Chap. 5: "Tales of the past"
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Author's note: Hey. Here's the next chapter. I know that the last one had a little problem at first; thankfully I was told about it. I hope you guys like this chapter, and some of your questions might be answered in it.
Enjoy. And I want to thank my new editor Eva-Chan, thank you!*
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* "It can't be." he whispered looking at the thing heading towards them. He thought they were extinct.
"It's a dragon, it's a dragon run," a man yelled making all the soldiers scatter running for their lives. Yelen watched from her balcony at the site below in the village and crossed herself as her son wiped out every soldier in site. And even the ones who ran for their dear life he killed, 'please don't let him go all the way' she thought when Eriol and Tomoyo came flying through the bushes. *
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Tomoyo.
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* * "Where's everybody at?" Tomoyo asked looking around for a battle but all she saw was an empty yard.
"They're all in the house at least the one's who made it safely there" Eriol answered moving forward.
"And the soldiers?"
"Dead if I'm right. Come on lets get you inside so mother can look at you" Eriol said softly. Tomoyo nodded looking at the night sky. It would be morning in a couple of hours. Tomoyo knew there was something going on because when they walked into the house even the soldiers were inside there with everyone else.
"Eriol you're back and with the girl. Where's the other one um Ying Fa?" Fiemie asked running up to them.
"Not now Fiemie, I need you to help Tomoyo clean up she's got a wound. Is Xiao Lang back?"
"No" Fiemie said showing Tomoyo the way to a small room, "I'll go and get the stuff"
"No its okay I won't need it" Tomoyo assured making Fiemie look at her oddly. "I can heal besides my body heals fast" she laughed getting out the herbs that would help her.
"Do you mind if I watch?" Fiemie asked softly as Tomoyo nodded no. She sat down to listen and watch intently as Tomoyo applied the herbs. She sang a healing song placing her hand over the wound. "Wow that's amazing"
"I know it took me awhile to master it" Tomoyo said softly remembering how she practiced endlessly.
"Where is Ying Fa and your other friends?" Fiemie asked softly getting up with Tomoyo.
"Sakura had something more important to do. And Joe well I don't know about Joe yet but Sakura told me to wait here until she called for me" Tomoyo answered sadly. Fiemie looked at the younger girl and felt sympathy.
"You' re about 15 just like Ying Fa right?" Fiemie asked and before Tomoyo could answer she added. "I'm twenty two, two years older than Xiao Lang and Eriol. Don't worry my sisters and I will keep you company until Ying Fa returns" Yelen and Eriol walked into the room with Syaoran who was wearing something else than what he had on earlier. Tomoyo kept what she wanted to ask to him then she saw his eyes and gasped.
"What are you?" she whispered looking at the reptile shaped pupils. Syaoran didn't answer as he walked into the room and Yelen closed the door.
"What are you? Why were so many men after you?" Syaoran asked turning to face Tomoyo, who was wondering what Sakura, saw in him, Eriol was so much nicer.
"I'm half Lirin," she answered softly picking up her sword and bow. She wasn't going to put down her guard because they had been nice to her for a couple of days.
"And what else?" Yelen asked looking at the child before her. She also noticed that her wounds were healed and gone.
"And half human like you, only Sakura and the others are Komisar as you heard earlier tonight" Tomoyo answered not wanting to say too much about their past.
"What happened to your cuts?" Eriol asked looking her over. He knew that Fiemie wasn't that good a healer "Fiemie have you been practicing?"
"I healed them myself I'm a singer we can do that. One more thing, could you stop treating me like a child because I'm not. I don't like to be interrogated now answer my question, what are you?" Tomoyo snapped surprising them.
"I'm gifted, how come Sakura couldn't do that?" Syaoran replied surprising Tomoyo who laughed.
"You are mistaken, Sakura is more skilled than I. She was taught in the art before me. We're partners in study, we're sisters we do everything together, so you saying that is a joke. It's either you didn't give her a chance or she was humoring you or maybe she was just simply curious, we don't get close to men. We're sworn off them. The only way we go near them is to kill" Syaoran raised a brow at her but Tomoyo just smiled in the sweetest way.
"What were you doing here? Was I one of the man to kill?" he asked. Tomoyo smiled almost laughed. She gave him the most downsizing look she could muster up before she bothered to open her mouth and answer him.
"Listen we might be Komisar's but we don't go around killing children, so we wouldn't be after you" Syaoran's eyes narrowed at the open insult he had just received. " Plus the man never said you were to be killed, I merely washed up on shore here and Chan found me" Tomoyo answered relaxing.
"Child? You look no more than fifteen yet you're calling me a child?" Syaoran mocked coldly looking at the small girl. "I'm sure your teacher taught you how to count," bit out the young master, his tone flat.
"If you spoke to the governor then you would see where are you mistaken. He knew Joe from about twenty years ago; actually he knew all of us from that time. Now you do the addition" Tomoyo stated folding her arms, she knew she had all of their attention because the room became deadly quiet.
"Impossible, you can't be almost my age" Yelen said breaking it, Tomoyo smiled and said.
"Actually older- because I have to stay here until Sakura comes back I guess I can trust you," she sighed, actually she knew she could trust them so what the hell. "But you must promise what I tell you will stay in this room"
"On our honor as a Li" they all said sitting down.
"How old are you?" Fiemie asked softly.
"I'm exactly 211" she answered making them gasp. "But Sakura and the others are way older then me. They have another two hundred to add that sum"
"That's a wonderful lie," Syaoran said not believing a word.
"Singers don't lie, if we do we can't be singers" Tomoyo replied firmly getting his attention. "Nades, Joe and Tilda were also singers like us but then they had to tell lies in order to kill their victims so Sakura and I are the only two who are still. They escaped Nehru a year before it met its destruction. Sakura was only eleven when her kingdom was attacked and wiped out. Few of them escaped but everyone died leaving only four of them on the journey here. Nades learnt that when they were traveling through the roots of Rajin our holy tree, time stopped making them immortal. What they thought was a year had been four hundred years. It was hard knowing that everyone you knew was dead and that you would never die. All we have is each other and this is the first time I've been away from Nades and Sakura. Sakura was the princess and Nades was her cousin. Nades's mother tricked them into going, knowing they would never see her again" Tomoyo looked at them to see that she had all their attention, actually they were stunned into silence. Syaoran didn't know what to think, it seemed impossible but then again being able to turn into a dragon also was, but he could do it. "They took me in when my village was destroyed only leaving me and a few boys. They took me since as Sakura was well kind of my age and needed someone to play with"
"How is it that you were able to stay alive?" Syaoran asked skeptically with a bored expression.
"From Nades and Sakura, they shared their gift with me" Tomoyo answered before Syaoran say anything Fiemie beat him to it.
"Oh my god, who would have thought. I mean you seem like regular teenagers to me" Fiemie whispered Tomoyo laughed.
"Age hasn't stopped us, Sakura and I are like teenagers. Nades treats us like children; we were also kept away from villages and men most of all. Our kind only use men for one reason, Nades hates them because it was men who killed everyone we loved here and in Nehru. And it was a man who forced them to kill or he would tell our secret" Tomoyo said softly keeping tears back.
