Forever Branded
Chapter 12
Well, I finally got past that bump in the road. Now onto the easier part…
______
Sakura's eyes fluttered open, and she was dimly aware of a dark figure beside her. As her vision cleared, the intricacies of Syaoran sharpened, and she blinked as he knelt beside her - golden staff glowing a dark copper in the dim light. His head was tilted upward and she couldn't help but admire the smooth line of his jaw, clenched as it was. The bridge of his nose was taking on the long and narrow look of a man, and it unsettled her to see some resemblances of Touya in him beginning to emerge.
To cap these thoughts from budding further, Sakura joined him in staring up, since she lay on the floor this only required her to turn her head. Silhouettes of the snake-people were peering down into the pit where they'd fallen, looking to be many body lengths up, eleven or so...
" Why aren't they coming down?" Sakura clipped the last word short; afraid she'd given the snakes a good suggestion.
" You're awake." Syaoran didn't look down, but a smile crept across his face. He continued." They're afraid, I think. Of what, I'm not sure. Could be the height, or it could be the creatures that made this place."
" Creatures?"
" Yeah. Something must have created this. And they must still be here now. I can't believe that we'd fall such a long way and not break a single bone."
" I don't remember much of when I was falling."
" Neither do I. But, from the way we were laying on the floor, I would guess that something caught us along the way..."
" Where are Peliopes, and the others?"
" They were gone when I awoke. But, they should be back."
No sooner spoken, and Sakura heard footsteps approaching. She scrambled to her feet, swaying slightly from the rush, but steady as Peliopes emerged from the shadows, followed by several large...
" Hamsters?" Sakura blinked.
There were six of them, each ranging in height and color, but all relatively alike. They stood on all fours, but their eyes sparkled with disconcerting intelligence. A little squeal pierced the silence, followed by a tiny rolling ball of fur. Sakura caught it up in her hands, and blinked. A baby hamster!
" How cute!" She hugged the little one, only to glance at the elders. They weren't protesting.
" The diggers say they'll take us to see their ruler. Supreme Blue Jerj will allow us to pass through his kingdom, so we may continue our quest."
" Supreme Blue?"
" In the Digger's culture, blue is a rare color of fur, only the Royal Family seems to have it. In the past, they've been blessed with several generations of numerous children with blue fur. Unfortunately, this generation has not followed suit." Peliopes said this with no accusation," The little one you hold, is the youngest of the Royal Family. He is the only one with a pure blue coat. The rest of his siblings are mottled white with other colors."
The little one blinked, seeming almost to understand what Peliopes had said, but then curled up with a huge yawn, cuddled closer to Sakura. Peliopes motioned.
" Come. We must see the Supreme Blue."
******
The Supreme Blue stared at Sakura; more on the way she was holding his son. Sakura tried not to fidget beneath his gaze, cradling the little one like a baby human. Her fingers tickled his underbelly, and he squealed gently, gazing up at her trustingly with huge baby doe eyes. Finally, he flipped over, and clambered onto her head, making her laugh. Syaoran watched from a distance, amused by the antics. The Supreme Blue watched for a while longer, than his eyes glittered in good humor, and he nodded a greeting to Peliopes.
" Greeting Supreme Blue Raej."
He growled, and at first Sakura thought he was angry. But, after listening, she realized that those low throaty rumbles were his actual voice, which shouldn't have been surprising considering he was male, and fairly old. The little one forgotten, she listened to the strange exchange between Peliopes, Gharen, and the Supreme Blue.
" Yes, Supreme Blue, I am fully aware of the danger. I thank you for your kind mercifulness."
Something like a laugh echoed across the hall, and Sakura saw the most fearsome pair of teeth flash from within the Supreme Blue's mouth as he chortled. She looked down, and the youngster grinned at her. That was when she realized; he had a sizeable pair of fangs as well.
" No wonder those Desert Wanderers backed off." Sakura murmured.
" Supreme Blue, we thank you for your hospitality, but we must continue on our quest."
