Just to refreash your memory. . .

-Preview of Last Chapter-

"EVERYTHING WILL NOT BE FINE!!" Shadow's voice boomed out.
The temple started to rumble and the sound of rushing water could be head. The water that sprouted from the fountain suddenly died out as pipes appeared around the walls way up high. Before they knew it, water rushed out and started to flood the temple they were trapped in.
"._. Or maybe not. . . " Sakura said, feeling doubtful now. -Maybe I shouldn't have spoken so soon. . .-

-End of Preview-

The Goddess of Light & The God of Earth
Chapter18: Another Companion!?
By: Azure Rosas



The water crashed against the marbled floors, sending water flying in the air. It collided into the fountain, knocking it over and turning it into nothing but rubble. Everyone was forced apart from each other as they were caught in the rough current of the water. Sakura tried to scream, but it was muffled when the liquid entered her mouth and washed over her body. Syaoran and the others tried their best to keep their heads over the forcefull water, but it brought them down a long with Sakura. It rose higher and higher, still moving swiftly and powerfully.
Trying to control her movement against the mighty water and its current, she kicked her feet as fast as she could and swam towards Gem. Finally reaching her after a few struggles, Sakura gripped her by the shoulder and gently shook her. Opening her once tightly shut eyes, Gem was met by emerald eyes. The Goddess of Light mouthed an "Are you alright?" She just nodded in response. The two girls held their breaths, knowing all to well that if they didn't get air sooner of later, then they'd most likely drown. Looking around for the others, they spotted Shadow swing his tail towards Syaoran. His tail collided into the ambered boy's stomach, knocking the air out of him and making him hit his back roughly against the wall. Opening her mouth, Sakura tried to let out a gasp, but bubbles only came out. Immediately swimming towards him, she failed to notice the charging Shadow.
Rage, upon seeing this, tried to warn her but like when Sakura tried to gasp, only bubbles came out. Crystallight took matters into her own hands. Raising her arms, she brought the sides of both her thumbs against each other, her palms facing the still charging serpent. Her hands glowed a dark aqua blue while she closed her eyes and concentrated. Then her eyes snapped open and the energy that surrounded her hands, were fired at the water creature. The attacked clashed against the thing's side, making him fly side ways and hit the wall. Chips of the building flew out and floated about from the harsh contact. Giving Crystallight a grateful smile, Sakura swam to Syaoran and lightly tapped his cheek. A worried look was on her face when he opened his amber eyes. He knew she was concerned about him so he smiled in a reassuring way. Sakura smiled back, getting the message. Being the only one able to breath and talk under the water, Shadow let out a mighty roar as he removed himself from the wall. Bringing his whip-like tail up, he brought it down towards Crystallight. Shielding her head with her arms, his tail hit against her back not to lightly. Eyes widening in pain, she was forced downwards where the current carried her limp form down. Her eye lids covered her eyes, showing them she lost consciousness.
Swimming towards her, Rage tried desperately to reach her before she was to far. Shadow swam under him, ramming his head into Rage. Then he shoved him into the wall with his head. A crater was in the wall, and an unconscious Rage could be seen in there.
Like Crystallight, the current dragged Rage deeper into the watery depths. Gripping her staff tightly, Sakura and the other two watched as their two companions drifted away. Gem kicked her feet rapidly, trying to reach either one of them. A look of helplessness was on her face when she realized she wouldn't be able to reach them in time. Their limp bodies finally landed lightly against the marbled floor and both lied their, emotionlessly.
-No!- Gem shouted in her mind. -I have to help them!! They'll die if they don't get any air soon!! Sakura-sama and Master Xiaolang will die also if we stay here any longer!! I have to somehow help them. . . Those two are the World's last chance of hope for survival. . . and Crystallight and Rage are my friends. . . I can't let it end this way!-
A bright, white-tannish light glowed around Gem's body. Water currents circled around her as her eyes were clouded over by whiteness. Her aura glowed brighter and more stronger then before. A spear appeared right in front of her, growing longer until it was a head taller then her. She has unleashed her Goddess Power. Sakura and Syaoran marveled at her. She looked bright compared to the darkness of the water. The light that surrounded her, illuminated around them, casting the shadows away. They could see Rage and Crystallight at the bottom, looking paler and a bit blue. Shadow tightly shut his eyes against the light, letting out a roar of agony. Syaoran's and Sakura's throats burned, begging for air. They could feel their air supply running out, and fast. A wave of oxygen filled Gem's body. Being the Goddess of Wind, this gave her the advantage over the water because she could breath.
