you, for he is the way to truth."
"Awake now child."
Sakuras eyes fluttered open. She got up and yawned, and her eyes widened as she ducked. A flying pot went whizzing above her head.
"STUFFED ANIMAL GET OFF OUR FOOD!" Someone bellowed. Sakura winced as she got up, whirling around. "Prince Li what in the heavens--!" A small mouse like critter and Syaoran were glaring at each other, only a few paces from where she had been sleeping. Sakura made a sort of groaning sound from the base of her throat as she got up and marched towards Syaoran and the creature.
"Whats going on?!"
Syaoran looked at her angrily, "That critter just ate the last of our food."
The grumbling in Sakuras stomache got more and more audiable. Furious, she whirled around at the little "critter". "Its Kerobeous." The critter said rather indignantly, his face covered in crumbs. "Kero... whatever." Sakura said quickly. "Listen, we can't afford not to have food with us on this journey, you just ate the last of our food supply..." Kero shook his fur and licked his paw. "Listen." The creature said, making Sakura blink, the creature was... strange. "I came here to find the chosen, the one who is seeking the chosen to train her, there will be much to do, training and stuff..." Kero paused, licking a crumb from his fur. "But I can't find him, and this guy here won't let me test him for magic."
Syaoran snorted.
"Why don't you let Kero test you?" Sakura asked curiously. Syaoran whispered something inaudiable, "What?" Sakura asked, but Syaoran gazed at her, a sorrowful look on his face. "Its Kerobeous." The small yellow mouse demanded. "Whatever Kero." Sakura said, staring intently at Syaoran. Syaoran looked away. "Sakura." He said, suprising her. "It's Kinomo--." Syaoran sighed, a fusterated look appearing on his face. "Ok, Kinomoto. You know why I don't want to be tested? I don't want to be dissapointed." Sakura looked puzzled as Syaoran sat down onto the grass. Kero jumped in front of Sakura. "Do you have magic?" He asked excitedly. "I do." Sakura said rather nervously. Kero smiled. 'Well, might as well test your potential." He touched her nose, making her sneeze twice, and clapped his hands. Nothing happened.
"Oh." Kero looked dissappointed.
There was a sudden thunderclap of pink sparks and a great bright explosion of light.
"Oh." Kero repeated again as he stared at Sakura.
Eriol reached the small placid lake, Tomoyo, messy and a bit dirty, climbed up beside him. Eriol felt that strange fuzzy feeling as he watched her struggle up after him. The sun was setting and the place was cooling down from its hot afternoon heat. A faint chirping of bugs were heard in the dark. Tomoyo huffed and sat next to Eriol, he looked serenly out into the lake, deep in thought. Tomoyo grumbled and stared at the calm and handsome pale face of Eriol. His dark navy eyes looked out into the lake, his eyes had a slightly dreamy quality to them. Suddenly she realized something. Eriol was tranquil and unruffled by the harsh terrain in which they had climbed, and she was... very... Tomoyo turned red as she tugged at her messy tangled locks, suddenly aware of her appearance, she felt like crawling under a hole and hiding. Eriol slowly faced her, "Tomoyo." He said quietly. She froze, his words were soft and beautiful... she loved the sound of his voice... "Uh, hai?" Eriol smiled. "You know why I love the night?" He asked. Tomoyo shook her head, not being able to say anything. "Its dark and beautiful, cool and quiet... serene and soothing..." "Oh." Tomoyo felt stupid, she didn't feel at all witty. "You know what?" Eriol asked, his eyes hooded slightly. "What?" Tomoyo asked, her voice warbling and shrill.
"You're like the night."
His hands were against her cheek, cold and soft. "I was a fool." Eriol said quietly. "I thought you were pathetic, but... you're more then that." Eriol pulled away, much to Tomoyo's dissappointment. All was quiet, and the quiet chirping of the crickets sang them both a love song.
Nubis was very angry, angrier then he had been in days. He just recived news that the Li Castle was over run with peasents revolting against him. Fusterated, he slammed the letter down the the ground, his teeth clenched hard as he tersely look down at the words again.
-Peasents demand you to resign-
"Hell no." Nubis growled softly under his breath. He stopped as a familiar name flashed across his memory.
-Eriol Hiro was the leader of this unruly group-
'Eriol Hiro... Prince Li's cousin!' Nubis snapped a finger, his lips stretched into a straight thin line. Optius made another mistake. 'Feathers in the wind.' Nubis thought angrily. 'And now I can't ever get them back.' "OPTIUS!"
The gnarled old man came scuttling through the tent entrance, a look of fear on his face. "Y-y-yes master?"
