Sakura woke up the next morning and went downstairs. She was greeted by Ryo who was sitting on the couch waiting for her.
"'Bout time you woke up." He commented as she wandered into the living room. "I thought you were going to sleep the entire day."
"Sorry, I was up late last night." She said sinking into the couch next to him.
"Doing what?" he asked curiously.
"Oh this and that, in case you have forgotten, I have our wedding to plan. Remember?" she said leaning her head on his shoulder.
Ryo smiled. "No, I defiantly haven't forgotten." He said.
"So where is everyone else?" Sakura asked. It was uncommon for the house to be this quiet, what with twelve people all living under one roof.
"It's a surprise." Ryo said mysteriously.
"You going to tell me what it is?" She asked him.
Ryo looked at his watch. "Yeah, I guess now is a good time." He said as he stood up. "Let's go." He said holding out his hand.
Sakura took his outstretched hand as he led her outside and toward the direction of the forest. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"Don't worry, you'll like it." Ryo promised as he led her further into the woods.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bronx and his rider were flying over a grassy plain when the rider suddenly spoke.
"There is the castle." The rider said pointing to a floating castle in the distance. The castle was huge and floated mysteriously above the ground. Most of the time the castle was hidden by clouds, but on this clear day it was in plain sight.
"I know where the castle is." Bronx said irritated. He hated being a chauffer for his master's little errand boys, but what could he say. Bronx slowed his speed and landed lightly on the outer courtyard. The rider jumped lightly to the ground and turned to face the dragon.
"Thanks for the lift." The man said as he turned and hurriedly walked inside. The man walked fast through a long stone corridor adorned with tapestries. On these tapestries were pictures that had been woven in. If a person took the time to look at them, they told a story of some kind. Not very many people took the time to look at the story, because the owner of the castle kept them on such a tight schedule. The man stopped at two huge wooden doors and knocked loudly. The doors opened and he entered in to see his master sitting on a throne at the far end of the room. The man rushed forward and bowed at his feet.
"Arise Hudson." The man on the throne said. Hudson rose to his feet. "Tell me what news do you have for me?"
Hudson reached inside his pocket and took out a small camera. He used the camera to produce a holographic image of Sakura. "This is Talpa's daughter." Hudson said. The imposing figure on the throne smiled. "Not bad," he commented. "Not at all."
"She does own the Shadow lands and has no idea of what is under her father's castle or what resides in the Shadow lands." Hudson continued.
"Excellent." The man said sitting back in his throne.
"That is the good news." Hudson said in a close to quivering voice.
The man straightened up and glared at Hudson. "There is bad news?" he thundered.
"Yes, my lord, Seriyu. You see, this man," Hudson clicked a button on the camera and the image of Sakura was replaced with a picture of Ryo and Sakura together.
"She is engaged my lord. To this man, Ryo Sanada." Hudson said dreading Seriyu's reaction.
Seriyu's face contorted with rage and anger at this little endangerment to his plans. Convincing Sakura to marry him would be hard enough as it was. Seriyu was pretty sure she remembered him from when they were little children and she hadn't liked him at all. The only reason she tolerated him as she did was because her father demanded it. Now without her father's stern face to promise him an audience with her, he didn't know how long she would let him speak to her. But now that she was engaged, well that just threw the entire plan out the window. Seriyu scowled and fingered the jewel hanging around his neck. Suddenly, an idea filled his head. Seriyu smiled evilly and threw back his head and laughed maniacally.
"Sir, are you alright?" Hudson asked nervously. Seriyu only continued to laugh.
"Yes, Hudson, in fact, I think that I am better than ever." Seriyu finally answered as he stood up from his throne and swept out of the room.