First of the Four Stones
They galloped through the barren land. The weather was hot, but their cloaks kept them cool. Sakura's stomach growled. When was the last time they ate? Questions ran through her mind. How long has it been now? How far north would they have to travel before they actually reached one of the four element stones? She felt tired. What time of day was it? Was it still evening? Was it night? Her emerald eyes traveled up to the sky as they landed on the eclipse. It let out a dark bright light and she immediately looked away. SilverFox and Jade ran smoothly, not showing any signs of being hot or weary.
-I'm so hungry. . . I wish the gods would've at least given us something that would feed us. . . - She sighed. -Demo. . . I have to be greatful. . . At least they gave us horses and things that would help us through this. Walking would've probably taken a lot longer.-
Looking from the corner of his eyes, Syaoran saw the exhaustion in her face. He knew she was tired and sleepy, and he had to admit, so was he. -We should rest. . . SilverFox and Jade probably need it also to gather their strength.- He was about to pull on the reins when the two stallions came to a quick halt. This left him suprised. How did they know he was about to pull them to a stop? Shrugging it off, he turned to Sakura.
"Why'd they stop?" Sakura questioned, just as suprised as he was.
"I don't know. . . I was about to halt so we could get some rest, but they just stopped on their own," Syaoran replied.
"It seems as if they know what we're thinking," Sakura commented.
"Hai," he agreed.
Dismounting SilverFox, he helped Sakura down off Jade.
"Arigatou," she said.
SilverFox and Jade got down on all fours and Sakura and Syaoran sat down, leaning their backs on them.
"Syaoran-kun?" Sakura spoke up after a while of silence.
"Nani?" Syaoran questioned, his eyes closed.
"Do you think we're going to find the Four Stones. . . in time before he destroys the whole world?" Sakura asked, looking down at her hands.
Parting his eye lids, he gazed at her. "Hai, I do. Do you?"
She looked up at him, meeting his gaze. "I guess yeah. It's just that. . . I can't help but wonder how we're going to survive this. Who knows how long it'll take? We have no food, we could probably starve to death."
"Sakura-chan, we'll get through this," Syaoran stated softly. "Now go sleep and get your rest."
Nodding her head obediently, Sakura slowly closed her eyes and immediately fell into a dreamless sleep. Syaoran stared at her for a while, then he reached for the pendent that Faith gave him. He studied each gem. First he looked at the green gem, which represented Earth. Then the white. Wind. Then the blue. Water. And last the red. Fire. His amber eyes widen a bit. It glowed a dim red. That ment. . .
"The Fire Stone. . . We're getting closer to it," Syaoran whispered aloud to himself.
At least they were getting somewhere. Hopefully it won't take that long to find the Fire Stone. But then he remembered what Faith said, about each gem being guarded by something. He also remembered her saying that the Fire Stone is being guarded by a dragon. Syaoran sighed.
-I hope it won't be to hard to get the Fire Stone. . . .- the God of Earth thought to himself.
Drowzziness suddenly over came him and he leaned his back on SilverFox as he fell into a instant sleep of nothingness.
-Later On-
Sakura slowly woke up. She saw Syaoran sleeping and a small smile curved on her face. -He looks so peaceful and kawaii when he's asleep. . .-
Digging into her cloak, she pulled out the flute Faith had given her. Tracing her fingers along the carvings, the eclipse reflected its bright light off of it. She brought it to her lips and blew softly into it once. A soft melody escaped it. Then she blew on it again, and this time played it. So beautiful was the melody as it rang softly all around her. Jade and SilverFox opened their eyes while listening to the music she played.
As Syaoran slept, he heard the sound of distant music playing. It sounded far, yet so near. Where was it coming from? His eyes slowly opened, and there he saw Sakura sitting with her back leaning on Jade playing the sliver flute. He continued to stare at her. Sakura's eyes were closed as she played, never realizing Syaoran was watching her.
-I never knew she could play the flute. . . then again, I don't know much about her,- Syaoran thought to himself.
Once the music came to a stop, she slowly opened her eyes just as Syaoran applauded. Her eyes widen and a blush of embarrasment crept across her cheeks.
"Syaoran-kun! I didn't know you were awake. . . Did I wake you?" she questioned.
