Amber Eyes

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Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot!

Authoress Ramble: This is a long chapter. o.o; Over thirteen pages (compared to my normal target, which is eight)! I kind of like this chapter, so I hope you enjoy it. ^_^ Please keep on reviewing!

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Shouts To People Who Reviewed!: Thank you so much for reviewing! Much love to Azi, Amanda Panda, Eclipse, Little Wolf LOVER, Shorty, Draco, CardCaptorHikariWolfy, Kimi-chan and ÒREALLY LIKE UR FICÓ (you didnÕt leave a name for me, cutie pie o.o), DL@;~, Ongaku, SulliMike23, kawaiitenshisakura, Cherry, UrbanCinderella, darkemerald22, Sakura-miaka, Tigerdrake, Mika, WezL, hana no tenshi (Eva), Princess Kinomoto, Blossom190, Kwaii Canadian, SweetyPie, twilight-star, SweetCherryBlossom, diablo, Laura, Raymisha, Blozzomz, ZetaBee, Pink Sakura, Kinomoto, Shima And Tempis, HikariWolfSky, Riconne, Cherry Blossom, Kawaii-CherryWolf (cute name!), Rae-Rae (another cute name!), dangerous-beans, ZetaBee, Cute_Leen, Zara, Ebony Black, Shima And Tempis, Mini Sweety, Bloodlust Night, Meinien, :I, Lady Dez, Kat, *~*princess*~*, Jamie, silverymare, LilÕ Fairy, Feathers, CoolCat, Val (great idea!), D, Athar-Luna, Azn-Angel, Dark-Luv3, cherryblossom, Li-kyoko-cp, Mysticalia, AnimeObsessionFantasy, Cute Emerald, Friends4Eva08, Cherry13, LilDragonGurl28, Pink-CherryBlossoms, Flaming Sakura, MimiGhost, S+SObsession!, Kammy, Mel, Kate, Shauna, Asayuni, T-Man, Moonspell, Rosy-Ray-Lover, SweetCherryBlossom, Catrina and finally, Kitty Neko (IÕm a big fan of yours! =3 I am honoured that you like my story!)! Thank you all again for your support!

Also, it seems that Little Wolf LOVER is quite the authoress. ^_^ Mini Sweety reviewed and told me how successful you are, so IÕm quite honoured! Thank you for reading my humble story! =3

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Meiling eyed the dancing couple with a frown, her ruby eyes dark with sadness. Their love lit up the room, and many eyes other than hers were drawn to them. Their auras were strong and alluring, bright with mutual dedication.

She sighed sadly, shifting uncomfortably in her long ruby gown. Suddenly, she felt a warm hand on her bare pale shoulder.

ÒWould you care to dance, my beautiful lady?,Ó purred Tomoyo softly. MeilnigÕs eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed.

ÒYou are relentless,Ó she said sternly. ÒThis must be the fifth time you have asked.Ó

ÒItÕs noble not to give up easily,Ó Tomoyo answered smoothly. She then frowned. ÒWhy wonÕt you?Ó

ÒI donÕt care for dancing,Ó Meiling replied sharply. Tomoyo raised a slender eyebrow.

ÒYouÕre lying,Ó the princess accused. The ruby-eyed girl nearly growled, annoyed.

ÒPerhaps,Ó she responded. She didnÕt adore dancing, but she had little against it.

ÒItÕs Syaoran,Ó Tomoyo said gently. ÒYouÕll dance only . . . with him?Ó

Meiling said nothing, only looked down at her feet sadly. Her frowned deepened.

ÒIÕm right,Ó Tomoyo whispered. Meiling raised her head, looking at her for a moment, but said nothing.

ÒItÕs best not to mourn over things tha-Ó

ÒPlease stop trying to seduce me,Ó the ruby-eyed girl suddenly said. ÒMy heart is taken.Ó

TomoyoÕs eyes widened, taken aback. Her stance stiffened, and she bit her lower lip, her amethyst eyes deep with sadness.

ÒIÕll leave you alone, then,Ó she said quickly, ÒIf thatÕs what you want. I hope you enjoy wasting yourself on him.Ó

Meiling glared at her angrily, but said nothing. With a swift turn on her heel, Tomoyo walked toward her father quickly, her long, dark locks billowing after her regally. The ruby-eyed girl never saw her tears.

