Hmm. . . I no that in t summary I said that there'll b magic in this fic.
But now im not so sure nemore. I no 4 sure that therell b magic at t very
end though. But if u guys want magic rite now I can put it in. Ill just
needa change t plot a lil bit. So if u do want magic just state so in ur
review n ill try ta put it in. newayz, sorri 4 not uploading but theres
sumting rong w/ ma internet. So rite now im at ma frens house n typing like
crazy cuz I hafta go soon. Uh, theres not gonna b ne shoutouts this time
cuz shes hurrying me. Ill make it up next chap. Which will hopefully get
upload soon. Enjoy!
Chapter 9
"Diminished Hope"
"Eriol?!" Syaoran gasped.
"The one and only," Eriol smirked. "Surprised to see me?"
"Not really," he replied, "I've learnt a long time ago that you always show up when least expected. But what are you doing here, out of all places?"
"Going to the festival of course," he answered. "Speaking of festivals, here's your money back." Eriol then threw the pouch to Syaoran, who caught it swiftly and gratefully.
"Thanks, but why did you fight me in the first place if you didn't want the money?"
"Because I wanted to test you out. It's been a long time since we've last fought. You've improved, or was it a special SOMEONE that enabled you to beat me?" Eriol had a twinkle in his eyes, while Syaoran blushed slightly.
At that moment, Sakura, her energy drained because she hadn't fully recuperated, was struggling to climb the wall. She managed to swing both her arms over but couldn't pull herself up. Seeing his, Syaoran rushed over to come to her aide. Noticing that, Eriol decided to wreck some havoc. He jumped on top of the wall and, in one swift motion, grabbed a hold of Sakura's waist and pulled her over before Syaoran could assist her. Then he jumped down, still holding her, and set down a very stunned Sakura.
Syaoran fumed and crossed his arms, scowling at Eriol. (A/N: uh oh. . . SUM1s jealous!!! ^O^)
"Err. . . thanks. . . I think. . ." Sakura said uncertainly, "but who are you?"
"Why, I'm an acquaintance and close friend of Syaoran there. My name is Eriol," he introduced himself and kissed her hand, bowing. (A/N: such a gentleman! :p) "May I know you name, lovely young goddess?"
Syaoran glared at Eriol, face red from anger this time at his behavior while Sakura blushed. Sneaking a peek at the two tomatoes in front of him, he smirked. 'This should be interested. . .'
"M-m-my name is Sakura," Sakura stuttered shyly, still blushing.
"Ah, a lovely name for a lovely goddess!" Eriol exclaimed.
"Hey, Sakura, here's your money back," Syaoran said before Eriol could try anything else and tossed her the pouch.
"Oh, thank-you," she said as she caught it.
"I think it's time we should be heading back, Sakura," Syaoran said, gritting his teeth.
"Well, I won't be keeping you then," Eriol bided them farewell and kissed Sakura's hand lightly before departing, knowing that Syaoran was filled with jealousy and finding it amusing.
'Why am I getting jealous because of a little kiss?!' Syaoran castigated himself, 'Eriol's always like that!' After he was done scolding himself, he sighed, seeing how Sakura looked dejectedly at the wall, pondering how she was going to get back over. Making a face, he wrapped an arm around her slim waist and hoisted them both over by leaping over the wall skillfully. She barely had time to gasp from surprise before he put her down and quickly removed his arm.
"Thanks, Li," she said in a tiny voice. 'Geez, why is everyone picking me up all of a sudden? I can make it over the wall. All I need is a little push. But, I suppose I should be thankful.'
Up ahead, they spotted Yelan and the rest. But before they could run up to them they dashed off, dragging Meiling with them after Fuuti saw them.
"Hey, wait!" Syaoran shouted as he and Sakura tried to chase after them, but got lost in the crowd.
"Looks like we lost them again," Sakura sighed dejectedly.
'Hmm. . . why did they run away when they saw us?' Syaoran pondered. 'Don't tell me they're trying to make me like Kinomoto?! Well, they'll see, I'll never like her. and I'll make sure she doesn't like me either.'
"I think I know that, Kinomoto," he sneered. "You don't have to remind me."
"Oh, ok. . ." she whispered meekly, eyes downcast. "I'll just keep my comments to myself then."
He felt a pang of remorse but quickly shook it off, determined to not get soft. "C'mon let's go," he said gruffly. "I don't have time to stand around and watch you mope."
Sakura nodded, discouraged, and silently followed him.
*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*
"Sir, we've been waiting for Miss Sakura for a long time now. I'm sorry to say this, but. . . I don't think she's still alive. . ." a guard said sullenly.
"I think so too," the other guard agreed. "We should head back now, Sir, our food supply is running low. Not to mention that the horses won't last very long on these parched, dried grass. I don't think they can even bring themselves to eat it."