She fixed a worried gaze on the choosen ones struggling to keep consciousness. Once the light around Gem finally dimmed down, Shadow took the twos' helplessness to his advantage. Opening his mouth so his razor like fangs could be seen, a dark blue light appeared from the inside of his throat. He then fired it towards Sakura. Emerald eyes widening in fear, she floated there perplexed. She would've used a card, but then how could she say the chant when she can't even speak under water?
-Oh no. . . I'm a goner!- she thought to herself dully. -I just hope the others get out alive. . .-
Shielding her face with her arms, she waited for the blow to come. Once it did, it envoloped her in its light. Pain washed over her like a tidal wave. Sakura wanted to scream, but only bubbles came out. It felt like a thousand knives were stabbing at her frale body, and it felt like stone rocks were being thrown at her. Darkness slowly took over her vision and she welcomed the world of unconsciousness with open arms. Syaoran's eyes were wide with disbelief. He tried to help her but he couldn't make it there in time. Swimming up to her body as it drifted downwards, he caught her in his grip. Shaking her gently, he tried waking her up but her head fell and hung limply to the side. Pressing his ear against her chest, he listened intently for any sound of her heart beating. It was faint. . .but it was still there. Relief envoloped him; glad that she was still alive. Gem swam up to them as she looked at Syaoran with concern for Sakura in her eyes. He nodded to her, signaling her that she would be alright. Then he handed Sakura over to Gem. Just by looking in his eyes, the Goddess of Wind knew he was now determined to destroy Shadow just as much as she was. Shaking her head, she handed the girl back to him and swam away, towards the serpent.
-What does she think she's doing!?- Syaoran questioned in his mind as he gently held onto the Cherry Blossom.
-I'm going to try and stop him! Get Sakura and the others out of here!!- Gem's voice echoed in his mind.
A look of surprise was on the Little Wolf's face. -How were you. . . ?-
-No time to explain!- she snapped. -JUST GET THEM OUT OF HERE!!-
-Are you crazy!?- Syaoran snapped in return. -How do you know you'll be able to defeat him!?-
She looked at him firmly over her shoulders. -Trust me, Master, I KNOW I can defeat him.-
-But you'll run out of oxygen soon. . .- he replied, his throat already burning like fire as it begged him desperately for air.
-No I won't. I can breathe perfectly fine! I'll explain it all later. Just PLEASE get everyone out of here!! I'll join you all shortly.- With that thought, she turned away from him and swam towards Shadow quickly, as if some push of wind boosted her.
Watching her for a minute, he looked down at Sakura. Her face was pale. Pressing his ear once again against her chest, he took note that her heart beat was slowing down with each second. Cursing himself mentally, Syaoran swam to the bottom where Crystallight and Rage lied unconscious. Setting Sakura down on the ground, he looked around. His eyes fell on his sword and Sakura's staff which floated to the ground some time during their little battle against the water creature. Grabbing his sword, he whipped out an ofuda. Doubt crossed his mind. How was he suppose to call on wind when he can't speak? Setting his face in a stern expression, he took his chances and slammed the flat of his blade against the yellow sheet of paper.
-ELEMENT! WIND!- He shouted in his mind.
A crater no sooner appeared on the wall after he shouted this. It got deeper and bigger and then there was a hole in the wall. The light of the outside shinned through and the huge whole sucked all the water like some vaccum. He was pulled through it, along with the unconscious Sakura, Crystallight, and Rage. Their bodies hit the earth and they were pushed more forward from the water that rushed through the opening in the temple. Once they ceased to a stop, more water rushed over them. The earth started to shake, a long with the Water Temple. It sunk deeper into the ground as rubbles of rock jumped up and down. The water stopped coming at them as the temple was half way down through the Earth. Syaoran pushed himself onto his feet, ignoring how wet and damp he was. He watched as the temple disappeared back under the depths of the earth. There was a huge opening in the ground and it was soon covered up by dirt that appeared out of nowhere. But a question hung over him. . .

