Thank you for the support. I really appreciate it. And I guess you guys are right. I shouldn't be listening to other peoples' opinions. Thanx again, and here's the second chapter!
******
Forever Branded
By Hippoclymae
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
" Arise, son of Sows! Lazy slave! Before I give you a taste of my whip!"
Syaoran grumbled under his breath as he was prodded awake by the butt of a whip. Suddenly, a good kick delivered at his stomach sent him upright, and gasping. The guards laughed.
" Don't lose your temper..." He told himself.
Suddenly, he heard struggling from the far corner. The guard gave Saku another good backhand. She fell to the floor with a thud.
" That'll teach you not to obey my commands, you mute whore!"
Eriol's mouth was open in astonishment, and Syaoran's eyes glazed over in fury. He rushed at the other guard with a roar, and managed to bloody him pretty good, until the remaining guard shoved him off of his comrade. Syaoran was immediately up; one hand on Saku behind him. The hurt guard got to his feet, staring at his wounds in shock. The shock immediately changed to anger, and the guard approached Syaoran threateningly.
" You little fiend! I should murder you, and take your little wench in as a concubine for my son!" He motioned in Saku's direction, and Syaoran growled possessively. No one was to touch her.
This brought a smile to the guard's face. His eyes lit up wickedly.
" Ah, so you do have love as a weakness, eh?" He suddenly reached over and wrestled Saku from Syaoran's grasp. A knife appeared, as if by magic, and the tip wavered dangerously near her jugular.
" If you so much as twitch the wrong way, she'll begin where the 6th Mistress left off, and soon join her."
Syaoran's eyes met those of Saku's. She was petrified, willing the scream that never came. He backed down humbly, ashamed to have given up for the sake of one life. But, for some odd reason, he felt the need to cherish this one life. The guard, smarter then the average dope, held on to Saku.
" Follow me. You're going to see the Prince. He has things to DISCUSS."
They were forced out, leaving Eriol gazing at their backs sadly. Syaoran twisted his head around.
" We'll come back for your, Eriol! Promise! I won't rest until your free!"
Eriol smiled reassuringly, but it faded as Syaoran turned the corner. He waited, lifted up a corner of sleeve. On it was tattooed a blue symbol, a circle with a line running up it. Death. The gallows awaited him.
" I'm sorry, Syaoran."
******
Syaoran kept close to Saku, suspicion written all over his face, as he watched the two guards exchange sly glances. If they so much as herded her five inches from where she was, he'd spring. These were not honorable men. Whether Saku had been 5 ages younger, or 7, wouldn't have mattered: Women and girls were simply there for amusement. She'd suffered enough already. He wouldn't allow that anymore. He would protect her: with his life and honor. After all, she had assisted Eriol in his well-being. It was the least he could do.
They passed door after door after door, and within some could be heard the screams of child-bearing women. The sound made Syaoran sick just thinking about it, Marcka treated women as pleasures, things, nothing more. No care for their well-being. Nothing like the past king. It was a pity the royal father had had only one failure of a son to give the throne.
At last, after much walking, the guards halted in front of a door almost 4 heights taller then Syaoran. They lifted the heavy knocker, and let it fall with a bang. Almost immediately, the tall gates swung open, revealing a huge open roof pavilion. Inside, 10 or more servant girls waved feathered fans at a person lounging on a chair. Syaoran recognized him as Marcka. The figure turned with ease to greet the new entrances. His smile turned to a frown as he recognized Saku.
" So, the roaming prostitute has decided to grace us with her appearance..."
Syaoran lept forward in fury only to be held back by strong arms. Saku stood, speechless so to speak, and tried her best not to tremble. Marcka slid out of his chair, and approached her. Involuntarily, she took a step back.
" You know." He murmurred," I can still reverse the process. My surgeons are wise, and they could give you back what you have lost...all you need to do...is surrender yourself...to me."
Syaoran was horrified, to see her eyes flicker. How could she trust that low-down lying pig? But, her next action surprised him even more. She reached out, as if to take his hand in agreement, then with swiftness that caught everyone by surprise, grabbed a jar of wine from a passing tray, and drenched the Prince in purple juice. Saku stood defiantly, heaving from rage. Marcka stood there, mouth opened in shock, but soon he was as cold as ever, regaining composure, and he motioned for both of them to step forward.
