The Goddess of Light & The God of Earth
Chapter 21: You Can't Lie To Me
By: Azure Rosas
*
"Syaoran. . . ." she whispered in a feverish way. "Where are you. . .?" Tears slowly fell from her tightly shut eyes as she moved about restlessly. "I need you. . . ." Her eye lids gradually parted and everything was all but a blur at first. When her eyes adjusted to the darkness in the room, she found herself in some sort of. . . transparent bubble. She forced herself up to her feet but was suddenly enveloped by a wave of weariness. She staggered to the side and leaned against the sphere that encased her. Coughing heavily, she slid back to her knees, her shoulder and head still leaning against the side. Her eyes were half opened and her breathing came out as pants. Her head throbbed with a head ache and she brought her hand to the back of her head where she felt wet liquid that was drying up. Bringing her hand back, she looked down at her fingers to find it a crimson color.
-Blood? When did this happen?- Then she remembered how Quin hit her on the head with the hilt of his sword. A grim look came on her face as she let out a forced sigh. -Ah yes. . . How could I have forgotten? They have me now. There's no route of escape. And I don't even know where I'm at anymore.- She stared out through the sphere but all she saw was darkness. "Syaoran. . . Help me. . ." It was then that she felt something hard in her pocket. Blinking in confusion, she dug her hand in her pocket and pulled out a flute. Her face brightened upon seeing it. "How could I forget this!? Hope gave it to me!!" It seemed as if she were slowly regaining her hope that was lost earlier just by looking at this flute. Then, doubt gripped her heart. Did she really want to play it? If she did then, Syaoran would know where she was and he would come after her. . . But he'd probably end up being captured along with her and the world will most likely be doom. Gripping it tightly, she put it away.
"No. . . ." she mumbled to herself. "I'm not going to risk Syaoran's capture. I'll just have to find away out myself." She reached out for her Star Key and sighed with relief once she found it still hung around her neck. She dug into her other pocket, and then it hit her: She left her cards in Syaoran's cloak! "Kuso. . ." The cards were her last hope but that slowly went down the drain. How was she going to get out now? She WOULD use her Goddess powers, but she didn't know how to release them. It usually happened at unexpected times. "What am I going to do now?"
She sat there in the silence, not a single sound could be heard but her heavy breathing. Slowly closing her eyes, she didn't bother to re-open them when she heard the sound of footsteps approach the sphere that held her prisoner. The footsteps came to a stop and she could sense Zero's presence in front of her. Opening her eyes, she looked at him, then away. A smirk crossed his face.
"Sweet, sweet, Cherry Blossom. . ." he began to say. "You are finally mines."
Sakura looked back at him as she narrowed her eyes. "I will never be yours!"
"Ah. But you already are," Zero replied with the same smirk.
Her eye lids became heavy but she fought the urge to fall asleep. "To bad, Zero. Even though you say I'm yours. . . I shall never be yours. You'll never have me nor my powers!"
His eyes twinkled at her. "Quit denying it, Card Mistress, you're already mines and so are your powers. You're only fooling yourself into thinking that you're free. You're nothing but a defenseless and powerless blossom that I hold in the palm of my hands. I could easily squash you with a simple squeeze."
"I'm not as weak as you think, Zero," Sakura muttered. "You'll be sorry for ever misjudging me. . . I'll make sure of it."
Zero chuckled. "Say whatever you wish. It won't make the difference. Words won't scare me and plus, you're no match for me."
"Then if you're so powerful, why do you want my powers?" Sakura spat.
He reached a hand out for her that went through the bubble. He cupped her cheek in his hand as he then caressed her face. "If I have you by my side then the two of us can be the rulers of the whole universe! We could be unstoppable. Just think of all the destruction we could cause together." Then his eyes gleamed with what seemed like. . . lust. "And we could have some fun together. . ."
Barring her teeth, Sakura growled and glared as she pushed his hand away. "You're a sick person! You know that, Zero!?"
Snickering, he brought his hand back to his side. "Why thank you for that comment. It really means a lot to me that you think of me in such a way." It wasn't that hard to tell he was just being sarcastic.
Sakura rolled her eyes as she glared at him. "I demand you to let me go!"