"The secret of immortality?" Yelen asked Tomoyo nodded yes looking up with tears in her eyes.
"That, only one knows except for me, how they were able to achieve it. I don't even know how to get there. So the other way to get it is by their blood" Tomoyo answered smiling "But there's a catch"
"And what's that?" Eriol asked getting deeply interested.
"If they don't want you to have it, contact with their blood will kill you. If it gets into your body you die," Tomoyo stated. "After Nades killed Rae we would be free but it seems like the mad man had another idea"
"But you two are now fighters?" Yelen asked taking in all she was hearing.
"We aren't assassins but were trained to be, Nades wouldn't allow it. She said we had to be singers and nothing more. She was our mother, even though I'm not a born Komisar I was sworn in but she never let us kill. When ever she did we were always in a cave or inn waiting for her return"
"That's why Sakura had trouble when she killed the last governor" Syaoran pointed out putting the pieces together.
"I guess they needed to reach me in time and that was the only way. I was sent to the print shop to buy ink and paper to forge your engagement invitations but I guess Nades and Sakura found another way in. On my way to the inn I was kidnapped and was on my way to be sold that's when the carriage turned over and they found me"
"You're right they did find a way in, actually I met them and had no clue. The head guard invited them in for the party and they were there earlier in the day to mark were everything was" Syaoran said amusedly. "This is becoming very interesting, so now you're staying with us until the other child comes for you?"
"Yes, I don't think she'll be long, Joe said it was important for her to go there. But Sakura needs to hurry because we don't have a long time to wait"
"Are you fully immortal or does it wear off?" Eriol asked surprising Tomoyo who smiled.
"It wears off they only give me enough to sustain me, so I can die but they can't. That's how I wanted it, Sakura told me that it was the best thing to do"
"Why's that?" Yelen asked interested.
"She said that most people would think it a gift but in truth it's a curse. She said that no one should give up the right to die. See Sakura and the girls were born Komisars but not me, I had a father and brothers. She thought that maybe I would change my mind, want to marry and have children. But she's wrong they are my family, I would never leave them not even for love." Tomoyo answered truthfully not looking at Eriol as she answered. "They don't know what its like to have a father but when Nades is gone I tell her about my dead family. And she enjoys it but other than that it goes no further. We show no mercy for the opposite sex, only a handful of men we've met were kind"
"And that's why you wanted to warn us?" Eriol asked ignoring what she just said, he wouldn't believe that he couldn't.
"Yes it was. Sakura wanted to come but had more important business, I should hear from her soon enough, we're to set out for the others"
"You don't seem like a man killer. You and Ying Fa didn't show aggressiveness towards my sons or the men here" Yelen stated wondering if they had others reasons for not harming them, Syaoran and Eriol also wanted to know.
"We didn't have to because Nades was on her way here. Sakura and I don't kill unless it's absolutely necessary. Sakura is like the odd ball of her race, she doesn't hate men but she won't let them harm any woman no matter who is right. We didn't feel threatened by anyone here, now if we did it would have been another story" Tomoyo answered smiling. "Like when I woke up and didn't know where I was I held Eriol and Chan at sword point. If I was Tilda I would have killed them" Eriol looked at Tomoyo and wondered if he really knew her, but was more intrigued and wanted most of all to prove her wrong. Syaoran on the other hand didn't really care at all about what he just heard. It didn't change anything at all, just made him more cautious about this girl and her sisters.
"How long before Sakura comes for you?" he asked firmly looking at Tomoyo.
"I don't know. I have no idea how far she went but Joe thought it was very important that she went without any delay. I wanted to leave and follow her but she told me to stay here and wait. Its not safe for her to ride alone I just wish she wasn't older than me" Tomoyo whined sitting down "Its sucks, but I told her I would stay here"
"I'm sure she'll come back soon" Eriol sighed resting back in the chair.
"Now Li tell me your secret how did you get rid of all the soldiers?" Tomoyo asked turning towards him, his eyes returned to normal, Syaoran look at her and smirked.
"Its also a curse from my father, we're descendents from dragons. The ability skips generations. I was cursed to be chosen but for my people it's a blessing" he answered his eyes momentarily switching making a tremor run down her spine. *
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Sakura slowed the horse to a walk when she came to yet another forest. She had been riding for at least two days and was dead tired and sore. It was mid day and she wondered where the town was or if she gotten lost which wouldn't be a good thing. She stiffened as she made her way into the forest, she was aware that she was being watched but couldn't find the people. The horse jumped on two legs when a arrow landed at his its' feet. "What is your business here?" a voice asked and out of the corner of her eyes she saw movement.
"I was sent here by Joe I don't know if you know her" Sakura answered, "I come in peace just following orders, Joe is my sister"
"And where is Joe?"
"She was captured two days ago. I've been riding for two days to get here please don't turn me away" Sakura pleaded she gasped when she saw fighters appear before her. Their skin was green giving them perfect camouflage.
"Come with us" a man, said, she didn't know there were men here too, and she thought Joe never liked men. Sakura nodded and got off the horse following him as three others appeared behind her, the deeper she got into the forest more appeared behind her. "Leave your horse and weapons here," he said stopping, Sakura didn't like the sound of that but complied reluctantly leaving aurora hidden.
"This way" a woman said from above before walking back into the house that was built in the tree. Sakura followed the winding steps to the house opening the door she walked in coming face to face with a large woman. "Sit and wait," she ordered walking away. Sakura dropped to the chair as ordered and gulped pushing down her uneasiness. These people were scary or maybe it was because she wasn't used to being alone, but hey she was 411 years old so it was time that she grew up right? When the door opened she started to stand to show respect.
"Please don't get up" the woman said when she walked into the room with water and fruits. Sakura nodded and sat down watching the woman. "I'm Mala the one who's in charge of this town" Sakura didn't know what town she was talking about and Mala laughed as if reading her mind. "You are the one Joe told us about are you not?" she asked getting down to business.
"If it was Sakura then yes I suppose" Sakura answered eating, Mala laughed nodding as she watched Sakura intently. "What did she tell you?" Sakura asked timidly.
"That you hold aurora and was the princess of their people. You have a bright future ahead of you here with many more Lirin" Mala stated making Sakura almost choke. She hadn't a clue what the woman was talking about.
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked perplexedly, her future was with her sisters. Nades would never allow her to live amongst men, never.
"Well the emperor is trying to unite the nation, you know that right?" Mala asked and Sakura nodded before she continued. "We don't want to unite with him, but we want our nation to unite and they won't unless we find a leader. There is one problem however"
"And what's that?"
"Well I'm sure you heard about the hundred year war"
"Isn't that the one where two brothers divided the nation and fought against each other?" Sakura asked remembering that she had indeed heard about it. It happened right before she and the others got to this place.
"Yes well after that gruesome war the nations split up into many and were afraid to unite and have one ruler again. But the Lirin will unite under you, if you call them they will recognize you"
"How do I do that? I don't even know them and they don't know me" Sakura replied wondering if she was hearing the woman right. "I couldn't possibly, I mean I know nothing about leading people"
"Come with us and you'll see" a man said from behind with others, Sakura got up silently not saying a word. "We are from the other towns, we've been waiting for you and our people have been waiting as well. Come with us young one"
"We know your age but you are still young and inexperienced" a woman said making Sakura flush as she pulled up her hood. She followed them down the steps and down a walk way covered with grass. When she finally saw the village, she never knew that something this large would be in a forest such as this. To her it was beautiful with all the flowers and trees, everything was clean. She saw that they were going towards a large house on the ground that was surrounded by a wall.