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Syaoran and Sakura had been dancing for over an hour, slowly, their bodies pressed closely against one anotherÕs. She had been smiling for quite some time, but suddenly, her eyes deepened, growing dark and sad. She lifted her head from her loverÕs chest.

ÒI think I need some air,Ó Sakura said quietly. Syaoran looked down at her worriedly, their gentle rhythm of slow dance ending. He could clearly sense her sadness.

ÒThereÕs a balcony over that way,Ó he said tenderly. Sakura nodded, and the two pulled away from another. Taking her hand, Syaoran led her through the crowds of royalty to an overlooked balcony.

They passed through grand wooden doors and out into the night air, dark and cool. The balcony was made from white marble, the same as the floor inside the palace, but in the darkness it appeared a dark grey.

Sakura led her lover over to the railing of the balcony, where she released his hand in favour of crossing her arms over her chest. She sighed.

Syaoran frowned, concerned.

ÒWhat are you thinking of?,Ó he asked worriedly. Sakura did not turn to him, staring out into the darkness.

ÒIÕm just thinking of how,Ó she began slowly, her eyes sad, ÒHow I got here . . . how I got to this place, to this point . . .Ó

SyaoranÕs frown deepened. He recognized that pained look all too well.

ÒYouÕre thinking of your father,Ó he stated numbly. ÒAnd brother . . .Ó

Sakura blinked, tears forming in her eyes. She bit her bottom lip and nodded shakily.

ÒYes,Ó she whispered painfully. ÒI miss them so much, Syaoran. Being here, acting like IÕm royalty . . . itÕs like betraying them. ItÕs like forgetting them, and who I was . . . who I am . . .Ó
ÒShh,Ó Syaoran said. He approached Sakura and wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her comfortingly.

ÒLook up at the stars,Ó he commanded gently. She did so, tears blurring her vision.

ÒWhat of them?,Ó she said mournfully. Syaoran tightened his hold of her.

ÒTheyÕre there,Ó he whispered. ÒTheyÕre watching you right now, from up there, and IÕm sure theyÕre not in pain. They know they are not betrayed, not forgotten. They are at peace, and IÕm sure . . . IÕm sure theyÕre smiling down at you.Ó

Sakura smiled sadly, tears sliding down her face.

ÒThey havenÕt forgotten you any more than you have them,Ó he continued gently. ÒAlways remember that.Ó

She nodded, still staring up into the night sky.

ÒThank you, Syaoran,Ó she whispered, still crying. Syaoran said nothing, merely held her tighter.

The two continued to look at the stars together, SyaoranÕs arms around his loverÕs slender waist. Comfortable silence passed between them, a kind of peace.

Suddenly, however, Sakura pulled herself from her loverÕs grasp. She spun around to face him, and his eyes widdened in surprise.

ÒIÕm not letting you leave me!,Ó she said loudly, tears falling from her frightened emerald eyes. ÒI wonÕt lose another person I love! IÕll stay with you and protect you, I donÕt care if itÕs not safe, I . . . I wonÕt let you die!Ó

Syaoran stared at her for a moment, shocked, then spoke.

ÒSakura,Ó he began, stunned, ÒIÕm not going to die. IÕll be fi-Ó

ÒI still wonÕt let you leave me here,Ó she said firmly. ÒI love you. IÕm coming with you, no matter what. I wonÕt be without you.Ó

Syaoran studied her, unsure. He paused, then spoke.

ÒIf youÕre going to be so stubborn about it, then IÕll let you come with me,Ó he said finally, serious. ÒJust so long as I can be with you at all times . . . to protect you.Ó

Sakura relaxed, satisfied. ÒGood,Ó she said. ÒIÕm glad we wonÕt have to fight over this.Ó

Syaoran smiled at this despite himself, finding it hard to picture such a sweet girl arguing viciously. Sakura retained her serious glare, but as she relaxed, she began to smile weakly back at him.

Suddenly, she yawned, and Syaoran laughed; she had broken the meaningful, silent moment.

Sakura blushed. ÒIÕm a bit tired,Ó she said slowly.

Her lover smiled a bit, then nodded.

ÒYes,Ó he began firmly, ÒLetÕs go to bed. ItÕs late, anyway, and who knows what tomorrow means for us.Ó

ÒAye,Ó Sakura answered sleepily. He approached her, gently taking her hand in his.