He chuckled. "Don't worry Sakura-chan, you didn't wake me. You play the flute really well. I never knew you could play. Who taught you?"
Her cheeks went a darker red from his compliment. "Well. . . 'tou-san taught me. He said that Okaa-san use to play the flute for him and she taught him how to also."
A long pause of silence. Then, "Syaoran-kun? I barely know about you. . . Why don't you tell me more about yourself?"
"Well. . . " he began, "I started training after my dad died. It was hard, but I managed to get through it." A smile appeared on his features as he remembered something. "I remember how he use to tell me how much he loved us all. He would sit me on his lap and tell me how he met my mother and how they fell in love."
Sakura listened with a soft look on her face. "Wow. . . Your dad must've really loved your mother. And I could tell just by that look on your face that he loves you, and you love him." He looked at her and nodded. "Is there anything else? I mean, have you loved any girl. . . in that special way?"
He was shocked at her question, but answered it. "In Hong Kong? Iie." He sighed as his face fell while looking at the ground.
"What's wrong?" Sakura asked in worry, confused as to the change of expression.
"I'm engaged to someone I don't even love. . . " Syaoran said.
A tinge of jealousy rised in Sakura. She shook her head. -What's wrong with me?- "Who?"
"My cousin. . . Meiling Li. I know you may think it weird to be marrying your cousing, but the Li Elders want the Li blood to run strong," Syaoran replied. "I love Meiling. . . "
Sakura's stomach turned in knots.
"Demo. . . I only love her as a brother would love a sister," Syaoran said.
"So, the Li Elders are forcing you to marry her?" Sakura asked softly.
He just nodded. "They said after all this is over, I'm to return to Hong Kong and be wed."
It felt like a thousand knives were stabbing her. "Y-you have to go back after all this?" Syaoran nodded again. She could feel the tears about to come, but she fought them. Why was she feeling this way?
Deciding to change the subject, Syaoran said, "Before I went to sleep, the red gem was glowing." He pulled the pendent from beneath his cloak and showed her it. She gasped as to seeing the red gem glowing dimly.
"That means. . . " she said, hope rising in her.
"The Fire Stone is near," he finished.
She looked up at him with sparkly emerald eyes. A bright smile was on her face. "Well? What are we waiting for!? Let's go and get that stone!" Sakura got up, and so did Syaoran and the two horses.
They mounted Jade and SilverFox and were off. As they rode, Syaoran kept his eyes on the red gem. It glowed brighter and brighter with each step. He tugged slightly on the reins and SilverFox pulled to a halt, Jade following pursuit.
"It's somewhere in this area," Syaoran said.
Sakura nodded and both dismounted. Looking around their surroundings, she said, "I don't see it anywhere. All I see is land, and more land."
Syaoran walked beside Sakura and stopped her. "It glows the brightest here."
"Yeah. . . But I still don't see it!" Sakura said. "Where do you think it i-"
The ground under them crumbled and opened, big enough for the both of them to slide through. They fell into the whole and found themselves slidding downwards, Syaoran first and Ssakura following.
"AHH!!!"
They slid for what felt like a mile and a half. When Syaoran felt himself fall, he landed roughly on his rear end with an "oomf." Then Sakura came and landed on his stomach.
Realizing she was on him, she immediately got off. "Oh gomen nasi Syaoran- kun!"
He got up. "I-It's alright."
"Where are we?" Sakura asked as they examined their surroundings.
They were in what seemed to be an underground cave. Rocky pillars were around them, and pointy rocks hung on the ceiling and some on the ground. Both could see other cave entrys. The heat beated against their faces. Beads of sweat already began to pour down their forehead from it, but luckily their body was kept cool from the heat. Pulling their hoods on, coolness reached their red faces.
"It seems as if we're under the earth," Syaoran said.
"Maybe the stone is somewhere in one of those caves," Sakura commented.
"Yeah but which one?" Syaoran asked.
"That one?" Sakura guessed, pointing to one of the caves where in the background glowed a fiery red.
"Hai, let's try that one," Syaoran agreed.
