Chap. 13: "The Forbidden Forest"

Author's note:  Hey.  I want to thank everyone who continues to read.  I just wanted to upload this chapter and get it out of the way.  I hope you enjoyed it.  Umlizin I've got a long way to go.  I want it to go fast but it's moving so unbelievably slow!

LiLDragongurl28:  I know what you mean about having tons of plots running wild in your mind while you try to finish a story.  That's why I'm trying to complete this so I can see what comes of my ideas.  I'm dying for your update.  I hope your writer's block goes away soon, I really want to know what's going to happen.  Good luck!

 It was beautiful day, not only because it was warm and the night sky was dotted with millions of star but also because the group had fallen upon a normal town—yes a normal town.  Sherry Wood lay outside the Forbidden Forest, where they would be heading soon. "I could stay here forever," Mei Lin said sinking into the warm bath water.

"Me too" Tomoyo sighed in agreement washing her long black tresses.  "It's been a while since we've had a warm bath" they shook their heads in agreement enjoying the hot bath.  They had not only stopped in Sherry Wood for a bath and to relax but it happened that another Clan was in town.  

Syaoran and the guys were currently talking to them in private.  It wasn't good to have females present so they had to stay behind but they cared not.  Sakura was staring at the heavens, a soft whistle left her lips but it was in vain because it wouldn't reach anywhere. " Do you think they are okay?" she inquired softly looking at Mei Lin and Tomoyo.

"If they are anything like you I'm sure they are fine" Mei Lin spoke confidently making Sakura smile. "You guys are the best fighters I've ever seen.  I wish I was as good as you"

"Trust me if you were as old as us you would be too" Tomoyo pointed out making Mei Lin and Sakura laugh.  "I think we should enjoy this rest we've got.   I know that we have to move fast to get our sisters but we can't run ourselves dry.  We wouldn't be any good to them"

"You're right" Sakura sighed getting out of the water. "I'm going back to the room" They watched her go and sighed.  Tomoyo knew she was getting restless and understood. 

"Is she okay?" Mei Lin inquired worriedly.

"She's fine" Tomoyo assured knowing that Sakura was just homesick from not being with Nades and the others in such a long time.  She was growing tired as well; she wanted to be with them again.  She was scared though because she didn't know how they would act when they found out about Eriol and Syaoran.

Syaoran…*

"I insist that we travel with you Li.  It's for the best" the Wu Tang Clan leader spoke.  He was as old as Syaoran's father would be if he hadn't died.  He looked at the man trying not to scowl.

"We have to move fast.  We can't be held back" he replied in a bored tone. "I know you mean well Wu Fei but we have a lot to do before going to the capital" he explained as briefly as he could.  He wasn't about to explain that his fiancée was immortal and they had to rescue her sisters from a great evil.

"It would be smarter if we were all to travel in the same group.  At least travel with us through the Forbidden Forest.  We'll need all the men we can get to make it through there safely.  You and I have been through there before but most of my men haven't" Syaoran didn't want to be dragged into slowing down. 

They were having the meeting in his room since, as they couldn't trust anywhere else.  He glanced at the Wu Fei's son Kenji and frowned.  They had never gotten along.  It seemed that Kenji always held some kind of hatred for him. 

They looked at the door when Sakura walked in.  She looked up surprised to see them.  She hadn't known the meeting was being held in their room.  The men present took notice of her; most of them were Wu Fei's generals. "Don't you know how to knock?" Wu Fei snapped glaring at her.  Kenji's eyes filled with lust as he took in her beautiful face.  When taking notice of her choice of clothing he was even more entrance in the simple green dress she had on.

"I would if this weren't my room" Sakura replied in a soft tone glancing at Syaoran. "I'm sorry for intruding.  I hadn't known the meeting was in this room" a moment later Mei Lin and Tomoyo showed up at the door laughing.  It died when they took notice of the men in the room.

"Why don't you be good ladies and leave?" one of the generals barked making Sakura's eyes narrow.  Syaoran and the guys sighed knowing that she was growing irritated in having them talk to her in such a way.

"Who are they? I hadn't know you were traveling with females" Wu Fei spoke in a surprised tone glancing at Syaoran. "When you said group I assumed it was all male.  They must be a burden" he spoke in a said tone.

"I would gladly take her off your hands Li" Kenji smiled winking at Sakura who look disgusted. 

"Not necessary" Syaoran spat glaring at Kenji. "Wu Fei I want to introduce you to the rest of our group Sakura, Tomoyo and Mei Lin.  They are some of the few female's fighters with great skills in the art.  Don't let their looks fool you" the man looked at the three females, dressed like dense women and couldn't believe.

