Disclaimer: CCS does not belong to me.
-all gasp. Syaoran steps forward- You LIED to me?!
-UrbanCinderella hangs her head sadly-
Author's Note(s): Well. I am now in Maryland and I get much less time online. Bleh. It stinks. But oh well! I'm still happy. I had time to think about this chapter and it still got me nowhere. I just hope it turns out well. Anywho, hope you enjoy. No shout outs today because I haven't checked the reviews yet.
****
The group was packed and ready to leave before the first light of the morning. The four were silent, each brooding in their own thoughts. Before long they were mounted up and heading towards the east. The silence was preserved until the spirit joined them.
"Good morning," Aditi said warmly.
Syaoran and Touya grumbled a response while Yema's eyes widened. Yukito was the only to succeed in pleasing her that morning.
She settled herself on her favorite place, Syaoran's shoulder. She knew him to be the leader and knew her directions would be better followed if she stayed close.
The morning went by quickly, with orders obediently followed and directions eagerly taken. By noon the men were hungry, but still they continued on for what drove them was more pressing than hunger. Their hearts wouldn't let them stop.
The sun was starting to drop from the sky when Aditi ordered them to stop.
"The cave where he is staying is nearby." The men waited; they could feel Aditi observing Sekai. The men fidgeted as they waited.
She spoke again finally. "Transporting the cherry blossom took a lot of his energy, as is his human transformation. But he is still powerful. We must be careful. We should camp here for the night and attack in the morning."
Desperately, Syaoran responded to her warning. "We can't wait another day." The others were silent when he added, "I won't wait another day."
He nudged his horse forward, leaving the other men astonished, staring after his back. He continued forward, his anger driving him, praying Aditi would follow. He was surprised to hear her at his shoulder.
"Are you dead-set on this, little wolf?"
He nodded fiercely. "I want her back."
She was silent for a moment before she did something that surprised him. She agreed.
Syaoran heard the others behind them as they tramped through the woods. Their horses' footsteps were heavy. They, like the men, were hungry. The spirit heard their hunger and stopped them abruptly once again.
"You must eat first." Seeing Syaoran about to protest, she added firmly, "I will not take hungry men to battle a spirit on rampage. Eat now."
Enforcing her words, she flew away to investigate the cave, leaving Syaoran very distressed. Finally he sighed and threw himself from his saddle. The others watched in silence as he unpacked his saddlebag and pulled out his food. He walked over to the nearest tree and began to eat hurriedly.
The others jumped from their saddles quickly and joined him, each eating just as hurriedly. They were eager to continue on their way.
Soon, their portions eaten, the men sat back and waited for the spirit. Their horses seemed happy to finally get to graze. Syaoran hated to admit it, but the food made him feel much more awake.
'The spirit knows her humans.'
He heard her warm chuckle and knew she had heard his thought. She was very amused. He blushed slightly and stood.
"Is Sekai there?" he asked as he reattached his saddlebag.
"He is not there right now, but he will be soon. The cherry blossom is stuck in a cave with a large boulder blocking the mouth of it. I will need to use my magic to move it. This will alert Sekai we have arrived and he will come rushing back. We must be prepared. I will try to keep him busy while you rescue the cherry blossom."
The men nodded and mounted. They turned their horses in the direction, their thoughts heavy.
****
Sakura woke confused. She had had the same strange dream. She cast her eyes around the cave, searching for Sekai. Her eyes adjusted quickly to the scarce light but she could not see him.
Her face hurt where he had hit her. She knew it wasn't the pain of the blow, but rather the surprise. And the hurt.
'Sure he was crazy and he kidnapped me, but I never thought he would hurt me.'
She shivered from the memory. Angrily, she pushed the weakness away. She stood and walked headed for the back of the cave, set on exploring more.
"Keir?" She called his name hesitantly.
She felt the gentle trickle of his spirit as he answered her.
"Yes, little cherry blossom? You have come again to visit?"
She smiled. Something about his presence was very comforting. It reminded her of the small stream she had waded in at home when she was a toddler.
"Would you warn me when Sekai is returning?"
The spirit happily agreed, following her towards the back of the cave. "You are going to explore?"
Her smile dimmed slightly. "I'm trying to find a way out."
It finally occurred to her who she was talking about. She spoke eagerly. "Do you know if there is a way out, Keir?"
He laughed, a gentle sound that could delight even the dreariest of hearts. "Yes, there is an entrance, though it will take you a while to get to it."
She could hardly contain her excitement. "Can you lead me there?"
The spirit agreed. Sakura was surprised to feel the water turning direction. Instead of flowing towards the mouth of the cavern, it was now flowing deeper into the cave. Her smiled brightened when she felt the spirit rest itself on her shoulder.