"This is where our Queen would live and attend to her business" Mala explained softly noticing that all the people were looking at Sakura.
"Why only a Queen?"
"Because our last ruler was a Queen, she was a great ruler" Mala answered softly. "And women are known to be stronger rulers then men, a woman never wants war always peace"
"How do you know that I'll be a strong leader?" Sakura asked when they opened the door to what seemed like a chapel, the sunlight stealing through the windows giving it a nice glow. She absently bit her bottom lip wondering if Joe was harboring feelings of resurrecting their past life.
"We do not know, only time shall tell but you are very special" the old man answered softly catching Sakura off guard. Turning she looked at him with a lost expression only to have him smile. "I've been waiting a long time for you" he continued giving her the creeps. Giving him a nervous smile she was starting to wonder if she had overstayed her welcome with the way they were looking at her.
"I'm lost, I'm sorry" the man seeing that she was truly lost walked to the front of the chapel were a golden case laid on an alter.
"This is a time of war, my dear" his soft voice drifted to her. He turned slowly and sighed, he could feel the power emanating from her. She was the one they had been waiting for, the one to deliver them from evil, but she had to find the way. "Lehru is in need of Heroes. Giya, the Spirit of the Earth, has given you a gift marking you as one of the chosen one" he wasn't making any sense to her.
"Pardon?" she knew about everything else, except the gift she was given and why this world needed saving. She could also see that he was growing impatient and knew that he had to be very blunt because of her innocence.
"The man you have been working for is bent on conquering the land. With the help of your captured sisters he will make all yield to him. There is no one to stop him but you," he stated in a stern tone. Sakura frowned hearing about the scumbag that had used them. "Your blood is valuable but if you fail to stop him from getting what he wants this world will be damned like the one you had to flee from. Do you want to see that happen?"
"No I don't but what am I to do? I do not have an army, its only Tomoyo and I," she said trying to make him understand. "There's nothing I can do, Asai has an incredible army I can't possibly fight him by myself" she couldn't believe she had gotten herself into something like this. Mala knew she had to do something to make the girl at least head towards the capital.
"We understand child" Mala said softly walking up to Sakura. She laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "With the help of your friends you must go to the capital and warm the emperor. He will not be ready for Asai's army of tyrants" she explained as if she was talking to a child.
"What makes you think he'll see me?" the old man walked up to her and answered that easily.
"Your new friend of the Li Clan will be able to help you accomplish that. Our army will also rise under your command. We cannot allow the capital to fall no matter what to that man" he said with such force that it made Sakura almost shake. He looked into her emerald poles knowing that she would figure out the role she had to play along with her friends. "Giya gave you the gift to stop this man" he spoke sternly knowing that he must get through to her. "What ever you do don't let evil get a hold of aurora"
"I never will. I shall try to get the help of the Li Clan. We will have to plan everything out with them if you wish to stop Asai, he's a most evil man" Sakura whispered softly running her hand through her hair. "I don't know what I can do"
"Believe in yourself. You play a big role for the survival of all," Mala spoke getting a puzzled look from Sakura. She smiled before walking away slowly, "Come I shall tell you all about our plans and how our army will travel to the capital. We are known for our skill in archery" the man watched them exit the chapel before he walked to the front.
He looked at the ancient piece of paper in front of him and sighed placing his hand on the glass frame. "Giya, I hope they are strong enough. With a great destiny, one must continue even with great loss. She will suffer, as will they" *
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* Joe and the Others. *
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* Night fell upon them as the cages they were bounded in swayed down the rocky dirt road. Slowly it came to a stop and her eyes snapped open, "Tired are we?" Alan snared knowing that they would soon meet up with his brother Asai who had the larger army under his command.
He laughed at her because she couldn't reply; their mouth had been bound so they couldn't sing. "I don't like singers, I thought they had died out" he spoke to Joe before turning to his men. "Make sure she doesn't touch the ground, she's a child of the earth," he warned them sternly. They knew not to go against him; grinning wickedly he walked over to Tilda.
Her eyes narrowed at him, and she wished she could get loose. He had been very careful with how they were bounded down. He knew that they were experts and he couldn't have them getting away. "Don't worry, you'll meet Gakanis soon" seeing her eyes widen he knew she knew who he was. The very essence of evil was upon the earth ready to judge. "Child of the wind" his cold eyes flashed wildly.
She watched him walk off knowing that they had to get out somehow. Sakura had to find them; if they met this Gakanis they were surely gone. She didn't know what he needed their blood for though. Alan stopped at Nades's cage, he grinned looking at her beauty. "Make sure her blood isn't wasted, it's very valuable," he ordered his men angrily, reaching out the wipe the blood from her brow with a cloth. He knew not to touch her blood. "Don't worry my lovely, this will be over once we reach the capital" he went to touch her but her skin turned red. "Ah. So that's who you are" He grinned devilishly. "I thought your precious Sakura was the fire wielder. I wonder what she is" he muttered softly.
Fear was something Nades never felt; but now it consumed her soul. She constantly heard Sakura and Tomoyo's call but wasn't able to return them. At least she knew they would be searching for them, she just hoped they would be okay. "Let's move out" Alan ordered walking off his long leather cloak flapping in the chilly night breeze. *
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* * Tomoyo.Days later. *
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* She sat on the rooftop playing her flute. She was lonely as she waited every day for the arrival of Sakura. She wished she would show up, it was getting harder every day to keep her promise about staying with the Li's until she returned. Hearing the sound of movement she neither stiffened nor made Eriol aware she knew his presence.
Eriol watched from behind her as the soft wind gently flowed through her long black tresses that seemed to be gleaming silver. He wanted nothing more than to run his fingers through it, to feel their soft texture. "Are you going to stand there all day and stare at me?" she asked in an impatience voice not seeing the frown that touched his lips.
"I was waiting for you to offer me to sit," he answered in a calm tone.
"I would rather not" she answered closing her eyes. Eriol knew she was pushing him away, he didn't know why she had to change. Ignoring her he walked over and sat down, looking at the sun he thought of something to say. Tomoyo stole a quick glance at him moving her flute slowly from her lips.
"I know you are trying to ignore me. Don't do that" she could almost hear the pleading in his voice. Looking at anything but him Tomoyo bit her lip in thought, "You had a father and brothers" she closed her eyes hearing that come from his lips.
"If you are asking me to abandon my family for you then you are wasting your time. I shall never leave them, never" Eriol turned towards her so swiftly that she didn't have time to move away from him as he grasped her arms turning to her look at him.
"I'm not asking you to give up anything Moyo" he said in a strained voice looking at her beautiful face. He hated it how she conquered his heart without even trying, before he could get anything else out of her mouth Tomoyo stiffened. "What's the matter?"