So both chosen ones walked into the cave Sakura pointed to. As they walked deeper into it, the heat became so hot that they could feel it seeping through the coolness of the cloak. They both stopped dead in their tracks when they heard a loud rumble which sounded something between a roar and a snore. Once they reached the end, both held their breaths and stared in shock, horror, astonishment, and fear. The room they were in was wide and the walls were smooth. Far across from them were a set of marble stairs that led to a small pillar. And on that pillar sat a pearl-like stone and when you look into it you could see red-like clouds swirling around it. If they could get it, they would. But one obstacle lied in their way - a dragon. Its scales were a orange-red and its belly was a tanish color. A red gem was on its forehead, and on its hands and feet were sharp claws. As it slept, they could see the white knife like teeth and smoke came from its nostrils. On its back were a pair of bat like wings, also the color of orange-red. The dragon's ears looked like bat's ears, pointy.
"Syaoran-kun? How are we going to get past that?" Sakura asked in a low whisper, careful to not wake the dragon up.
"I don't know. We're going to somehow have to go around it," Syaoran whispered back.
A look of fear crossed their faces when the dragon's eye lids parted. It stared at them with crimson eyes that burned like fire. It rose to its hind legs and glared at them fiercely.
"I am the Guardian Dragon. Sent by the gods. Who dare trespasses in my chamber?" the Guardian Dragon spoke, its voice booming loudly in the room. "Only gods may enter!"
This suprised them. They never knew of a dragon that can speak!!! Syaoran gathered his courage and took a step infront of Sakura. "I am Li Syaoran, God of the Earth. And behind me is Kinomoto Sakura, Goddess of Light. We have come to retrieve the Fire Stone."
The dragon seemed to have a look of embarrasment on his face, but then it turned into a stern one. "How do I know that you're not lying to me about being a god and goddess? Do you have any proof?"
"Iie, we don't," Syaoran admitted, "but this is no lie."
"If you claim to be who you are, then how come I don't sense the heavenly aura that only gods and goddesses let out?" the dragon questioned.
"That's because we just found out that we're one and we don't know how to unleash our powers!" Sakura shot back, stepping beside Syaoran. "And if you don't give us that stone, then we won't be able to get the others and call upon the Life or Death Stone! And we need it to destroy Lord Hades and Zero. With out it, the world is doomed and this planet that you live on will die!"
A look of rage crossed his face. "HADES AND ZERO!?! THOSE TWO ARE BACK!?!? I THOUGHT THE GODS BANISHED THEM LONG AGO TO THE UNDERWORLD!!!!"
"Yeah well they rose and guess what? Japan is gone! All of it!!" Sakura shouted, tears glistening at the corner of her eyes. "Zero destroyed it!"
The Guardian's eyes went wide. "How come I wasn't informed of this?"
"Well maybe that's because you were sleeping," Syaoran said.
He glared at him with his fiery eyes. Then he let out what seemed like a sigh. "I believe the two of you, but with out proof that you're a god and goddess, then I'm afraid I can't give it to you. As much as I hate to say this, you'll have to get through me inorder to get it."
"Fine," Syaoran stated while changing his pendent to his sword and Sakura changed her key to her staff.
Sakura pulled out a card, while Syaoran pulled out a yellow sheet of paper. Flinging the card out infront of her, he brought the flat of his sword down on the paper. "WATERY!/ELEMENT WATER!"
Water erupted from the card and paper. The attacks combined and flew straight at the dragon, but it hit against him harmlessly. Sakura gaped at him in disbelief.
"Hoe?"
Syaoran pulled out another paper, determination in his face. "THUNDER! COME TO MY AID!"
A bolt of thunder flew at the dragon, but it caught the thunder bolt with its hands and squeezed it until it went out. The God of Earth's eyes went wide. The fierce creature opened its mouth and a ball of flame flew straight at them. They dodged it to the side, but the corner of Sakura's cloak caught against it. Quickly pulling it off, she tossed it to the side before the whole thing was on fire and burned her. Heat met her body and sweat began to form. Pulling out two cards, she flung them out.
"WINDY! WATERY!"
The wind spirit and the water spirit flew out of their borrowed form and entertwined with each other as they flew around the dragon. The two chosen ones watched with apprehension as the two elements wrapped itself around it. Steam came from different sections of its body and it roared in pain. Slashing at Watery and Windy, he tore them from him and blasted fire at them. Calling them back before they could get hurt, Sakura put the two cards away. She took out another card.
-I'll just go around him and get the stone. . .- she thought to herself. "FLY!"