"Listen Optius, you made three mistakes, one more mistake and I'll KILL you." Menacingly, Nubis came forward. "Each mistake you made... Eriol Hiro... Syaoran Li... Sakura Kinomoto... they will lead to our downfall if not immediately destroyed."
"But lordship." Optius cried, going down on his knees. "The girl, she has the key. I saw and felt its presence... she is the chosen, she must be!" Nubis glared at Optius. "Not another mistake I hope?" "No lord." Optius cried, "We only need her, and a spell to leave her in a trance... and we can make her open the dark gateway... and we can enter the realm and take the stone for ourselves." Nubis... for the first time. Laughed.
"Good work Optius... but pray, where is she now?"
"She would go look for the stone, it is only natrual since she has the key, it is destiny... but we will destroy the legend, and make it ours."
Nubis brooded for a while, he went to his desk and opened a dusty old book, yellowing with age and turned to a page.
"The legend is fate." Nubis said, fear slightly tintiing his voice. "How can we stop it, now that we spurred it?" Optius looked grim, but his eyes showed truth. "Now that we spurred it... we have to finish it." Nubis looked mournful. "I've defeated the Li's... Daiijabou's... the two most powerful nations in the world. The Starrs had escaped, and my men defeated the city of Yarkara... The three most important nations in the world... and I shall fall?" Anger powered his words. "No... NO! I shall grow in power and this legend will NEVER unfold, I shall get to the stone first. Optius, the way to the stone, now!" Optius nodded slowly, yet his wise eyes betrayed his doubts as he unfolded a map. "From the clues within my magic book, I've estimated that it is near Dame Mountain."
Sakura didn't know what to make of Kero tapping on her nose and making little magic shows... she didn't understand, but she did feel the strange urge to travel towards Dame Mountain.
"Why Dame Mountain?" Syaoran asked, irritated as sweat trickled down his face. "I don't know." Sakura answered, they were days away from the mountain... if only they had horses! She stopped and panted, she looked around and sighed, a fresh stream which was running ran across the land she was on, the small clearing was lush green with moisture, and damp with humidity. Kero said he would be back, he had spotted some berries on the way.
"You sure they're edible?" Syaoran asked suspiciously. "Uh, yes." Kero said, annoyed. "Bring some for us, you ATE out food." Syaoran said, growling at the end, "Stupid stuffed animal." He let out a high pitched squeal as Kero clamped himself on Syaoran's index finger, and then flew towards the blue sky.
Splashing water on her face, Sakura was intesnely aware of Syaoran. He was not far from her, drinking the water and washing his face as well. The cold water clung to Sakuras face, making her smile with the coolness. Her face became red as suddenly, the image of Syaoran and her in the wagon came to her mind. She remebered Syaoran leaning in towards her... they might've even kissed. Her face turned red, and quickly she dunked her head under the water, nearly drowning herself in the process, not that she would've minded.
Sakura gasped as Syaoran poked her side, "You ok?" He asked, "You look red." Sakura turned nearly purple now that he mentioned it. "Iiee.." Sakura replied, then gave up. Syaoran was VERY close to her, and she felt her blood rush towards him. This forbidden love. She didn't love him. No. She would be strong. Steeling herself, she smiled at Syaoran, who turned red too. A wet lock of brown hair fell across his face, without thinking about it, Sakuras hand darted out and brushed away the jair falling in his eyes, a look of horror crossed her face. "Prince Li... I-I-I--!" He gripped her hand in his own, preventing her from withdrawing it. Sakura turned bright red, nothing in her years of training as a warrior had prepared her for this... He drew closer, till they were just millimeters apart. Syaoran smiled at Sakuras look of astonishment and shock. He dropped a quick gentle kiss on her forehead, Then he cupped her face gently with his hands.
"Sakura... I... I love--."
Sakura pulled away, her eyes wide and her face flushed. "Oh Prince Li." Sakura said quickly, darting a look to the sky. "It looks as if it might rain!" Confused and hurt, Syaoran looked away and looked up. "The sky is clear Sakura." Sakura felt her face become hot. "Oh, must've been a speck in my eye." Quickly she drew away and pretended to rub her eye. But no matter how much she rubbed, she could'nt rub away Syaorans hurt look. There was a long uncomfortable silence.
Syaoran felt a sharp sting of hurt as she lied to him. He could see it in her eyes... it was as if she was SCARED of him. That one moment, when Sakura had pushed away his wet bangs, he thought she might've cared, after all, girls back in his court used to play with his hair when they flirted with him. He took his chances, he had tried to tell her what he was sure he felt, and she had pushed him away.
'Why?'