"I'm afraid that cannot be arrange. . ." Zero replied. "If I do let you go then you'll just end up running away and get yourself lost. It's not as easy as it seems to get out of here, you know? Now. . ." He waved his hand and the sphere that encased her suddenly disappeared and she fell to the ground with a thump.
"Itai. . ." Rubbing her bottom, Sakura glared up at him. Gathering whatever strength she could muster, she forced herself onto wobbly feet. She made a move to run away when Zero waved his hand once again, this time, in front of her face. Her eye lids became even more heavier than before as she found herself falling forward. She then embraced the unconscious world with open arms. He caught her in his hold as his smirk went seemingly wider.
"I finally have you, Card Mistress. If I had my way, then I'd kill the Little Wolf. But Father has his eyes set on his powers so we cannot disappoint him, now can we?" He then shouted into the darkness. "Quin!!"
Quin appeared out of nowhere, with the same emotionless look on his face. Zero handed Sakura to him.
"Do not fail," Zero warned. "You know the consequences if you do. . ."
Bowing his head, Quin swept Sakura up into his arms as he turned his back and walked away, his body and Sakura's slowly fading away and mixing with the blackness.
-Meanwhile-
Syaoran stared at the point of Crainte's sword, then he looked up at him with a glare.
"Let me ask you one last time. . . Come with me peacefully or I shall force you to come."
"I'd rather die than surrender to the likes of you!" Syaoran growled dangerously.
"I'd kill you if I had the chance to!" Crainte sneered.
"Then why don't you?"
"It's against Master Hade's wishes," Crainte replied coldly, obviously not liking the idea that he had to spare the Little Wolf's life.
"Do you always have to do as you are told?" Syaoran asked in an almost mocking tone.
Meanwhile, while they were talking, Gem, Crystallight, and Rage snuck up towards Crainte. Their swords were drawn and they were ready to attack Crainte at any moment. A thunder bolt crashed over head, but it went unnoticed a long with the rain. Sneering at Syaoran's mocking tone, Crainte's grip on the hilt went seemingly tighter as his knuckles turned white. "If I were you, I'd watch that tongue of yours before it leads to a certain blossom getting hurt. . ."
Eyes widening in rage, Syaoran growled menacingly up at him. "If ANYONE lays a hand on Sakura. . . I'll kill you!!!"
"You're in no position to be making threats, Xiaolang Li. Now I suggest you surrender yourself before I hurt you. . ."
"Now look at this. It seems as if it's the other way around, Crainte," came Crystallight's taunting and sneering tone from behind him. "You're the one that appears to be in no position to be making any threats at the moment."
Turning around, Crainte's eyes went wide in surprise when he found Crystallight pointing her own sword at his throat. His eyes darted to the side. To his right, was Rage, and to his left, was Gem. They both had their blades pointing at him; all of them blocking any possible route of escape. He then looked back at Crystallight and glared daggers at her.
"I suggest you tell us where Sakura-sama is before I. . . ." she began in a warning tone as she brought the tip of her sword closer to his neck.
Gem picked up Syaoran's sword as she handed it to him and helped him up.
"Arigatou, Gem-san."
"You're welcome, Master Xiaolang!" Gem replied.
"You heard the lady, Crainte, now tell us where she is!" Rage barked in a commanding voice.
To their confusion, Crainte smirked and burst into laughter. Syaoran narrowed his eyes to tiny slits as he found his patience slowly thinning away. "And what the heck do you find so amusing!?"
Crainte eyed them through half opened eyes, a humored grin still on his lips. "Everyone one of you. All of you amuse me with your little act. Do you really think just because you have me trapped that you actually one? Well. . . guess again!" In a blink of an eye, he kicked Syaoran square in the chest, making him stagger back. Then he swiped his blade against Gem's with such force that she lost grip on the hilt. After that, he turned sharply at Rage and slashed at his right shoulder, giving the Fire God a deep gash. Crystallight's eyes flashed dangerously when seeing that happen. She charged at Crainte and raised her sword high above her head as she then brought it down.
He raised his up and blocked her assault in the nick-of-time. With one swift movement, Crainte kicked her sword arm, making her let go of her sword, then he ducked down and kicked out his leg. She tripped to the ground and landed roughly on her back. He sat on her stomach and gripped her neck with his free hand as he pointed his blade at her heart. She grasped his wrist with both her hands as she struggled under his weight to get free. She could feel the air from her lungs slowly leaving. Her throat burned and cried out for oxygen.