"Sakura's back" she whispered making him let her go. She grabbed her flute and jumped off the roof landing swiftly on the ground. Eriol followed suit, when they reached the large stone patio Syaoran was already standing there with his mother and sisters. Tomoyo looked at him wondering how he had been able to sense her so quickly.
Syaoran frowned slightly watching for any movement. Finally Sakura broke through the bush on a black stallion, clad in a black hood. Tomoyo waited patiently for her, Sakura got off the horse and ran up the steps toward them.
She didn't look at Syaoran but bowed to Yelen first. She was glad that they were all right; glancing briefly at Syaoran she hugged Tomoyo. "Oh it's glad to have you back" Tomoyo said in a happy tone pulling back form the hug. "When do we leave?"
"Not for a while, I must talk with the Li's. It has to do with your cousin, the emperor" Sakura stated in a serious tone. Yelen looked at the small girl wondering what had happened on her trip, she looked a little different.
"Very well, come" the Li sisters smiled shyly at Sakura who returned their smile before following Syaoran, Yelen, Eriol and Tomoyo into the house. Syaoran couldn't believe she was finally back, though she looked like something was really bothering her. He had a feeling he was going to find out what it was when the door closed.
"What's troubling you child?" Yelen asked looking at Sakura. When they looked into each other's eyes Sakura knew automatically.
"You know about us, do you not?" she more stated than asked. Tomoyo hoped Sakura wouldn't be upset with her for telling them.
"Yes we know" Yelen answered simply. Sakura shook her head smiling softly at Tomoyo to show that she wasn't the least bit upset at all. "What do you have to tell us about Emperor Ming?" Yelen asked meaning their distant cousin and the present emperor.
"Asai's army is heading for the capital. They are going to try and conquer it. The capital cannot fall for it would be the end" Sakura stated softly placing her traveling bag down. "I know that they are already on the move. There have been reports of towns being burnt to the ground as they moved through them"
"We know" Syaoran interrupted, Sakura finally looked at him fully. They locked eyes and each wondered what the other was thinking about, right at that moment. "My men and I are going to move out in a weeks time" he continued leaning against his desk. He looked at her and couldn't believe anything he was told by Tomoyo.
"That's too long. We have to leave here now to beat the army. We must have strategy prepared before they fall upon us" Sakura explained, "The Lirin are prepared to help us in the fight. They have already started towards the capital. Asai and his men are moving from the west whilst we move from the east. There are however spies amongst this part"
"I know that, my people were after all attacked," Syaoran spoke in a soft tone. "I will call all my men together and tell them that I am going to be leaving earlier than them. Emperor's counselors will not be witty enough to hold off Asai's men. He'll need the help, I thank you for giving me this news" Sakura saw that he had no intention of allowing her to go with him to the capital.
"That was my order. Tomoyo and I are leaving tonight. We must go after our sisters, we will need their help to defeat Asai" Sakura spoke picking up her bag. She looked at Tomoyo, Yelen, Eriol then finally Syaoran. "Maybe we will meet in the future" she said to him directly before turning to leave. "I wish you luck, good bye. Come Tomoyo" Eriol looked at Syaoran then Yelen wondering if they were going to allow them to leave.
"Why not stay till the morning. Haven't you been riding the whole day?" Yelen offered knowing very well that her son wasn't going to make a move to say or do anything. She hated it when he was stubborn at the wrong times, like now.
"Thank you for your offer Yelen. But we must be on our way" Sakura smiled not looking at Syaoran as she said those words.
"It's better that you stay. It's wise to travel in a larger group with Asai's men running around, times aren't safe" he finally said opening his mouth. Sakura smiled at him and he could see that it was a lame excuse knowing her talent. "There's something I want to ask you before you leave" he looked at Tomoyo and his family. "In private"
"Very well, outside?" Sakura said walking off. Syaoran followed her out the door leaving everyone looking at them in silence. When they reached outside he followed her out unto the patio and down the steps. "What did you want to ask me?" she asked softly moving her hand down the horse's back.
"Why didn't you tell me you could heal yourself?"
"I wanted to see how you would have done it" she answered simply turning to look at him. He shook his head slowly staring into her eyes. "Is that all?" she asked knowing she wanted him to ask her something else but she hadn't a clue what it was.
"Yes-your people, your clan is no longer living. Why not stay here with us? We could give you a real home, where you'll be accepted" this shocked Sakura, who didn't want to admit that she was hoping he would offer. Hearing him say something like that warmed her heart but she knew she couldn't accept his offer.
"It would never work out, it's impossible. We are too different kinds of souls," she answered wisely; he smiled reaching for her hand. Placing it over his heart Sakura gave him a confused look; he then placed his over her heart.
"How different are we?" he asked, "Our hearts beat the same" he replied showing his wisdom.
"As much as I would like to stay here it would never work out. Mala said this is going to be dangerous; I haven't got any idea how things will turn out. I do not wish to make things any harder than they have to be" he frowned turning from her. Sakura swallowed forcing herself not to touch him, "I'm sorry"
"You're afraid. There's nothing to be afraid of, I will never harm you" he said solemnly looking at his home. "If you hadn't cared the least, you wouldn't have sent Tomoyo to warn us of our plight"
"I was returning your gratitude tis' all" Sakura looked down not knowing why this was so hard. He was after all a normal man, men were all the same. They caused great pain to her kind, they were very different and her sisters would never approve.
Syaoran inhaled as he slowly turned to face her, "You lie" he accused walking over to her. When he stepped close to her Sakura instantly stepped back in fear.
"I do not lie" she replied softly. "What I tell you is the truth" she jumped when his hand reached up and caressed her cheek. Chills ran through her as she stiffened at his simple touch, her breathing unknowingly catching. "I cannot"
"You cannot or you don't want to?" he knew very well that he was seducing her but he wanted to see what she felt. He knew deep down that she was something special and he wasn't about to let her get away from him.
"I cannot" that only meant that she didn't want to let her sisters down. Moving closer to her, he bent his head and captured her lips in a soft feather light kiss. Sakura went rigid at the simple touch, having never felt anything like it before.
"That means you want to. I don't want you to go off by yourself. When you left, Eriol and I were on our way to stop you that's when we ran into Tomoyo" he whispered making Sakura opened her eyes in disbelief. "I know we've only known each other a short time but it's all I needed" she knew she should have moved when he bent his head to kiss her again but she wanted to feel his lips so badly that she simply, willingly received that second kiss. "Stay for now, at least so that we might leave together. I will help you find your family, and I shall ask their permission" he whispered hugging her to him.
"I'll stay" she got out wondering why being so close to him made her so unbelievably nervous. It was as if he had cast a spell on her soul. "It will not be easy dealing with them" she warned looking into his eyes.
"I love a good challenge" Sakura had a feeling that this was the easiest part of their relationship. Something deep down told her that she should cherish the little time they were going to spend with each other. An ire feeling swept over her soul sending chills through her body, she hugged Syaoran who thought she was cold.
"Come let's go inside. There's much to be done before we leave to get your sisters and head towards the capital" he explained, together they walked toward the house. *
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* They hadn't a clue what the future had in store for them, what challenges they were going to face. Or the loss they would have to endure in the weeks to come. *
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Author's note: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Remember to review and tell me what you think okay?