"It's forbidden" Wu Fei spat in an angry tone. "You know the rules. Women aren't supposed to get in involved in war matters. Li, I'm surprised" Sakura rolled her eyes walking towards the bedroom. 

"I think you've lost your mind.  Women can't fight.  They have no use but for the bed" Kenji laughed making all three come to a halt. They turned and looked Kenji over slowly.

"I bet we could beat you with one had tied behind our backs" Mei Lin laughed smiling evilly at him. "Really I do hate men who are so pig headed" she rolled her eyes knowing that she was being rude but she cared not.  "It's about time men realized that we are your equals and should be treated accordingly"

"Equals?" Kenji spat in disgust. "Women are nothing but whores.  I know you" he spoke looking at Mei Lin. "You're the nitwit who got dumped by Li for some other woman" he laughed making Mei Lin's anger boil.

"That's enough" Syaoran barked glaring coldly at Kenji.  His words burnt Mei Lin because in a way it was true. "We were simply not a match.  We're partners and friends" he spat clenching his fists. "And if you insult them again I'll enjoy watching them tear you apart" he ended getting his anger under control.  Turning he looked at them, "You can stay your input is requested"

"On what subject?" Tomoyo asked.  Mei Lin was still shocked that Syaoran had come to her rescue.  She was under the impression that he didn't like her at all.  It was a good thing that he thought of her as a friend.

"They want us to join them through the Forbidden Forest"

"They would only slow us down" Sakura said dismissing the subject with a wave of the hand. 

"Why you little" Kenji started glaring at Sakura.

"Don't you dare consider disrespecting my fiancée" Syaoran warned in biting tone shocking Wu Fei and his men.  They hadn't known he had taken another fiancée.  Kenji looked at Sakura who glowered at him before walking through the door.  Tomoyo and Mei Lin followed her.  "Now.  If you dare insult them again this meeting is through"


Later…


Mei Lin sat on the roof and stared off into the distance. The town was lighted by the few lights, some danced through the windows of inns that lined the street.  The sound of laughter and activity surrounded her, giving off a serene feeling. Tonight had been fun with the group just relaxing but she felt lonely.  Hearing a soft rustling behind her she turned around, "Did I scare you?" Takashi asked walking over to her.

"No" she smiled when he sat down beside her.  She hadn't expected him to come up here just to talk with her.  Or maybe he wanted to find somewhere private to gather his thoughts.

 "What are you doing up here?" he inquired in a soft tone.  She pulled her legs to her chest and closed her eyes inhaling the crisp night air.

"Thinking about life.  It's not everyday we actually get a chance to relax" she answered in a soft tone.  He shook his head in full agreement.  "What's the matter?"

"I've been having this strange feeling like something is wrong but I don't know what it is" he stated looking at the large full moon.  He felt better talking with her even though it wasn't a serious conversation. "Why didn't you go with Alex?" he asked before he could stop himself.  Mentally he chided himself knowing that it wasn't his place to ask her.

"I didn't feel in the dancing mood that's all" he was surprised hear that from her lips.  He thought she loved dancing more than anything.

"I'm surprised," she laughed at his tone when they noticed Syaoran and Sakura walking down the street.

Syaoran held Sakura's hand firmly in his as they made their way down the crowded street. "Hey talk to me," he said getting her attention.   He had been able to tell that something was bothering her.  She sighed sadly looking at him.

I'm starting to think that we'll never reach my sisters.  We've been met with so much trouble and it's slowing us down" she said in a sad tone. "Syaoran, what if they are already you know—I mean what if he's hurt them already" he could hear that she was scared.

"We're going as fast we can" he spoke but somehow knew that it wasn't truth.  They could move a lot faster if they weren't having so much difficulty. It was like some force was trying to keep them from ever reaching the capital. "We'll move faster.   I'll tell Wu Fei that we have to move faster.  He'll have to understand"

"He'll be angry," she pointed out in a soft tone.  He smiled coming to a stop.  Wrapping his arms around her waist he pulled her to him.  "I'm being serious here"

"I know but I don't care if he blows a fuse.  Your family is much more important.  We'll leave here before dawn.  Now all I want to do is spend the rest of the night with you just being us" he got out in a husky tone.  She smiled warmly looking deeply into his eyes.

"I would like that, no ghosts, demons or monsters" she joked wrapping her arms around his neck.  Tiptoeing she grinned, "What are you waiting for?" she teased making his laugh capturing her lips in a soft, sweet kiss.

