Chap. 9: "Uncharted Territory" *

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* Author's note: Hey. Not much to say, I want to thank everyone who reads and reviews this story. I really appreciate it! I hope you enjoy this chapter. And I wish everyone a MOST SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! *

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My Editor is on vacation so I'm doing this myself. Sorry if there are any mistakes! I'm trying and my flu isn't making it any better!!!!!

Eva! Where are you?!?!?! ^_^

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* The large stone temple that stood upon the hill was empty except for the soft voice bouncing gently off the wooden interior. The sun's rays shone through the stained windows, giving the surrounding a serene feeling. "Please" Sakura whispered praying, her hands clasp in front of her.

Her head was bowed, and her hands together. Aurora was around her slender waist, resting gently on the ground. "Protect my friends," she continued feeling a shill rouse in her body. Ignoring the odd sensation, she cleared her mind from any outside interference. No matter how much she tried to ignore her senses, she couldn't. Something was wrong; breaking her line of thought she looked up slowly. There was something standing behind her, watching her and she knew it wasn't good.

A soft whistling sound broke the deafening silence, turning around; she bent swiftly avoiding the arrows that were sent flying at her. Straightening she looked at her adversary, a gasp almost escaped her lips looking at Syaoran. "What was that?" she asked not letting her guard down.

"Only the beginning" he answered taking off towards her. Sakura's eyes widened, and she jumped flipping in mid air to avoid his fist. Landing at the top of table, she brought her hands up and blocked her face.

A scream escaped her lips, when it kicked her fiercely in the stomach sending flying into the brick wall. Sliding to the ground in pain, she looked up only to see it jumped towards her. Getting up, she jumped out of the way, and rolled unto the floor. "What are you?" she cried seeing it walk along the wall heading towards her.

Getting up, she backed up slowly watching it moved easily on the wooden wall of the temple. She couldn't believe what she was seeing, "I'm here to kill you, chosen one," it screeched jumping towards her.

Sakura pulled Aurora out, and block it attack. Anger filled her watching the demon that had taken the form of her beloved. And as if filled her soul, her sword glowed brightly surprising the creature. "You die!" she screamed making fire explode all around them. *

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* Syaoran and the others raced towards the temple wondering what was going on. He knew that Sakura would be in danger, and even though she could take care of her self didn't make him worry any less. Their feet pounded the ground, casting a thin coat of dust on their boots.

They were almost thrown off their feet the temple exploded. Dodging debris flying towards them, they looked at the temple or what was left of it. "Sakura!" Mei Lin screamed struggling against Takashi who was pulling her back. Her eyes were wide with fear watching fire fall from the sky.

"It's okay" Tomoyo called getting her sword ready. "We've got problems of our own" she spoke getting in a stance. It was then that they took notice of the men coming out from the buildings. It was clear that whatever they had sent to the temple wasn't alone. A growl sounded in Syaoran's throat. He wanted to get to Sakura but these things were going to make sure he couldn't.

"What do you mean she's okay?" Erick asked looking at her. He thought she had lost her mind; they had just witnessed the temple exploding. Tomoyo didn't need to answer his question, because Sakura walked through the flames holding her sword.

"She's one with fire" Sakura didn't get but five feet when she was sent flying off her feet. With a scream she braced herself for impact. Syaoran rushed to her aid but his path was blocked by three of the unknown men. *

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* Sakura flew through the side of the building and landed on her back. The air was knocked out of her lungs, and she thought everything in her body was broken. Knowing that she had to get up, she pushed herself up slowly. "Oh you are going to pay" she hissed through clenched teeth. Holding her side, she tightened the grip she had on her sword and walked through the hole she made in the house.

Glaring at the creature in front of her, she grinned innocently. "Ready?" the creature's eyes narrowed and he spring at her. Jumping out of the way, she flipped in mid air and kicked it across the head.

It stumbled a bit but caught its balance. Within a second it lunged at her, sword high in the air ready to run her through. Aurora shone brightly when Sakura blocked her attacker, pushing him off she jumped back.

He didn't waste any time in coming after but this time he attacked with his feet. Blocking his blow to her face, he reversed his move and fiercely kicked her in the stomach. Sakura doubled back as pain raced through her body. "Kill" it, hissed coming towards her, the look in its eyes primal.