****
Syaoran strained his eyes, finally finding what he was looking for. His foot itched to spur the horse into a gallop, but he restrained himself.
It seemed to take forever before the group finally reached the mouth of the cave. Syaoran clucked his tongue at the boulder. It was very large. He looked it over carefully, trying to decide whether four men could move it as he climbed down from his horse.
'That way we wouldn't need Aditi to use her magic.'
Aditi heard the thought and was quick to respond. "Little wolf, the rock is spelled. It cannot be moved without magic."
He sighed and stepped back, quickly tying his horse. His eyes were never left the rock. He couldn't wait to see his beloved again.
He felt the wind stirring around them. He shifted uncomfortably as the temperature began to rise. He heard the men behind him doing the same. His eyes widened in amazement as he realized what she was doing. Instead of moving the rock, she was melting it so he couldn't use it again.
Finally it was done. Aditi returned to the king's shoulder. If Aditi hadn't possessed such quick reflexes, the king's rushed movement might have thrown her from his shoulder. She recovered and flew along with him as he rushed into the cave, closely followed by the other three.
****
The little wolf yelled her name, disturbing the tranquil silence of the cave. She frowned, feeling around for the cherry blossom. She had been here the last time she had checked.
'Sekai hasn't moved her, has he?'
She felt his presence as it entered the cave and turned quickly to face him. The men were still unaware until his angry laughter began to echo. Aditi rushed forward to him.
She heard the gasps from the men as they saw his form. He was nearly human now. She smirked as she recognized the human he was mimicking. Sekai was almost an exact copy of the little wolf himself.
"We are here to return the cherry blossom, Sekai. It is time you gave her back."
He angrily focused his eyes on her. Being a spirit himself, it was easy to see her. He let his magic flood against her, trying to force her back. She pushed it aside easily, preparing herself.
"She wants to stay here."
Aditi looked around once more, trying to locate the cherry blossom.
"Then why isn't she here, Sekai?"
His eyes widened as he searched for the lost human. He raced towards the other end of the cave and for the first time, Aditi felt another spirit's presence.
'Keir,' she recognized. She smiled. He was with the cherry blossom.
She threw herself forward, blocking Sekai's path with her magic.
"You must leave her alone, Sekai. This has gotten out of hand."
He angrily tried to push past her. She remained stolidly placed. Her voice was reasonable.
"You are a spirit, Sekai. I am in charge of you. I let you roam free for the most part, but you will NOT get this girl."
She sighed as he again tried to force himself past her. Her anger was beginning to build. When she received no acknowledgement, she tried one last time.
"I am in charge of you Sekai. You MUST obey me. Leave her be. Give her back now and I will let you alone."
He attempted to push past her once again, sending his magic hurling at her. She deflected it and rushed forward, hitting him full force with her magic and making him stumble. He recovered quickly, throwing some of his own at her again. It missed. She was a much harder target to hit than he himself was.
His anger was beginning to boil over. He turned and spotted the men. He threw magic at the, hoping to sidetrack Aditi.
The warm spirit cursed and rushed to save the men, letting Sekai escape down the cave. As soon as the men had recovered from the surprise, they raced after him.
****
Aditi's warmth was stifling. Syaoran noted she must be very angry.
His face held quiet determination. He hated being so close to his cherry blossom without recovering her yet. He sighed and pumped his legs, running as fast as he could. The footsteps behind him alerted him they were doing the same.
Aditi stopped suddenly and the men stopped equally fast. She warned them hurriedly to duck. They were entering the deeper parts of the cave. He cursed. It would be harder to catch up with him now.
They raced forward, Syaoran angry at how fast the spirit could travel. He noted the spirit hadn't disappeared however. Aditi must have blocked his magic so he couldn't disappear.
A sudden thought entered his head.
'Even if we rescue her today, what will keep him from coming after him again next time?'
He banished the thought. He did not need those types of thoughts now.
****
The men traveled faster than Aditi had hoped they would. She smiled lightly through her anger, proud of the group.
'Especially the little wolf. His determination is very strong.'
She felt Sekai and knew they were nearing him. She cursed as she realized the cherry blossom was also near. Sekai would reach her first. She pushed herself harder and the men answered by racing even faster than before.
She could feel him strongly now. She also felt the cherry blossom's surprise and knew she had spotted him.
They turned a corner and finally found Sekai. She felt his magic starting and knew he was about to transport her somewhere. Hurriedly, she threw her magic forward to stop it. It bounced off of his. It was too late to stop the spell.