ÒIÕll walk you to your room,Ó he said kindly. With a final smile, he led Sakura toward the grand wooden doors.

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Syaoran and Sakura left the balcony at near two in the morning. Meiling, lonely and sad, had long since retired, having no one to talk to. Tomoyo had not returned after she had stormed off.

ÒI suppose I deserved that,Ó she reflected as she walked back to the room. ÒPerhaps I was too harsh . . . oh well . . . itÕs too late now, and itÕs irrelevant, anyway. WeÕll be leaving for home tomorrow.Ó She gave the issue no further thought.

She reached her guestroom quickly, and stepping inside, she closed the door and slid off her red silk ball gown with a sigh of relief. Putting back on her familiar red tunic, which had myseriously been washed, folded and laid on her large bed, she slid underneath the silky sheets and fell into an unpeaceful sleep.

Nearly half an hour later, her door creaked open slowly, light pouring into the dark room. A shadow appeared in its frame.

Tomoyo frowned; she was already asleep. She had seen the girl leave the throne room sadly, and feeling for her, her heart aching with empathy and regret, she had followed her back to her room. She had hoped to apologize to the ruby-eyed girl.

ÒSheÕs already fast asleep,Ó Tomoyo mentally commented to herself, having stepped inside. She watched Meiling sleep for a moment, admiring the way her long black hair spilled around her like black ink poured into water, wild and unrestrained, just like her spirit.

She frowned. ÒI suppose IÕll not be apologizing tonight. ThereÕs so little time, in any case . . .Ó

Bravely, she stepped forward, leaning over the sleeping girl.

She bent down and pressed her warm lips to those of Meiling. She pulled away a moment later, tears forming in her amethyst eyes.

ÒYou are right, Meiling,Ó she thought sadly. ÒWe are not meant to be.Ó

The princess turned and walked to the door, closing it behind her as warm tears slid down her pale cheeks.

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ÒWell, here it is,Ó Syaoran said. ÒYour guestroom. This is goodnight.Ó

ÒMmÕhmm,Ó Sakura said quietly.

ÒI will see you in the morning,Ó he said quietly. Leaning forward, he kissed his lover warmly, smiling as he pulled away.

ÒSleep well, Love,Ó he said tenderly. ÒGoodnight.Ó

ÒMmÕhmm,Ó Sakura answered, smiling. Syaoran turned from her, reaching for the doorknob of her guestroom.

Sakura reached out her own hand and stopped his, pausing it just in front of the doorknob. Syaoran looked at her in surprise.

ÒNo,Ó she whispered firmly, smirking. ÒI want to sleep with you tonight.Ó

SyaoranÕs eyes widened in shocked. ÒW-Whaaa-Ó

ÒShh,Ó Sakura said. She laughed.

ÒDonÕt worry,Ó she said reassuringly. ÒJust sleep!Ó

Syaoran coughed, trying to hide his blush.

ÒAlright,Ó he said nervously. Sakura smiled, pleased; he was so cute when he was flustered.

Taking his hand, she pulled him eagerly over to his own door, which she opened without hesitation, pulling her lover into the room after her. Upon entering the room she dropped his hand.

ÒI like your room,Ó she purred, content. ÒItÕs so . . . elegant. Regal, really . . .Ó

ÒErr, yes, very,Ó Syaoran said, coughing. Sakura looking in his direction, raising an eyebrow.

ÒYou look so nervous,Ó she said nonchalantly. ÒWhy?Ó

ÒErr,Ó Syaoran began, ÒWell, weÕve never slept . . . in a . . . bed together. Pine boughs do not count.Ó

Sakura laughed. ÒI see. Well, I can assure you it wonÕt be much different than that. Just more comfortable, really. Here, please help me out of his dress. I canÕt unbutton the back myself . . .Ó

ÒAhh, of course,Ó Syaoran replied, blushing. He stepped forward, behind Sakura, and slowly began to unbutton her gown.

He finished, his fingers shaking as he undid the last few; they fell below her waist, but not far below. Abandoning the buttons, he daringly placed his fingertips just below her shoulder blade, on her bare back. Admiring the pale, perfect skin, he slid his fingertips down her back slowly, tracing a winding path to her slender waist. Sakura gasped as a warm shiver ran down her spine.