White wings grew from her back and she took flight. The dragon fired flames at her that she somehow managed to dodge. The heat was becoming unbearable to her, but she went on. The pillar where the stone sat was just a few feet away, but before she knew it, the Guardian slashed its tail at her and knocked her against the marble wall. Her eyes went wide as she gasped in pain. Her wings disappeared and she slid to the ground unconscious. Furry gripped Syaoran. With out thinking, he plunged at the dragon and began to send attacks with his sword. The sound of metals hitting metals echoed around the room. Its scales were a lot tougher then he thought. The dragon shot another fire attack from his mouth and it scraped against Syaoran's left arm. Blood dripped from it but he ignored it. It began to snap at him with its teeth, and claw at him with his claws. He dodged them but was knocked roughly against the wall by the back of its palm.
Gritting his teeth, Syaoran glared up at the tall creature. The dragon swung his tail and hit him, pushing him back into the wall. Gasping for air, he tried to get up. His legs buckled under his weight and the next thing he knew was darkness.
Letting out a moan, Sakura opened her eyes and got up while using the wall for support. Her eyes darted to the unconscious form of Syaoran. -Syaoran- kun!- Picking up her staff, her pink aura flared all around her. She plucked out two cards and brought the tip of her star staff down on it. "POWER! JUMP!"
Her wand glowed pink and she jumped into the air while bringing her staff down. It hit the back of the dragon, but nothing happened. It swat its tail at her. She plumeted to the ground and hit the marble floor. Calling back Power and Jump, she leaned her back against the wall. Her eyes fell once again on Syaoran. She had to get the Fire Stone. . . For the fate of the world. . . and for Syaoran. Her body began to rise. Her emerald eyes was washed by white.Gold washed away pink and her staff floated infront of her. It grew longer, and so did the wings on it. The staff turned from pink to white, and the star turned into a brighter gold. Then emerald returned to her eyes, showing wisdom she never thought she held. Her golden aura flared all around her, letting out a powerful heavenly feeling. The only thing the Guardian Dragon could do was gape at her in shock.
-So. . . They weren't kidding when they said they were a god and goddess. . . - He thought to himself as he looked at Sakura with respect while bowing his head.
"I am sorry for misjuding you," he said.
A small smile appeared across Sakura's face. "I understand." Her voice was strong.
His fiery eyes fell on the Fire Stone and it slowly floated infront of Sakura. She gently took it in her hands and it glowed a golden red. Closing her eyes, she floated back to the ground. Her aura went back to its original color, and her staff went back to its original form. This time, she didn't feel tired from unleashing her powers. Instead she felt more stronger, and wiser. Looking up at the Guardian, she bowed. "I thank you."
A smile crossed his scaley face. "I wish the both of you luck on your journey. And may the flames burn bright."
Taking out one of her cards, Sakura called on Fly and white wings once again grew on her back. She then also called on Power and lifted Syaoran in her arms. She said a "syaonara" to the Guardian Dragon and flew out the cave, up where they fell, and back to earth where Jade and SilverFox waited patiently. Setting Syaoran to the ground, Fly and Power went back to their card forms. Placing her hands just inches from his wound on his left arm, pink glowed around them. His wound disappeared. Whipping the back of her palm across her brow, she smiled as Syaoran slowly opened his eyes and sat up.
"What happened?" he asked noticing they weren't in the cave any longer.
She showed him the stone. "I got the stone."
"What about the dragon?" Syaoran questioned.
"He let me have it," she replied.
This left him confused.
"Don't worry about it Syaoran-kun, all that matters is that I got the stone." Sakura pointed out as she changed her staff back to her key and placed it around her neck. While Syaoran turned back his sword to his pendent, Sakura looked at the Fire Stone for a while then pocketed it.
"Well, let's go and get the last three," Sakura said, mounting Jade.
Syaoran nodded and mounted SilverFox. "Hai. . . Let's."
Then Syaoran and Sakura set the two stallions at a run, not knowing what dangers awaited them.
A/N: Yatta! I got this chapter up!!!! What kind of dangers will they run into? Will they be able to survive them? ::shrugs:: Hell if I know! ^-^;; Well I wanted to quickly thank the people that reviewed my last chapter. Arigatou!!!
PLEASE REVIEW!!!
