Chap. 11: "Mystery of East Wood"

Author's note:  Hey ya'll.  I'm so happy that you loved the last chapter. It's good to see that I can still do it LOL.  I don't really have a lot of time on my hands to write.  Most of these stories were written a long time ago.  I'm just making them longer and trying to upload them. 

It's a shame that my computer crashed.  If it hadn't I would have had a lot more stories for ya'll. I'm just gonna have to start over.  I'm still considering whether I want to continue or end it here.  I'm really not sure. (Not the Story, my writing career!!)

Anyways I hope you continue to read.  This story has a total of twenty something chapters.  I'm not going to say how many, I'll leave ya'll guessing ^_^

Mei Lin's eyes shot up in a soundless scream.  She didn't know what was happening except for the pain was gone. Her eyes darted around the dark room she was in; "Mei Lin" a familiar voice whispered looking up she saw Tomoyo sitting beside her.

She mouthed words trying to speak to her friend but no words came out.  Tomoyo smiled sadly at her, "It's okay.  You'll be able to speak soon" she assured caressing her hair gently, soothingly. "It's over" but Mei Lin could her whimpering coming from somewhere in the room.

Tomoyo looked at her sister who was lying in Syaoran's arms then Takashi who was placed on another bed.  He fell into a deep sleep from taking Mei Lin's pain away.  "She's awake" she said to everyone who was in the room.  The woman known as Yala, smiled from where she too was resting.

She from the story they got from her they now understood what had happened.  She looked at Yala, who had consumed the evil overriding Mei Lin and thrown it up.  Glancing at Takashi, she sighed sadly hoping he would wake up soon.  Her sister had seen Mei Lin's sight, her vision was gone because of what she had witnessed but it would return by dawn.  Takashi would also wake up, and Mei Lin would regain her voice.

Syaoran looked at Sakura who had fallen asleep again for the thousandth time that night.  She would always wake up screaming and he hated himself because there was nothing he could do to prevent it. "Yala" he said softly glancing at the woman who he had wanted to kill hours ago. She looked at him, "Make me take her dreams" he begged her.  "She can't even sleep, let me see what she's seeing" the woman smiled sadly at him getting up with her son's help.

"Tis not for you to see, not for you to bear" he frowned getting the same answer from her.  He opened his mouth but she spoke for him. "I know you don't care but believe me young one.  These dreams are there for a larger purpose," he almost growled but his attention was drawn to Sakura who was again awake.

"Syaoran" she whispered reaching up.  He took a hold of her hand and placed it on his cheek, a smile touched Sakura's lips.

"I'm here, I'll never leave," he whispered making her cuddle up against him.  Tomoyo closed her eyes softly and sighed wishing she could take Mei Lin's silence, Takashi's pain or Sakura's loss of sight.

                                                Angels—answer me

                                                If rain should fall.

You were ask to calm this storm…

She tried to sing but her words broke, and her voice cracked.  Every day their journey seemed to be get getting harder.  She didn't know what they would have to face next.  That thought was very scary. "It's okay" Eriol said from behind her.  He wrapped his arms around her, and she rested against him.

A single tear streamed down the side of Mei Lin's head knowing that she had caused them great pain and delay.  Closing her eyes she drifted into a light sleep, her mind in turmoil.

The Next Afternoon…

It was a beautiful day, the warmth of the sun's ray soaked into the ground, and the soft blowing breeze tapered the burden.  The tree under which Sakura sat sway back and forth from the force, it leaves singing a gentle song. Sakura looked up hearing someone coming towards her, "It's okay my child" the female voice, she guessed to be Yala, said softly sitting beside her under the tree that was just outside Yala's house.

"Why hasn't my sight returned?" Sakura asked softly, she was growing weary of it ever returning.

"It will you need to rest them, giver of life" Yala whispered softly but Sakura heard her.  Turning her head to Yala's voice she raised her brows. "I chose you well child, you and your friends will face more challenges along the way.  Do not stray from your path"

"I don't understand. Who are you?" her stomach grew uneasy feeling that this voice, this soothing voice didn't leave the mouth of the healer Yala.