"You wish" she wasn't about to let a simple man take her down. She didn't care if he was half demon. They circled each other waiting for one to make a move. Getting impatient it came at her, Sakura growled bringing Aurora down upon his face. Barely moving in time, it slices his face leaving a ghastly sight.

Not wasting any time, she swung it around and rammed it into his stomach. Using all her might, she pushed it in farther and twisted it lavishing in the crunching sound it made. She smiled evilly looking at the pain it was growing through.

Pulling it out, she jumped and kicked him swiftly on the neck; the cracking sound assured her that he was dead. Walking away, she didn't bother to look back as its body crashed to the ground. She looked at her friends heading in her direction.

All around them were the bodies of their unknown attackers. The cool afternoon breeze brushed against her face, her hair flowing freely behind her. Syaoran walked up to her, he wasn't sure if she was in pain because the look on her face was pure satisfaction. Standing in front of each other, mere inches from the other they stared into each other's eyes. "I missed you" Sakura whispered reaching up to caress his cheek.

He knew she wanted to know why he left like that, they all wanted to know. He placed his hand over hers, feeling her warmth. "I'll explain" he replied moving her hand from his face. "Come, let's get cleaned up" he turned to look at everyone else. "We leave after washing up" he announced loud enough for them to hear.

"Right' they answered nodding their heads. Turning they walked off, their swords glistening from the high noon sun. Mei Lin looked at the severed body of one of their attackers, the blood staining the ground as it spread slowly. She shuddered turning her eyes to look at her friends, vaguely she wondered if they felt was she was feeling at the sight of them. *

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Later. *

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* Syaoran turned from the window when Eriol and Tomoyo walked through the door. They were in the room Sakura had healed him. She was sitting on the bed, watching him in silence. Mei Lin sat next to her while Takashi leaned against the wall. "Sorry we're late" he apologized latching the door behind them.

"Matters not" Syaoran replied with a grim expression. He shifted form his left foot to his right and folded his arms over his chest. They didn't have to ask him if he was feeling better because it was plain as day that he was. "I needed to get away," he started off not going into to detail as to why. "To more important matters, something happened to me last night" he whispered getting their attention. "I was in a cave when this man visited to me, he was the essence of pure evil" Mei Lin looked at everyone as a shill ran through her body. Sakura bit her bottom lip wondering where this story was going. "I think he's the one who's responsible for all those attacks in the villages" he continued looking at everyone.

"We know but how does he do it?" Tomoyo inquired leaning against Eriol. She wanted to know everything there was about this guy. And most importantly why he was doing this to Lehru, the continent they were living on.

"He feeds off you" Syaoran answered, he sighed when everyone gave him a confused look. "I left in anger" he decided to leave the jealousy part out. "He wanted me to join him, he thought I would bend to his magic. I don't know how he does it, but it felt like my soul was on fire" Sakura listened as her eyes moved over the brown board that made up the room. She didn't dare look Syaoran in the eyes as he spoke though she could feel his on her. This was not something she wanted her hear at all.

"How are we going to be able to stop this guy?" Takashi asked with a frown. "We don't have magic, at least Mei Lin, Eriol and I don't," he said looking at Mei Lin briefly. He didn't think it was safe for them to hunt something of that origin.

"He can't hurt you unless you have a lot of anger and hatred in your body" Sakura replied softly looking away from Syaoran. "The only thing we can do is watch out for the other"

"That's basically it" Syaoran said in agreement. "We have to leave this town as soon as possible. If this is what's after the emperor he doesn't stand a chance" he made a good point. He was almost not able to get away even with his linage. The emperor was just a regular human being.

"He's expecting a man, not a demon," Eriol concluded. This trip had suddenly taken a turn into uncharted territory.

"That's why he wanted our sisters" Tomoyo whispered clenching her fists in anger. "That bastard" she looked up not knowing what they were going to do.

"We have to get them away from him. Only god knows what he'll do to them," Sakura spoke getting off the bed.

"Then lets go" Takashi urged pushing himself off the wall. "Come on, let's get everything in order" he looked at the others and they got the idea. He knew that Syaoran and Sakura needed to talk. When they left Sakura walked over to him, they looked at each other in silence.