" Seeing as that you do not wish to have a second, and I might add GENEROUS, chance. Then, you shall complete the punishment that has been set upon you:
Syaoran Li, Son of Jerreth Li. You are condemned with treachery against the Minias House, and its ruler Prince Minias the Third, otherwise Marcka Minias. You punishment, to be sent into the surrounding desert with no supplies, and a brand that proclaims you a criminal. Any who attempt to comfort you or house you will be put to death. In accordance with the banishment policy, you will fulfill one task of the Prince's choice.
Sakura Kinomoto, Daughter of Chanelt Kinomoto, you are condemned with disobeying a direct order of the ruler Prince Minias the Third. Your punishment, to be sent into the surrounding desert with no supplies, and a brand that proclaims you a criminal. ANY and all who try to house or comfort you will be put to death along with their loved ones, and their city will be burned to the ground. In accordance with the Banishment Policy, you will fulfill one task of the Prince's choice. "
Syaoran's eyes lit in disbelief. But, the Prince's turn was up. He grinned wickedly.
" Syaoran. You and Sakura will be sent to traverse the Dark World. You must find for me, the Key Staff of Ledinar, and with no outside assistance. Bring it back to me. That is all."
Syaoran glanced quickly at Saku. What was to become of her? And who was this Sakura, he needed to go with? His questions were answered by the look in Saku's eyes. She was filled with fear, and regret. It slowly dawned on him.
" Your name isn't Saku, is it? It's Sakura. Eriol got it wrong. You'll be going with me, to the Dark World."
His hopes completely disappated. How was he to protect her now?
******
The duo exchanged rueful glances as they were returned back to their cell. Syaoran's mind worked like clockwork, thinking up what to do in the event of their release. A short amount of time passed, and Syaoran was surprised to see the familiar cell door. It was opened, and Syaoran called out to Eriol.
" Hey, Eriol! You won't believe what I heard today!"
Sakura, though mute, quickly interpreted the guards satisfied looks. She set upon them in a wild fury, and managed to grab one of the guards by their hair. The other stood dumbstruck as she, in a spasm of power, disarmed the man and had him down on the floor arms twisted behind him. Syaoran was shocked too at her strength, but it was all in vain. The man managed to quickly overpower her, throwing her off, and rearming himself. Sakura lay against the far wall, limp as a ragdoll, causing the guard to laugh crazily. Syaoran was at her side in a blink, finding her to be merely unconscious.
" She wouldn't attack someone without a good reason." He turned threateningly on the two guards," You know something I don't. It's Eriol isn't it? Where is he? HUH? WHERE DID THEY TAKE HIM?!!!"
" Your 'friend' was taken to be hanged this morning." The guard wiped the corner of his mouth.
A roar echoed, and the guards barely escaped as they slammed the door in an enraged Syaoran's face.
" YOU KILLED HIM!!! MURDERERS!!! I'LL AVENGE HIM!!! I'LL SEE YOU ALL ROT!!!!"
He pounded helplessly against the heavy stoneset door. Blood trickled where the sharp edges tore at his fists, but he didn't care. A soft touch startled him. Sakura had regained consciousness, and tried to reach for his palms. In a fit of rage, he shoved her away from him. She sat stunned on the ground of the cell, obvious puzzlement and fear. Slowly, she edged toward him, and lay a small handful of herb on the floor, as well as a bowl of water. She motioned for him to rub it on his hands, then moved to the far corner of the room, avoiding all eye contact. Syaoran felt the fool, and leaned down, picking up the bowl and herbs. He moved to his corner of the cell, and began to apply the medicine: washing his hands in the water, then rubbing the little grass bits into the wounds. It stung at first, but soon he felt no pain.
" I wonder where she got that from?" He muttered.
As if in answer, Sakura slowly moved towards Syaoran. Seeing that his anger had left him, she slowly revealed a small bag hidden in the folds of her shirt. Inside, there were many different leaves and flowers wrapped in tiny paper packages. Another bag was made of cured leather, and this sloshed with liquid, assumed water. There were also several rolls of bandage. Syaoran couldn't help, but chuckle at her cleverness. Maybe this she would be less a burden on this trip then he thought. With this in mind, he let out a huge yawn. Sakura did the same, and replacing the bag, returned to her corner and curled up. The last thing Syaoran saw before sleep claimed him, was Sakura's small form, still except for the occasional rise and fall of her breathing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hope this was long enough for you guys! The next one will be out soon too! Hope you enjoyed it! @^Y^@
******
Forever Branded
By Hippoclymae
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
" Arise, son of Sows! Lazy slave! Before I give you a taste of my whip!"