"I'm your mother, your friend" the voice spoke before fading.  Sakura's eyes slowly dropped and she was fast asleep on the blanket.  The woman got up and slowly walked towards the trees disappearing into the woods, her long black tresses swaying behind her casting off a silver glare. 

Mei Lin's eyes opened, she swallowed and licked her dry lips. Something had been here, something that wasn't human.  She didn't know what it was but had a feeling it was strong. "Do you want some water?" a masculine voice asked her.  Fully opening her lids, she looked into Takashi's warm eyes. "Hey" he smiled touching her forehead.

"Hey" came her raspy response.  She tried to push herself up but her body felt like lead.  He helped her into a sitting position and placed a bowl at her lips.  She drank the water down hungrily feeling like she hadn't eaten in ages. 

He moved it from her lips but only when it was empty. "How are you feeling?" she looked at him with tired eyes.

"Good.  I feel better, what happened? Where's everyone" he eyed her closely wondering if everything was okay.  He had woken up early this morning; feeling like had survived a gruesome battle for every muscle in his body was sore.

"Outside waiting for you to wake up" he answered softly. "You had us scared Mei Lin" hearing his tone she looked into his eyes wondering what it meant. "Come let's go outside and get you something to eat.

"Okay" with his help she got to her feet.  Glancing at the old lady who was sound asleep on the bed in the corner, she walked with him towards the door.  The sun was bright, and it hurt her eyes.  Shielding them, she steps unto the ground. 

"Come" he swung her into his arms and carried her where everyone was sitting except for Syaoran.   He looked under the tree and saw that he was sitting with Sakura who was asleep.  She had been sleeping better, the night terrors coming less.

"Look who's up, how you feeling?" Tomoyo smiled when one of the brothers got up to get her food.

"Better. Thank you" Mei Lin smiled when Takashi sat her down. "I'm sorry for the troubled I've caused" she apologized when the food was placed in front of her.  It was very welcoming, and her belly growled begging for food. "Where's Sakura?"

"She's sleeping.  She's had a hard night," Eriol answered sitting behind Tomoyo. "Are you able to ride?" he asked softly knowing that they had to get under way.  Sakura had already convinced Syaoran that she could ride with him so that they didn't loose time.          

"Yes we've lost a lot of time.  We should only make it up" she answered enthusiastically.  She felt loved because they had gone through so much to help her. She didn't know the whole story but because they were still here with her she knew that they cared. "What happened to me?" she asked softly making Takashi frown. "Explain, I want to know"

He sighed knowing she wouldn't give up until he told her all that happened.

*

Syaoran stared at Sakura's serene expression praying that she would wake up with her large, beautiful emerald poles. She shifted slightly feeling his stomach, "I love you" he whispered gently brushing a strand of hair off her delicate face.

"I love you too" Sakura whispered back opening her eyes. "I can see only the shape of your face, everything is gray" she said sadly. "Don't frown" he stopped himself from doing so.

"How?" she smiled gently, reaching up to touch his lips.

"I can feel it" she answered softly with a yawn. "When do we leave?" she inquired when he took her hand in his.

"Soon.  Mei Lin is up, and she looks better. Yala is still asleep; she's been sleeping all morning.  I want to thank her before we leave" Sakura frowned slightly shaking her head. "What's the matter?"

"She spoke to me that last time I was awake.  Are you sure she's been sleeping all morning?" Sakura asked. he lost his smile hearing that from her. 

"Yes." He couldn't believe some woman had come here without them knowing. "Sakura, are you sure? I've been keeping an eye on you all day I didn't see anybody" he spoke knowing that he hadn't taken his eyes off her once.

"I must be mistaken, I was probably dreaming," she whispered shaking her head. "Yeah that's it" she wasn't convinced that she was dreaming because it hadn't felt like a dream at all.  She hugged him around the torso and inhaled his masculine scent.  