"I couldn't handle the way you were acting around him. If I hadn't left I would have hurt them, my inner being is very possessive" he stated firmly placing her hand over his heart. "You know what I am, that part of me is primal. We felt threatened" Sakura couldn't believe what she was hearing. It was her fault that he had taken off like that, and it was her fault that he was hurt.

"I'm sorry" she spoke in a broken tone. Throwing her arms around his neck, she held unto him tightly. "You had me so scared, I thought I had lost you. You don't have to worry about me, I want no one but you" she meant every word that left her lips. What if something worst had happened to him? She didn't even want to consider such a horrible thought.

"I know that, I know" Syaoran tightened his arms around her tiny waist. "It hurt so badly. It felt like I was being burnt from the inside out. I begged for death," the pain in his voice tore at her soul. "Do you know what saved me?" he whispered against her ear. She shook her head not able to get words from her lips. "You" he answered in a sincere tone. "You saved me from myself and him"

Moving back slightly in his arms, she looked him in the eyes her own clouded with tears. "I don't know what I would have done if I lost you. Please don't ever leave like that. You don't have to feel such things, I belong to you" he could hear the tears on her words. Crushing her to him, he closed his eyes never wanting to let her go.

"I know, and I you" moving to her lips, he captured them in a crushing kiss. "I'll never leave you, never" he stated firmly between kisses. Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck; hungrily she returned his caresses clinging to his body. *

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* Takashi walked through the door of the house only to see Mei Lin standing on the porch alone. She seemed to be in deep thoughts because she hadn't realized he was standing behind her. From where he stood, he looked at her tiny form and the way the sun made her skin glow with beauty. "What's on your mind?" asked walking up to Mei Lin. She jumped snapping out of her thoughts, turning slightly she looked at him. He stopped beside her on the patio and stared at what was left of the temple.

"Just thinking" she answered softly, a tint of sadness on her voice. She had been staring at the smoking ruins of the temple. The events of the afternoon replaying in her mind, causing unknown emotions to stir within her soul. "You know it's hard for me-this journey"

"How so?" he inquired leaning against the frame. He didn't know when they started to act so civilized towards each other. He found it interesting to talk to her; she seemed to prove him wrong in how much he thought he knew her. With every conversation she showed him that she was far from dense.

"When I finally have friends this is the situation in which I meet them" she answered ruefully looking at her hands. "At least I think all of you are my friends," she corrected hoping he would prove her last statement true. She looked at him when he said nothing, her hopes dropping.

"Nothing is going to happen. Friends watch out for each other right?" he answered with a soft smile. Her head snapped to his an identical smile formed on her lips. He looked at the way her face brightened and how her eyes glowed fiercely with happiness at his words.

"Right" she sighed feeling a lot better. She shifted uncomfortably seeing the way his eyes gazed at her face. "I'm sorry for the way I acted when we first met. It wasn't exactly the greatest impression"

"It's forgotten. We're all in this together; therefore we have to watch out for the other. I'll always be watching" with those last words, he smiled and walked away. She watched him go feeling like she could conquer all.

"He's right you know" she jumped spinning around only to see Sakura and Tomoyo. Sakura walked over to her, "We are friends," she continued with a soft smile.

"Sisters" Tomoyo explained reaching out for Mei Lin's hand. "Like Takashi said. We're all in this together. You didn't have to come along but you did and we're grateful" explained Tomoyo a smile touching her lips. Mei Lin looked at them and for the first time she felt like she was truly part of something.

"Thank you" she whispered when Syaoran whistled to them. "We had better get going before he growls at us," they laughed shaking their heads in agreement.

"Right. Come on" they walked off together heading in the direction of the guys. Sakura noticed that Erick and his men weren't saddled. He walked up to her and smiled. The winds picked up, and a cloud of dust danced around Syaoran's horse as he watched them talk.