Syaoran grumbled under his breath as he was prodded awake by the butt of a whip. Suddenly, a good kick delivered at his stomach sent him upright, and gasping. The guards laughed.
" Don't lose your temper..." He told himself.
Suddenly, he heard struggling from the far corner. The guard gave Saku another good backhand. She fell to the floor with a thud.
" That'll teach you not to obey my commands, you mute whore!"
Eriol's mouth was open in astonishment, and Syaoran's eyes glazed over in fury. He rushed at the other guard with a roar, and managed to bloody him pretty good, until the remaining guard shoved him off of his comrade. Syaoran was immediately up; one hand on Saku behind him. The hurt guard got to his feet, staring at his wounds in shock. The shock immediately changed to anger, and the guard approached Syaoran threateningly.
" You little fiend! I should murder you, and take your little wench in as a concubine for my son!" He motioned in Saku's direction, and Syaoran growled possessively. No one was to touch her.
This brought a smile to the guard's face. His eyes lit up wickedly.
" Ah, so you do have love as a weakness, eh?" He suddenly reached over and wrestled Saku from Syaoran's grasp. A knife appeared, as if by magic, and the tip wavered dangerously near her jugular.
" If you so much as twitch the wrong way, she'll begin where the 6th Mistress left off, and soon join her."
Syaoran's eyes met those of Saku's. She was petrified, willing the scream that never came. He backed down humbly, ashamed to have given up for the sake of one life. But, for some odd reason, he felt the need to cherish this one life. The guard, smarter then the average dope, held on to Saku.
" Follow me. You're going to see the Prince. He has things to DISCUSS."
They were forced out, leaving Eriol gazing at their backs sadly. Syaoran twisted his head around.
" We'll come back for your, Eriol! Promise! I won't rest until your free!"
Eriol smiled reassuringly, but it faded as Syaoran turned the corner. He waited, lifted up a corner of sleeve. On it was tattooed a blue symbol, a circle with a line running up it. Death. The gallows awaited him.
" I'm sorry, Syaoran."
******
Syaoran kept close to Saku, suspicion written all over his face, as he watched the two guards exchange sly glances. If they so much as herded her five inches from where she was, he'd spring. These were not honorable men. Whether Saku had been 5 ages younger, or 7, wouldn't have mattered: Women and girls were simply there for amusement. She'd suffered enough already. He wouldn't allow that anymore. He would protect her: with his life and honor. After all, she had assisted Eriol in his well-being. It was the least he could do.
They passed door after door after door, and within some could be heard the screams of child-bearing women. The sound made Syaoran sick just thinking about it, Marcka treated women as pleasures, things, nothing more. No care for their well-being. Nothing like the past king. It was a pity the royal father had had only one failure of a son to give the throne.
At last, after much walking, the guards halted in front of a door almost 4 heights taller then Syaoran. They lifted the heavy knocker, and let it fall with a bang. Almost immediately, the tall gates swung open, revealing a huge open roof pavilion. Inside, 10 or more servant girls waved feathered fans at a person lounging on a chair. Syaoran recognized him as Marcka. The figure turned with ease to greet the new entrances. His smile turned to a frown as he recognized Saku.
" So, the roaming prostitute has decided to grace us with her appearance..."
Syaoran lept forward in fury only to be held back by strong arms. Saku stood, speechless so to speak, and tried her best not to tremble. Marcka slid out of his chair, and approached her. Involuntarily, she took a step back.
" You know." He murmurred," I can still reverse the process. My surgeons are wise, and they could give you back what you have lost...all you need to do...is surrender yourself...to me."
Syaoran was horrified, to see her eyes flicker. How could she trust that low-down lying pig? But, her next action surprised him even more. She reached out, as if to take his hand in agreement, then with swiftness that caught everyone by surprise, grabbed a jar of wine from a passing tray, and drenched the Prince in purple juice. Saku stood defiantly, heaving from rage. Marcka stood there, mouth opened in shock, but soon he was as cold as ever, regaining composure, and he motioned for both of them to step forward.