Syaoran looked towards the house when Yala finally came out.  "Come Yala is awake.  It's about time that we got on way" they got up together and he swung her tiny body into his strong arms.  Sakura rested her head against his chest, never in her life had she ever self so useless. 

"You were waiting on me were you not?" Yala spoke with a soft smile on her lips.  Mei Lin looked at the lady who had saved her and got up.  Walking over to her on shaky legs, she took her hands in her trembling ones.

"I want to thank you with all my heart" she said not knowing how she could express how grateful she was. "Yala-san, I don't know how to thank you"

"Don't worry child. I know, I know trust me" she winked at Mei Lin. "You've got some loyal friends, they are quite hard to come by" Yala said in a soft tone.

"I know I'm blessed to have them" she smiled at the woman letting go of her hands.  Takashi and the others walked over to them. Takashi held Mei Lin by the shoulders so she didn't collapse, he could tell that she was still pretty weak.

"You have to leave I know.  Your journey is quite important" Yala said before anyone spoke up.  She looked at all of them knowing the prophecy. "If you go through Gita, go see my sister Hala.  She'll be awaiting for your visit" Syaoran shook his head. 

"We want to thank you again," he said to the lady who smiled warmly at them.

"Don't, you saved those trapped souls.  It's the least I could do. You must get on your way" she shooed them.  They knew she was right they had lost a lot of time already.  Eriol and Tomoyo went to get everything packed up.  They were the only two who were free, Syaoran had to watch Sakura, and they had to watch Takashi and Mei Lin closely.  "Remember this is only the beginning, it'll get harder trust me" she said softly to them. "You must be strong, and stick together"

"We will Yala" Sakura smiled following the woman's soft voice.  Yala looked at the young girl, she knew her age but she was still a child in the ways of the world.   She was given a great destiny that only she could carry out with the help of her dear beloved friends.    Alex looked at his mother who smiled softly at him. 

"Li-san" He said stepping forwards.  Syaoran looked at the man that was probably his age.  He was a bit shorter than he but he was well built and looked like he could fight nonetheless.  "I have something to ask of you," he continued standing like a soldier.  He had on baggy black pants, black boots and a gray pheasant shirt.

"Yes?" Alex gulped seeing the stern look in Syaoran's eyes.

"I want to accompany you on your journey" he answered finding his voice.  Sakura frowned slightly hearing that come from his lips. Yala wasn't surprised because she knew the spirit of her son, he wasn't like his brother, he wanted to fight.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea.  This is a dangerous thing" Syaoran replied not wanting to loose more lives than needed. 

"I want this.   I am capable. I would go but I haven't anyone to travel with.  I can fight, I'm skilled with the staff and sword" Alex replied in a confident tone. "With Sakura, Mei Lin and Takashi recovering you'll need the extra help.  Give me the chance" Sakura could hear the pleading in his voice.  She knew that this was Syaoran's decision; she wished Alex didn't want to come.  It was a shame to loose a young soul in such a gruesome battle. "Don't deny me that right to fight for the survival of my people and my freedom"

"I cannot deny you the right.  You must understand that if you come with us there's no turning back" Syaoran spoke firmly, his face void of any emotion.

"I understand"

"Very well.  Get ready we're leaving now" Alex shook his head and turned to his mother.  He knew he didn't have to say anything to her.

"I shall be waiting for your return," she whispered when he hugged her tightly.   He shook his head and went to his brother.

"Be safe" the man spoke in a deep voice.  He couldn't leave their mother because he had to protect her from harm.   "Don't do anything stupid, and find yourself a wife"

"I will" Alex said before whistling.  Behind the house a black horse appeared trotting towards them.  They could see that Alex was packed and ready for the trip, Syaoran wondered what he would have done if he had said no?

Shaking his head he hoped that taking this young man along they had another good hand to help in the fight.  He hoped he was doing the right thing…



Eriol stopped Tomoyo and made her look at him.  Staring into her amethyst eyes he saw fear. "I know," he whispered gently touching her face.