"It was pleasure getting to know you. We cannot continue with you because we're going to stay here and help with repairs," he explained looking around him briefly. Sakura watched him in silence wondering why he looked uncomfortable around her. "We'll arrive in the capital a day or so behind you"

"Right. It was nice meeting you. Safe journey" she replied when he held out his hand. She shook it and smiled when Syaoran rode up with her horse. Taking the reins she looked at Erick, "Be careful"

"Same to you" he replied when she mounted. He looked at Syaoran silently telling him to take care of her. Syaoran inclined his head turning his horse around, waving he watched them ride off. Turning he sighed and looked down, he lied about his reason for staying behind. Last night he was visited by a strange dream, he was warned to stay away. "Safe journey" he whispered again walking off. *

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* Nightfall. * *

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* They had ridden all day wanting to make up for the time they lost. The sun was slowly setting when they saw smoke rising to the heavens. "What do you think it's coming from?" Mei Lin asked softly, they had slowed to give their horses rest.

"I don't know. Do you want to check it out Syaoran?" Eriol answered turning to look at his brother. Syaoran frown slightly wondering if it was safe to stop, glancing at the group he knew they could continue. He knew that they were however hungry, and it wouldn't do them any good to exert themselves.

"Yeah let's. We'll see if we can stay the night as well" he answered, the others shook their heads and they turned towards the smoke. Sakura looked around them the night seemed unnaturally peaceful. Inhaling the crisp night air she smiled tenderly.

Closing her eyes, she whistled on the winds sending a message to her beloved family. "We'll find you guys soon I promise" was the message she sent to them. She wanted them to know that they were on their way. Mei Lin watched her as she tried to suppress a yawn, she wasn't used to these longs hours.

"It's okay boy, we'll rest soon," she said patting her horse. They followed the dirt road heading towards the source of the smoke. As they neared, the sound of beating drums drifted to their ears. It sounded as if there was some kind of celebration going on.

They were right in assuming it was a celebration because when they came to the entrance of the tiny village. Their presence wasn't noticed as yet so they had enough time to look around. It wasn't a large town; it was more like a farming village. It seemed that they had entered from the hunting woods. "Do you think these people are friendly?" Takashi inquired with a slight frown on his features.

"There's really only one way to find out," Sakura answered getting off her horse. She landed on her feet without a sound. Holding tightly unto her reins she started for the crowd, they looked at her and followed.

When they were finally taken notice of, the music came to a halt. The woman and children fled to their homes, and the men grabbed the closest weapon they could find. "Stop" Syaoran said holding out his hand. They came to a halt knowing that they shouldn't attempt to continue unless they were invited.

"We don't want no trouble so I think you best get on your way" a large man shouted making his way through the line of warriors. He was huge, with bulging arms and legs.

"We aren't here to start any" Syaoran spoke stepping in front of them. "We're heading towards the capital. We just want somewhere to rest the night" Sakura watched him praying that nothing would go wrong. Since meeting him, she had to accommodate a man's way. She knew that there were some things that a woman shouldn't attempt. They seemed to prefer their women dumb, which wasn't at all like her.

"Name" the strangers eyes never left them. If seemed as if he were waiting patiently for them to make the first move. Something didn't smell right, Tomoyo nudged Sakura and inclined her head towards the roofs of the small houses. She knew why they were so calm; they were completely surrounded by archers.

"Li Xiao Lang of the Li Clan. We're on imperial business" he answered simply; slowly he moved and pulled out his sword. Sakura noticed that the archers got ready just in case they had to fire. "Here this is my proof" he held the hilt of the sword forward, the man walked cautiously towards him.

"Welcome to our village, I'm Hu Fei" he spoke in a gruff tone seeing the crest. Syaoran put his sword away, and held out his hand in a friendly gesture. Hu Fei shook it, "Right this way" he walked off leaving them to follow.

"Let's go" Syaoran called making them start forward. He walked beside Hu Fei looking at the people that were starting to return to the middle of the village were the celebration was taking place.

"You heading there to fight?" he asked in a calm tone. He looked at the rest of the group when they stopped beside them.

"Yes. The Emperor needs all the help he can acquire" was Syaoran's simple answer. "These are my companions. This is Hu Fei" he didn't introduce them knowing that they would meet him later in the night. The town seemed to be made up of about twelve to thirteen tiny, board houses that they were built close together. They weren't built large, many of them seemed to be only two bedrooms.