"So sweet" he murmured between kisses.  Sakura giggled sighing in content, when he pulled her off her feet she laughed pulling back from the kiss. "What do you want to do?" he asked as she dangled inches from the ground.

"Anything as long as it's with you" she answered simply, in a sincere tone.  Syaoran gazed into her beautiful eyes and knew he couldn't wait until she was his wife.  That would be the happiest day of his life.

"Let's walk for now, we'll think of something" he spoke gently placing her on the feet.  Sakura shook her head readily before they walked off.  Glancing at the inn behind them, she saw Tomoyo and Eriol disappear through the doors.

Tomoyo…

Held Eriol's hand securely as they made their way up the stairs.  Just being with him eased all her fears.  She wished that things would end so that they might have a chance at a regular life together.  Sighing silently, she looked up feeling his eyes on her.  She wished he wouldn't look at her in such a way. "What's wrong love?" he asked worriedly opening their room door.

"Thinking about us" she answered walking over to the bed when he closed the door.

"What about us?" he inquired when she sat down.  Tomoyo clasped her hands tightly unto her lap and looked at him.  Silently she searched for the words to express how she was currently feeling but none came to mind. "Come now, is it the mission that's bothering you?"

"No" she admitted softly. "I've accepted that. It's the uncertainty" she admitted sadly.  Eriol walked over to her and sat besides her, gently taking her hands in his. "You know I love you, and I know you love me but what if"

"Don't say that" he spoke wanting her to stop thinking such thoughts.

"No I want think about it.  I might never, I might never" she couldn't continue so instead she looked into his eyes. "We might never have a life together" she whispered quietly.  He saw the pained look in her eyes, and he wished he could make it go away.

"I know that it might seem challenging but as long as we don't give up it's going to be okay"

"How do you know that?" she cried in a frustrated tone going to get up but he prevented her from doing so.

"I don't, all I have is my hope and love for you," he answered making her look into his smoldering blue eyes. "And it's all I need" he whispered reaching up to caress her cheek.

"Is it?" she inquired softly.  He shook his head and leaned into her, Tomoyo allowed him to kiss her tenderly.  She moved closer to him, and returned it, gently moving her lips against his.  Breaking away, they looked into each other's eyes. "I want to be yours," she whispered in soft, pleading tone.

"You are mine" moving his hand behind her neck, he kissed her passionately lowering her to the bed.  Tomoyo felt herself being lowered but was lost in the raging emotions the kiss brought about her raging soul.

Eriol moved the kiss from her lips, attacking her neck with feather like pecks. "Eriol" she breathed biting her bottom lip. He responded by gently biting her skin, sending shudders through her body.

Closing her eyes, she lavished in the sensations at work in her form.  Their shadows bounced off the walls, as the candle flame dance harmoniously.   Tomoyo's moans filled the room, her nails dug into Eriol's back as his hand moving over her body.

Her breathing was uneven, and body quivered from the rapture he aroused in her soul.  Their bodies moved in sync, shadowing shifting on the walls.  The once chilled room became an inferno of pleasure.

Her soul was filled with his essence, and her need for him soared to the heavens.  Her hunger escaped in her moans, and he responded by driving into her with swift thrusts.  Every touch, every kiss seared her flesh.  Her body was alive, and their cry of pleasure filled the tiny room ending their ecstasy.


*Rika…the Amazon…

She landed soundlessly on top of a building.  Glancing around she sniffed the air getting a strong scent from the sisters. "They are here" she spoke looking at Lana who was beside her.  She shook her head in agreement.

"Let's find them then" Lana said jumping over the side of the building.  Rika sighed following her leader.  They were the same age but Lana had more authority.  Jumping over the edge, she landed silently on the ground. 

They walked to the edge of the shadows, and stared into the crowded street, their presence going unnoticed.  "Come" Lana spoke and they walked out the light.  They ignored the looks they got for their revealing clothing.  Man made hoot calls at them, and it was by force that they refrained from killing them. "Let's split up"

"Right.  We'll meet back at our horses" Rika said before they separated.  She headed towards the east side of the village while Lana would visit the inns.  Sighing she inhaled deeply catching the scent of one of the sisters.

She disappeared into the ally, walking slowly in the darkness she looked at the path she came upon.  It lead into the woods, following the scent that was stronger she made as little noise as  possible. 

When a river came into view, she kneeled inhaling.  This spot was filled with the familiar scent but there was no sign.  She was about to turn, when something in the water caught her attention.  Watching closely, her eyes widened when a pinkish red light appeared in the water mixing in with a soft green.  "What's this?" she frowned slightly narrowing her eyes. 