Silently he looked at Sakura, who looked miserable and very confused, it befitted her, yet he could'nt understand her. Sometimes she seemed to like him, many times she didn't. He could'nt understand why HE liked her. Maybe he did? He wasn't sure. That warm fuzzy feeling always was there when he saw Sakura. After many days with her, he could'nt imagine life without her, and welcomed her presence though many times he tried not to show it. He heard a faint yelp of pain and saw a streak of yellow make its way towards him.
"DARN IT!" The creature howled. Kero held up a paw, pricked and stung by thorns. "I can't get the berries!" Syaoran glared at the creature, feeling as if he should attack it, he wasn't in much of a good mood.
"Stupid stuffed animal."
Kero lept to attack Syaoran, but he moved to the side quickly and grabbed Kero's cheeks and stretched them out as far as he could.
"Stuffed animal, stuffed animal!"
"LEGGO!" Kero squealed, waving his arms and legs frantically.
Sakura smiled faintly, but there was something bothering her...
Nubis had recruited around 500 more troops to accompany him to the Dame mountains, they had heard about the gruesome deaths of the soldiers before them, and were greatly distured and agitated. Their loyalty was not as strong as Nubis's old troops.
"A girl beat Nubis..."
"No, a boy they say."
Two soldiers joked as they went up the rocky pathway towards the mountains. Nubis twitched and said nothing, his eyes staring ahead of him. That was... until...
"Nubis is falling apart over a girl, lusting over a female is a weakne--"
The sandy haired man stopped as a glistening blade stood in front of him, merely inches away from his face. Nubis had reared his roan backwards and was facing the cocky soldier. "One more word and this blade will drink your blood." Nubis growled, then he cocked his head to the side, a evil glinting smile on his face. "Actually..." There wasn't even a scream as a flash of silver found its way to the soldiers vunerable flesh. His head went lolling to the ground, making the soldiers mummer in terror as Nubis smiled rather strangely. "No more talk. You are here to serve me, cockiness will bring death to you." He sheathed his bloody sword and cantered forward. Not one word was whispered as they continued on their gloomy journey.
Sakura tensed, there was that sound again, the scent... the strange sensation of a sudden attack. Her muscles tensed as she crouched in the shadows. Syaoran and Kero were fast asleep, Kero was determined to think that Syaoran was the chosen one, no matter how much Syaoran protested. Sakura, however, didn't mind the little creature. She had an urge to throw herself at it and hug it to death, but not with Syaoran there. Not with him watching. She didn't want any kind of adorement from him. Acting girly might make him... him... like her? She shook her head, nobody could like her. There was a strange scent, the sound of something here. Sakura got up slowly to strike and was startled as a pair of rock hard hooves came towards her head, bursting from the shrubbery. Sakura managed to twist away and jump back into a crouch, her silvery metal fans glistening a deadly glow. A pair of wild eyes met hers. Her eyes widened with suprise. She could'nt belive it... It... it... it was a centuar!
The magnifecent creature was midnight black in color, her fur shimmering dark blue in the moonlight, her mane like hair was silvery white and her eyes were icy white blue. The centuar neighed angrily, in her muscular and long arms, dark with tan, she held a large dangerous bow and arrow. The centuar snorted, pawing its feet. Only a loose white shirt clothes its top as it walked about her slowly, blowing hre nose like a horse and swishing its silvery tail furiously.
"Pray who are thee?" The girl centuar breathed, the arrow and bow flexed within its agile fingers, making Sakura draw back slightly. "Friend." Sakura whispered, her fans still out. The centuar snorted. "I smell dragons." The centuar said slowly, "Centaurs and dragons do not get along... FOE!" The centuar made a quick run at Sakura, making Sakura dart to the side in a roll. "State your name." The centaur breathed, snorting again, "Your clothes are dragon made and you smell faintly of them, a few days old..." The bow and arrow was drawn tautly. "Good bye foe." The quick fingers quickly brought the arrow up, sending a whistling arrow straight to Sakuras heart.
Sakura saw it happen... slowly. Sakura felt herself use her magic sheild, but it shattered through it, the arrow had been magicked itself. The arrow drew closer, its metal tip nearly toughing her chest when Sakuras fan barely made its sweeping round to clear the arrow away from her breast. The arrow fell away with a clang. Sakura growled. 'I am no foe, but you decided to be mine, what are you doing here? Watching us?" Sakura asked sarcastically. The beautiful creature swished her silver tail and stomped once or twice.
"I gaurd this forest, me and my people are sworn to it, you are a human. A destructive insigneficent human that destroys everything beautiful."
"Are you talking about Nubis?" Sakura asked sarcastically, but the centuar thundered towards her, the deadly and heavy hooves thundering across the ground as the centuar let out a loud thunderous war cry.