Where was Gem. . .? And did she survive?

-Later On-

Syaoran set up a camp fire out of twigs he found scattered about. Crystallight, Rage and Sakura all rested, though all three were still unconscious. Guilt rose in him. Gem hasn't returned yet and thoughts of what could've happened to her ran through his mind. What if she died. . .? Then it would be his fault because he couldn't help her. Would she come back? His gaze fell on the others.
-They'd most likely blame me for all this,- he thought silently to himself. Letting out a sigh, his attention turned to Sakura as she groaned. Knitting her eye brows together, she parted her eye lids only to be met by Syaoran's intense amber eyes. He stood up and rushed over to her side.
"Sakura! Daijoubu desu ka?" He questioned, not being able to hide the concern that mingled in his voice.
Smiling up at him as he helped her up in a sitting position, she nodded. "Hai. I'm okay. What about the others?" He remained silent. A confused look was on her face. She looked at Rage. . . then at Crystallight. . . and then at nothing. Sakura looked around in a franctic way. "Where's Gem!?"
More guilt rose in him. He slumped on the ground and bowed his head. "She stayed back to fight Shadow while I got you guys out. It's my fault! I should've helped her! She could probably be dead now!"
Sakura's look softened as she stared at him sadly. She could clearly see the guilt in his eyes as the flames illuminated his features. Smiling in a reassuring and yet sad way, she crawled up to him and sat on her knees. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she pulled him into a comforting hug as she stroked his hair.
"Syaoran," she whispered softly. "It's not your fault. Gem-san chose her own path. . .She wanted this. And I KNOW that she's still alive. . . She's a lot stronger then we think. She's still out there, somewhere. We just have to wait. I know she'll return to us eventually."
Syaoran was comforted by her words but a slight guilt was still in him. He embraced her back, not ever wanting to let go. Being in her hold and him holding her. . .it all felt. . .right. He couldn't exactly put a finger on it, but it all felt just right. A shakey sigh escaped his mouth.
-Sakura. . . Even though I hardly know you. . . I already know what my feelings are towards you, - his mind wandered off. -I feel as if I've known you all my life. I'm glad we got to see each other after all these years. I remember when we were just little and that day I had to leave. . . I dreaded it more than anything. Even though I was only 5 and just a kid, it hurt me to leave you. But now. . . here we are. . .saving the world.- He thought all this, wishing that he could pour out everything he was saying in words and not in his thoughts. When will he ever tell Sakura that he loved her?
-Maybe I'll tell her when I know it doesn't matter anymore how she feels about me. . . - he concluded in his mind. -It'll be less painful to be rejected then instead of now. -
Sakura continued to hug him, a faint smile crossing her face as she rested her cheek against the top of his head. Inhaling deeply, she could smell the sent of Autumn coming from him. Her eyes were closed as a wave of weariness envoloped her and eventually, she fell asleep in the same position she was in. Syaoran heard her steady breathing and knew all to well that she fell asleep. Withdrawing from the hug, he brought Sakura's head against his chest and then held her gently in his arms. He swayed a bit and lied himself and Sakura down gently. Still holding Sakura, he fell asleep. She cuddled up closer to him and a small smile crossed the Little Wolf's face. Through the night, the flames flickered and sooner or later, it went out.

-Next Day-

Crystallight woke up, coughing heavily. Someone brought their hands on her shoulders, lifting her up in a sitting position as they rubbed her back and brought some kind of cup against her lips.
"Drink this," a firm, male voice said.
She obliged as the person tipped the cup. Warm liquid rushed into her mouth, warming her up inside and out. She finally stopped coughing as she opened up her eyes. A cautious and surprised look appeared on her face when she saw who the person was. It was a boy, at least the same age as Rage. He had sleak dark brown hair and mysterious deep blue eyes that seemed to hold secrets left untold. He wore a bark brown robe, his hood hanging limply behind him.
"Who are you?" Crystallight questioned as she eyed the stranger.
A smile crossed his face. "I am Briar, Angel of Honor."
"Briar?" she echoed. "I've heard of you once. . .But I've never truly seen you before. How do I know that you're not lying to me?"
"I am Angel of Honor, like I said, and I am always true to my words, Crystallight, Goddess of Wind," he replied in a calm like tone. "And I swear upon my honor, that I am Briar."
Still eyeing him, she let out a sigh. "I believe you. . ."
"I found your friend lying a few miles away from you guys," Briar said as he pointed to Gem who lied unconscious.
"How do you know she's our friend?" Crystallight questioned, and soon felt dumb.
"I am an Angel. We see what is happening from the Heavens," he answered. "We've been watching you 5 for a while now."
"Then why are you here?" she asked. "We didn't ask for any help."
"Yes, that is true. But after that little incident with Shadow, Fate sent me down to aid you and the others."
"But why YOU!? And what drove them to think that we needed help!?" she continued to persist with more questions.
"What? You don't trust me?" he asked, almost hurt.
"I never said that!"
"Then WHY won't you let me help you all!?"
"Because we don't need any!"
"Well it sure looked like it a while back. . . "
A moan escaped Rage's mouth as he heard the twos' bickering. Opening his eyes, he glared at them. "Will you two be -" His eyes went wide and he soon stood up in a defensive position. "Who are you and what do you want!?"
Rubbing his temples, Briar let out an annoyed sigh. "Wait until the other three wake up, THEN I'll explain it all over again."
_______________________