The Supreme Blue cast a series of sorrowful coos and growls. Gharen returned a series, and the Supreme Blue growled in satisfaction.
" Yes, of course, your majesty." Peliopes bowed," We will accept your offer. We are more than grateful. Thank you."
With a bow, Peliopes turned and herded Sakura and Syaoran outside. Syaoran looked up.
" What was that about?"
" The Supreme Blue has graciously offered to house us until we recover our strength."
" Oh!"
Sakura turned.
" In that case, I'm going to go take a bath."
" I'll come with you." Syaoran murmured.
An alien silence filled the room as Peliopes stared at Syaoran with a raised eyebrow. Syaoran blinked, and then caught the full meaning of what he'd said. Stupid! She's not mute anymore, so of course there's no reason for him to be there, unless he had...other reasons...Quick, save yourself or else, he murmured inwardly...
" Unless of course you feel that a guard at your door is unnecessary." He added.
There was a definite relief of tension, as Sakura smiled.
" Thank you."
Leaving that open for his interpretation. As he followed Sakura who followed a large black hamster, which scurried down the hall, he breathed a strained sigh. That was close. Why in the world had such a hint slipped out? As he contemplated it for a while, he realized that his hands were clammy. Must be warm in here.
Syaoran noticed two men who'd been in the party. They smiled at Sakura. With a fierce growl, he narrowed his eyes at them as they passed. Both men frowned, backing off. Syaoran smirked in satisfaction, eyeing the back of Sakura with possessive fire…Fire…Syaoran blinked and his face grew very pale. No. It can't have been time yet. Even as this doubt fluttered in his head, he began to see the symptoms as clear as day. No…
" Sakura, I'm sorry. I-I have to go. I'll see you at dinner."
" What? All right."
He stumbled away. It can't have been time yet...not now!
******
Peliopes watched Sakura approaching, her eyes filled with concern.
" What's the matter, Little One? Something troubling you?"
" Syaoran left while we were walking. He look...sick..."
Peliopes nodded, but said nothing. The men that had met them in the hall had told her of their encounter. She knew what was happening, though Sakura would be ignorant to it. Syaoran was going through his Fire. The over- protectiveness was a major clue. Normally, when a boy went through the Fire, his parents were there to reassure him, and feed him the brews that would soothe him until he'd married. He was kept away from all women and girls, men as well, and kept solitary for a period of 3 days until the Fire had settled. Women only made the Fire grow stronger, until the poor boy found himself engulfed in it. Men fed the flames that grew from the Fire, making the boy snappish, and territorial. If aggravated pass a certain point, the only way to sate the Fire was to release it. And that, was something that Peliopes knew wasn't an option. Especially since there was no one here the right age, or species, except...Sakura. And Syaoran would more certainly die, than use her.
Even if there were more girls here, Syaoran was too much of a gentleman to submit to a local brothel. Peliopes herself would sooner kill him personally, than force him to do something so utterly...revolting. Suddenly, she remembered Sakura, and turned to smile reassuringly at Sakura.
" Sakura, you don't understand right now, but it's best if you leave Syaoran alone for awhile."
" Why? Did I do something wrong?"
" No. No. But, I feel, that the problems that he's facing will have to be dealt with alone. At least for now."
" Are you sure there's no way I can help?"
Peliopes grimaced as she thought of the implications of that simple offer.
" No." Her answer was curt, and rather forceful," No. There is nothing you can do."
******
Gharen could sense tension in Peliopes. He strode up to her, his raspy voice thin.
" What is it?"
Peliopes didn't look up. Her voice cracked.
" Keep watch of Syaoran's door. Let no one in, male, female, or Digger."
" What is it?"
" Syaoran's Fire days are approaching."
Gharen was silent. He nodded. As he turned to go, Peliopes added.
" Whatever happens, don't let Sakura anywhere in - for her safety, and his."
******
Syaoran felt his breathing come out in shuddering gasps. A fever had struck him, and restlessness plagued his mind. He took a deep breath, and sat down in a chair, feeling like a million insects were biting him all over. His mind kept wandering, and he couldn't help but struggle.