****
Syaoran felt the spell and recognized it. He saw the fear in his lover's face. She was falling. He pumped his legs harder, jumping forward with his hand outstretched. He would not let her go this time.
****
The dream was happening. When Sekai had found her, she had been too surprised to react. And now she was falling. Melting into the cave floor. Hopelessness clouded her mind, tinted with fear.
Then she saw his face and longing came into the picture. She stretched out her hand to him wildly, hoping he would make it.
Her thoughts fluttered back to the dream. He hadn't caught her then.
She stretched her arm as far as she could and watched as he launched himself from the ground. He wasn't going to make it.
Her vision was going black when she was jerked. Her hand caught on to something. The gentle tingles let her know who it was.
'He caught me. The dream didn't come true.'
****
As his hand clasped her own, he felt the joy spring into his heart. He pulled her from the ground, enveloping her in his protective hold. He felt her hot tears staining his tunic and all he could think about was how good it felt.
'I'll never let her go again.'
****
Sekai watched angrily as that damned wolf caught his little cherry blossom.
'I won't let him steal her. She is mine.'
****
Aditi watched the two in their hug. She couldn't help but smile. It was true love. And that was rare.
She heard Sekai's angry thoughts and returned herself to the matter at hand. She sighed as she realized what she must do. He could not stay here. He would never give up.
She rushed forward, surprising him. Her magic was powerful, too powerful for him to deflect. She watched as he writhed in pain before finally disappearing.
"I'm sorry, Sekai, but you can't stay here."
****
He watched as his beloved cherry blossom disappeared from his vision. He was too surprised to react. He cursed, realizing where she had sent him. He threw his magic back into the portal, hoping to cause Aditi at least a small amount of pain.
He looked around, taking in his surroundings. They were familiar. He had been trapped in the Spirit Cage before. He knew she would release him some day.
He shed his nearly-human form angrily.
'I will get out some day. And then the cherry blossom will be mine.'
****
Author's Note2: Okay, well, basically in case you didn't get it, the Spirit Cage is a cage. For the spirits. Aditi knew that Sekai would never give up, so he placed him there. For the second time. (He was there after the first woman too). Uh, yea. So I'm sure you guys are happy Sekai is finally out of the picture.
Umm, yeah, there should be another pretty short chapter left to tie up some of the loose ends and then the Epilogue. I can't believe the story is almost over. At least I have two more to work on. ^_^
-all gasp. Syaoran steps forward- You LIED to me?!
-UrbanCinderella hangs her head sadly-
Author's Note(s): Well. I am now in Maryland and I get much less time online. Bleh. It stinks. But oh well! I'm still happy. I had time to think about this chapter and it still got me nowhere. I just hope it turns out well. Anywho, hope you enjoy. No shout outs today because I haven't checked the reviews yet.
****
The group was packed and ready to leave before the first light of the morning. The four were silent, each brooding in their own thoughts. Before long they were mounted up and heading towards the east. The silence was preserved until the spirit joined them.
"Good morning," Aditi said warmly.
Syaoran and Touya grumbled a response while Yema's eyes widened. Yukito was the only to succeed in pleasing her that morning.
She settled herself on her favorite place, Syaoran's shoulder. She knew him to be the leader and knew her directions would be better followed if she stayed close.
The morning went by quickly, with orders obediently followed and directions eagerly taken. By noon the men were hungry, but still they continued on for what drove them was more pressing than hunger. Their hearts wouldn't let them stop.
The sun was starting to drop from the sky when Aditi ordered them to stop.
"The cave where he is staying is nearby." The men waited; they could feel Aditi observing Sekai. The men fidgeted as they waited.
She spoke again finally. "Transporting the cherry blossom took a lot of his energy, as is his human transformation. But he is still powerful. We must be careful. We should camp here for the night and attack in the morning."
Desperately, Syaoran responded to her warning. "We can't wait another day." The others were silent when he added, "I won't wait another day."
He nudged his horse forward, leaving the other men astonished, staring after his back. He continued forward, his anger driving him, praying Aditi would follow. He was surprised to hear her at his shoulder.
"Are you dead-set on this, little wolf?"
He nodded fiercely. "I want her back."
She was silent for a moment before she did something that surprised him. She agreed.
Syaoran heard the others behind them as they tramped through the woods. Their horses' footsteps were heavy. They, like the men, were hungry. The spirit heard their hunger and stopped them abruptly once again.
"You must eat first." Seeing Syaoran about to protest, she added firmly, "I will not take hungry men to battle a spirit on rampage. Eat now."
Enforcing her words, she flew away to investigate the cave, leaving Syaoran very distressed. Finally he sighed and threw himself from his saddle. The others watched in silence as he unpacked his saddlebag and pulled out his food. He walked over to the nearest tree and began to eat hurriedly.