They galloped through the barren land. The weather was hot, but their cloaks kept them cool. Sakura's stomach growled. When was the last time they ate? Questions ran through her mind. How long has it been now? How far north would they have to travel before they actually reached one of the four element stones? She felt tired. What time of day was it? Was it still evening? Was it night? Her emerald eyes traveled up to the sky as they landed on the eclipse. It let out a dark bright light and she immediately looked away. SilverFox and Jade ran smoothly, not showing any signs of being hot or weary.
-I'm so hungry. . . I wish the gods would've at least given us something that would feed us. . . - She sighed. -Demo. . . I have to be greatful. . . At least they gave us horses and things that would help us through this. Walking would've probably taken a lot longer.-
Looking from the corner of his eyes, Syaoran saw the exhaustion in her face. He knew she was tired and sleepy, and he had to admit, so was he. -We should rest. . . SilverFox and Jade probably need it also to gather their strength.- He was about to pull on the reins when the two stallions came to a quick halt. This left him suprised. How did they know he was about to pull them to a stop? Shrugging it off, he turned to Sakura.
"Why'd they stop?" Sakura questioned, just as suprised as he was.
"I don't know. . . I was about to halt so we could get some rest, but they just stopped on their own," Syaoran replied.
"It seems as if they know what we're thinking," Sakura commented.
"Hai," he agreed.
Dismounting SilverFox, he helped Sakura down off Jade.
"Arigatou," she said.
SilverFox and Jade got down on all fours and Sakura and Syaoran sat down, leaning their backs on them.
"Syaoran-kun?" Sakura spoke up after a while of silence.
"Nani?" Syaoran questioned, his eyes closed.
"Do you think we're going to find the Four Stones. . . in time before he destroys the whole world?" Sakura asked, looking down at her hands.
Parting his eye lids, he gazed at her. "Hai, I do. Do you?"
She looked up at him, meeting his gaze. "I guess yeah. It's just that. . . I can't help but wonder how we're going to survive this. Who knows how long it'll take? We have no food, we could probably starve to death."
"Sakura-chan, we'll get through this," Syaoran stated softly. "Now go sleep and get your rest."
Nodding her head obediently, Sakura slowly closed her eyes and immediately fell into a dreamless sleep. Syaoran stared at her for a while, then he reached for the pendent that Faith gave him. He studied each gem. First he looked at the green gem, which represented Earth. Then the white. Wind. Then the blue. Water. And last the red. Fire. His amber eyes widen a bit. It glowed a dim red. That ment. . .
"The Fire Stone. . . We're getting closer to it," Syaoran whispered aloud to himself.
At least they were getting somewhere. Hopefully it won't take that long to find the Fire Stone. But then he remembered what Faith said, about each gem being guarded by something. He also remembered her saying that the Fire Stone is being guarded by a dragon. Syaoran sighed.
-I hope it won't be to hard to get the Fire Stone. . . .- the God of Earth thought to himself.
Drowzziness suddenly over came him and he leaned his back on SilverFox as he fell into a instant sleep of nothingness.
-Later On-
Sakura slowly woke up. She saw Syaoran sleeping and a small smile curved on her face. -He looks so peaceful and kawaii when he's asleep. . .-
Digging into her cloak, she pulled out the flute Faith had given her. Tracing her fingers along the carvings, the eclipse reflected its bright light off of it. She brought it to her lips and blew softly into it once. A soft melody escaped it. Then she blew on it again, and this time played it. So beautiful was the melody as it rang softly all around her. Jade and SilverFox opened their eyes while listening to the music she played.
As Syaoran slept, he heard the sound of distant music playing. It sounded far, yet so near. Where was it coming from? His eyes slowly opened, and there he saw Sakura sitting with her back leaning on Jade playing the sliver flute. He continued to stare at her. Sakura's eyes were closed as she played, never realizing Syaoran was watching her.
-I never knew she could play the flute. . . then again, I don't know much about her,- Syaoran thought to himself.
Once the music came to a stop, she slowly opened her eyes just as Syaoran applauded. Her eyes widen and a blush of embarrasment crept across her cheeks.
"Syaoran-kun! I didn't know you were awake. . . Did I wake you?" she questioned.