The smell of women hung in the hallway, but his mind continued to search for that one scent which would satiate him. It wasn't there. A male was present, but it was confusing, because it wasn't human. There, it disappeared…his mind eased a little...
Suddenly, Syaoran heard a tiny voice calling to him from the door, meekly.
" Syaoran?"
The fire within him burned, he could sense her before she'd entered. She could help him! She could quench the fire! He moved slowly towards her, but stopped. NO! He shook himself free of his instincts.
" Syaoran, please talk to me."
" G-go A-away." He managed.
" Syaoran, please, if I did something wrong, please tell me..."
" Sakura, y-you don't understand the danger you're in right now. LEAVE!"
" Syaoran."
" SAKURA!" He snarled," I AM NOT GOING TO SAY THIS AGAIN. LEAVE!"
He could feel the Fire growing again, why wouldn't it stop burning?!!
" GHAREN!!!" Syaoran shouted desperately. The Fire was growing.
A shadow figure moved in, swooping Sakura up and away. Syaoran felt the Fire grow smaller, as she disappeared.
******
" What did you hope to accomplish in there?!!" Gharen growled.
Peliopes held up a restraining hand, and turned to Sakura who cowered.
" Sakura, we're sorry if we've scared you. But, you must realize that Syaoran's in a very…delicate position right now…"
" Is he angry with me?"
" No…" Peliope's eyes softened, " No. He's not angry with you. Let's just say, he has problems right now, that make him…irritable."
" What kind of problems?"
" I'm not at liberty to divulge them now. Let's just say they flare up every month or so, depending on the conditions."
"…Oh…kind of like when a girl goes through her…"
" Almost." Peliopes cut in.
" Oh I see."
There was a silence and then…
" I didn't know boys had that…problem."
Peliopes blinked, then burst into fond laughter.
" No, no. Sakura, you've misunderstood. I'm making an allusion to the same situation, but," She wiped a tear away, " Not the same symptoms."
Sakura blushed in embarrassment.
" Oh. Forgive me."
" You've committed no offense. It was an easy misconception."
******
Marcka pounded the arm of his throne, his young spoiled face twisted in a devilish pout.
" So close…so close to acquiring my one true pleasure. AND NOW!"
He turned in a fury on Praetus.
" HOW COULD YOU LOSE THEM?!!"
" Sir, they disappeared among the Wanderers. My men were afraid…"
Marcka began to rub the corners of his eyes, a mirror image of his father's younger self. Suddenly, he bolted upright.
" No matter. I have a plan!"
******
" Split up?!!"
Sakura looked about ready to cry.
" Syaoran's condition is getting worse. He should have been better more than three days ago. We need to take him to an apothecary."
Sakura protested vehemently.
" Why can't I come?!"
" As I said, the sight and scent of women can aggravate his condition. That is why you, Tamaya, and I, will be journeying onward on the quest, while Gharen and the Diggers take him to a city south of here. Alacr. It's famous for it's healers…"
" But, I'm a healer! I can take care of him."
" Normally, yes. But, and I stress this, women aggravate his condition. This is one situation where he's going to need a doctor that's not human."
Sakura shook her head.
" I can't abandon him!"
" You need to continue the quest."
" I don't care! It was a stupid quest - I should have seen it before. Marcka can't mediate this far out. I was free the moment I left!"
Peliopes shook her head.
" That would be true in most cases. But, in your case, you are not free. Marcka still watches your every move. Only as of lately, after the Digger's came, did he lose your 'scent' so to speak. But, he's going to keep hunting."
" He's been tracking us?" Sakura's face went pale.
" Yes. His soldiers followed you almost all the way to the Desert Wanderers. The Diggers informed me that they retreated back to Marcka. But, they'll be back."
Sakura felt her heart split in two. Peliopes continued.
" But, that's not the reason I wish you to continue, in fact, it would be more of a reason not to. No, the reason you must continue is because it's your destiny to take the Staff of Ledinar."