"Do you?" she asked in uncertainty. "Every day it's getting harder, what if some of us don't make it?" he knew that she, Sakura and Syaoran would make out of them because they had gifts. "I don't want you think that way" she hissed knowing what he was thinking. "I don't know what I would do if you got hurt"

"I can't say that I won't because this is a battle.  There will be causalities" that's not what she wanted to hear but he was speaking the truth. 

"Oh Eriol" she cried throwing her arms around his torso.  He hugged her tightly, she wasn't the only one weary of the future he was as well. "Why must we go through so much? Why?"  She whispered softly but he heard every word.

"I don't know but you mustn't loose faith.  Don't Tomoyo" he stated in a firm tone. "We must all have faith, and trust in the other" she shook her head because he was right.  She needed to have faith in them.  They were better as a team rather than apart.  She wished it would all be over so that they might lead a normal life. "Come on. Let's mount" he said when the others started towards them.

"Yeah, I love you" she smiled into his eyes.  Bending his head, a pressed a soft kiss to her lips. 

"And I you" he replied with a sincere smile. "Come now" placing his hands on her hips he hoisted her unto her mount.  Turning he saw that the others were also mounting.   He watched as Takashi helped Mei Lin mount before her got on behind her.  There was something between the two but he knew that it wasn't his place to inquire.

"Ready?" Syaoran called looking at him.  

"Yeah" he answered getting on his horse.  Taking hold of his reins he waved bye.  Yala and her son.

Yala and her eldest son watched them ride off.  They stay where they were until they disappeared out of site. "Do you think they'll succeed mother?" her eldest inquired looking at his mother.  He prayed that his brother would be safe.

"I don't know my son, only time will tell" she answered wisely a smile touching her lips. "Only time" she whispered knowing that this was a battle for survive.   She knew that all of them weren't going to survive but it was a sacrifice one had to make.

*
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Nades…

She looked at the scorching sun that was high in the noon sky.  Today was a horrible day, the temperature was unbearable and the people intolerable.  Glancing to her side, she noticed the forest they were passing.  A frown touched her lips as she wondered if she was seeing things.  Glancing at Tilda and Joe, she knew that they too saw something move in the words.

The men around them were oblivious to what was happening around them. Alan who knew was all the way in the front line with his top guys. 'Please be our sisters' she thought silently closing her eyes.

Tilda watched the movement in the forest and sighed sadly when it disappeared.  They would be passing the Azul Forest for the next couple of days.  She wondered where the girls were, and if they were safe. She knew that Rakanis was no doubt after them.  She hoped that they wouldn't let their guard down.

Two girls raced through the damp forest ground.  Their feet landed silently on the ground before leaving no evidence of ever touching it. They smirked at each other before going separate ways.

Breaking through the woods they came upon their camp.  Women walked around doing chores or were battling each other.  They walked towards the largest hut in the village. "Sister" one called out making a tall, slender woman walked forward.

"What have you seen?" she spoke in a regal voice.  They bowed before looking at her again.  She was their Queen.  She had long red hair, piercing crimson eyes and a tone body.

"Kaho.  They have the sisters though two are still missing" a redheaded beauty answered, her brown eyes bright with mischief. 

"I see.  Rika, Lana I have a quest for you" Kaho said getting their attention.  She knew that she had to get the sisters away.  From since she was a girl she knew her people cherished them.

"Anything sister" Lana spoke in a happy tone.  She brushed long silver hair over her shoulders, her light blue eyes bouncing with joy.  She was a beauty in their tribe, and was named to be the next ruler.

"I want you to find the other sisters.  You must get them to come here, we have to get them all together" Kaho stated making them nod.  "They should be on their way to the capital no doubt.  If you listen to the winds you'll catch their chants.  Tell them that we're going to rescue their sisters," she explained softly knowing that they would have to plan their escape. 

She didn't want to enter the fight but from the news flying on the winds.  It was clear that everyone was going to have to fight if they wanted to survive. "Right" Rika answered in a determined tone.  She had always wanted to meet the sisters.  She held her staff erect, her skimpy skirt showing off her shapely legs.