The others jumped from their saddles quickly and joined him, each eating just as hurriedly. They were eager to continue on their way.
Soon, their portions eaten, the men sat back and waited for the spirit. Their horses seemed happy to finally get to graze. Syaoran hated to admit it, but the food made him feel much more awake.
'The spirit knows her humans.'
He heard her warm chuckle and knew she had heard his thought. She was very amused. He blushed slightly and stood.
"Is Sekai there?" he asked as he reattached his saddlebag.
"He is not there right now, but he will be soon. The cherry blossom is stuck in a cave with a large boulder blocking the mouth of it. I will need to use my magic to move it. This will alert Sekai we have arrived and he will come rushing back. We must be prepared. I will try to keep him busy while you rescue the cherry blossom."
The men nodded and mounted. They turned their horses in the direction, their thoughts heavy.
****
Sakura woke confused. She had had the same strange dream. She cast her eyes around the cave, searching for Sekai. Her eyes adjusted quickly to the scarce light but she could not see him.
Her face hurt where he had hit her. She knew it wasn't the pain of the blow, but rather the surprise. And the hurt.
'Sure he was crazy and he kidnapped me, but I never thought he would hurt me.'
She shivered from the memory. Angrily, she pushed the weakness away. She stood and walked headed for the back of the cave, set on exploring more.
"Keir?" She called his name hesitantly.
She felt the gentle trickle of his spirit as he answered her.
"Yes, little cherry blossom? You have come again to visit?"
She smiled. Something about his presence was very comforting. It reminded her of the small stream she had waded in at home when she was a toddler.
"Would you warn me when Sekai is returning?"
The spirit happily agreed, following her towards the back of the cave. "You are going to explore?"
Her smile dimmed slightly. "I'm trying to find a way out."
It finally occurred to her who she was talking about. She spoke eagerly. "Do you know if there is a way out, Keir?"
He laughed, a gentle sound that could delight even the dreariest of hearts. "Yes, there is an entrance, though it will take you a while to get to it."
She could hardly contain her excitement. "Can you lead me there?"
The spirit agreed. Sakura was surprised to feel the water turning direction. Instead of flowing towards the mouth of the cavern, it was now flowing deeper into the cave. Her smiled brightened when she felt the spirit rest itself on her shoulder.
****
Syaoran strained his eyes, finally finding what he was looking for. His foot itched to spur the horse into a gallop, but he restrained himself.
It seemed to take forever before the group finally reached the mouth of the cave. Syaoran clucked his tongue at the boulder. It was very large. He looked it over carefully, trying to decide whether four men could move it as he climbed down from his horse.
'That way we wouldn't need Aditi to use her magic.'
Aditi heard the thought and was quick to respond. "Little wolf, the rock is spelled. It cannot be moved without magic."
He sighed and stepped back, quickly tying his horse. His eyes were never left the rock. He couldn't wait to see his beloved again.
He felt the wind stirring around them. He shifted uncomfortably as the temperature began to rise. He heard the men behind him doing the same. His eyes widened in amazement as he realized what she was doing. Instead of moving the rock, she was melting it so he couldn't use it again.
Finally it was done. Aditi returned to the king's shoulder. If Aditi hadn't possessed such quick reflexes, the king's rushed movement might have thrown her from his shoulder. She recovered and flew along with him as he rushed into the cave, closely followed by the other three.
****
The little wolf yelled her name, disturbing the tranquil silence of the cave. She frowned, feeling around for the cherry blossom. She had been here the last time she had checked.
'Sekai hasn't moved her, has he?'
She felt his presence as it entered the cave and turned quickly to face him. The men were still unaware until his angry laughter began to echo. Aditi rushed forward to him.
She heard the gasps from the men as they saw his form. He was nearly human now. She smirked as she recognized the human he was mimicking. Sekai was almost an exact copy of the little wolf himself.
"We are here to return the cherry blossom, Sekai. It is time you gave her back."
He angrily focused his eyes on her. Being a spirit himself, it was easy to see her. He let his magic flood against her, trying to force her back. She pushed it aside easily, preparing herself.
"She wants to stay here."
Aditi looked around once more, trying to locate the cherry blossom.
"Then why isn't she here, Sekai?"
His eyes widened as he searched for the lost human. He raced towards the other end of the cave and for the first time, Aditi felt another spirit's presence.
'Keir,' she recognized. She smiled. He was with the cherry blossom.
She threw herself forward, blocking Sekai's path with her magic.
"You must leave her alone, Sekai. This has gotten out of hand."