Syaoran pulled back his hand with a cough, and Sakura held the dress to her chest carefully.

ÒThank you,Ó she said softly, with a nervous smile. Syaoran said nothing, merely coughing again.

ÒHmm,Ó Sakura said to herself. ÒI have nothing to sleep in, and I certainly cannot fall asleep in this gown. IÕd forgotten . . . ahh . . . Syaoran?Ó

ÒYes?,Ó he replied eagerly. Sakura smiled.

ÒMight I borrow one of your tunics to sleep in tonight?,Ó she asked sweetly. Syaoran nodded.

ÒOf course,Ó he replied. ÒLuckily, some maid thought to clean them.Ó

He went to his bureau, pulling out one; he kept an extra with him. They had on occasion been completely torn apart in battle, so it was a clever idea.

He handed it her, and she took it with a smile.

ÒThank you,Ó she said warmly. Syaoran nodded, blushing.

ÒNow turn around,Ó she commanded. ÒIÕm going to change into this. No peeking!Ó

ÒOf course, no peeking, none whatsoever,Ó he mumbled with a smirk. Sakura narrowed her eyes dangerously at him.

ÒPeek and you will suffer,Ó she threatened with a glare. Syaoran merely deepened his smirk in response.

ÒI wonÕt peek,Ó he said reassuringly. ÒI promise.Ó With that, he turned around so that he was not facing her.

ÒYouÕd better not,Ó Sakura said warningly. With that, she turned around also, not wishing to watch his back while she undressed and dressed again.

Syaoran heard a rustling sound as the gown fell to the floor, and he blushed deeply, imagining her clothed in, well . . . certainly not a gown. Perhaps nothing at all . . .

Cautiously, he turned around quickly, and just as quickly he spun back so that he was looking away from her once again. He smirked to himself; heÕd caught a glimpse of her milky thighs, her perfect . . .

ÒBut what if I do turn around?,Ó Syaoran inquired suddenly. ÒWhat will you do? Attack me with your high heels?Ó

ÒIÕll shove them where the sun does not shine, just donÕt peek! IÕm almost finished!Ó

Sakura slid the dark green tunic over her head, smiling. It was loose on her slim frame, warm and comfortable. She instantly felt content; it even smelled like him.

She turned around to face SyaoranÕs back.

ÒYou can turn around now,Ó she said contentedly. Syaoran did so, and then smiled.

ÒYou look so cute,Ó he commented with a grin. ÒItÕs too big on you!Ó

Sakura blushed and smiled back. ÒWell, itÕs yours,Ó she said. ÒIt may be too big, but itÕs comfortable! I like it . . .Ó

Still smiling, Syaoran stepped forward and embraced her, taking her into his arms in a warm hug. She returned the embrace eagerly, instantly feeling safe and loved in his strong arms.

ÒI want you to stay with me forever,Ó Syaoran mumbled into her hair. She smiled softly.

ÒLetÕs start with tonight,Ó she whispered. She pulled away, taking both of his hands in hers and leading him playfully over to the bed.

They climbed onto it and immediately fell on top of one another clumbsily, both grinning. Syaoran took one of her hands and raised it to his lips, spreading her fingers apart with his hand and kissing each fingertip slowly, his eyes sliding closed. Sakura smiled.

As he finished, she pulled her hand free gently, but did not pull it back to her. Instead, she dipped a finger just inside SyaoranÕs mouth, tracing it just under his lips. Playfully, she pulled her hand away and slid the moist fingertip into her mouth, sucking on it for a moment, well aware of SyaoranÕs amber eyes on her.

Finally, she leaned over him, kissing him deeply and fully, one his hands tangled in her hair and the one running up and down her back.

This passionately continued until sometime later, when both of them fell asleep locked in one anotherÕs embrace.

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The next morning, sunlight poured in through the glass-paned windows of SyaoranÕs guestroom. The couple laid peacefully on the bed, holding one another, limbs interlocked.

Suddenly, the door opened. A ruby-eyed girl stepped into the room, dressed in a worn red tunic. She turned to the bed, expecting to see only one body lying there. Inside, she saw two.

Promptly, she opened her mouth and screamed.

Syaoran and Sakura suddenly opened their eyes in unison, jolting awake. He was the first to see the shocked girl standing in the doorway, and she was quickly the second. Both of them blushed deeply, realizing their postiion.