Later on, when Sakura and Syaoran woke up, their faces were a scarlet red when they realized that they were sleeping in each other's arms. They sat up to find three faces looking at them in a sly way. One of those faces were of Rage's, another was of Crystallight's. . . and the last face was of Gem's. A smile spread across Sakura's face as she threw her arms around the girl's neck.
"GEM!!!! YOU'RE ALRIGHT!!! I KNEW YOU WOULD BE!!!"
Smiling and giggling, Gem nodded towards Briar. "I wouldn't be here if he hadn't found me."
The guilt that troubled Syaoran decreased, but he was still upset at the fact that he didn't help her. Turning towards him, Gem's smile widen.
"Master, I thank you for worrying about me, but there's no need to worry anymore," Gem said as she dipped down in a respectful bow.
"I know," Syaoran replied. He considered Gem like a close sister. He already had four annoying sisters back home in Hong Kong, but he still continued to think Gem like a sister to him.
A bewildered look was on Sakura's face as she tilted her head and blinked while staring at Briar. "If you don't mind me asking. . . Who are you?"
Walking up to her with a charming smile, he took her hand in his and placed a light kiss on the back of her palm. "I am Briar. It is a pleasure to meet you, Card Mistress."
A scowl crossed Syaoran's face upon seeing what Briar just did. He did his best to contain his jealousy and rage.
Smiling at him, a blush tinted Sakura's cheeks. "It's nice to meet you, too, Briar. May I ask how you knew I was the Card Mistress?"
Straightening himself, Briar turned his full attention to everyone. "I am Angel of Honor, sent by Fate, the Head Angel, to aid you on your quest. We have been inspecting you all for quite a while and we thought it was time that you all had more help, so Fate sent me to help."
"Oh wow! That was very genorous of her!" Sakura exclaimed, a grin on her face. "Maybe with you to help us, our quest will be a lot easier!"
"I'm flattered," Briar said.
Glaring daggers at the back of Briar, Syaoran grumbled as he crossed his arms and looked away, the same scowl still on his face. Gem looked at him and shook her head.
"What's wrong, Master?" Gem asked in a whisper.
"I don't trust him," he muttered in return.
"You're just jealous because he's flirtting with Sakura-sama," she remarked, looking at him with yet another sly look.
His face turned red. "What!? I am not!" He hissed. "That Briar guy can't be trusted!"
"Oh come off it," she said while waving a hand to dismiss that thought. "He swore upon his honor that he is not lying. And Angels DO NOT lie."
"Yeah well. . . I still don't trust him."
A thought suddenly came to Sakura's mind as her face fell. "The Water Stone!"
"What about it?" Rage questioned.
"We forgot all about the Water Stone. . . " she mumbled. "It's probably deep down under ground with the Temple. . . ."
Grinning childishly, Gem pulled out a stone. "Nope! I got it safe right here with me!" Everyone looked towards her and saw the circled stone. It was blue and from the inside, the colors swirled like water.
"YATTA!!!" Sakura exclaimed in glee, relieved that Gem had the stone.
"I managed to grab it before I left the temple," she replied, still smiling.
Rage patted her not to lightly on the back. "Good gob Gem!"
Gem winced as she glared at him. "Will you stop hitting me?"
Sweat dropping, Rage grinned sheepishly at her. "Of course. . ."
"Gem? If you don't mind me asking. . . How did you defeat Shadow?" Sakura piped up.
"Yes, do tell," Briar inquired.
Gem gestured for them to sit down. "So be it. Sit down, all of you. Well, after Master Xiaolang swam down to bring Sakura-sama and the others to a safe place, I swam at Shadow. I battled him as strongly as I could. I spent most of my powers trying to hold him back before he charged at the others. When the water rushed through the hole, it was hard to battle Shadow and not get sucked a long with the water. I already knew the temple was sinking when the world started to shake. During the battle with the serpent, I remembered him saying how he wasn't really L'eau, but a minion of Hade's CONTROLLING L'eau's body." She winked at them as she smirked. "So then I said a spell I once learned from my Mother. It was a spell to ward off evil spirits who took control over anyone's body. And then it hit me: Shadow was an evil spirit because only spirits can take full control over a person's mind and body. Thus, after saying that spell, Shadow was removed from L'eau and his soul disappeared. When that was through, I saw the Water Stone, and managed to grab it. The Temple was already buried underneath the earth by then."
"So what did you do!?" Sakura questioned, eagerness to find out what happened in her voice.
"Well, I teleported out of there and ended up teleporting myself a few miles away from you guys," she explained. "I was weak and power drained so I ended up falling unconscious."
"I understand now!" Sakura said, glad for once that she understood something. She had a smile on her face. "I'm just glad that you're alright Gem!"
"Arigatou, Sakura-sama," she replied gratefully.