Chapter 12
Well, I finally got past that bump in the road. Now onto the easier part…
______
Sakura's eyes fluttered open, and she was dimly aware of a dark figure beside her. As her vision cleared, the intricacies of Syaoran sharpened, and she blinked as he knelt beside her - golden staff glowing a dark copper in the dim light. His head was tilted upward and she couldn't help but admire the smooth line of his jaw, clenched as it was. The bridge of his nose was taking on the long and narrow look of a man, and it unsettled her to see some resemblances of Touya in him beginning to emerge.
To cap these thoughts from budding further, Sakura joined him in staring up, since she lay on the floor this only required her to turn her head. Silhouettes of the snake-people were peering down into the pit where they'd fallen, looking to be many body lengths up, eleven or so...
" Why aren't they coming down?" Sakura clipped the last word short; afraid she'd given the snakes a good suggestion.
" You're awake." Syaoran didn't look down, but a smile crept across his face. He continued." They're afraid, I think. Of what, I'm not sure. Could be the height, or it could be the creatures that made this place."
" Creatures?"
" Yeah. Something must have created this. And they must still be here now. I can't believe that we'd fall such a long way and not break a single bone."
" I don't remember much of when I was falling."
" Neither do I. But, from the way we were laying on the floor, I would guess that something caught us along the way..."
" Where are Peliopes, and the others?"
" They were gone when I awoke. But, they should be back."
No sooner spoken, and Sakura heard footsteps approaching. She scrambled to her feet, swaying slightly from the rush, but steady as Peliopes emerged from the shadows, followed by several large...
" Hamsters?" Sakura blinked.
There were six of them, each ranging in height and color, but all relatively alike. They stood on all fours, but their eyes sparkled with disconcerting intelligence. A little squeal pierced the silence, followed by a tiny rolling ball of fur. Sakura caught it up in her hands, and blinked. A baby hamster!
" How cute!" She hugged the little one, only to glance at the elders. They weren't protesting.
" The diggers say they'll take us to see their ruler. Supreme Blue Jerj will allow us to pass through his kingdom, so we may continue our quest."
" Supreme Blue?"
" In the Digger's culture, blue is a rare color of fur, only the Royal Family seems to have it. In the past, they've been blessed with several generations of numerous children with blue fur. Unfortunately, this generation has not followed suit." Peliopes said this with no accusation," The little one you hold, is the youngest of the Royal Family. He is the only one with a pure blue coat. The rest of his siblings are mottled white with other colors."
The little one blinked, seeming almost to understand what Peliopes had said, but then curled up with a huge yawn, cuddled closer to Sakura. Peliopes motioned.
" Come. We must see the Supreme Blue."
******
The Supreme Blue stared at Sakura; more on the way she was holding his son. Sakura tried not to fidget beneath his gaze, cradling the little one like a baby human. Her fingers tickled his underbelly, and he squealed gently, gazing up at her trustingly with huge baby doe eyes. Finally, he flipped over, and clambered onto her head, making her laugh. Syaoran watched from a distance, amused by the antics. The Supreme Blue watched for a while longer, than his eyes glittered in good humor, and he nodded a greeting to Peliopes.
" Greeting Supreme Blue Raej."
He growled, and at first Sakura thought he was angry. But, after listening, she realized that those low throaty rumbles were his actual voice, which shouldn't have been surprising considering he was male, and fairly old. The little one forgotten, she listened to the strange exchange between Peliopes, Gharen, and the Supreme Blue.
" Yes, Supreme Blue, I am fully aware of the danger. I thank you for your kind mercifulness."
Something like a laugh echoed across the hall, and Sakura saw the most fearsome pair of teeth flash from within the Supreme Blue's mouth as he chortled. She looked down, and the youngster grinned at her. That was when she realized; he had a sizeable pair of fangs as well.
" No wonder those Desert Wanderers backed off." Sakura murmured.
" Supreme Blue, we thank you for your hospitality, but we must continue on our quest."