Meiling mentally growled.

ÒWell,Ó she began bitterly and sarcasticly, surpressing her anger, Ò I see that you two both had fun last night.Ó

Their blushes deepened, SyaoranÕs eyes widening.

ÒMeiling, itÕs not like that, we didnÕt . . . we . . .,Ó Syaoran rambled, struggling to explain.

ÒWe just held one another,Ó Sakura finished nervously. Syaoran nodded furiously.

ÒExactly,Ó he ÔconfirmedÕ, ÒWe just held one another!Ó

Meiling continued to mentally growl, her eyes narrowing in surpressed rage at having been forced to witness this.

ÒOf course,Ó she snapped. ÒBoth of you should get dressed. WeÕre meeting Yukito in an hour.Ó

With that, she turned and eagerly fled the guestroom, clearly angry. Sakura signed in relief when she had gone.

ÒWell,Ó she commented, ÒThat was terrifying.Ó

Syaoran laughed, beginning to relax though still blushing.

ÒShe can be like that sometimes,Ó Syaoran explained good-naturedly.

Sakura smirked, slidding out of bed. SyaoranÕs tunic swayed around her knees. She turned back to him, grinning; he was shirtless, and his white dress pants were wrinkled and mused.

ÒIÕm going to go to my guestroom to get dressed,Ó Sakura explained. ÒIÕll bring this back to you once IÕve changed.Ó

ÒAlright,Ó Syaoran replied. He fell back into bed lazily, and Sakura laughed.

ÒGet dressed, you moron! We have to see the king soon!,Ó she exclaimed with a smile. Syaoran smirked.

ÒAye, aye, all in good time,Ó he said. ÒKings can wait.Ó

ÒYouÕre so stuck up,Ó Sakura teased. ÒIÕm leaving now.Ó

ÒSee you soon,Ó Syaoran commented, waving her away. She grinned and turned toward the door, but on a whim she turned back to the bed and quickly ran back toward it, jumping into it and kissing her lover quickly and yet firmly, tasting him fully before hurridly pulling away.

ÒNow IÕm leaving,Ó she purred. She slid back out of bed once again, and with a final grin, she walked to the door and left for her own guestroom to change and prepare for the meeting with Yukito.

Syaoran sighed contently, leaning back onto the pillows lazily and staring at the green ceiling as though it were fascinating.

ÒWhat an amazing night,Ó he thought happily. ÒWhat an amazing girl . . . I canÕt wait until we can make love to one another . . . mmm . . .Ó

He laid there pondering this very innocent thought for awhile, finally rising a few minutes later to change into his remaining tunic. He did so, and just as he was fastening his belt, Sakura knocked on the door. He beckoned her in, and she returned his tunic with a smile.

With a quick kiss on each otherÕs lips, the lovers went to see the king.

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Yukito sat on his throne tiredly, waiting for the others to awake. Suddenly, a door opened from the side, and a girl with long, dark locks stepped into the huge throne room. He looked up eagerly.

ÒAhh, good morning my daughter,Ó he said good-naturedly. ÒI thought you might be our guests. I have the peace agreement all ready to go, completed and signed. All it needs is his signature.Ó

ÒGood morning,Ó Tomoyo answered numbly. ÒAnd that is good. But, Father . . .Ó

ÒWhat is it, Tomoyo?,Ó Yukito asked, concerned. ÒYou looked worried. You should be happy; this is our chance at peace.Ó

ÒI am glad for that, Father, but,Ó Tomoyo began pleadingly, ÒI canÕt help but worry that . . . could you . . . please, send someone else to deliver the peace agreement. Let them stay here until weÕve attained peace. ItÕs too dangerous, to send them there, to that awful kingdom . . .Ó

ÒMy dearest,Ó Yukito began firmly, ÒYou neednÕt worry. Syaoran is his son. He wonÕt harm him any more than I would harm you, nor his companions.Ó

ÒBut you donÕt have a heart of ice like he does,Ó Tomoyo continued, upset. ÒYouÕre a king, not a tyrant. He hurts his people, why not his child?Ó

Yukito sighed. ÒI would send someone else, Tomoyo, I truly would, if only I knew that he would listen to that someone else. Alas, you know as well as I that he refuses all of our messengers. In fact, many of them have not returned, the gods rest their souls. Syaoran is one of the only people heÕll listen to. We have to let him go.Ó

ÒI still donÕt trust it,Ó Tomoyo began. ÒI have this horrible feeling that something . . .Ó

ÒDonÕt worry,Ó Yukito interuppted, his voice reassuring. ÒEverything will be fine. WeÕll have peace before you think to become impatient, you just wait.Ó

ÒBut Father . . .,Ó Tomoyo continued pleadingly. She was interuptted by the sound of the a door being opened.