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Author's note: Hey. Here's the next chapter. I know that the last one had a little problem at first; thankfully I was told about it. I hope you guys like this chapter, and some of your questions might be answered in it.
Enjoy. And I want to thank my new editor Eva-Chan, thank you!*
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* "It can't be." he whispered looking at the thing heading towards them. He thought they were extinct.
"It's a dragon, it's a dragon run," a man yelled making all the soldiers scatter running for their lives. Yelen watched from her balcony at the site below in the village and crossed herself as her son wiped out every soldier in site. And even the ones who ran for their dear life he killed, 'please don't let him go all the way' she thought when Eriol and Tomoyo came flying through the bushes. *
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Tomoyo.
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* * "Where's everybody at?" Tomoyo asked looking around for a battle but all she saw was an empty yard.
"They're all in the house at least the one's who made it safely there" Eriol answered moving forward.
"And the soldiers?"
"Dead if I'm right. Come on lets get you inside so mother can look at you" Eriol said softly. Tomoyo nodded looking at the night sky. It would be morning in a couple of hours. Tomoyo knew there was something going on because when they walked into the house even the soldiers were inside there with everyone else.
"Eriol you're back and with the girl. Where's the other one um Ying Fa?" Fiemie asked running up to them.
"Not now Fiemie, I need you to help Tomoyo clean up she's got a wound. Is Xiao Lang back?"
"No" Fiemie said showing Tomoyo the way to a small room, "I'll go and get the stuff"
"No its okay I won't need it" Tomoyo assured making Fiemie look at her oddly. "I can heal besides my body heals fast" she laughed getting out the herbs that would help her.
"Do you mind if I watch?" Fiemie asked softly as Tomoyo nodded no. She sat down to listen and watch intently as Tomoyo applied the herbs. She sang a healing song placing her hand over the wound. "Wow that's amazing"
"I know it took me awhile to master it" Tomoyo said softly remembering how she practiced endlessly.
"Where is Ying Fa and your other friends?" Fiemie asked softly getting up with Tomoyo.
"Sakura had something more important to do. And Joe well I don't know about Joe yet but Sakura told me to wait here until she called for me" Tomoyo answered sadly. Fiemie looked at the younger girl and felt sympathy.
"You' re about 15 just like Ying Fa right?" Fiemie asked and before Tomoyo could answer she added. "I'm twenty two, two years older than Xiao Lang and Eriol. Don't worry my sisters and I will keep you company until Ying Fa returns" Yelen and Eriol walked into the room with Syaoran who was wearing something else than what he had on earlier. Tomoyo kept what she wanted to ask to him then she saw his eyes and gasped.
"What are you?" she whispered looking at the reptile shaped pupils. Syaoran didn't answer as he walked into the room and Yelen closed the door.
"What are you? Why were so many men after you?" Syaoran asked turning to face Tomoyo, who was wondering what Sakura, saw in him, Eriol was so much nicer.
"I'm half Lirin," she answered softly picking up her sword and bow. She wasn't going to put down her guard because they had been nice to her for a couple of days.
"And what else?" Yelen asked looking at the child before her. She also noticed that her wounds were healed and gone.
"And half human like you, only Sakura and the others are Komisar as you heard earlier tonight" Tomoyo answered not wanting to say too much about their past.
"What happened to your cuts?" Eriol asked looking her over. He knew that Fiemie wasn't that good a healer "Fiemie have you been practicing?"
"I healed them myself I'm a singer we can do that. One more thing, could you stop treating me like a child because I'm not. I don't like to be interrogated now answer my question, what are you?" Tomoyo snapped surprising them.
"I'm gifted, how come Sakura couldn't do that?" Syaoran replied surprising Tomoyo who laughed.
"You are mistaken, Sakura is more skilled than I. She was taught in the art before me. We're partners in study, we're sisters we do everything together, so you saying that is a joke. It's either you didn't give her a chance or she was humoring you or maybe she was just simply curious, we don't get close to men. We're sworn off them. The only way we go near them is to kill" Syaoran raised a brow at her but Tomoyo just smiled in the sweetest way.
"What were you doing here? Was I one of the man to kill?" he asked. Tomoyo smiled almost laughed. She gave him the most downsizing look she could muster up before she bothered to open her mouth and answer him.
"Listen we might be Komisar's but we don't go around killing children, so we wouldn't be after you" Syaoran's eyes narrowed at the open insult he had just received. " Plus the man never said you were to be killed, I merely washed up on shore here and Chan found me" Tomoyo answered relaxing.
"Child? You look no more than fifteen yet you're calling me a child?" Syaoran mocked coldly looking at the small girl. "I'm sure your teacher taught you how to count," bit out the young master, his tone flat.
"If you spoke to the governor then you would see where are you mistaken. He knew Joe from about twenty years ago; actually he knew all of us from that time. Now you do the addition" Tomoyo stated folding her arms, she knew she had all of their attention because the room became deadly quiet.
"Impossible, you can't be almost my age" Yelen said breaking it, Tomoyo smiled and said.
"Actually older- because I have to stay here until Sakura comes back I guess I can trust you," she sighed, actually she knew she could trust them so what the hell. "But you must promise what I tell you will stay in this room"
"On our honor as a Li" they all said sitting down.
"How old are you?" Fiemie asked softly.
"I'm exactly 211" she answered making them gasp. "But Sakura and the others are way older then me. They have another two hundred to add that sum"
"That's a wonderful lie," Syaoran said not believing a word.
"Singers don't lie, if we do we can't be singers" Tomoyo replied firmly getting his attention. "Nades, Joe and Tilda were also singers like us but then they had to tell lies in order to kill their victims so Sakura and I are the only two who are still. They escaped Nehru a year before it met its destruction. Sakura was only eleven when her kingdom was attacked and wiped out. Few of them escaped but everyone died leaving only four of them on the journey here. Nades learnt that when they were traveling through the roots of Rajin our holy tree, time stopped making them immortal. What they thought was a year had been four hundred years. It was hard knowing that everyone you knew was dead and that you would never die. All we have is each other and this is the first time I've been away from Nades and Sakura. Sakura was the princess and Nades was her cousin. Nades's mother tricked them into going, knowing they would never see her again" Tomoyo looked at them to see that she had all their attention, actually they were stunned into silence. Syaoran didn't know what to think, it seemed impossible but then again being able to turn into a dragon also was, but he could do it. "They took me in when my village was destroyed only leaving me and a few boys. They took me since as Sakura was well kind of my age and needed someone to play with"
"How is it that you were able to stay alive?" Syaoran asked skeptically with a bored expression.
"From Nades and Sakura, they shared their gift with me" Tomoyo answered before Syaoran say anything Fiemie beat him to it.
"Oh my god, who would have thought. I mean you seem like regular teenagers to me" Fiemie whispered Tomoyo laughed.
"Age hasn't stopped us, Sakura and I are like teenagers. Nades treats us like children; we were also kept away from villages and men most of all. Our kind only use men for one reason, Nades hates them because it was men who killed everyone we loved here and in Nehru. And it was a man who forced them to kill or he would tell our secret" Tomoyo said softly keeping tears back.