" Seeing as that you do not wish to have a second, and I might add GENEROUS, chance. Then, you shall complete the punishment that has been set upon you:
Syaoran Li, Son of Jerreth Li. You are condemned with treachery against the Minias House, and its ruler Prince Minias the Third, otherwise Marcka Minias. You punishment, to be sent into the surrounding desert with no supplies, and a brand that proclaims you a criminal. Any who attempt to comfort you or house you will be put to death. In accordance with the banishment policy, you will fulfill one task of the Prince's choice.
Sakura Kinomoto, Daughter of Chanelt Kinomoto, you are condemned with disobeying a direct order of the ruler Prince Minias the Third. Your punishment, to be sent into the surrounding desert with no supplies, and a brand that proclaims you a criminal. ANY and all who try to house or comfort you will be put to death along with their loved ones, and their city will be burned to the ground. In accordance with the Banishment Policy, you will fulfill one task of the Prince's choice. "
Syaoran's eyes lit in disbelief. But, the Prince's turn was up. He grinned wickedly.
" Syaoran. You and Sakura will be sent to traverse the Dark World. You must find for me, the Key Staff of Ledinar, and with no outside assistance. Bring it back to me. That is all."
Syaoran glanced quickly at Saku. What was to become of her? And who was this Sakura, he needed to go with? His questions were answered by the look in Saku's eyes. She was filled with fear, and regret. It slowly dawned on him.
" Your name isn't Saku, is it? It's Sakura. Eriol got it wrong. You'll be going with me, to the Dark World."
His hopes completely disappated. How was he to protect her now?
******
The duo exchanged rueful glances as they were returned back to their cell. Syaoran's mind worked like clockwork, thinking up what to do in the event of their release. A short amount of time passed, and Syaoran was surprised to see the familiar cell door. It was opened, and Syaoran called out to Eriol.
" Hey, Eriol! You won't believe what I heard today!"
Sakura, though mute, quickly interpreted the guards satisfied looks. She set upon them in a wild fury, and managed to grab one of the guards by their hair. The other stood dumbstruck as she, in a spasm of power, disarmed the man and had him down on the floor arms twisted behind him. Syaoran was shocked too at her strength, but it was all in vain. The man managed to quickly overpower her, throwing her off, and rearming himself. Sakura lay against the far wall, limp as a ragdoll, causing the guard to laugh crazily. Syaoran was at her side in a blink, finding her to be merely unconscious.
" She wouldn't attack someone without a good reason." He turned threateningly on the two guards," You know something I don't. It's Eriol isn't it? Where is he? HUH? WHERE DID THEY TAKE HIM?!!!"
" Your 'friend' was taken to be hanged this morning." The guard wiped the corner of his mouth.
A roar echoed, and the guards barely escaped as they slammed the door in an enraged Syaoran's face.
" YOU KILLED HIM!!! MURDERERS!!! I'LL AVENGE HIM!!! I'LL SEE YOU ALL ROT!!!!"
He pounded helplessly against the heavy stoneset door. Blood trickled where the sharp edges tore at his fists, but he didn't care. A soft touch startled him. Sakura had regained consciousness, and tried to reach for his palms. In a fit of rage, he shoved her away from him. She sat stunned on the ground of the cell, obvious puzzlement and fear. Slowly, she edged toward him, and lay a small handful of herb on the floor, as well as a bowl of water. She motioned for him to rub it on his hands, then moved to the far corner of the room, avoiding all eye contact. Syaoran felt the fool, and leaned down, picking up the bowl and herbs. He moved to his corner of the cell, and began to apply the medicine: washing his hands in the water, then rubbing the little grass bits into the wounds. It stung at first, but soon he felt no pain.
" I wonder where she got that from?" He muttered.
As if in answer, Sakura slowly moved towards Syaoran. Seeing that his anger had left him, she slowly revealed a small bag hidden in the folds of her shirt. Inside, there were many different leaves and flowers wrapped in tiny paper packages. Another bag was made of cured leather, and this sloshed with liquid, assumed water. There were also several rolls of bandage. Syaoran couldn't help, but chuckle at her cleverness. Maybe this she would be less a burden on this trip then he thought. With this in mind, he let out a huge yawn. Sakura did the same, and replacing the bag, returned to her corner and curled up. The last thing Syaoran saw before sleep claimed him, was Sakura's small form, still except for the occasional rise and fall of her breathing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hope this was long enough for you guys! The next one will be out soon too! Hope you enjoyed it! @^Y^@