Her breath caught noticing that it was two people making love in the water.  Their moans drifted to her sensitive hearing making her mouth drop open.   She could only see the upper half of their body from the gentle moonlight. "It couldn't be" she gasp moving back when a branch broke getting their lovers attention.

Sakura's moan softly left her lips as her lover filled her.   Her breathing came in short gasps, and the cool water around them turned warm from her heated body. 

Syaoran's kissed seared her flesh, he held unto her tightly by the waist driving her down to meet his thrusting.  She threw her head back feeling her body convulse.  The stars blurred, and a cry of passion tore from her throat. "Gods" he whispered placing a kiss on her neck.  She smiled faintly looking at him with a gentle, passionate filled gaze.

"I love you" she whispered when he captured her lips in a soft kiss.  They got lost in the other but the moment was broken when a twig snapped in the shadows.  Breaking apart, both frowned knowing that something had been watching them.

They were foolish to let their guard down.  They knew that it wasn't evil because they would have felt it. "Careful" Syaoran whispered making her shake her head slowly.


Rika swallowed wondering if she had seen things right.    There was no way she had just seen on of the sisters making love to a MAN.  It was simply impossible.  She turned to flee, when a sword glinted at her neck.  Holding back a cry of shock at how fast the man had moved, she looked at his glowing green sword, his amber eyes stealing through the darkness. She could feel the frown that was upon his lips. "Who are you?" he bit out coldly. 

"Rika" she answered in a soft tone knowing that she was at his hand.  There was nothing she could do to get away from his sword.  Her eyes wondered over his frame, a blush tinted her cheeks seeing the shirt that was wrapped around his waist. 

"Who was it?" a female voice asked from behind.  Rika turned slowly only to see that her eyes hadn't been playing tricks with her.  She gazed into the eyes of the same girl she met when she was only ten.   She knew it was forbidden for them to travel or talk to a man but to make love to one!

"My name is Rika, I'm from Amazonia" Sakura's eyes widened looking at the girl in front of her.  She knew this couldn't be good; an Amazon, an extension of their Komisar family, caught her making love to a man.   Syaoran looked at Sakura's eyes and saw worry. 

"What's wrong?" he inquired making her look at him.  She swallowed softly wondering how many more was in town.

"She's fine.  She's from a family of ours" Sakura answered making him lower his sword.  Rika got to her feet when Syaoran walked off to dress properly. "What are you doing all the way out here?" she asked the girl.  Rika could see that she didn't recognize her.

Looking for you and Tomoyo.   You don't remember me but I'm the daughter of Kaho" she answered making Sakura frown looking thoughtful.  When it dawned on her she flushed from pure embarrassment.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that sister" she apologized. "I hadn't recognize you, you've grown much" she spoke glancing at the girl in front of her.  Rika frown slightly, she wondered if she should tell Lana about what she had just witnessed. "I know what you must think"

"You haven't a clue what I'm thinking" Rika spat coldly making Sakura wince in shame.  She wondered if this was what she was going to feel when Nades and the others found out what she had done.  "You've betrayed our code of honor dealing with a man" Syaoran walked up having heard every word the girl spoke.  He could feel Sakura's mood dropping back the second.

"Look here" he started wanting to defend Sakura but his lover held her hand up silencing him.  He frowned wondering why she was talking such crap from the girl in front of them.

"You're right," she admitted surprising Syaoran and Rika. "I have broken my peoples code of honor," she admitted in a sad tone holding back tears. "There's nothing that can be done about it. I do not regret.  And this is not your concern girl" she spoke her voice getting firm. 

Rika knew that she was her elder and had no right to talk back to her.  She inclined her head but didn't speak a word. "What's your business?"

"I'm here to tell you that my sisters are going to free Nades and the others.  Mother wants you to join us" she answered giving the girl the message.  

"Right. Come" Sakura took Syaoran's hand and they walked off. She wasn't going to be ashamed of what she'd done with Syaoran because it was her decision.  Rika looked at the couple before she followed them. 

Absently she wondered what was going on. She knew that it wasn't odd for their kind to mate with man to produce females.  'That must be it' she thought thinking Sakura just wanted a girl.  Shaking her head, she decided that it must have been what was going on. 

She watched them before picking up speed to walk beside them.  She walked beside Sakura not feeling safe beside Syaoran.  She didn't like men; she was grown up to hate their kind.  It was men who always hurt her people.  "How long have you been traveling?" Sakura inquired softly when they walked unto the street.