"The secret of immortality?" Yelen asked Tomoyo nodded yes looking up with tears in her eyes.
"That, only one knows except for me, how they were able to achieve it. I don't even know how to get there. So the other way to get it is by their blood" Tomoyo answered smiling "But there's a catch"
"And what's that?" Eriol asked getting deeply interested.
"If they don't want you to have it, contact with their blood will kill you. If it gets into your body you die," Tomoyo stated. "After Nades killed Rae we would be free but it seems like the mad man had another idea"
"But you two are now fighters?" Yelen asked taking in all she was hearing.
"We aren't assassins but were trained to be, Nades wouldn't allow it. She said we had to be singers and nothing more. She was our mother, even though I'm not a born Komisar I was sworn in but she never let us kill. When ever she did we were always in a cave or inn waiting for her return"
"That's why Sakura had trouble when she killed the last governor" Syaoran pointed out putting the pieces together.
"I guess they needed to reach me in time and that was the only way. I was sent to the print shop to buy ink and paper to forge your engagement invitations but I guess Nades and Sakura found another way in. On my way to the inn I was kidnapped and was on my way to be sold that's when the carriage turned over and they found me"
"You're right they did find a way in, actually I met them and had no clue. The head guard invited them in for the party and they were there earlier in the day to mark were everything was" Syaoran said amusedly. "This is becoming very interesting, so now you're staying with us until the other child comes for you?"
"Yes, I don't think she'll be long, Joe said it was important for her to go there. But Sakura needs to hurry because we don't have a long time to wait"
"Are you fully immortal or does it wear off?" Eriol asked surprising Tomoyo who smiled.
"It wears off they only give me enough to sustain me, so I can die but they can't. That's how I wanted it, Sakura told me that it was the best thing to do"
"Why's that?" Yelen asked interested.
"She said that most people would think it a gift but in truth it's a curse. She said that no one should give up the right to die. See Sakura and the girls were born Komisars but not me, I had a father and brothers. She thought that maybe I would change my mind, want to marry and have children. But she's wrong they are my family, I would never leave them not even for love." Tomoyo answered truthfully not looking at Eriol as she answered. "They don't know what its like to have a father but when Nades is gone I tell her about my dead family. And she enjoys it but other than that it goes no further. We show no mercy for the opposite sex, only a handful of men we've met were kind"
"And that's why you wanted to warn us?" Eriol asked ignoring what she just said, he wouldn't believe that he couldn't.
"Yes it was. Sakura wanted to come but had more important business, I should hear from her soon enough, we're to set out for the others"
"You don't seem like a man killer. You and Ying Fa didn't show aggressiveness towards my sons or the men here" Yelen stated wondering if they had others reasons for not harming them, Syaoran and Eriol also wanted to know.
"We didn't have to because Nades was on her way here. Sakura and I don't kill unless it's absolutely necessary. Sakura is like the odd ball of her race, she doesn't hate men but she won't let them harm any woman no matter who is right. We didn't feel threatened by anyone here, now if we did it would have been another story" Tomoyo answered smiling. "Like when I woke up and didn't know where I was I held Eriol and Chan at sword point. If I was Tilda I would have killed them" Eriol looked at Tomoyo and wondered if he really knew her, but was more intrigued and wanted most of all to prove her wrong. Syaoran on the other hand didn't really care at all about what he just heard. It didn't change anything at all, just made him more cautious about this girl and her sisters.
"How long before Sakura comes for you?" he asked firmly looking at Tomoyo.
"I don't know. I have no idea how far she went but Joe thought it was very important that she went without any delay. I wanted to leave and follow her but she told me to stay here and wait. Its not safe for her to ride alone I just wish she wasn't older than me" Tomoyo whined sitting down "Its sucks, but I told her I would stay here"
"I'm sure she'll come back soon" Eriol sighed resting back in the chair.
"Now Li tell me your secret how did you get rid of all the soldiers?" Tomoyo asked turning towards him, his eyes returned to normal, Syaoran look at her and smirked.
"Its also a curse from my father, we're descendents from dragons. The ability skips generations. I was cursed to be chosen but for my people it's a blessing" he answered his eyes momentarily switching making a tremor run down her spine. *
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Sakura slowed the horse to a walk when she came to yet another forest. She had been riding for at least two days and was dead tired and sore. It was mid day and she wondered where the town was or if she gotten lost which wouldn't be a good thing. She stiffened as she made her way into the forest, she was aware that she was being watched but couldn't find the people. The horse jumped on two legs when a arrow landed at his its' feet. "What is your business here?" a voice asked and out of the corner of her eyes she saw movement.
"I was sent here by Joe I don't know if you know her" Sakura answered, "I come in peace just following orders, Joe is my sister"
"And where is Joe?"
"She was captured two days ago. I've been riding for two days to get here please don't turn me away" Sakura pleaded she gasped when she saw fighters appear before her. Their skin was green giving them perfect camouflage.
"Come with us" a man, said, she didn't know there were men here too, and she thought Joe never liked men. Sakura nodded and got off the horse following him as three others appeared behind her, the deeper she got into the forest more appeared behind her. "Leave your horse and weapons here," he said stopping, Sakura didn't like the sound of that but complied reluctantly leaving aurora hidden.
"This way" a woman said from above before walking back into the house that was built in the tree. Sakura followed the winding steps to the house opening the door she walked in coming face to face with a large woman. "Sit and wait," she ordered walking away. Sakura dropped to the chair as ordered and gulped pushing down her uneasiness. These people were scary or maybe it was because she wasn't used to being alone, but hey she was 411 years old so it was time that she grew up right? When the door opened she started to stand to show respect.
"Please don't get up" the woman said when she walked into the room with water and fruits. Sakura nodded and sat down watching the woman. "I'm Mala the one who's in charge of this town" Sakura didn't know what town she was talking about and Mala laughed as if reading her mind. "You are the one Joe told us about are you not?" she asked getting down to business.
"If it was Sakura then yes I suppose" Sakura answered eating, Mala laughed nodding as she watched Sakura intently. "What did she tell you?" Sakura asked timidly.
"That you hold aurora and was the princess of their people. You have a bright future ahead of you here with many more Lirin" Mala stated making Sakura almost choke. She hadn't a clue what the woman was talking about.
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked perplexedly, her future was with her sisters. Nades would never allow her to live amongst men, never.
"Well the emperor is trying to unite the nation, you know that right?" Mala asked and Sakura nodded before she continued. "We don't want to unite with him, but we want our nation to unite and they won't unless we find a leader. There is one problem however"
"And what's that?"
"Well I'm sure you heard about the hundred year war"
"Isn't that the one where two brothers divided the nation and fought against each other?" Sakura asked remembering that she had indeed heard about it. It happened right before she and the others got to this place.
"Yes well after that gruesome war the nations split up into many and were afraid to unite and have one ruler again. But the Lirin will unite under you, if you call them they will recognize you"
"How do I do that? I don't even know them and they don't know me" Sakura replied wondering if she was hearing the woman right. "I couldn't possibly, I mean I know nothing about leading people"
"Come with us and you'll see" a man said from behind with others, Sakura got up silently not saying a word. "We are from the other towns, we've been waiting for you and our people have been waiting as well. Come with us young one"
"We know your age but you are still young and inexperienced" a woman said making Sakura flush as she pulled up her hood. She followed them down the steps and down a walk way covered with grass. When she finally saw the village, she never knew that something this large would be in a forest such as this. To her it was beautiful with all the flowers and trees, everything was clean. She saw that they were going towards a large house on the ground that was surrounded by a wall.