"You are free to stay here the night. We're right in the middle of my daughter's wedding celebration. Take no offense to the way we acted towards you. It's necessary in these troubled times" he explained when a beautiful young lady walked towards them with a man beside her. They could tell that she was the bride, and he the groom.

"Congratulations" Eriol smiled looking at the couple. They smiled inclining their heads to him. He looked at the people who were staring at them, and he felt a little uncomfortable.

"My wife will show you to our home. We don't have enough extra rooms but you'll fit. You're welcome to join the festivities," he offered when an older woman walked up. She looked at the strangers in silence then at her husband and shook her head.

"Right this way" she spoke in a mild tone, gesturing to her left.

"Thank you" Syaoran said to Hu Fei before following his wife. When they walked off all heads followed them. He watched the people closely; he knew they were watching them just in case they slipped up so they could have a reason to kill them.

"Who are they father?" the young lady whispered in a soft tone. She watched them go wondering if they would cause problems. This was to be her special night, a night she wanted to remember for the rest of her life.

"Don't worry it's safe. He's the Emperor's cousin, tis' all. We must welcome them. Remember my child" Hu Fei answered touching her cheek gently. "You make me a proud father, Ting" she smiled brightly looking into his eyes. *

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* Sakura stood at the top step and watched the dancing flames of the fire. She tensed a little drawing the heat towards her. The flames seemed to be hypnotizing her slowly, drawing her towards it. Tempting her, wanting her to unleash it's fury on the men that were present. It was her nature, something she had to slowly rid her soul of. "Calm" Syaoran whispered touching her gently from behind. They were given two rooms. The guys would share one, and the girls would have the other. The girls had to burrow three dresses from Ting so that they might be appropriate for the celebration.

"I'm sorry" she replied relaxing against his touch. Together they stared at the large bonfire in the middle of the village. Turning her around he looked at the simple baby soft pink skirt and white blouse she had on with boots.

"You look beautiful" he smiled; she flushed looking at her attire. "I can imagine that you are hating it right now" he continued knowing how much she hated to wear dresses. Laughing softly, she shook her head looking in his eyes.

"Very much but I can endure it if you say such things to me all night" she joked; he chuckled resting his forehead against hers.

"Would be my pleasure," he whispered gently pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

The others walked through the door and smiled at the couple locked in a passionate embrace. Mei Lin had on a dark brown skirt and red shirt. Tomoyo had on a blue skirt and a soft purple top. They were not exactly matching perfectly but she was grateful for Ting's kindness. "We might as well join them" Eriol said taking a hold of her hand. She smiled tightening her hold on him; she didn't feel right leaving her arrows and sword behind.

"Yeah" they walked off with the others following behind them. Takashi was carrying Syaoran's sword around his waist, while Syaoran carried Sakura's. She didn't feel safe leaving Aurora behind, and he suggested that he wear it.

The sound of laughter and music surrounded them as they made their way towards the crowd. Sakura's eyes lit up watching the couples dance; she had never been around the male population so much in her entire life. "Come on let's dance," she begged Syaoran pulling him towards the center.

"Ahh Sakura" he stumbled catching his footing. "I don't really dance," he admitted in a soft tone. She didn't listen to him; she just continued to drag him towards the dancing couples. Falling in line she looked at him with glowing eyes.

"Please" she asked cutely batting her lashes. He laughed softly giving in, he wasn't one to say no to her. Holding her hands, they followed the other couples going in a fast circle moving to the drums, flutes and bells.

Mei Lin stood on the side. She smiled when Tomoyo and Eriol joined the dancing, sighing she could see that they were having a lot of fun. Takashi looked at her and knew that she wanted to dance badly. If Syaoran thought he was bad at dancing, he was definitely worst. He didn't even dance with Sonya on their wedding day. "Seems like a lot of fun" she muttered clasping her hands behind her back.

"Yeah" he answered when the wind blew her long tresses, he felt a tingling sensation when it brushed against his arm. Turning to her he took a deep breath, "I'm a horrible dancer but do you-" holding out his hand he didn't finish his sentence. Mei Lin looked at him in shock then her eyes softened.