"About a day tis all" she answered when the inn came into view. "I'm here with my sister. She went to look for Tomoyo"

"I see" Sakura whispered hoping that Lana hadn't found Tomoyo and Eriol in a compromising position. Lana wouldn't be as obedient as Rika had been.   When they walked up the steps they walked through the door only to see Lana glaring coldly at Eriol and Takashi.  Mei Lin and Tomoyo were sitting in the booth with a lost expression.

Noticing their presence Lana frowned turning to Sakura. "I hope you know what you've done associating with men" she bit out coldly getting up from the chair she was sitting. "You two are weak.  The instant Nades is gone you get swayed into sin by men" she spat coldly standing in Sakura's face.

"I suggest you sit down and shut up.  You have no right" Sakura spat coldly showing her Komisar blood, and nature.  Lana looked into the older woman's burning emerald pools and felt a little uneasy. "Follow your sisters example and be quiet" Lana bit her tongue to hold back a biting remark.

"What's going on?" Tomoyo asked softly.  She was glad that Lana had found her and Eriol talking in the booth. 

"Rika found me and Syaoran in a compromising position" she spoke in their language so no one else wouldn't understand.  Tomoyo held back a gasp glancing at Rika who seemed a little uneasy being around them.

"I see" she muttered knowing that this wasn't a good thing. 

"Yeah" Sakura sighed glancing out the window.  "They have news about Nades and the others.  They say that their clan is going to help them escape.  We're to meet them there" Sakura explained to everyone briefly.  There wasn't a lot to tell because she didn't know much.

"So that's where we're going?" Takashi inquired glancing from the Amazons cold glares.  Dealing with Tomoyo and Sakura wasn't easy but he had a feeling with these two younger versions would be a trail.

"You aren't going anywhere.  Men are forbidden on our lands. You might taint it," Lana spat in a disgusted tone.  Takashi aimed a glare at her wishing he could shut her up. "We must leave tonight if we're to get back in time to give them aid"

"Right" Sakura whispered not looking at Syaoran.  She had always had a feeling that one day they were going to have to split up.  She had never thought it would be tonight, it was their time to rest and enjoy each other.

"We're not splitting up" Syaoran objected making Sakura look at him. "It's not safe to travel alone" he spoke trying to think of some good reason. "Besides you might need our help"

"We don't need the help of men" Lana hissed making Syaoran's icy glare land on her tiny form.

"I suggest that you keep out of this girl" he bit out in a menacing tone.  Rika held her sisters hand knowing that there was something different about this man.  "We need to talk in private" taking Sakura's hand everyone watched them walk off.

Mei Lin looked at the couple praying that they would decide to stay together. She didn't know whom she would go with.  She loved Sakura and Tomoyo like they were sisters, but she belonged with men. "Tomoyo" Eriol whispered making her look at him with sad eyes.

"Don't say anything because you know what I must do" she replied pressing a finger to his lips.  She broke off not wanting to say another sad word.  Eriol shook his head in understanding and wrapped his arms around her protectively.  "I love you, and that will never change" she whispered against his ear before pressing a kiss to his cheek.  Lana and Rika saw expressed love between the two but kept their mouths shut.

Sakura…

"You must understand that I have to go" Sakura spoke in a sad tone but Syaoran would have none of it. "Listen to me dammit" she yelled making his eyes snap to hers.

"I know but it's not safe.  Let us follow you at least to the edge of the Amazon lands just to make sure you get their safely" she knew he was worried about.  Sighing she walked over to him, reaching up she touched his cheek and looked into his eyes finding only pure concern.

"You know that if you go there it would be out of your way.  You need to go to the Emperor and meet up with your men.  I also have to meet up with Lirin and my sisters. We'll meet, this isn't the end" she spoke in a sincere but firm tone. 

Syaoran knew she was making a lot of sense but he wasn't going to admit that.  Shaking his head he pulled into a crushing hug. "I don't want to leave you.  If you are so far away how am I to protect you?" he whispered making her eyes burn.

"You're always with me.  I will always be careful.  We'll meet up in the capital trust me," she promised moving back a little.  They stared into each other's eyes before sharing a long, sweet kiss.  They didn't want to separate but it was something that they had to do.

Alex ran through the door to look for the others.  He almost ran dead smack into Rika who was walking towards the door.  He held her around the waist preventing her from falling.  She was shocked at their closeness and looked up about to beat him to a bloody pulp. "I'm sorry I didn't see you" he apologized before she gets a word out of her mouth. 