At that moment something amazing happened.
The centuar was over Sakura, the hooves pawing the air above Sakuras head as Sakura tried to dodge... her locket sprang up, glowing a dim silver and played the melody it so often played. The centuar seemed to shy off as the locket glowed brighter and brighter, till it nearly blinded Sakura herself. Sakura gasped slightly as the light faded away, revealing a centaur, her beautiful silver mane bowed to her.
"Why didn't you tell me before." The centaur asked, her voice high and shrill. The centuar did not look at Sakura.
"Tell you what?"
"That you are the chosen!" The centaur said quickly, meekly getting up.
Sakura felt the world around her spin.
'Me? The chosen?'
Sakura felt her head get light at the very thought.
"You must be wrong." Sakura said quickly. "How could I possibly be the chosen? I... I am not strong or anything as such..."
The centuar snorted. "Come chosen one, you must come with me, the time is drawing close. I feared you were one of those humans trying to get their hands on the stone deeply hidden away in my homeland. But now I see who you are. Come."
Sakura was shaken, she didn't know what to do, slowly she looked up at the icy blue eyes of the centuars face. Should she step forward to her destiny now? Or step back. People were known to be wrong. But centuars were said to be wise warriors, and they were the gaurdians of the dark dank forest on Dame Mountain... and they read the stars and fate... But... no. She could'nt be the one, could she?
To be continued...
Special Thanks To:
Mesmer
hyperdevil123
Night Child (You will see what will happen between those two...)
Makoto
Treeleaf
C.M Dracoon
xxwolf pupxx
Cindy =)
Winged Gaurdian
Duckie
Card Captor Lillith (Thank You ^_^)
Tomoyo-chan
swtgrlie
Firey Chan
Evvy
Pink Cherry Blossom
There may be more I missed, but thanks to ALL my reviewrs, even if ur name is here or not! =D
Sorry for the poor quality of this chapter, I'ms till sick and I still can't think straight.
-Peony
**Remeber to keep me happy by REVIEWING! ^_^ Thank you!**
Title: The Chosen
Author: Peonyqt1004
Disclaimer: I dun't own CCS
A/N: I was sick so gomen nasai! I didn't write in a long time. ^^; Thanks for the reviews and enjoy!
Syaoran groaned as the dull pounding on the bottom of his skull woke him. Something was poking his eyelid, and it was irritating. Syaoran swatted at whatever it was, bit somehow it would'nt stop. "Stop it." He said in a half groggily tone. Maybe it was Sheifa? His oldest sister? She had a habit of always annoying him. "Sheifa stop it." The poking ceased and a blissful smile spread across the princes face. Wait a second.... Sheifa was dead.... His eyes shot open and came face to face with two beady eyes.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Amazingly, Sakura did not stir from the loud scream that reveberated around them, howvere, the thing in front of Syaoran went flying backwards into the air, landing with a thump on the forest floor. Sakura snorted slightly, crinkling her nose slightly as she giggled in her sleep. Syaoran blinked. Suddenly everything came rushing back to him. The spirit... Sakura... the winid... The creature got up and dusted itself off, its corn yellow fur shining softly in the morning light. "You were cleaned knocked off yer feet by Windy I think, I sorta recognized that aura." Syaoran stared at the little creature in front of him. "I must be dreaming...." Syaoran said, scowling a bit, "A stuffed animal is *talking* to me." The little creature bared its teeth at him. "WHAT WHY U LITTLE PUNK!" The yellow creature launched itself into a attack and attacked Syaoran's index finger. Syaoran gave a loud screech and swung the creature around the air and gasped in relief when the little creature got off. His index finger was throbbing and turning red. "Yeesh!" Syaoran exclaimed, holdiing his finger. "What if that creature has RABIES." The creature twitched slightly and smiled, "Heya, yer that Li descendent ne?" Syaoran nodded, dumbfounded. "I guess I'm dreaming." Syaoran muttered under his breathe. "I'm Kerobeous of the Seal." The creature continued, looking proud as he strutted his stuff in front of Syaoran, Syaoran blinked as all his magic lessons from the palace came crashing to him.
"Oh." Syaoran said, rather indiffrently, then Syaoran started to laugh, uncontrollably, to Keros indignation.