He chuckled. "Don't worry Sakura-chan, you didn't wake me. You play the flute really well. I never knew you could play. Who taught you?"
Her cheeks went a darker red from his compliment. "Well. . . 'tou-san taught me. He said that Okaa-san use to play the flute for him and she taught him how to also."
A long pause of silence. Then, "Syaoran-kun? I barely know about you. . . Why don't you tell me more about yourself?"
"Well. . . " he began, "I started training after my dad died. It was hard, but I managed to get through it." A smile appeared on his features as he remembered something. "I remember how he use to tell me how much he loved us all. He would sit me on his lap and tell me how he met my mother and how they fell in love."
Sakura listened with a soft look on her face. "Wow. . . Your dad must've really loved your mother. And I could tell just by that look on your face that he loves you, and you love him." He looked at her and nodded. "Is there anything else? I mean, have you loved any girl. . . in that special way?"
He was shocked at her question, but answered it. "In Hong Kong? Iie." He sighed as his face fell while looking at the ground.
"What's wrong?" Sakura asked in worry, confused as to the change of expression.
"I'm engaged to someone I don't even love. . . " Syaoran said.
A tinge of jealousy rised in Sakura. She shook her head. -What's wrong with me?- "Who?"
"My cousin. . . Meiling Li. I know you may think it weird to be marrying your cousing, but the Li Elders want the Li blood to run strong," Syaoran replied. "I love Meiling. . . "
Sakura's stomach turned in knots.
"Demo. . . I only love her as a brother would love a sister," Syaoran said.
"So, the Li Elders are forcing you to marry her?" Sakura asked softly.
He just nodded. "They said after all this is over, I'm to return to Hong Kong and be wed."
It felt like a thousand knives were stabbing her. "Y-you have to go back after all this?" Syaoran nodded again. She could feel the tears about to come, but she fought them. Why was she feeling this way?
Deciding to change the subject, Syaoran said, "Before I went to sleep, the red gem was glowing." He pulled the pendent from beneath his cloak and showed her it. She gasped as to seeing the red gem glowing dimly.
"That means. . . " she said, hope rising in her.
"The Fire Stone is near," he finished.
She looked up at him with sparkly emerald eyes. A bright smile was on her face. "Well? What are we waiting for!? Let's go and get that stone!" Sakura got up, and so did Syaoran and the two horses.
They mounted Jade and SilverFox and were off. As they rode, Syaoran kept his eyes on the red gem. It glowed brighter and brighter with each step. He tugged slightly on the reins and SilverFox pulled to a halt, Jade following pursuit.
"It's somewhere in this area," Syaoran said.
Sakura nodded and both dismounted. Looking around their surroundings, she said, "I don't see it anywhere. All I see is land, and more land."
Syaoran walked beside Sakura and stopped her. "It glows the brightest here."
"Yeah. . . But I still don't see it!" Sakura said. "Where do you think it i-"
The ground under them crumbled and opened, big enough for the both of them to slide through. They fell into the whole and found themselves slidding downwards, Syaoran first and Ssakura following.
"AHH!!!"
They slid for what felt like a mile and a half. When Syaoran felt himself fall, he landed roughly on his rear end with an "oomf." Then Sakura came and landed on his stomach.
Realizing she was on him, she immediately got off. "Oh gomen nasi Syaoran- kun!"
He got up. "I-It's alright."
"Where are we?" Sakura asked as they examined their surroundings.
They were in what seemed to be an underground cave. Rocky pillars were around them, and pointy rocks hung on the ceiling and some on the ground. Both could see other cave entrys. The heat beated against their faces. Beads of sweat already began to pour down their forehead from it, but luckily their body was kept cool from the heat. Pulling their hoods on, coolness reached their red faces.
"It seems as if we're under the earth," Syaoran said.
"Maybe the stone is somewhere in one of those caves," Sakura commented.
"Yeah but which one?" Syaoran asked.
"That one?" Sakura guessed, pointing to one of the caves where in the background glowed a fiery red.
"Hai, let's try that one," Syaoran agreed.