Staring into his eyes, she felt something stir within her soul. "Sorry my ass" she bit out pushing away from him.  Alex stared at the girl, it was then he noticed the way she was dressed.  She on a short brown shirt that revealed her toned stomach. And a short skirt and boots that passed her knees.  Not liking the way she was looking at him, she growled making him look at her with a smile touching his handsome face. "You're just like Sakura and Tomoyo aren't you?" he spoke making her look at him.

"No unlike them I would kill you" she barked coldly.  She her utter surprised Alex laughed at the words that left her mouth seeing the others comes into view.

"Then you are just like them" he called before turning serious. Rika turned to look at the man wondering if they were all weird. 

"What's up?" Takashi asked seeing the look in Alex's eyes.  He didn't want any more bad news; the arrival of the amazons had caused enough.

"The Wu Tang went into the forbidden forest.  One collided with me, he mumbled something about them being attacked, and some getting lost in the forbidden forest" he answered making Takashi frown.  He hadn't even known Wu Fei and his men had left the town.

"I'll tell Syaoran" he said when he and Sakura appeared finally.  It looked like they had come to an agreement.  "Syaoran, there's trouble with Wu Fei's men.  They're lost in the forest and request help" he said making him frown.

"We'll go to them.  We're leaving right now. Get everything together," he ordered everyone showing a side of him that they hadn't seen from since the day Sakura showed up.  Takashi and Eriol could see that whatever agreement they made he didn't like it one bit.

Sakura looked at Syaoran sadly walking over to Tomoyo who was standing beside Mei Lin and the girls. "Tomoyo we're leaving right after we aid Wu Fei's men" she spoke making Tomoyo shake her head. "I understand if"

"Don't Sakura" Tomoyo cut her off with a smile on her lips.  Sakura shook her head knowing that her friend was hurting from this new development.  "Let's head out" she continued walking off to get their things together.  Mei Lin looked at the two of them and sighed sadly following behind Tomoyo deep in thought. 

Rika and Lana went for their horses while everyone packed.  When they returned to the inn they saw that they were mounted waiting for them.  Rika looked at everyone's face and knew that they had brought a dark cloud to their group.  Sighing she looked at Sakura who smiled comfortingly.  She had decided to keep what she saw from her sister. "Let's head out." Syaoran ordered riding off with the others following behind them.

People watched the group ride out.  It was the first time they had ever seen women like the three that came in two with the men then the other two that showed up.  Takashi glanced at Mei Lin who had been very quiet since they had left the inn.  Absently he wondered what was on her mind.


*

Not long after they left the village did they arrive at the beginning of the forbidden forest.  Syaoran inhaled deeply a frown touching his lips.  Everyone stared at the gigantic trees that towered over them.  "This way" he spoke riding through a narrow path between two trees.

The forest seemed void of life.  The silence was deafening, and the only sound was that of their horses' hooves on the dense, marsh and algae plagued ground.  Not even the moon could steal through the protective covering of large leaves. "It's so quiet" Alex whispered softly looking around.

"I don't like it" Tomoyo mumbled softly making sure her arrows were at quick access.  She sighed sadly knowing that once they made it through the forest they would be going in separate directions. 

"Look" Eriol said pointing at a sword that was embedded in a tree.  Syaoran took a close look and knew that it belong to the Wu Tang warriors.

"We're on the right trail" he spoke sending his senses out.  He inhaled only to catch the scent of blood mixing with the humid air. "They're up ahead" not long after he said that did they see blood and bodies start to appear. "He's an idiot to go off especially at night" 

hearing the sound of clashing swords, and screams they picked up speed getting their swords and fighting weapons ready..

Up Ahead…

Wu Fei watched as one of his men fell the ground.  People who lived in the forests surrounded them on all sides; they didn't know where they came from.  Hearing a scream he looked up only to see a man being dragged into the darkness. "Keep them off they'll give up" he shouted trying to make his men feel better.

"Father I don't think so" Kenji shouted at his side.  He knew his son was telling the truth but he didn't want to scare his men any more than need be.  "We have to think of something" he spoke with haste.

"I know" he answered when a rumbling sound get their attention.  "Oh no" he whispered seeing them with more reinforcements. A war cry echoed and a fighter raced towards them with an ax held high.  He jumped off the ground and flew towards them, his body covered with dark tattoos of a lost tongue.

Before he made contact, he was impaled back an arrow and was sent flying over them.  They were shocked to see Syaoran and the others appear.  Sakura pulled out her sword, and jumped off her horse. 