"Silence, both of you!" roared an angry Touya. "We will keep waiting her for Sakura, even if it takes a couple more days! If the horses cannot live on the grass then go get some fruits from nearby trees!"
"But we are only thinking about what is best for you and your father! You know very well that we would give up our lives to save hers any day!" they protested frantically.
"How dare you talk to me like that you -'' Touya shouted.
"Enough, all of you!" ordered Fujitaka, cutting off Touya and silencing them all. The weary man rubbed his bloodshot eyes, not having enough sleep watching, hoping, praying, for a sign of Sakura. "Unfortunately, they are right, Touya, we must go back."
"But, father -'' Touya objected.
Fujitaka raised his hand, cutting Touya off once again. "There will be no arguments. A good general must know when his soldiers are right." He closed his eyes and sighed, a tear rolling down his cheek.
They were shocked that Fujitaka actually cried. The only time they saw him crying was when Nadeshiko died.
"Yes, father," he replied, "I shall comply, however reluctantly."
Sadly and silently, they walked to the famished horses and untied them.
"We shall not ride them less they die; they are too tired," stated Fujitaka.
They nodded and started to lead the horses back home.
After awhile, they came upon an apple tree and decided to pick some for themselves and the horses. So Touya headed over to it, careful not to step on the anthill. He picked one and cleaned it with his shirt, then bit into the juicy delicious apple. Then he picked some more and tossed them to Fujitaka and the guards. They fed on the apples hungrily, remembering to give some to the horses. Touya was about to pick another one when one fell from the tree. He looked down at it and something caught his eyes. Bending down, he picked up a silver locket, in the shape of a star. He gasped, recognizing it.
"Touya, what are you examining over there?" Fujitaka inquired, curiously. Seeing that his son was not responding, he walked over and kneeled down beside Touya and gave him a quizzical look.
"This locket. . ." Touya whispered, opening it, "belongs to Sakura. . ." He opened it all the way and saw a picture of his beautiful mother, Nadeshiko.
"No. . ." Fujitaka whispered, then checked the ground hastily, checking for footprints. "This delicate one must be Sakura's, but, who's this? It's not pressed very hard, as to make as less noise as possible. But yet, he is very balanced, and his feet are in a position ready to move if necessary. He is a very skilled warrior," Fujitaka mumbled. "These must belong to. . . the leader of the Black Fox. . . Then they must have her. She must have lost it struggling with him. She's as good as dead then. . . if not, then she's suffering a fate worst than death. . ."
At that time, the fact that his precious little sister, whom he'd sworn to protect with his life, hit him full force and the strong big brother broke down crying like a baby.
Fujitaka patted his back, crying also, as he watered the tree with his tears. When he was done, he was filled with anger and abhorrence for the gang. "I swear, Sakura, one day I shall avenge you and finally you will be able to rest in peace," he spat, his voice filled with hatred as he clenched the locket tightly. Then he punched the tree, denting it. Suddenly they were not so hungry anymore.
*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*
"Geez, why do you guys keep pulling me around for?" Meiling asked, gasping for air.
"Oh, uh, because we're just very excited!" Fanren laughed.
"When aren't you excited?" Meiling mumbled sarcastically. "And where's Xiao Lang? I thought I saw him just now, before you guys dragged me away."
"You must be mistaken!" Seifa laughed nervously. "Neither of us saw Xiao Lang."
"But I really did -''
"Oh, look over there!" Feimei exclaimed, pointing to a small shop, "They have so many beautiful clothes! Let's go check it out!"
Meiling forgot about what she was about to say and happily walked towards the shop. The five trailed behind.
"That was too close," Yelan whispered fiercely. "We must be more alert from now on. We cannot afford to be caught off guard again. I don't think Sakura knows what we're doing but Xiao Lang's smart, I think he's starting to suspect us."
"Yes, mother, we won't be so careless next time," the four chorused.
*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*
"Uh, Li?" Sakura called softly.
"What is it now?" he asked in an annoyed tone without bothering to turn around and face her.
"Instead of just walking around and trying to find them in vain, why don't we go home and wait for them instead?"
"For once you think of something good, Kinomoto, we might as well. This is useless."
Sakura smiled, glad that he agreed with her. But then Syaoran turned around and walked in the other direction without giving her a glance and her smile turned into a frown. 'Why does he hate me so? Was it something I did? Oh, no, I hope I didn't offend him. . .' (A/N: poor sakura. . .)
After some more wandering around, they found the exit and left. Syaoran started heading for home at a fast pace. Poor Sakura had to practically jog to keep up with him. Gradually, she got too tired to keep up with him and lagged behind, puffing.
"Weakling. . ." Syaoran muttered under his breath. Annoyed, he called, "C'mon stop meandering we don't have all day!"
"Ok, Li!" she nodded and tried to quicken her pace.