Tomoyo panted, hauling herself next to Eriol. "Eriol baka!" She yelled in his ear as they continued their trek up the side of the mountain. "What?" He asked, a bit irritated. "Why did you tell me to come here when all you're doing is making me sweat like a pig!" Tomoyo wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her wrist. Eriol smirked and rather flirtacioously, he brought out a hand. "Assitance my lady?" Tomoyo, rather shocked by his sudden good manners, only stared at his hand and step back, and landed on her rear with a splat into the mud, making Eriol laugh. Tomoyo was shaking with anger as she got up, attempting to clean her rear. "That was not funny." She said, quivering. Eriol stopped laughing and gave her a wink, making Tomoyo stop and gape at him again. Eriol pushed her quickly, making her land on her rear again. "ERIOL!" She shrieked angrily, her face staining into a pink hue.
Sakura smiled, somehow, she was back home at her dojo. She heard the clattering of feet outside, people were sparring... and she heard strings plucking from a room, her mother... She walked down her wooden hallway, her shoes clacking on the floor as she opened a door, the living room.
"Sakura!" A girl around her age with curling brown hair called. Sakura smiled and joined them.
"Sakura, did you hear?" The girl gossiped, "Greg likes Chira!" Sakura giggled. "I knew he liked her." Sakura boasted, "I told you."
"Girls?"
The girl stood straight up and Sakura chasted her friend. "Rika, ma ma won't punish you anymore for gossiping." Rika giggleed nervously as a tall beautiful woman entered. Her eyes were a startling shade of green, her hair long lusterous and black like the midnight sky. "Now girls." Nadeshiko ssaid, waggling a finger. "I smell gossip." Rika hung her head. "Gomen nasai sensei." Nadeshiko laughed charmingly, "Its ok, all woman gossip, but be careful in what you say." Nadeshiko knelt besides her daughter, smiling. "Remeber, gossip is like feathers in the wind, you can never take it back." "Hai." The two girls answered.
Rika heard her name being called by somebody. "Oh, its Teresa, I think she wants me to help with the dishes." Rika smiled, got up and left. Nadeshiko smiled at her daughter. "My daugher." Nadeshiko whispered, touching Sakuras face. Sakura felt a rush of longing... this was her mother, wasn't she dead? A cold feeling entered Sakura's chest, but Nadeshiko spoke, her voice warm and uplifting.
"Sakura, no ones realy dead till they are forgotten."
Sakura felt like crying as she opened her eyes... but her mother was gone... she was alone in the middle of a vast valley.
"You're never alone."
The voice was like a wisp in the air, but Sakura recognized the voice... it was her mother. Tears filled her eyes as she stood, alone... and faced the east.
"Always, the humbleness and forgivness in a humans soul shall defeat vengence and greed." A voice said... it sounded like her mother... yet... Sakura wasn't sure.
"You're close, let the gaurdian of the sun guide you, for he is the way to truth."
"Awake now child."
Sakuras eyes fluttered open. She got up and yawned, and her eyes widened as she ducked. A flying pot went whizzing above her head.
"STUFFED ANIMAL GET OFF OUR FOOD!" Someone bellowed. Sakura winced as she got up, whirling around. "Prince Li what in the heavens--!" A small mouse like critter and Syaoran were glaring at each other, only a few paces from where she had been sleeping. Sakura made a sort of groaning sound from the base of her throat as she got up and marched towards Syaoran and the creature.
"Whats going on?!"
Syaoran looked at her angrily, "That critter just ate the last of our food."
The grumbling in Sakuras stomache got more and more audiable. Furious, she whirled around at the little "critter". "Its Kerobeous." The critter said rather indignantly, his face covered in crumbs. "Kero... whatever." Sakura said quickly. "Listen, we can't afford not to have food with us on this journey, you just ate the last of our food supply..." Kero shook his fur and licked his paw. "Listen." The creature said, making Sakura blink, the creature was... strange. "I came here to find the chosen, the one who is seeking the chosen to train her, there will be much to do, training and stuff..." Kero paused, licking a crumb from his fur. "But I can't find him, and this guy here won't let me test him for magic."
Syaoran snorted.
"Why don't you let Kero test you?" Sakura asked curiously. Syaoran whispered something inaudiable, "What?" Sakura asked, but Syaoran gazed at her, a sorrowful look on his face. "Its Kerobeous." The small yellow mouse demanded. "Whatever Kero." Sakura said, staring intently at Syaoran. Syaoran looked away. "Sakura." He said, suprising her. "It's Kinomo--." Syaoran sighed, a fusterated look appearing on his face. "Ok, Kinomoto. You know why I don't want to be tested? I don't want to be dissapointed." Sakura looked puzzled as Syaoran sat down onto the grass. Kero jumped in front of Sakura. "Do you have magic?" He asked excitedly. "I do." Sakura said rather nervously. Kero smiled. 'Well, might as well test your potential." He touched her nose, making her sneeze twice, and clapped his hands. Nothing happened.