The Supreme Blue cast a series of sorrowful coos and growls. Gharen returned a series, and the Supreme Blue growled in satisfaction.
" Yes, of course, your majesty." Peliopes bowed," We will accept your offer. We are more than grateful. Thank you."
With a bow, Peliopes turned and herded Sakura and Syaoran outside. Syaoran looked up.
" What was that about?"
" The Supreme Blue has graciously offered to house us until we recover our strength."
" Oh!"
Sakura turned.
" In that case, I'm going to go take a bath."
" I'll come with you." Syaoran murmured.
An alien silence filled the room as Peliopes stared at Syaoran with a raised eyebrow. Syaoran blinked, and then caught the full meaning of what he'd said. Stupid! She's not mute anymore, so of course there's no reason for him to be there, unless he had...other reasons...Quick, save yourself or else, he murmured inwardly...
" Unless of course you feel that a guard at your door is unnecessary." He added.
There was a definite relief of tension, as Sakura smiled.
" Thank you."
Leaving that open for his interpretation. As he followed Sakura who followed a large black hamster, which scurried down the hall, he breathed a strained sigh. That was close. Why in the world had such a hint slipped out? As he contemplated it for a while, he realized that his hands were clammy. Must be warm in here.
Syaoran noticed two men who'd been in the party. They smiled at Sakura. With a fierce growl, he narrowed his eyes at them as they passed. Both men frowned, backing off. Syaoran smirked in satisfaction, eyeing the back of Sakura with possessive fire…Fire…Syaoran blinked and his face grew very pale. No. It can't have been time yet. Even as this doubt fluttered in his head, he began to see the symptoms as clear as day. No…
" Sakura, I'm sorry. I-I have to go. I'll see you at dinner."
" What? All right."
He stumbled away. It can't have been time yet...not now!
******
Peliopes watched Sakura approaching, her eyes filled with concern.
" What's the matter, Little One? Something troubling you?"
" Syaoran left while we were walking. He look...sick..."
Peliopes nodded, but said nothing. The men that had met them in the hall had told her of their encounter. She knew what was happening, though Sakura would be ignorant to it. Syaoran was going through his Fire. The over- protectiveness was a major clue. Normally, when a boy went through the Fire, his parents were there to reassure him, and feed him the brews that would soothe him until he'd married. He was kept away from all women and girls, men as well, and kept solitary for a period of 3 days until the Fire had settled. Women only made the Fire grow stronger, until the poor boy found himself engulfed in it. Men fed the flames that grew from the Fire, making the boy snappish, and territorial. If aggravated pass a certain point, the only way to sate the Fire was to release it. And that, was something that Peliopes knew wasn't an option. Especially since there was no one here the right age, or species, except...Sakura. And Syaoran would more certainly die, than use her.
Even if there were more girls here, Syaoran was too much of a gentleman to submit to a local brothel. Peliopes herself would sooner kill him personally, than force him to do something so utterly...revolting. Suddenly, she remembered Sakura, and turned to smile reassuringly at Sakura.
" Sakura, you don't understand right now, but it's best if you leave Syaoran alone for awhile."
" Why? Did I do something wrong?"
" No. No. But, I feel, that the problems that he's facing will have to be dealt with alone. At least for now."
" Are you sure there's no way I can help?"
Peliopes grimaced as she thought of the implications of that simple offer.
" No." Her answer was curt, and rather forceful," No. There is nothing you can do."
******
Gharen could sense tension in Peliopes. He strode up to her, his raspy voice thin.
" What is it?"
Peliopes didn't look up. Her voice cracked.
" Keep watch of Syaoran's door. Let no one in, male, female, or Digger."
" What is it?"
" Syaoran's Fire days are approaching."
Gharen was silent. He nodded. As he turned to go, Peliopes added.
" Whatever happens, don't let Sakura anywhere in - for her safety, and his."
******
Syaoran felt his breathing come out in shuddering gasps. A fever had struck him, and restlessness plagued his mind. He took a deep breath, and sat down in a chair, feeling like a million insects were biting him all over. His mind kept wandering, and he couldn't help but struggle.