"I would love to" she smiled placing her hand on his. "Don't worry, I'll lead you," she whispered when they stood at the edge of the dancing waiting for the right time to enter. Seeing it, they jumped in and moved with the rest of the couples.

They spun around in harmony, her hair flying about her. She loved dancing, it was one of her few passions. Biting her lip to hold back laughter, she failed when Takashi accidentally stepped on her. "I'm sorry" he apologized she giggled shaking her head.

"Come on faster or we're going to be trampled," she urged moving deeper into the crowd. Syaoran and Sakura past them but they were paying attention to what they were doing so they wouldn't fall over the other.

"Fine but it's your funeral," he warned looking out before they moved into the faster line of moving couples. They whipped around each other, making sure he held tightly unto her hand. He spun her around swiftly getting a yelp out of her. Slowly he relaxed, and enjoyed the sound of her laughter it was a soothing sound to him. *

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* The celebration continued for mostly the rest of the night. It was the first time in a long time that they actually had time to relax and have a little fun. Across the land, it was another story. In the distance, the sky was bright even though it was the darkest of nights.

The sounds of moaning, and screams filled the air. Over a hill were the burning remains of a small farming village. Those who were spared were left to look at the devastation, to bury their loved ones and live with the terror of this very night.

Nades stared behind her, her soul cold. They were brought through that very town; they were placed in the middle of it and were forced to watch the massacre of men, women and children. Closing her eyes momentarily she tried to block out the screams but her mind was filled with it. She remembered their clan back in Nehru; the screams of her kin people as they fled to safety never knowing that they would never see them again.

Feeling someone's eyes on her, she looked up only to see Joe and Tilda looking at her with the same expression. 'I'm waiting for the right time' she thought to herself. She was just waiting for the right time to act. It was upon them; soon they would be free to act, soon. *

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Rakanis. *

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Standing in the darkness, he watched the wedding celebration. He watched the man he wanted, and smirked evilly. He had been contemplating the best way to break his soul, and tonight he had found it. And in watching him, he found out where Nades's babies were hiding. "This is even better than I thought," he laughed icily, it echoed through the endless darkness.

"With their blood, I'll be able to restore myself. With the gift of Giya running through my veins, I'll be unstoppable" he stated to himself when his eyes landed on a laughing Mei Lin. A cruel smirk formed upon his lips, "And soon you'll be mine my dear" he whispered studying her features. She wasn't so much different from the mother that spawned her. He knew that no one could stop him, not even Nades's and her sisters. They weren't powerful enough, but he felt better having them in his possession.

Turning from the pool, he clasped his deathly pale hands behind his back. Each step echoed through his lair, he disappeared into the darkness returning to the body of his new host. Soon he would have to find another; this one was growing weaker by the minute. A great battle was upon them but this was not one he would have trouble winning he just hoped he wouldn't have to destroy this like he had done with Nehru. "This time no Komisar will escape me" *

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* Next Day. *

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* "My father doesn't wish to join this fight. He says that it's not our problem" Ting spoke softly catching water from the river, it was a most beautiful day. Sakura sat beside her and watched the other women fill their water containers.

"I see" she whispered softly braiding her hair. She thought it was wrong for her father to ignore what was going on around him. Ting pushed her golden hair behind ear and stood up drying her hands off.

"I wish that it would just go anyway. I cannot loose Timothy. I love him more than life itself" Ting spoke passionately turning to look at Sakura. "I can see that you love Master Li as well, you know what it is that I speak of" Sakura was shocked that her feelings were so transparent.

"I know," she answered softly, 'but unlike you I cannot run from this war' she thought getting off the rock. "Come let's return. I'm not sure when we'll be leaving" she sighed and together they walked off.

"I wish you could stay longer, you seem like a really nice person" Ting spoke in her usual bubbly voice. Sakura could see that she was a very happy woman, probably because her father shielded her so much.

"Maybe some other time. I shall never forget this village, everyone has been kind" Sakura replied when they entered the village. It was alive with children playing, and men laughing. It seemed like there was an imaginary barrier blocking the crisis their land was going through. *

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* "You must understand that I have no wish to loose any of my people in this war. It's not our fight" Hu Fei stated in a firm tone looking at Takashi, Syaoran and Eriol. They were in his house having a private meeting; the only other man present was Timothy.