"Oh." Kero looked dissappointed.
There was a sudden thunderclap of pink sparks and a great bright explosion of light.
"Oh." Kero repeated again as he stared at Sakura.
Eriol reached the small placid lake, Tomoyo, messy and a bit dirty, climbed up beside him. Eriol felt that strange fuzzy feeling as he watched her struggle up after him. The sun was setting and the place was cooling down from its hot afternoon heat. A faint chirping of bugs were heard in the dark. Tomoyo huffed and sat next to Eriol, he looked serenly out into the lake, deep in thought. Tomoyo grumbled and stared at the calm and handsome pale face of Eriol. His dark navy eyes looked out into the lake, his eyes had a slightly dreamy quality to them. Suddenly she realized something. Eriol was tranquil and unruffled by the harsh terrain in which they had climbed, and she was... very... Tomoyo turned red as she tugged at her messy tangled locks, suddenly aware of her appearance, she felt like crawling under a hole and hiding. Eriol slowly faced her, "Tomoyo." He said quietly. She froze, his words were soft and beautiful... she loved the sound of his voice... "Uh, hai?" Eriol smiled. "You know why I love the night?" He asked. Tomoyo shook her head, not being able to say anything. "Its dark and beautiful, cool and quiet... serene and soothing..." "Oh." Tomoyo felt stupid, she didn't feel at all witty. "You know what?" Eriol asked, his eyes hooded slightly. "What?" Tomoyo asked, her voice warbling and shrill.
"You're like the night."
His hands were against her cheek, cold and soft. "I was a fool." Eriol said quietly. "I thought you were pathetic, but... you're more then that." Eriol pulled away, much to Tomoyo's dissappointment. All was quiet, and the quiet chirping of the crickets sang them both a love song.
Nubis was very angry, angrier then he had been in days. He just recived news that the Li Castle was over run with peasents revolting against him. Fusterated, he slammed the letter down the the ground, his teeth clenched hard as he tersely look down at the words again.
-Peasents demand you to resign-
"Hell no." Nubis growled softly under his breath. He stopped as a familiar name flashed across his memory.
-Eriol Hiro was the leader of this unruly group-
'Eriol Hiro... Prince Li's cousin!' Nubis snapped a finger, his lips stretched into a straight thin line. Optius made another mistake. 'Feathers in the wind.' Nubis thought angrily. 'And now I can't ever get them back.' "OPTIUS!"
The gnarled old man came scuttling through the tent entrance, a look of fear on his face. "Y-y-yes master?"
"Listen Optius, you made three mistakes, one more mistake and I'll KILL you." Menacingly, Nubis came forward. "Each mistake you made... Eriol Hiro... Syaoran Li... Sakura Kinomoto... they will lead to our downfall if not immediately destroyed."
"But lordship." Optius cried, going down on his knees. "The girl, she has the key. I saw and felt its presence... she is the chosen, she must be!" Nubis glared at Optius. "Not another mistake I hope?" "No lord." Optius cried, "We only need her, and a spell to leave her in a trance... and we can make her open the dark gateway... and we can enter the realm and take the stone for ourselves." Nubis... for the first time. Laughed.
"Good work Optius... but pray, where is she now?"
"She would go look for the stone, it is only natrual since she has the key, it is destiny... but we will destroy the legend, and make it ours."
Nubis brooded for a while, he went to his desk and opened a dusty old book, yellowing with age and turned to a page.
"The legend is fate." Nubis said, fear slightly tintiing his voice. "How can we stop it, now that we spurred it?" Optius looked grim, but his eyes showed truth. "Now that we spurred it... we have to finish it." Nubis looked mournful. "I've defeated the Li's... Daiijabou's... the two most powerful nations in the world. The Starrs had escaped, and my men defeated the city of Yarkara... The three most important nations in the world... and I shall fall?" Anger powered his words. "No... NO! I shall grow in power and this legend will NEVER unfold, I shall get to the stone first. Optius, the way to the stone, now!" Optius nodded slowly, yet his wise eyes betrayed his doubts as he unfolded a map. "From the clues within my magic book, I've estimated that it is near Dame Mountain."
Sakura didn't know what to make of Kero tapping on her nose and making little magic shows... she didn't understand, but she did feel the strange urge to travel towards Dame Mountain.
"Why Dame Mountain?" Syaoran asked, irritated as sweat trickled down his face. "I don't know." Sakura answered, they were days away from the mountain... if only they had horses! She stopped and panted, she looked around and sighed, a fresh stream which was running ran across the land she was on, the small clearing was lush green with moisture, and damp with humidity. Kero said he would be back, he had spotted some berries on the way.