Rika and Lana flew off their horses as well and pulled out their weapons of choice, a staff for Rika and spears for Lana. "Let's get them," Tomoyo shouted in the Amazon tongue sending arrows flying.  The people of the forest roared towards them to meet in hand-to-hand combat.

"Yah" Mei Lin shouted kicking one in the face.  She sprung off her horse and back flipped landing on the ground.  She thrust her elbow back and knocked a guy off his feet.  Swinging her sword around she smiled wickedly at one who was running towards her.

Rika ran and jumped flipping off a tree. Spinning around she kicked a man across the face and swung her staff around knocking him across the face.  His body spun rapidly before hitting the ground. "Duck" hearing that she fell to the ground in a split when Sakura's needles went flying over her. 

Getting to her feet, she saw five men drop to the ground. "Nice' she smiled watching Aurora glow brightly from Sakura's excitement.  Wu Fei and his men watched the power that was presented in front of them.  They were shocked to see Sakura and Syaoran's sword, as well as Tomoyo's arrow that shot water out with amazing force. But what made them feel low was how great of fighters the females were.

"Let's help out," he shouted making his men join the battle.   Mei Lin looked up when a man ran towards her with a spear.  Her eyes widened in shock, the man seeing her eyes came to a halt and backed up in what seemed like fear.

He shouted something making his men stop fighting.  Sakura and the others wondered what was going on.  They looked at Mei Lin who was staring at the man, the man showing shock written all over his face. 

Suddenly he didn't the unthinkable and ran himself through with his own spear.  "What the hell?" Takashi whispered from behind Mei Lin.  She turned to look at him not knowing what had happened.

Silence fell over the jungle battlefield, and their attackers fell to their knees.  They didn't look at them as they backed away, disappearing into the darkness without at sound.  "What happened?" she whispered wondering what had scared the man so badly. 

"It doesn't matter, let's get out of here" Syaoran spoke knowing that later they would have to think about it.  "Let's move," he said to everyone who was still on alert.  Wu Fei walked over to Syaoran wiping his forehead.

"We're grateful Li" he said to Syaoran who shook his head a frown touching his lips.

"No need.  Lets get the wounded ready, you're way off track" he said making the older man shake his head.  Turning to Sakura, he looked at her with longing. "Can you and Tomoyo help them?" he inquired softly.

"Yeah" she answered softly putting aurora away.

"There's a river close to here," Tomoyo said putting in the direction. "We'll need water," Syaoran agreed walking to help with the injured men.  Mei Lin stared into the forest knowing that they were watching them closely.  She still couldn't figure out what had happened. Why did he seem so scared before killing himself?

"Mei Lin, let's go" Takashi called getting her attention.  She turned and walked off to join the others.  Getting everyone together they rode off in the direction of the water.  Syaoran was in the front with Wu Fei and Tomoyo who was showing them the way to the river while Sakura remained with Lana and Rika. 

She knew that they were tempted to take out the men looking at them lustfully.  Some had fear in their eyes from seeing them fight.  She knew now they would look at them with a new light, she didn't care if it was fear rather than respect.  They were both pleasing.

Soon they came to the river Tomoyo told them about.  They were surprised at the size of it.  They didn't think something so big could be in this forest. "Let's set up camp.  We can't travel in the dark.  We'll resume in the morning" Fei said to his men making them start to relax, and set about making camp at least those who were able to. 

"I know you don't want to help but in order to move at a fast pace we're going to have to heal the men here.  I need you help so that we can move fast" Sakura spoke to Lana and Rika who didn't like the idea.

"There's no way" Lana spat instantly not even thinking about it. 

Fine" Sakura said not about to beg her to do something she didn't want to do. "How about you Rika?" the girl looked uncomfortable.

"You promise it's to move faster?" Rika asked making Lana's eyes shot to hers in disbelief.

"Yeah.  We have to get to your family fast but if these men are slow it's going to hold us back" Sakura answered softly.  Rika bit her lip and slowly shook her head.

"Okay" she agreed making Sakura smile.  Lana watched them walk off before she humph and followed slowly. 

"Syaoran.  I'm going to need Fei's men to help clean them up so that we might get to work.  We're going to need water, and cloth" she said softly stopping beside him.  He looked like the noble he was when he was around Wu Fei.

"Right.  You heard her" he said to Kenji who smiled at Lana before walking off shouting orders to the men around him who weren't injured.  

"Let's get to work then" Sakura sighed pulling her hair into a ponytail.    Tomoyo and Rika went in the opposite direction ready to start on those who didn't need much cleaning.  Lana stood on the side and watched in silence. 