"You must leave immediately.  There isn't anytime to loose" she spoke looking at her people.  This was be the first time in their long history where they would join men in fighting…

The Gang…

"Wow really?" Tomoyo said in a soft tone. "You don't say?" she giggled holding out her hand. "I want to thank you," she said to the little girl in front of her. 

"Your welcome" the girl giggled showing her missing front teeth.  "You're pretty," she said touching Tomoyo's cheek.  They were in a small town called East Wood.  They had only three more towns before they would reach the capital.

"Tomoyo!" she looked hearing her name only to see Mei Lin waving to her from the inn.  Standing up she smiled warmly at the girl.

"I have to go now.  Thank you for the flower, remember to give the money to your mamma" she spoke poking her playfully on the nose.   The girl giggled and shook her head vigorously before running off.  Tomoyo watched her head of bouncing red curls before she walked off.  This seemed like a wonderful town, the people were really friendly. "At least we don't have to worry about any kind of danger for a little while" she sighed running her hand through her hair.

Mei Lin watched Tomoyo walked toward her wondering why she had been bending down in the middle of the road.  Shaking her head she looked at the fading sun, it had been a long day.  She wanted nothing more than rest; heaving a sigh she walked to meet Tomoyo.

Sakura yawned and stretched, opening her eyes she smiled at Syaoran's handsome facing staring down at her. "Hey" she whispered softly.

"You can see me?" he asked in a surprised tone.  Sakura giggled sitting up, looking out the window she saw that it was night. They had left Yala's over a day ago, her son Alex was really good company. 

"Yep" she answered when he sat her side.  Syaoran brushed her hair from her beautiful eyes. "How's everyone?" she asked him, leave it up to her to ask about everyone right away.

"They're worried about you.  It'll be good news for them to know that you're finally able to see" he stated thrilled that she was finally able see again.   Sakura looked him in the eyes when he bent his head and kissed her softly on the lips.   She smiled in it wrapping her arms around his neck.

Pulling apart she smiled warmly at him. "How long are we going to stay here for?" she inquired softly pulling her eyes from his lips to his eyes.

"Just for the night"

 What's that racket outside?" she asked hearing the sound of music drifting through the windows.   She could see lights but hadn't a clue what it could be.

"Some kind of celebration.  We were waiting to see if you got your sight back.  It's a celebration from the old world.  The girls wanted to walk around and see what it was like and what it had to offer" he explained helping her off the bed and over to the window.

"Wow" she gasps looking the beautifully dressed people. "Oh let's go" she grabbed a hold of his hand and pulled him towards the door.  Syaoran stopped making her come to a halt, she looked at him with an annoyed face. "Syaoran" she whined wanting to use her sight.

"Come here" she yelped in surprise.  He pulled her off her feet and right into his arms.  Giggling she wrapped them around his neck. "I love you," he said softly resting his forehead against hers.

"I love you too" she replied in a happy tone. "I want always to be with you," she continued with her eyes closed.  "We can go down later, let's stay up here for a while. Hmmm?" she whispered softly pressing her lips against his.

"I would love nothing more cherry blossom" he carried her over to the bed and laid her down.  Lying beside her he gently stroked her long luscious tresses.   Sakura stared into his burning amber poles and felt herself being drawn to them.

"Love Me," she whispered pulling him towards her hungry lips…


Mei Lin sat on the porch and watched as couples walked by hand in hand.  Glancing at Takashi who was sitting at the other end she sighed sadly.  Closing her eyes she wondered what was wrong with her.  "What's the matter? Are you feeling ill?" opening her eyes she saw that it was Alex.

"No I'm okay" she smiled turning her eyes back to the street.

"It's a beautiful festival isn't it?" he spoke taking a seat beside her.  She shook her head in full agreement. "I went to look for Tomoyo and Eriol but there's not a site.  Do you want to go with me and look around?" he offered knowing that she wanted to go but hadn't anyone to go with.

"I would love that. I don't want to wonder off alone" she admitted with a laugh.  He grinned shaking his head in full agreement.