"Whether you accept it or not, this war is going to affect your people" Syaoran replied calmly. He had been trying all morning to get him to say that he would aid them in the fight but he continuously refused.

"We will fight whosoever comes to our door. We will not go out and look for trouble" Hu Fei spoke bitingly getting up from the chair he was sitting. "I will not!" Syaoran knew then and there that it was a waste of his time.

"You must understand" Timothy said in a calmer tone. They found out that he was the best warrior in the village. That was how he got Hu Fei's daughter's hand in marriage. He was a tall man, and very well built. He had curly brown hair that stopped at his ear, and crimson eyes.

"We understand. I'm afraid to say that we must be on our way" Syaoran said holding back his frown. "We're grateful for your hospitality," he said to Hu Fei who shook his head. Together they walked towards the doors.

Tomoyo and Mei Lin looked up when the guys walked out. Their things were already on their horses, they were just waiting for Sakura's return. They could see from the looks on the guys faces that they hadn't gotten anywhere with Hu Fei. "Look" Takashi spoke pointing at the sky.

Everyone looked up only to see a falcon flying towards them; "It's a messenger" Eriol said walking out to catch it. Holding out his hand, the gray and white falcon landed on his arm. He took the note out and handed it to Syaoran.

Syaoran slowly opened the letter; he reads the contents before ripping the letter up. "From the men, they are a two days behind us but are picking up speed" he stated making them shake their heads. "I'll respond" he turned and walked off leaving them.

Mei Lin looked at them knowing that their moods were going to be low from the outcome of the meeting. She looked at Takashi briefly remembering how they danced last night. She hadn't had that much fun a long time.

Shaking her head to clear them of such thoughts, she failed to see him turn to look at her. He too remembered last night, but he told himself that he was only trying to be her friend. "Here comes Sakura now" Tomoyo said making him look at her. Ting and Sakura walked slowly towards them talking animatedly.

She thought Sakura was fitting in great with men. It was clear that she held no ill feelings towards them. Nades and the others on the other hand wouldn't be as easy, she dreaded the day when she would tell them about her and Eriol. They were really going to be disappointed in them but she thought it was their decision. "What's on your mind?" she looked at Eriol with a lost expression on her features. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine" she smiled softly, he returned it taking a hold of her hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze, he assured her that he was there for her. When Eriol raised his brows at her, she giggled turning from him slightly. "I was thinking about my sisters and what they are going to say when they find out" she whispered not looking at him. Eriol's smile faded hearing those words come from her lips.

"Whatever it is, I'll be right there with you and so will Sakura and Syaoran" he stated making her look at him. "You do believe me right?"

"I do," she answered touching his face. She believed him with all her heart but deep down she knew that she would have to watch her sisters because they would harm him. She would never allow them to, and in a way she was glad that she wasn't immortal.

"Good because it's the truth," he pressed his lips against hers in a gentle kiss. Mei Lin looked away from them in envy. She wished she had something like that, but the chance of that happening was very slim. She was convinced that she was cursed; it was probably due to her father's dirty deeds.

"What's happening?" Sakura asked stopping at the steps. Ting said goodbye to her and left towards the back to place her water down.

"We're getting ready to leave" Mei Lin answered walking down the steps. "Syaoran tried to convince Hu Fei to help out but he won't agree" she sighed patting her horse gently. Sakura frowned slightly shaking her head in understanding.

"Oh" she looked at Syaoran when he sent the falcon off. He turned and looked her over slowly; she was dressed in her white tunic, black pants and boots. She shifted seeing the way he was looking at her; she could see desire in his amber eyes.

"Let's head out" he called making his way over to her. "You ready for the long ride?" he asked brushing a stray hair off her face. He thought she was the most beautiful creature alive, and she had the heart to go with it.

"As ready as I'll ever be. Just three days before we reach the capital right?" she asked softly, sighing in content at the warmth his hand produced.

"Yeah. Hopefully we'll have at least a day to prepare for Asia's men," he answered with a frown on his handsome face. Sakura leaned in and placed a simple kiss on his lips. It was the first time she had ever initiated a kiss in public.