She jumped looking at a man who touched her leg. "Let go" she hissed coldly kicking free from his hold.   The young man looked into her eyes with glistening silver poles.  He seemed to be in great pain, but she cared not.  The world would be better off with one less man to wage wars.

"I'm sorry I just wanted you to send to this my mother" he spoke pulling out a letter from his jacket. "I promised her that I would come home" he smiles sadly, blood stealing through his lips. Lana felt her heart give a tug; going against her own will she bent down.

"Let me heal you so you can give it to her yourself" she whispered tearing his tunic open.  Looking at the wound in his side, she reached into her pouch and took out herbs. "It's going to hurt," she warned putting it in.  The man grit his teeth in pain but didn't cry out instead he stared into her beautiful eyes. "Hush" she warned moving her hand over it.  Slowly she whispered a healing hymn. 

His eyes widened in shock looking at her glowing hand.  Looking at her, Lana smiled softly never thinking she could see such a dumbfounded look on a man's face.  The light faded and she moved her hand away. "There you go" she whispered making him touch the spot where the spear at gotten him.  It was good as new and one wouldn't know that there had been a gash there besides the scar that remained.

"Thank you, I'm Hu. What's your name?" he inquired making her feel a bit uncomfortable.

"Lana" she answered before walking away.  He watched her go running his hand through his black hair, silver eyes never leaving her form.

Rika looked at her sister who had changed her mind and smiled softly knowing that Lana wasn't as cold as she pretended to be.  Looking at the bowl that held water she found empty, she sighed getting up. "I'll be back" she said to the man who shook his head.  She turned almost bumping into Alex who had water.

"I think you want this?" he smiled.  She looked at his face wondering if there was a time when he wouldn't smile. 

"Yeah" she bent down and he followed.  "Don't stare at me," she bit out tightly making him grin shaking his head.  He watched in her silence, he couldn't believe they had such gifts.  He remembered his mother wondering if she had descended from their kind.

Syaoran…

His eyes never left Sakura who was healing men.  He didn't want her to go but there was nothing he could do to stop her.  "You know with their gifts we could never have men dying" Fei mattered watching the girls intently.

"What they can do shouldn't be misused.  Make sure your men know not to talk about this" Syaoran replied in a firm tone. 

"If you insist Li" the older man spoke knowing that he wouldn't go back on him.  He and his father had been good friends.  It was the man's last wish for him to watch over his son but he had failed in doing so.



Mei Lin walked over to the water to fill up.  Looking into the black murky depths, she sighed sadly at her face. "What scared them?" she whispered softly feeling lost.  When they exited this forest the girls would leave and she didn't know whom she wanted to travel with.

"What's the matter?" a voice asked from behind.  Looking back she saw Tomoyo bending down beside her to fill her bowl as well.

"Nothing.  I wish I could help in healing" she said softly making Tomoyo shake her head getting water.

"I'll teach you if you wish" she spoke surprising Mei Lin who smiled, nodding her head. "Then we have a date for later" she laughed softly when they got up.  

"Yeah a date" she answered when a thundering sound echoed through the forest. And for the first time they saw actual life when a flock birds of took off over the water.  "What was that?" she whispered looking around.  The others were wondering the same thing.

"Come let's go" Tomoyo said not noticing the slimy, dark green tentacles that snaked out of the dark depths. It self around their legs, tightened and pulled them towards the waters.   They screamed falling to the ground.  Struggling to their keep their grip on the ground, Mei Lin was the first to loose her grip. 

"Mei Lin" they shouted hearing her screams when she disappeared into the fog.  "Tomoyo" Eriol shouted running to her.

"Eriol!" she screamed loosing her grip.  He felt his heart stop when she disappeared underneath the water.  Everyone who could run went to the waters edge when the earth started to shake, and the waters became rough. 

"Tomoyo, Mei Lin!" they shouted hoping to hear something over the noise but there was nothing.

Tomoyo and Mei Lin struggled against the tentacles that were dragging them deeper into the water.  They lungs burnt from lack and air.   Tomoyo opened her mouth and swallowed feeling the water filling her lungs.  She knew that Mei Lin wouldn't be as lucky as her because she couldn't control water.

When they looked in the direction they were being dragged their eyes widened seeing the ghastly creature they were being pulled towards, it's mouth opening to welcome them…



Author's note:  Hmmm this seems to be another cliffy.  I'm trying to upload fast so I can get this story over with.  I've already finished writing it I just have to upload it at a good time.  Anyways I hope you continue to read.  Review and tell me what you think okay?