He angrily tried to push past her. She remained stolidly placed. Her voice was reasonable.
"You are a spirit, Sekai. I am in charge of you. I let you roam free for the most part, but you will NOT get this girl."
She sighed as he again tried to force himself past her. Her anger was beginning to build. When she received no acknowledgement, she tried one last time.
"I am in charge of you Sekai. You MUST obey me. Leave her be. Give her back now and I will let you alone."
He attempted to push past her once again, sending his magic hurling at her. She deflected it and rushed forward, hitting him full force with her magic and making him stumble. He recovered quickly, throwing some of his own at her again. It missed. She was a much harder target to hit than he himself was.
His anger was beginning to boil over. He turned and spotted the men. He threw magic at the, hoping to sidetrack Aditi.
The warm spirit cursed and rushed to save the men, letting Sekai escape down the cave. As soon as the men had recovered from the surprise, they raced after him.
****
Aditi's warmth was stifling. Syaoran noted she must be very angry.
His face held quiet determination. He hated being so close to his cherry blossom without recovering her yet. He sighed and pumped his legs, running as fast as he could. The footsteps behind him alerted him they were doing the same.
Aditi stopped suddenly and the men stopped equally fast. She warned them hurriedly to duck. They were entering the deeper parts of the cave. He cursed. It would be harder to catch up with him now.
They raced forward, Syaoran angry at how fast the spirit could travel. He noted the spirit hadn't disappeared however. Aditi must have blocked his magic so he couldn't disappear.
A sudden thought entered his head.
'Even if we rescue her today, what will keep him from coming after him again next time?'
He banished the thought. He did not need those types of thoughts now.
****
The men traveled faster than Aditi had hoped they would. She smiled lightly through her anger, proud of the group.
'Especially the little wolf. His determination is very strong.'
She felt Sekai and knew they were nearing him. She cursed as she realized the cherry blossom was also near. Sekai would reach her first. She pushed herself harder and the men answered by racing even faster than before.
She could feel him strongly now. She also felt the cherry blossom's surprise and knew she had spotted him.
They turned a corner and finally found Sekai. She felt his magic starting and knew he was about to transport her somewhere. Hurriedly, she threw her magic forward to stop it. It bounced off of his. It was too late to stop the spell.
****
Syaoran felt the spell and recognized it. He saw the fear in his lover's face. She was falling. He pumped his legs harder, jumping forward with his hand outstretched. He would not let her go this time.
****
The dream was happening. When Sekai had found her, she had been too surprised to react. And now she was falling. Melting into the cave floor. Hopelessness clouded her mind, tinted with fear.
Then she saw his face and longing came into the picture. She stretched out her hand to him wildly, hoping he would make it.
Her thoughts fluttered back to the dream. He hadn't caught her then.
She stretched her arm as far as she could and watched as he launched himself from the ground. He wasn't going to make it.
Her vision was going black when she was jerked. Her hand caught on to something. The gentle tingles let her know who it was.
'He caught me. The dream didn't come true.'
****
As his hand clasped her own, he felt the joy spring into his heart. He pulled her from the ground, enveloping her in his protective hold. He felt her hot tears staining his tunic and all he could think about was how good it felt.
'I'll never let her go again.'
****
Sekai watched angrily as that damned wolf caught his little cherry blossom.
'I won't let him steal her. She is mine.'
****
Aditi watched the two in their hug. She couldn't help but smile. It was true love. And that was rare.
She heard Sekai's angry thoughts and returned herself to the matter at hand. She sighed as she realized what she must do. He could not stay here. He would never give up.
She rushed forward, surprising him. Her magic was powerful, too powerful for him to deflect. She watched as he writhed in pain before finally disappearing.
"I'm sorry, Sekai, but you can't stay here."
****
He watched as his beloved cherry blossom disappeared from his vision. He was too surprised to react. He cursed, realizing where she had sent him. He threw his magic back into the portal, hoping to cause Aditi at least a small amount of pain.
He looked around, taking in his surroundings. They were familiar. He had been trapped in the Spirit Cage before. He knew she would release him some day.
He shed his nearly-human form angrily.
'I will get out some day. And then the cherry blossom will be mine.'
****
Author's Note2: Okay, well, basically in case you didn't get it, the Spirit Cage is a cage. For the spirits. Aditi knew that Sekai would never give up, so he placed him there. For the second time. (He was there after the first woman too). Uh, yea. So I'm sure you guys are happy Sekai is finally out of the picture.
Umm, yeah, there should be another pretty short chapter left to tie up some of the loose ends and then the Epilogue. I can't believe the story is almost over. At least I have two more to work on. ^_^