So both chosen ones walked into the cave Sakura pointed to. As they walked deeper into it, the heat became so hot that they could feel it seeping through the coolness of the cloak. They both stopped dead in their tracks when they heard a loud rumble which sounded something between a roar and a snore. Once they reached the end, both held their breaths and stared in shock, horror, astonishment, and fear. The room they were in was wide and the walls were smooth. Far across from them were a set of marble stairs that led to a small pillar. And on that pillar sat a pearl-like stone and when you look into it you could see red-like clouds swirling around it. If they could get it, they would. But one obstacle lied in their way - a dragon. Its scales were a orange-red and its belly was a tanish color. A red gem was on its forehead, and on its hands and feet were sharp claws. As it slept, they could see the white knife like teeth and smoke came from its nostrils. On its back were a pair of bat like wings, also the color of orange-red. The dragon's ears looked like bat's ears, pointy.
"Syaoran-kun? How are we going to get past that?" Sakura asked in a low whisper, careful to not wake the dragon up.
"I don't know. We're going to somehow have to go around it," Syaoran whispered back.
A look of fear crossed their faces when the dragon's eye lids parted. It stared at them with crimson eyes that burned like fire. It rose to its hind legs and glared at them fiercely.
"I am the Guardian Dragon. Sent by the gods. Who dare trespasses in my chamber?" the Guardian Dragon spoke, its voice booming loudly in the room. "Only gods may enter!"
This suprised them. They never knew of a dragon that can speak!!! Syaoran gathered his courage and took a step infront of Sakura. "I am Li Syaoran, God of the Earth. And behind me is Kinomoto Sakura, Goddess of Light. We have come to retrieve the Fire Stone."
The dragon seemed to have a look of embarrasment on his face, but then it turned into a stern one. "How do I know that you're not lying to me about being a god and goddess? Do you have any proof?"
"Iie, we don't," Syaoran admitted, "but this is no lie."
"If you claim to be who you are, then how come I don't sense the heavenly aura that only gods and goddesses let out?" the dragon questioned.
"That's because we just found out that we're one and we don't know how to unleash our powers!" Sakura shot back, stepping beside Syaoran. "And if you don't give us that stone, then we won't be able to get the others and call upon the Life or Death Stone! And we need it to destroy Lord Hades and Zero. With out it, the world is doomed and this planet that you live on will die!"
A look of rage crossed his face. "HADES AND ZERO!?! THOSE TWO ARE BACK!?!? I THOUGHT THE GODS BANISHED THEM LONG AGO TO THE UNDERWORLD!!!!"
"Yeah well they rose and guess what? Japan is gone! All of it!!" Sakura shouted, tears glistening at the corner of her eyes. "Zero destroyed it!"
The Guardian's eyes went wide. "How come I wasn't informed of this?"
"Well maybe that's because you were sleeping," Syaoran said.
He glared at him with his fiery eyes. Then he let out what seemed like a sigh. "I believe the two of you, but with out proof that you're a god and goddess, then I'm afraid I can't give it to you. As much as I hate to say this, you'll have to get through me inorder to get it."
"Fine," Syaoran stated while changing his pendent to his sword and Sakura changed her key to her staff.
Sakura pulled out a card, while Syaoran pulled out a yellow sheet of paper. Flinging the card out infront of her, he brought the flat of his sword down on the paper. "WATERY!/ELEMENT WATER!"
Water erupted from the card and paper. The attacks combined and flew straight at the dragon, but it hit against him harmlessly. Sakura gaped at him in disbelief.
"Hoe?"
Syaoran pulled out another paper, determination in his face. "THUNDER! COME TO MY AID!"
A bolt of thunder flew at the dragon, but it caught the thunder bolt with its hands and squeezed it until it went out. The God of Earth's eyes went wide. The fierce creature opened its mouth and a ball of flame flew straight at them. They dodged it to the side, but the corner of Sakura's cloak caught against it. Quickly pulling it off, she tossed it to the side before the whole thing was on fire and burned her. Heat met her body and sweat began to form. Pulling out two cards, she flung them out.
"WINDY! WATERY!"
The wind spirit and the water spirit flew out of their borrowed form and entertwined with each other as they flew around the dragon. The two chosen ones watched with apprehension as the two elements wrapped itself around it. Steam came from different sections of its body and it roared in pain. Slashing at Watery and Windy, he tore them from him and blasted fire at them. Calling them back before they could get hurt, Sakura put the two cards away. She took out another card.
-I'll just go around him and get the stone. . .- she thought to herself. "FLY!"