"I'm the same.  It's far too dangerous to be wondering off alone in these times.  Come on, let's see what they have to offer" she got up slowly and shook out her skirt.   This was one of the few times she had a chance to wear a skirt and blouse and she was going to take it. 

"Where do you want to go first?" he offered holding out his hand.  Smiling she placed her hand on his and they walked off like a refined gentlewoman and man.  


Takashi stood at the other end.  He knew that Mei Lin wanted to go to the festival.  He wanted to take her but he couldn't trust himself to.  He glanced her sitting by herself, and how lovely she looked dressed in the simple skirt and blouse. "What's wrong with me?" he hissed running his hand through his hair.

He couldn't make any sense of his jumbled feelings. Growling he decided that he would take her and it was only going to be a friendly offer.  But when he turned, he saw her walking off with Alex.  Clenching his fists, he watched her laugh with him, and how she took his offer and allowed him to hold her hand. "It's for the best," he whispered walking away.   Walking through the door he headed up the stairs to the room he shared with no one.  He needed to get his mind off Mei Lin, and think about Sonya and Teko. 

Outside the Town…

A small army belonging to Asia had finally caught up them.  They were hours from the harbor town, and they were ready to kill and burn everything in site.  "This is going to be a great victory for Master" their general whispered with a cruel smile upon his lips…

Syaoran/Sakura…

They jump apart when there was loud knock on the door.  "Hold on" he called when Sakura sat up pulling his large shirt on.  She pulled the sheets over her legs when Syaoran pulled his pants on. "Enter," he said sitting on the bed to put his shoes on. Eriol walked in with a grave look on his face ignoring the way they were dressed. Tomoyo and Takashi walked up behind him but didn't fully enter.

 "There's something wrong" Eriol said in a hard tone.  "There's something wrong with this town" Syaoran frowned hearing that come from his lips. 

"We seem to be getting that a lot," he muttered getting up from where he was sitting.  Walking to the window he looked outside to find that the street was empty. "Where'd everyone go?" he asked glancing around the empty streets. He hadn't noticed when the music stopped along with laughter he was too caught up in Sakura.  Worn decorations hung about the place, some lying on the ground with dust covering them.

"That's what I mean.  A moment ago it was buzzing with people but now it's empty" he answered wondering what the hell was going on.  Sakura got out of bed and walked to the window in Syaoran's shirt that reached her knees.  She glanced around slowly, it seemed as if this town had been abandoned decades ago.  She didn't see anyone or hear anything it seemed as if this was some kind of ghost town.   She walked from the window to get her boots. 

"We don't know where Mei Lin and Alex are," Tomoyo spoke in a soft tone.  Eriol and Takashi exited the room so Sakura could get dressed.

"We have to find them" Sakura spoke getting her sword.  Picking up Syaoran's she handed it to him.  She wondered if there was ever going to be one day when they would come to a normal village.

"Let's go downstairs" Syaoran said taking Sakura's hand.  Together they walked out the door where Eriol and Takashi were standing in the hallway.  They slowly made their way down the stairs but came to a halt when they reached the bottom.

"What the hell, a moment ago this place was empty" Takashi whispered glancing at all the people in the tavern.   He felt a chill ran up his spine listening to the laughter and music.  Turning to look at the others he saw that they were just as dumbfounded.

"I think we should get out this town immediately" Eriol spoke making them shake their heads in agreement.  Tomoyo looked out the window only to see the same little girl staring at her through it.  She smiled at her and waved before ducking.

"Hold on" she walked off leaving them to follow.  Walking out the door she saw the little girl sitting on the steps. "Hey" she said sitting beside her.  She was staring intently at the people passing by. 

"Hi again" the girl replied in soft tone.  This time her wild red hair was combed and gently pulled back into a ponytail.  Tomoyo looked at her dress and saw that it was clean, and pretty with frills and ribbons.   She couldn't believe this was the same little girl she met earlier who was in rags with unruly hair.

"What's going on in this town?" she inquired making the girl look at her with a lost expression.