After awhile she got too exhausted at such a fast pace that she just gave up and collapsed on the ground, sitting crossed-legged and moping. She put her head down, thinking of home.
Syaoran noticed her stopping and looked back, only to see her in nostalgia. Sighing, he walked over to her.
The next minute she got hit in the back of the head and everything went black; she passed out.
Chapter 9
"Diminished Hope"
"Eriol?!" Syaoran gasped.
"The one and only," Eriol smirked. "Surprised to see me?"
"Not really," he replied, "I've learnt a long time ago that you always show up when least expected. But what are you doing here, out of all places?"
"Going to the festival of course," he answered. "Speaking of festivals, here's your money back." Eriol then threw the pouch to Syaoran, who caught it swiftly and gratefully.
"Thanks, but why did you fight me in the first place if you didn't want the money?"
"Because I wanted to test you out. It's been a long time since we've last fought. You've improved, or was it a special SOMEONE that enabled you to beat me?" Eriol had a twinkle in his eyes, while Syaoran blushed slightly.
At that moment, Sakura, her energy drained because she hadn't fully recuperated, was struggling to climb the wall. She managed to swing both her arms over but couldn't pull herself up. Seeing his, Syaoran rushed over to come to her aide. Noticing that, Eriol decided to wreck some havoc. He jumped on top of the wall and, in one swift motion, grabbed a hold of Sakura's waist and pulled her over before Syaoran could assist her. Then he jumped down, still holding her, and set down a very stunned Sakura.
Syaoran fumed and crossed his arms, scowling at Eriol. (A/N: uh oh. . . SUM1s jealous!!! ^O^)
"Err. . . thanks. . . I think. . ." Sakura said uncertainly, "but who are you?"
"Why, I'm an acquaintance and close friend of Syaoran there. My name is Eriol," he introduced himself and kissed her hand, bowing. (A/N: such a gentleman! :p) "May I know you name, lovely young goddess?"
Syaoran glared at Eriol, face red from anger this time at his behavior while Sakura blushed. Sneaking a peek at the two tomatoes in front of him, he smirked. 'This should be interested. . .'
"M-m-my name is Sakura," Sakura stuttered shyly, still blushing.
"Ah, a lovely name for a lovely goddess!" Eriol exclaimed.
"Hey, Sakura, here's your money back," Syaoran said before Eriol could try anything else and tossed her the pouch.
"Oh, thank-you," she said as she caught it.
"I think it's time we should be heading back, Sakura," Syaoran said, gritting his teeth.
"Well, I won't be keeping you then," Eriol bided them farewell and kissed Sakura's hand lightly before departing, knowing that Syaoran was filled with jealousy and finding it amusing.
'Why am I getting jealous because of a little kiss?!' Syaoran castigated himself, 'Eriol's always like that!' After he was done scolding himself, he sighed, seeing how Sakura looked dejectedly at the wall, pondering how she was going to get back over. Making a face, he wrapped an arm around her slim waist and hoisted them both over by leaping over the wall skillfully. She barely had time to gasp from surprise before he put her down and quickly removed his arm.
"Thanks, Li," she said in a tiny voice. 'Geez, why is everyone picking me up all of a sudden? I can make it over the wall. All I need is a little push. But, I suppose I should be thankful.'
Up ahead, they spotted Yelan and the rest. But before they could run up to them they dashed off, dragging Meiling with them after Fuuti saw them.
"Hey, wait!" Syaoran shouted as he and Sakura tried to chase after them, but got lost in the crowd.
"Looks like we lost them again," Sakura sighed dejectedly.
'Hmm. . . why did they run away when they saw us?' Syaoran pondered. 'Don't tell me they're trying to make me like Kinomoto?! Well, they'll see, I'll never like her. and I'll make sure she doesn't like me either.'
"I think I know that, Kinomoto," he sneered. "You don't have to remind me."
"Oh, ok. . ." she whispered meekly, eyes downcast. "I'll just keep my comments to myself then."
He felt a pang of remorse but quickly shook it off, determined to not get soft. "C'mon let's go," he said gruffly. "I don't have time to stand around and watch you mope."
Sakura nodded, discouraged, and silently followed him.
*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*
"Sir, we've been waiting for Miss Sakura for a long time now. I'm sorry to say this, but. . . I don't think she's still alive. . ." a guard said sullenly.
"I think so too," the other guard agreed. "We should head back now, Sir, our food supply is running low. Not to mention that the horses won't last very long on these parched, dried grass. I don't think they can even bring themselves to eat it."
"Silence, both of you!" roared an angry Touya. "We will keep waiting her for Sakura, even if it takes a couple more days! If the horses cannot live on the grass then go get some fruits from nearby trees!"
"But we are only thinking about what is best for you and your father! You know very well that we would give up our lives to save hers any day!" they protested frantically.