"We will don't worry" she whispered confidently. "With a leader like you, we'll get everything accomplish" he grinned at the confidence she had in him. He felt like he could conquer the world, like he was invincible for the most part.

"With you believing in me I can do anything" she blushed cutely wrapping her arms around his torso. Inhaling his masculine scent, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment but a rigid pain shot through her being causing a scream to escape her lips. *

* She felt like she was dragged into anther world. All around her were screams; the heavens were a grizzly crimson color. She spun around trying to figure out where she was or what was going on. The ground started to shake as if an army was coming towards her.

Sakura spun around and a scream tore from her throat, before her, heading towards her from the hill was an army of millions. "Oh my god!" she screamed when they passed right through her. Spinning around, she saw that they headed towards the capital. She could feel hunger, pain, sorrow and- great evil. They seemed to swallow the capital devouring it and everyone. She was thrown off her fire when a great explosion rocked the earth. Horrendous flames shot towards the heavens, consuming the everything in it's path. *

* "Sakura!" she heard someone shouting her name. Slowly her eyes opened only to find Syaoran staring down at her with a panic stricken face. "Open your eyes" he ordered, "Look at me" he was trying to get her to focus. "Are you okay?" she was hugging him when she had suddenly cried out in pain and collapsed.

"Where-pain" she cried placing her hand over her heart. "It hurts" she swallowed the lump in her throat. Her body shook from the sight she was just given.

"Sakura, what happened?" Tomoyo asked taking her hand. Sakura turned her face towards her sister, she opened her mouth but nothing came out. "Sakura?" Ignoring Tomoyo unintentionally she looked at Syaoran sternly.

"We must leave now, the capital" she cried, he picked up her up bent on making her see a doctor. When Sakura noticed that they were heading towards the house, she cried out. "No. We must leave now, I'm fine put me down"

"She's not. Bring her right in" Hu Fei gestured opening his house door. He saw what had happened, and the girl looked ill. Syaoran stopped when Sakura gripped his shirt tightly, a glare aimed towards him.

"If you take me in there I'll get up and leave. Please" she cried desperately. "We must leave, dammit," she cursed wondering why the hell he wasn't listening to her.

"Are you sure you are okay?" Syaoran inquired only thinking about her safety. That's all he wanted at the moment, he wanted her to be fine. He didn't know what had triggered her fainting

"I'm fine. Just listen to me, we don't have time to waste" she licked her lips, "I'll ride with you" he sighed knowing that she wasn't going to give up anytime soon.

"Fine. Let's head out right now" they didn't waste any time in asking questions. "Hu Fei, thank you again" Syaoran said to him, the man shook his head and watched them in silence. Syaoran walked off carrying Sakura. He easily lifted her on the mount then hoisted himself up. She was going to ride with him until he was sure that she was fine. "Are you comfortable?" he asked shifting a little.

"Yes, I'm good" Sakura breathed in a soft tone. She dared not close her eyes in fear that the vision would come back to her. She had never had one when she was awake; they always came to her in her sleep. It seemed like every time she got them, they were stronger.

"Let's move" they rode off heading towards the exit. Hu Fei watched them go, he pushed his hands into his pocket when Timothy walked up next to him.

"Do you think we were wrong to say no?" Hu Fei asked him. He had been wondering if he was neglecting his duty, if he was showing disloyalty towards the Emperor.

"This is not our fight. We have no reason to fight" Timothy answered calmly. He looked at the figures disappearing in the distance. A cruel smile touched his lips his as his crimson eyes turned to an endless black, 'this will sustain me for a short time' he thought as a grin spread across his features. Hu Fei looked at his daughter laugh with some of her friends. The words spoken by her husband raced on his mind, did they have no reason to fight? *

* He didn't know that his reason to fight was standing right in front of him. And the cause of the fight was beside him, waiting for evoke devastation upon their happy village. In a matter of days, he would have a reason to join the battle of survival. *

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* Author's note: Not much happened in this sorry. I hope I get better soon, eck I feel horrible. Anyways I'll post the next chapter soon. Remember to review and tell me what you thought of this chappie. Action will definitely be in the next tone, and even a little bit of terror.