"You sure they're edible?" Syaoran asked suspiciously. "Uh, yes." Kero said, annoyed. "Bring some for us, you ATE out food." Syaoran said, growling at the end, "Stupid stuffed animal." He let out a high pitched squeal as Kero clamped himself on Syaoran's index finger, and then flew towards the blue sky.
Splashing water on her face, Sakura was intesnely aware of Syaoran. He was not far from her, drinking the water and washing his face as well. The cold water clung to Sakuras face, making her smile with the coolness. Her face became red as suddenly, the image of Syaoran and her in the wagon came to her mind. She remebered Syaoran leaning in towards her... they might've even kissed. Her face turned red, and quickly she dunked her head under the water, nearly drowning herself in the process, not that she would've minded.
Sakura gasped as Syaoran poked her side, "You ok?" He asked, "You look red." Sakura turned nearly purple now that he mentioned it. "Iiee.." Sakura replied, then gave up. Syaoran was VERY close to her, and she felt her blood rush towards him. This forbidden love. She didn't love him. No. She would be strong. Steeling herself, she smiled at Syaoran, who turned red too. A wet lock of brown hair fell across his face, without thinking about it, Sakuras hand darted out and brushed away the jair falling in his eyes, a look of horror crossed her face. "Prince Li... I-I-I--!" He gripped her hand in his own, preventing her from withdrawing it. Sakura turned bright red, nothing in her years of training as a warrior had prepared her for this... He drew closer, till they were just millimeters apart. Syaoran smiled at Sakuras look of astonishment and shock. He dropped a quick gentle kiss on her forehead, Then he cupped her face gently with his hands.
"Sakura... I... I love--."
Sakura pulled away, her eyes wide and her face flushed. "Oh Prince Li." Sakura said quickly, darting a look to the sky. "It looks as if it might rain!" Confused and hurt, Syaoran looked away and looked up. "The sky is clear Sakura." Sakura felt her face become hot. "Oh, must've been a speck in my eye." Quickly she drew away and pretended to rub her eye. But no matter how much she rubbed, she could'nt rub away Syaorans hurt look. There was a long uncomfortable silence.
Syaoran felt a sharp sting of hurt as she lied to him. He could see it in her eyes... it was as if she was SCARED of him. That one moment, when Sakura had pushed away his wet bangs, he thought she might've cared, after all, girls back in his court used to play with his hair when they flirted with him. He took his chances, he had tried to tell her what he was sure he felt, and she had pushed him away.
'Why?'
Silently he looked at Sakura, who looked miserable and very confused, it befitted her, yet he could'nt understand her. Sometimes she seemed to like him, many times she didn't. He could'nt understand why HE liked her. Maybe he did? He wasn't sure. That warm fuzzy feeling always was there when he saw Sakura. After many days with her, he could'nt imagine life without her, and welcomed her presence though many times he tried not to show it. He heard a faint yelp of pain and saw a streak of yellow make its way towards him.
"DARN IT!" The creature howled. Kero held up a paw, pricked and stung by thorns. "I can't get the berries!" Syaoran glared at the creature, feeling as if he should attack it, he wasn't in much of a good mood.
"Stupid stuffed animal."
Kero lept to attack Syaoran, but he moved to the side quickly and grabbed Kero's cheeks and stretched them out as far as he could.
"Stuffed animal, stuffed animal!"
"LEGGO!" Kero squealed, waving his arms and legs frantically.
Sakura smiled faintly, but there was something bothering her...
Nubis had recruited around 500 more troops to accompany him to the Dame mountains, they had heard about the gruesome deaths of the soldiers before them, and were greatly distured and agitated. Their loyalty was not as strong as Nubis's old troops.
"A girl beat Nubis..."
"No, a boy they say."
Two soldiers joked as they went up the rocky pathway towards the mountains. Nubis twitched and said nothing, his eyes staring ahead of him. That was... until...
"Nubis is falling apart over a girl, lusting over a female is a weakne--"
The sandy haired man stopped as a glistening blade stood in front of him, merely inches away from his face. Nubis had reared his roan backwards and was facing the cocky soldier. "One more word and this blade will drink your blood." Nubis growled, then he cocked his head to the side, a evil glinting smile on his face. "Actually..." There wasn't even a scream as a flash of silver found its way to the soldiers vunerable flesh. His head went lolling to the ground, making the soldiers mummer in terror as Nubis smiled rather strangely. "No more talk. You are here to serve me, cockiness will bring death to you." He sheathed his bloody sword and cantered forward. Not one word was whispered as they continued on their gloomy journey.