"This is where our Queen would live and attend to her business" Mala explained softly noticing that all the people were looking at Sakura.
"Why only a Queen?"
"Because our last ruler was a Queen, she was a great ruler" Mala answered softly. "And women are known to be stronger rulers then men, a woman never wants war always peace"
"How do you know that I'll be a strong leader?" Sakura asked when they opened the door to what seemed like a chapel, the sunlight stealing through the windows giving it a nice glow. She absently bit her bottom lip wondering if Joe was harboring feelings of resurrecting their past life.
"We do not know, only time shall tell but you are very special" the old man answered softly catching Sakura off guard. Turning she looked at him with a lost expression only to have him smile. "I've been waiting a long time for you" he continued giving her the creeps. Giving him a nervous smile she was starting to wonder if she had overstayed her welcome with the way they were looking at her.
"I'm lost, I'm sorry" the man seeing that she was truly lost walked to the front of the chapel were a golden case laid on an alter.
"This is a time of war, my dear" his soft voice drifted to her. He turned slowly and sighed, he could feel the power emanating from her. She was the one they had been waiting for, the one to deliver them from evil, but she had to find the way. "Lehru is in need of Heroes. Giya, the Spirit of the Earth, has given you a gift marking you as one of the chosen one" he wasn't making any sense to her.
"Pardon?" she knew about everything else, except the gift she was given and why this world needed saving. She could also see that he was growing impatient and knew that he had to be very blunt because of her innocence.
"The man you have been working for is bent on conquering the land. With the help of your captured sisters he will make all yield to him. There is no one to stop him but you," he stated in a stern tone. Sakura frowned hearing about the scumbag that had used them. "Your blood is valuable but if you fail to stop him from getting what he wants this world will be damned like the one you had to flee from. Do you want to see that happen?"
"No I don't but what am I to do? I do not have an army, its only Tomoyo and I," she said trying to make him understand. "There's nothing I can do, Asai has an incredible army I can't possibly fight him by myself" she couldn't believe she had gotten herself into something like this. Mala knew she had to do something to make the girl at least head towards the capital.
"We understand child" Mala said softly walking up to Sakura. She laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "With the help of your friends you must go to the capital and warm the emperor. He will not be ready for Asai's army of tyrants" she explained as if she was talking to a child.
"What makes you think he'll see me?" the old man walked up to her and answered that easily.
"Your new friend of the Li Clan will be able to help you accomplish that. Our army will also rise under your command. We cannot allow the capital to fall no matter what to that man" he said with such force that it made Sakura almost shake. He looked into her emerald poles knowing that she would figure out the role she had to play along with her friends. "Giya gave you the gift to stop this man" he spoke sternly knowing that he must get through to her. "What ever you do don't let evil get a hold of aurora"
"I never will. I shall try to get the help of the Li Clan. We will have to plan everything out with them if you wish to stop Asai, he's a most evil man" Sakura whispered softly running her hand through her hair. "I don't know what I can do"
"Believe in yourself. You play a big role for the survival of all," Mala spoke getting a puzzled look from Sakura. She smiled before walking away slowly, "Come I shall tell you all about our plans and how our army will travel to the capital. We are known for our skill in archery" the man watched them exit the chapel before he walked to the front.
He looked at the ancient piece of paper in front of him and sighed placing his hand on the glass frame. "Giya, I hope they are strong enough. With a great destiny, one must continue even with great loss. She will suffer, as will they" *
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* Joe and the Others. *
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* Night fell upon them as the cages they were bounded in swayed down the rocky dirt road. Slowly it came to a stop and her eyes snapped open, "Tired are we?" Alan snared knowing that they would soon meet up with his brother Asai who had the larger army under his command.
He laughed at her because she couldn't reply; their mouth had been bound so they couldn't sing. "I don't like singers, I thought they had died out" he spoke to Joe before turning to his men. "Make sure she doesn't touch the ground, she's a child of the earth," he warned them sternly. They knew not to go against him; grinning wickedly he walked over to Tilda.
Her eyes narrowed at him, and she wished she could get loose. He had been very careful with how they were bounded down. He knew that they were experts and he couldn't have them getting away. "Don't worry, you'll meet Gakanis soon" seeing her eyes widen he knew she knew who he was. The very essence of evil was upon the earth ready to judge. "Child of the wind" his cold eyes flashed wildly.
She watched him walk off knowing that they had to get out somehow. Sakura had to find them; if they met this Gakanis they were surely gone. She didn't know what he needed their blood for though. Alan stopped at Nades's cage, he grinned looking at her beauty. "Make sure her blood isn't wasted, it's very valuable," he ordered his men angrily, reaching out the wipe the blood from her brow with a cloth. He knew not to touch her blood. "Don't worry my lovely, this will be over once we reach the capital" he went to touch her but her skin turned red. "Ah. So that's who you are" He grinned devilishly. "I thought your precious Sakura was the fire wielder. I wonder what she is" he muttered softly.
Fear was something Nades never felt; but now it consumed her soul. She constantly heard Sakura and Tomoyo's call but wasn't able to return them. At least she knew they would be searching for them, she just hoped they would be okay. "Let's move out" Alan ordered walking off his long leather cloak flapping in the chilly night breeze. *
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* * Tomoyo.Days later. *
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* She sat on the rooftop playing her flute. She was lonely as she waited every day for the arrival of Sakura. She wished she would show up, it was getting harder every day to keep her promise about staying with the Li's until she returned. Hearing the sound of movement she neither stiffened nor made Eriol aware she knew his presence.
Eriol watched from behind her as the soft wind gently flowed through her long black tresses that seemed to be gleaming silver. He wanted nothing more than to run his fingers through it, to feel their soft texture. "Are you going to stand there all day and stare at me?" she asked in an impatience voice not seeing the frown that touched his lips.
"I was waiting for you to offer me to sit," he answered in a calm tone.
"I would rather not" she answered closing her eyes. Eriol knew she was pushing him away, he didn't know why she had to change. Ignoring her he walked over and sat down, looking at the sun he thought of something to say. Tomoyo stole a quick glance at him moving her flute slowly from her lips.
"I know you are trying to ignore me. Don't do that" she could almost hear the pleading in his voice. Looking at anything but him Tomoyo bit her lip in thought, "You had a father and brothers" she closed her eyes hearing that come from his lips.
"If you are asking me to abandon my family for you then you are wasting your time. I shall never leave them, never" Eriol turned towards her so swiftly that she didn't have time to move away from him as he grasped her arms turning to her look at him.
"I'm not asking you to give up anything Moyo" he said in a strained voice looking at her beautiful face. He hated it how she conquered his heart without even trying, before he could get anything else out of her mouth Tomoyo stiffened. "What's the matter?"