Meiling entered the throne room, dressed in her tattered red tunic. Syaoran and Sakura followed her, Syaoran in his green tunic and Sakura in her new green dress.

Tomoyo frowned deeply at this as Yukito smiled.

ÒGood morning,Ó he greeted. ÒI trust you slept well?Ó

ÒAye, we did,Ó Meiling said, her voice slightly sarcastic as she thought of Syaoran and Sakura.

Sakura blushed as Syaoran stepped forward, standing at MeilingÕs side.

ÒHave you written up a peace agreement yet?,Ó he asked impatiently. Yukito nodded.

ÒI have,Ó he said. ÒThis is it. ItÕs signed and complete. The only thing it lacks is your fatherÕs signature.Ó

Yukito stood, grasping the scrool in his hand. He approched Syaoran and handed it to him, his eyes grave.

ÒI will get this to my father as quickly as I can, and then send word to you,Ó Syaoran said seriously.

Yukito nodded. ÒPlease do,Ó he said, devoid of his previous cheerfulness.

ÒWe will leave as soon as possible, if this suits you,Ó he continued. ÒWe have little time to spare.Ó

ÒAye,Ó the kind king replied, ÒThat is true. Please, go at your leisure. IÕll provide you with all the supplies you will need for the journey. I would give you a carriage as well, but if any of your men saw one of our royal carriages theyÕd no doubt attack it . . .Ó

ÒWe will be fine on foot,Ó Syaoran replied. ÒThank you, Sir. For everything you have done not only for us, but for both of our kingdoms. For peace.Ó

Yukito smiled slightly at this.

ÒWhat kind of king would I be if I did not do all I could to protect my people?,Ó he asked in response. ÒI wish you luck. I will hear from all of you soon, I trust?Ó

ÒYes,Ó Syaoran replied. ÒAs soon as he signs it, IÕll contact you.Ó

ÒThank you,Ó Yukito said. ÒFare you well, all of you.Ó

ÒFarewell,Ó Meiling replied. Tomoyo suddenly stepped forward.

ÒPlease be careful,Ó she said, adressing all of them but keeping her eyes firmly on Meiling. ÒFarewell . . .Ó

ÒThank you for your kindness,Ó Sakura added. She smiled at the princess, who nodded in response.

ÒFarewell, my Lady,Ó Sakura finished.

ÒAye, Farewell,Ó Syaoran said to both the king and his daugther.

Meilng stared at Tomoyo thoughtfully.

ÒFarewell, Princess,Ó she said finally. Tomoyo frowned, her eyes clearly sad.

The three bowed to Yukito and Tomoyo in unison, though Sakura bowed deeper than the other two. In grave silence, they left the throne room, leaving the palace quickly and stepping out into the morning sunlight.

Sakura blinked at the sun. She turned her head toward her lover, his eyes cold and serious. Meiling appeared just as cold, her sad eyes lost in thought.

Staring at the path ahead of her, Sakura suddenly felt a surge of fear.

They had just abandoned safety. From this point forward, anything could befall them. She prayed that nothing would . . . however . . .

She could not escape the feeling that light, their goal of peace, existed in a sea of darkness.

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To be continued in the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed the fluff. If youÕre sick of it, rejoice! Darkness is approaching. My story is circling back to the first chapter . . .

If you liked it, or better yet, have ideas, then please leave a review! I love reviews! Reviews = writer faster! =^^= IÕll even thank you personally because I love reviews so much! Hehe.

Special thanks to Azi, who helped me with a new summary! =3

I hope you liked this chapter! ^_^

Slash is homosexual relationships. There was a bit of it in this chapter, but if you donÕt like it, be happy; Tomoyo wonÕt be in the story for awhile.

In the next chapter: They travel toward tragety.