"How dare you talk to me like that you -'' Touya shouted.
"Enough, all of you!" ordered Fujitaka, cutting off Touya and silencing them all. The weary man rubbed his bloodshot eyes, not having enough sleep watching, hoping, praying, for a sign of Sakura. "Unfortunately, they are right, Touya, we must go back."
"But, father -'' Touya objected.
Fujitaka raised his hand, cutting Touya off once again. "There will be no arguments. A good general must know when his soldiers are right." He closed his eyes and sighed, a tear rolling down his cheek.
They were shocked that Fujitaka actually cried. The only time they saw him crying was when Nadeshiko died.
"Yes, father," he replied, "I shall comply, however reluctantly."
Sadly and silently, they walked to the famished horses and untied them.
"We shall not ride them less they die; they are too tired," stated Fujitaka.
They nodded and started to lead the horses back home.
After awhile, they came upon an apple tree and decided to pick some for themselves and the horses. So Touya headed over to it, careful not to step on the anthill. He picked one and cleaned it with his shirt, then bit into the juicy delicious apple. Then he picked some more and tossed them to Fujitaka and the guards. They fed on the apples hungrily, remembering to give some to the horses. Touya was about to pick another one when one fell from the tree. He looked down at it and something caught his eyes. Bending down, he picked up a silver locket, in the shape of a star. He gasped, recognizing it.
"Touya, what are you examining over there?" Fujitaka inquired, curiously. Seeing that his son was not responding, he walked over and kneeled down beside Touya and gave him a quizzical look.
"This locket. . ." Touya whispered, opening it, "belongs to Sakura. . ." He opened it all the way and saw a picture of his beautiful mother, Nadeshiko.
"No. . ." Fujitaka whispered, then checked the ground hastily, checking for footprints. "This delicate one must be Sakura's, but, who's this? It's not pressed very hard, as to make as less noise as possible. But yet, he is very balanced, and his feet are in a position ready to move if necessary. He is a very skilled warrior," Fujitaka mumbled. "These must belong to. . . the leader of the Black Fox. . . Then they must have her. She must have lost it struggling with him. She's as good as dead then. . . if not, then she's suffering a fate worst than death. . ."
At that time, the fact that his precious little sister, whom he'd sworn to protect with his life, hit him full force and the strong big brother broke down crying like a baby.
Fujitaka patted his back, crying also, as he watered the tree with his tears. When he was done, he was filled with anger and abhorrence for the gang. "I swear, Sakura, one day I shall avenge you and finally you will be able to rest in peace," he spat, his voice filled with hatred as he clenched the locket tightly. Then he punched the tree, denting it. Suddenly they were not so hungry anymore.
*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*
"Geez, why do you guys keep pulling me around for?" Meiling asked, gasping for air.
"Oh, uh, because we're just very excited!" Fanren laughed.
"When aren't you excited?" Meiling mumbled sarcastically. "And where's Xiao Lang? I thought I saw him just now, before you guys dragged me away."
"You must be mistaken!" Seifa laughed nervously. "Neither of us saw Xiao Lang."
"But I really did -''
"Oh, look over there!" Feimei exclaimed, pointing to a small shop, "They have so many beautiful clothes! Let's go check it out!"
Meiling forgot about what she was about to say and happily walked towards the shop. The five trailed behind.
"That was too close," Yelan whispered fiercely. "We must be more alert from now on. We cannot afford to be caught off guard again. I don't think Sakura knows what we're doing but Xiao Lang's smart, I think he's starting to suspect us."
"Yes, mother, we won't be so careless next time," the four chorused.
*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*-*~*
"Uh, Li?" Sakura called softly.
"What is it now?" he asked in an annoyed tone without bothering to turn around and face her.
"Instead of just walking around and trying to find them in vain, why don't we go home and wait for them instead?"
"For once you think of something good, Kinomoto, we might as well. This is useless."
Sakura smiled, glad that he agreed with her. But then Syaoran turned around and walked in the other direction without giving her a glance and her smile turned into a frown. 'Why does he hate me so? Was it something I did? Oh, no, I hope I didn't offend him. . .' (A/N: poor sakura. . .)
After some more wandering around, they found the exit and left. Syaoran started heading for home at a fast pace. Poor Sakura had to practically jog to keep up with him. Gradually, she got too tired to keep up with him and lagged behind, puffing.
"Weakling. . ." Syaoran muttered under his breath. Annoyed, he called, "C'mon stop meandering we don't have all day!"
"Ok, Li!" she nodded and tried to quicken her pace.
After awhile she got too exhausted at such a fast pace that she just gave up and collapsed on the ground, sitting crossed-legged and moping. She put her head down, thinking of home.
Syaoran noticed her stopping and looked back, only to see her in nostalgia. Sighing, he walked over to her.
The next minute she got hit in the back of the head and everything went black; she passed out.