White wings grew from her back and she took flight. The dragon fired flames at her that she somehow managed to dodge. The heat was becoming unbearable to her, but she went on. The pillar where the stone sat was just a few feet away, but before she knew it, the Guardian slashed its tail at her and knocked her against the marble wall. Her eyes went wide as she gasped in pain. Her wings disappeared and she slid to the ground unconscious. Furry gripped Syaoran. With out thinking, he plunged at the dragon and began to send attacks with his sword. The sound of metals hitting metals echoed around the room. Its scales were a lot tougher then he thought. The dragon shot another fire attack from his mouth and it scraped against Syaoran's left arm. Blood dripped from it but he ignored it. It began to snap at him with its teeth, and claw at him with his claws. He dodged them but was knocked roughly against the wall by the back of its palm.
Gritting his teeth, Syaoran glared up at the tall creature. The dragon swung his tail and hit him, pushing him back into the wall. Gasping for air, he tried to get up. His legs buckled under his weight and the next thing he knew was darkness.
Letting out a moan, Sakura opened her eyes and got up while using the wall for support. Her eyes darted to the unconscious form of Syaoran. -Syaoran- kun!- Picking up her staff, her pink aura flared all around her. She plucked out two cards and brought the tip of her star staff down on it. "POWER! JUMP!"
Her wand glowed pink and she jumped into the air while bringing her staff down. It hit the back of the dragon, but nothing happened. It swat its tail at her. She plumeted to the ground and hit the marble floor. Calling back Power and Jump, she leaned her back against the wall. Her eyes fell once again on Syaoran. She had to get the Fire Stone. . . For the fate of the world. . . and for Syaoran. Her body began to rise. Her emerald eyes was washed by white.Gold washed away pink and her staff floated infront of her. It grew longer, and so did the wings on it. The staff turned from pink to white, and the star turned into a brighter gold. Then emerald returned to her eyes, showing wisdom she never thought she held. Her golden aura flared all around her, letting out a powerful heavenly feeling. The only thing the Guardian Dragon could do was gape at her in shock.
-So. . . They weren't kidding when they said they were a god and goddess. . . - He thought to himself as he looked at Sakura with respect while bowing his head.
"I am sorry for misjuding you," he said.
A small smile appeared across Sakura's face. "I understand." Her voice was strong.
His fiery eyes fell on the Fire Stone and it slowly floated infront of Sakura. She gently took it in her hands and it glowed a golden red. Closing her eyes, she floated back to the ground. Her aura went back to its original color, and her staff went back to its original form. This time, she didn't feel tired from unleashing her powers. Instead she felt more stronger, and wiser. Looking up at the Guardian, she bowed. "I thank you."
A smile crossed his scaley face. "I wish the both of you luck on your journey. And may the flames burn bright."
Taking out one of her cards, Sakura called on Fly and white wings once again grew on her back. She then also called on Power and lifted Syaoran in her arms. She said a "syaonara" to the Guardian Dragon and flew out the cave, up where they fell, and back to earth where Jade and SilverFox waited patiently. Setting Syaoran to the ground, Fly and Power went back to their card forms. Placing her hands just inches from his wound on his left arm, pink glowed around them. His wound disappeared. Whipping the back of her palm across her brow, she smiled as Syaoran slowly opened his eyes and sat up.
"What happened?" he asked noticing they weren't in the cave any longer.
She showed him the stone. "I got the stone."
"What about the dragon?" Syaoran questioned.
"He let me have it," she replied.
This left him confused.
"Don't worry about it Syaoran-kun, all that matters is that I got the stone." Sakura pointed out as she changed her staff back to her key and placed it around her neck. While Syaoran turned back his sword to his pendent, Sakura looked at the Fire Stone for a while then pocketed it.
"Well, let's go and get the last three," Sakura said, mounting Jade.
Syaoran nodded and mounted SilverFox. "Hai. . . Let's."
Then Syaoran and Sakura set the two stallions at a run, not knowing what dangers awaited them.
A/N: Yatta! I got this chapter up!!!! What kind of dangers will they run into? Will they be able to survive them? ::shrugs:: Hell if I know! ^-^;; Well I wanted to quickly thank the people that reviewed my last chapter. Arigatou!!!
PLEASE REVIEW!!!