Sakura tensed, there was that sound again, the scent... the strange sensation of a sudden attack. Her muscles tensed as she crouched in the shadows. Syaoran and Kero were fast asleep, Kero was determined to think that Syaoran was the chosen one, no matter how much Syaoran protested. Sakura, however, didn't mind the little creature. She had an urge to throw herself at it and hug it to death, but not with Syaoran there. Not with him watching. She didn't want any kind of adorement from him. Acting girly might make him... him... like her? She shook her head, nobody could like her. There was a strange scent, the sound of something here. Sakura got up slowly to strike and was startled as a pair of rock hard hooves came towards her head, bursting from the shrubbery. Sakura managed to twist away and jump back into a crouch, her silvery metal fans glistening a deadly glow. A pair of wild eyes met hers. Her eyes widened with suprise. She could'nt belive it... It... it... it was a centuar!
The magnifecent creature was midnight black in color, her fur shimmering dark blue in the moonlight, her mane like hair was silvery white and her eyes were icy white blue. The centuar neighed angrily, in her muscular and long arms, dark with tan, she held a large dangerous bow and arrow. The centuar snorted, pawing its feet. Only a loose white shirt clothes its top as it walked about her slowly, blowing hre nose like a horse and swishing its silvery tail furiously.
"Pray who are thee?" The girl centuar breathed, the arrow and bow flexed within its agile fingers, making Sakura draw back slightly. "Friend." Sakura whispered, her fans still out. The centuar snorted. "I smell dragons." The centuar said slowly, "Centaurs and dragons do not get along... FOE!" The centuar made a quick run at Sakura, making Sakura dart to the side in a roll. "State your name." The centaur breathed, snorting again, "Your clothes are dragon made and you smell faintly of them, a few days old..." The bow and arrow was drawn tautly. "Good bye foe." The quick fingers quickly brought the arrow up, sending a whistling arrow straight to Sakuras heart.
Sakura saw it happen... slowly. Sakura felt herself use her magic sheild, but it shattered through it, the arrow had been magicked itself. The arrow drew closer, its metal tip nearly toughing her chest when Sakuras fan barely made its sweeping round to clear the arrow away from her breast. The arrow fell away with a clang. Sakura growled. 'I am no foe, but you decided to be mine, what are you doing here? Watching us?" Sakura asked sarcastically. The beautiful creature swished her silver tail and stomped once or twice.
"I gaurd this forest, me and my people are sworn to it, you are a human. A destructive insigneficent human that destroys everything beautiful."
"Are you talking about Nubis?" Sakura asked sarcastically, but the centuar thundered towards her, the deadly and heavy hooves thundering across the ground as the centuar let out a loud thunderous war cry.
At that moment something amazing happened.
The centuar was over Sakura, the hooves pawing the air above Sakuras head as Sakura tried to dodge... her locket sprang up, glowing a dim silver and played the melody it so often played. The centuar seemed to shy off as the locket glowed brighter and brighter, till it nearly blinded Sakura herself. Sakura gasped slightly as the light faded away, revealing a centaur, her beautiful silver mane bowed to her.
"Why didn't you tell me before." The centaur asked, her voice high and shrill. The centuar did not look at Sakura.
"Tell you what?"
"That you are the chosen!" The centaur said quickly, meekly getting up.
Sakura felt the world around her spin.
'Me? The chosen?'
Sakura felt her head get light at the very thought.
"You must be wrong." Sakura said quickly. "How could I possibly be the chosen? I... I am not strong or anything as such..."
The centuar snorted. "Come chosen one, you must come with me, the time is drawing close. I feared you were one of those humans trying to get their hands on the stone deeply hidden away in my homeland. But now I see who you are. Come."
Sakura was shaken, she didn't know what to do, slowly she looked up at the icy blue eyes of the centuars face. Should she step forward to her destiny now? Or step back. People were known to be wrong. But centuars were said to be wise warriors, and they were the gaurdians of the dark dank forest on Dame Mountain... and they read the stars and fate... But... no. She could'nt be the one, could she?
To be continued...
Special Thanks To:
Mesmer
hyperdevil123
Night Child (You will see what will happen between those two...)
Makoto
Treeleaf
C.M Dracoon
xxwolf pupxx
Cindy =)
Winged Gaurdian
Duckie
Card Captor Lillith (Thank You ^_^)
Tomoyo-chan
swtgrlie
Firey Chan
Evvy
Pink Cherry Blossom
There may be more I missed, but thanks to ALL my reviewrs, even if ur name is here or not! =D
Sorry for the poor quality of this chapter, I'ms till sick and I still can't think straight.
-Peony
**Remeber to keep me happy by REVIEWING! ^_^ Thank you!**