The smell of women hung in the hallway, but his mind continued to search for that one scent which would satiate him. It wasn't there. A male was present, but it was confusing, because it wasn't human. There, it disappeared…his mind eased a little...
Suddenly, Syaoran heard a tiny voice calling to him from the door, meekly.
" Syaoran?"
The fire within him burned, he could sense her before she'd entered. She could help him! She could quench the fire! He moved slowly towards her, but stopped. NO! He shook himself free of his instincts.
" Syaoran, please talk to me."
" G-go A-away." He managed.
" Syaoran, please, if I did something wrong, please tell me..."
" Sakura, y-you don't understand the danger you're in right now. LEAVE!"
" Syaoran."
" SAKURA!" He snarled," I AM NOT GOING TO SAY THIS AGAIN. LEAVE!"
He could feel the Fire growing again, why wouldn't it stop burning?!!
" GHAREN!!!" Syaoran shouted desperately. The Fire was growing.
A shadow figure moved in, swooping Sakura up and away. Syaoran felt the Fire grow smaller, as she disappeared.
******
" What did you hope to accomplish in there?!!" Gharen growled.
Peliopes held up a restraining hand, and turned to Sakura who cowered.
" Sakura, we're sorry if we've scared you. But, you must realize that Syaoran's in a very…delicate position right now…"
" Is he angry with me?"
" No…" Peliope's eyes softened, " No. He's not angry with you. Let's just say, he has problems right now, that make him…irritable."
" What kind of problems?"
" I'm not at liberty to divulge them now. Let's just say they flare up every month or so, depending on the conditions."
"…Oh…kind of like when a girl goes through her…"
" Almost." Peliopes cut in.
" Oh I see."
There was a silence and then…
" I didn't know boys had that…problem."
Peliopes blinked, then burst into fond laughter.
" No, no. Sakura, you've misunderstood. I'm making an allusion to the same situation, but," She wiped a tear away, " Not the same symptoms."
Sakura blushed in embarrassment.
" Oh. Forgive me."
" You've committed no offense. It was an easy misconception."
******
Marcka pounded the arm of his throne, his young spoiled face twisted in a devilish pout.
" So close…so close to acquiring my one true pleasure. AND NOW!"
He turned in a fury on Praetus.
" HOW COULD YOU LOSE THEM?!!"
" Sir, they disappeared among the Wanderers. My men were afraid…"
Marcka began to rub the corners of his eyes, a mirror image of his father's younger self. Suddenly, he bolted upright.
" No matter. I have a plan!"
******
" Split up?!!"
Sakura looked about ready to cry.
" Syaoran's condition is getting worse. He should have been better more than three days ago. We need to take him to an apothecary."
Sakura protested vehemently.
" Why can't I come?!"
" As I said, the sight and scent of women can aggravate his condition. That is why you, Tamaya, and I, will be journeying onward on the quest, while Gharen and the Diggers take him to a city south of here. Alacr. It's famous for it's healers…"
" But, I'm a healer! I can take care of him."
" Normally, yes. But, and I stress this, women aggravate his condition. This is one situation where he's going to need a doctor that's not human."
Sakura shook her head.
" I can't abandon him!"
" You need to continue the quest."
" I don't care! It was a stupid quest - I should have seen it before. Marcka can't mediate this far out. I was free the moment I left!"
Peliopes shook her head.
" That would be true in most cases. But, in your case, you are not free. Marcka still watches your every move. Only as of lately, after the Digger's came, did he lose your 'scent' so to speak. But, he's going to keep hunting."
" He's been tracking us?" Sakura's face went pale.
" Yes. His soldiers followed you almost all the way to the Desert Wanderers. The Diggers informed me that they retreated back to Marcka. But, they'll be back."
Sakura felt her heart split in two. Peliopes continued.
" But, that's not the reason I wish you to continue, in fact, it would be more of a reason not to. No, the reason you must continue is because it's your destiny to take the Staff of Ledinar."