"Oh nothing. Don't you like it here? It's the perfect place to live.  I used to hate it but life has gotten better" she babbled in a happy tone. "This is the festival of All Saints"

"What's that?" she inquired never hearing about such a celebration before. 

"It's to remember all the men that died in the hundred year war like my papa" she whispered softly making Tomoyo's eyes widen.  The girl continued like she hadn't noticed the change, she was lost in thought. "Those men were cruel, so very cruel to us.  Yes they were, they just had to go and ruin our very special celebration" her voice was filled with sadness, and pent up anger.

Tomoyo was about to ask another question when the little girl and everyone else around them vanished.  "Come here Tomoyo" Eriol said softly reaching out for her hand.  Tomoyo took it and walked slowly to him. 

"Let's find Mei Lin and Alex so we can get the hell out of here" Syaoran stated in a firm tone making them shake their heads…

Mei Lin laughed as Alex twirled her around on the dance floor.  They tried their best not to bump into anyone but it was impossible with how packed it was. "Watch it" she shouted as they swiftly moved pass a couple.

"It's hard keeping up with you" Alex spoke twirling her around.  Mei Lin laughed closing her eyes; she loved the feeling of wind flowing through her hair when she danced.

"You'll have to if you want to be my partner" she chorused feeling Alex slow down. "Alex?" she opened her eyes only to find him staring off like most of the people dancing.  Turning she saw what he was staring at.  A hill not too far away was filled with men staring down at them.  A chill ran down her spine knowing that this was trouble. "What do we do?"

"Move slowly" he whispered tightening his hold on her hand.  Before she could take a step, the people around them vanished. Mei Lin felt her blood run cold, "I didn't just see that"

"I did!" she gasped pulling him off towards the inn.  She wasn't going to stick around and watch people vanish and reappear.  They made it about ten feet when the people who had vanished reappeared but this time they were in panic. 

"Hold on to me" Alex shouted pushing through people who were frantically running down the hill. 

"Alex!" she screamed loosing a hold of his hand.  Frantic people carried her away, her feet seemed as if they weren't touching the ground.  Fear raced through her as she struggled to gain her footing.

"Mei Lin!" he shouted searching for her but there was no sign.  He looked around him only to see houses caught on fire.  Riders on large horses appeared with huge weapons.  They rode through the crowd and slashed at those who were in their way.  He couldn't make sense of their attire but when one was close enough he saw Asai's black crow insignia.

People fell the ground in great numbers; their screams filled the night air.  He looked around him not able to believe this was happening.  He looked up only to see a horseman riding towards him.  He pulled his sword and swung at him only to find that it went right through. "Holy shit" he cursed, his eyes widening in shock.  The horse man looked at as a horrid crackle escaped his lips, his horse on it's hind legs.

Mei Lin pushed people, falling to her knees she stared wide eyes at  a little girl crying in the streets. Her face was covered with blood, her white night gown drenched in warm crimson liquid. "Mama" she cried tearing Mei Lin's heart apart. 

Pushing herself up, she ran to the little girl feeling her eyes burn with tears.  "I've got you," she whispered hugging the child to her bosom.  "I've got you.  It's okay" she soothed ignoring all the chaos around her.

Smoke soared to the heavens as Alex attacked men on horses that his sword went through. And Mei Lin clutched to a little girl who had lost her parents.  Sorrow filled the night drowning out the happiness that had once resided there. "I want my mama, I want my mama' the girl cried in her arms.

Syaoran and the others ran up the hill searching for any sign of their friends.  Coming around the corner they were shocked to see Alex attacking the air and Mei Lin hugging something that wasn't there…


Author's note:  I know I said that the next chapter would have more mushy stuff but it's going to be in the next chapter.  I don't have time to change the chapter to make more mushy stuff.  If I did it would have taken me longer to update.  Don't worry I'm going to put mushy stuff in the upcoming chapter.  It's already written with romance but I'll try to add more to quench ya'll thirst.  I hope you liked this chapter.  Remember to review it inspires me!!!! ^_^