"Sakura's back" she whispered making him let her go. She grabbed her flute and jumped off the roof landing swiftly on the ground. Eriol followed suit, when they reached the large stone patio Syaoran was already standing there with his mother and sisters. Tomoyo looked at him wondering how he had been able to sense her so quickly.
Syaoran frowned slightly watching for any movement. Finally Sakura broke through the bush on a black stallion, clad in a black hood. Tomoyo waited patiently for her, Sakura got off the horse and ran up the steps toward them.
She didn't look at Syaoran but bowed to Yelen first. She was glad that they were all right; glancing briefly at Syaoran she hugged Tomoyo. "Oh it's glad to have you back" Tomoyo said in a happy tone pulling back form the hug. "When do we leave?"
"Not for a while, I must talk with the Li's. It has to do with your cousin, the emperor" Sakura stated in a serious tone. Yelen looked at the small girl wondering what had happened on her trip, she looked a little different.
"Very well, come" the Li sisters smiled shyly at Sakura who returned their smile before following Syaoran, Yelen, Eriol and Tomoyo into the house. Syaoran couldn't believe she was finally back, though she looked like something was really bothering her. He had a feeling he was going to find out what it was when the door closed.
"What's troubling you child?" Yelen asked looking at Sakura. When they looked into each other's eyes Sakura knew automatically.
"You know about us, do you not?" she more stated than asked. Tomoyo hoped Sakura wouldn't be upset with her for telling them.
"Yes we know" Yelen answered simply. Sakura shook her head smiling softly at Tomoyo to show that she wasn't the least bit upset at all. "What do you have to tell us about Emperor Ming?" Yelen asked meaning their distant cousin and the present emperor.
"Asai's army is heading for the capital. They are going to try and conquer it. The capital cannot fall for it would be the end" Sakura stated softly placing her traveling bag down. "I know that they are already on the move. There have been reports of towns being burnt to the ground as they moved through them"
"We know" Syaoran interrupted, Sakura finally looked at him fully. They locked eyes and each wondered what the other was thinking about, right at that moment. "My men and I are going to move out in a weeks time" he continued leaning against his desk. He looked at her and couldn't believe anything he was told by Tomoyo.
"That's too long. We have to leave here now to beat the army. We must have strategy prepared before they fall upon us" Sakura explained, "The Lirin are prepared to help us in the fight. They have already started towards the capital. Asai and his men are moving from the west whilst we move from the east. There are however spies amongst this part"
"I know that, my people were after all attacked," Syaoran spoke in a soft tone. "I will call all my men together and tell them that I am going to be leaving earlier than them. Emperor's counselors will not be witty enough to hold off Asai's men. He'll need the help, I thank you for giving me this news" Sakura saw that he had no intention of allowing her to go with him to the capital.
"That was my order. Tomoyo and I are leaving tonight. We must go after our sisters, we will need their help to defeat Asai" Sakura spoke picking up her bag. She looked at Tomoyo, Yelen, Eriol then finally Syaoran. "Maybe we will meet in the future" she said to him directly before turning to leave. "I wish you luck, good bye. Come Tomoyo" Eriol looked at Syaoran then Yelen wondering if they were going to allow them to leave.
"Why not stay till the morning. Haven't you been riding the whole day?" Yelen offered knowing very well that her son wasn't going to make a move to say or do anything. She hated it when he was stubborn at the wrong times, like now.
"Thank you for your offer Yelen. But we must be on our way" Sakura smiled not looking at Syaoran as she said those words.
"It's better that you stay. It's wise to travel in a larger group with Asai's men running around, times aren't safe" he finally said opening his mouth. Sakura smiled at him and he could see that it was a lame excuse knowing her talent. "There's something I want to ask you before you leave" he looked at Tomoyo and his family. "In private"
"Very well, outside?" Sakura said walking off. Syaoran followed her out the door leaving everyone looking at them in silence. When they reached outside he followed her out unto the patio and down the steps. "What did you want to ask me?" she asked softly moving her hand down the horse's back.
"Why didn't you tell me you could heal yourself?"
"I wanted to see how you would have done it" she answered simply turning to look at him. He shook his head slowly staring into her eyes. "Is that all?" she asked knowing she wanted him to ask her something else but she hadn't a clue what it was.
"Yes-your people, your clan is no longer living. Why not stay here with us? We could give you a real home, where you'll be accepted" this shocked Sakura, who didn't want to admit that she was hoping he would offer. Hearing him say something like that warmed her heart but she knew she couldn't accept his offer.
"It would never work out, it's impossible. We are too different kinds of souls," she answered wisely; he smiled reaching for her hand. Placing it over his heart Sakura gave him a confused look; he then placed his over her heart.
"How different are we?" he asked, "Our hearts beat the same" he replied showing his wisdom.
"As much as I would like to stay here it would never work out. Mala said this is going to be dangerous; I haven't got any idea how things will turn out. I do not wish to make things any harder than they have to be" he frowned turning from her. Sakura swallowed forcing herself not to touch him, "I'm sorry"
"You're afraid. There's nothing to be afraid of, I will never harm you" he said solemnly looking at his home. "If you hadn't cared the least, you wouldn't have sent Tomoyo to warn us of our plight"
"I was returning your gratitude tis' all" Sakura looked down not knowing why this was so hard. He was after all a normal man, men were all the same. They caused great pain to her kind, they were very different and her sisters would never approve.
Syaoran inhaled as he slowly turned to face her, "You lie" he accused walking over to her. When he stepped close to her Sakura instantly stepped back in fear.
"I do not lie" she replied softly. "What I tell you is the truth" she jumped when his hand reached up and caressed her cheek. Chills ran through her as she stiffened at his simple touch, her breathing unknowingly catching. "I cannot"
"You cannot or you don't want to?" he knew very well that he was seducing her but he wanted to see what she felt. He knew deep down that she was something special and he wasn't about to let her get away from him.
"I cannot" that only meant that she didn't want to let her sisters down. Moving closer to her, he bent his head and captured her lips in a soft feather light kiss. Sakura went rigid at the simple touch, having never felt anything like it before.
"That means you want to. I don't want you to go off by yourself. When you left, Eriol and I were on our way to stop you that's when we ran into Tomoyo" he whispered making Sakura opened her eyes in disbelief. "I know we've only known each other a short time but it's all I needed" she knew she should have moved when he bent his head to kiss her again but she wanted to feel his lips so badly that she simply, willingly received that second kiss. "Stay for now, at least so that we might leave together. I will help you find your family, and I shall ask their permission" he whispered hugging her to him.
"I'll stay" she got out wondering why being so close to him made her so unbelievably nervous. It was as if he had cast a spell on her soul. "It will not be easy dealing with them" she warned looking into his eyes.
"I love a good challenge" Sakura had a feeling that this was the easiest part of their relationship. Something deep down told her that she should cherish the little time they were going to spend with each other. An ire feeling swept over her soul sending chills through her body, she hugged Syaoran who thought she was cold.
"Come let's go inside. There's much to be done before we leave to get your sisters and head towards the capital" he explained, together they walked toward the house. *
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* They hadn't a clue what the future had in store for them, what challenges they were going to face. Or the loss they would have to endure in the weeks to come. *
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Author's note: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Remember to review and tell me what you think okay?