"I'll kill you, and then I'll take your soul!" Crainte hissed venomously at her.
Her eyes widen in horror as he plunged the blade at her heart.
"ELEMENT, WIND!"
A gust of wind crashed against Crainte's side, knocking him off of Crystallight and sending him flying side ways. Pushing herself up, she picked her sword up and sent Syaoran a grateful look.
"You'll pay for that. . ." came Crainte's voice as he heaved his body off the ground. He kept his head bowed so that his bangs covered his eyes. An evil, almost crazed, smirk could be seen making its way across his face. His arms hung limply at his sides and he kept his body bent a bit. Then he lifted his head up and stared at them with gleaming eyes that made them feel uncomfortable and tense. "I bet you all think you can beat me. . . ne?" They all remained silent and the nearly crazed Crainte broke into a wild laughter. "Oh but you're all wrong!! You CANNOT defeat me!!! All of you are doom! This whole planet is doomed! Lord Hades and Lord Zero will rule the world and enslave the Humans. No one can stop them. . . No one."
"You want to bet?" Syaoran snarled as he advanced at him. He was seriously starting to think that Wind Attack he sent, severely damaged the lunatic's head and turned him into a deranged psycho-path. He tightly gripped the hilt on his sword as he gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes. He whipped out another ofuda. (A/N: Isn't it strange how he always seems to pull those things out of nowhere?) His amber eyes burned like a wild fire that made anyone who looked into them think it would never die out. Once he had that look in his eyes, nothing would stop him from getting what he wanted or accomplishing his task, and that task was: To get Sakura back at ALL costs.
Crainte stared at the approaching figure with the same smile. A thunder and lightning bolt struck and mixed together to create a blinding, booming light that illuminated Crainte's features to make him look even more frightful. Gem gulped as a shiver of fear ran up and down her spine. Rage kept a calm exposure, but deep down he was just as tense as anyone else. Crystallight squinted through the rain and shuddered from the coldness and from apprehension. "C'mon Little Wolf. . . Show me what you got!"
"So be it!" Syaoran exclaimed as he rushed at Crainte with his sword ready.
"Master! Iie!!" Gem shouted, her eyes wide. "You can't defeat him on your own!!!"
He ignored Gem's protest as he brought his sword down with immense force. His weapon quivered violently from the harsh collision of metal against metal. Chuckling up at him, Crainte slid his blade against Syaoran's as he twisted around and slammed his elbow into the amber eyed boy's stomach. Eyes widening, the Earth God doubled over in pain as he gripped his stomach and gasped while trying to breathe but found that quite hard. The blue eyed villain then rammed his knee under his chin, making him fall backwards with a cry of surprise. He pointed his sword at the fallen Wolf.
"It's over, Xiaolang. Just surrender yourself."
Syaoran simply stared up at him with a glare as he panted and continued to grip onto his stomach. Crystallight ran up behind Crainte with quick agility, silence, and grace as she slammed the hilt of her sword behind his neck. She raised her leg up and kicked at his back, making him stumble forward. Then she grabbed the back of his shirt, fell down to her back, placed the flat of her shoe against his back, and flipped him over her so that he landed face first into the mud. She scuttled up to her feet and pounced so she sat on the back of him with her legs on either side of him. She grasped on to his hair and forced his head up and then back with her blade against his neck. Her teeth were barred and a low growl could be heard escaping her throat.
"You've lost, Crainte. It's time for you to face defeat! Now tell me where Sakura-sama is or I WILL kill you!" she warned.
"I'll never tell you!" Crainte sneered.
She ran the side of her blade along side his throat so that a thin, red line formed with a trail of liquid flowing out. Lucky for him it wasn't deep or he would've been dead.
"I'll only repeat myself once. . . and ONLY once: Where. Is. Sakura- sama!?" It was quite obvious that she was loosing her patience with him.
He let out a forced laugh. "Oh. . . You'll see. . . You'll see."
She eyed him with suspicion. "What are you talking about?"
"Just wait," he replied, a smirk on his face. He stared forward through the blankets of rain, as if expecting for something, or someone, to come any moment.
It was then that a single, dark, figurine could be made out through the darkness and falling water. A lightning bolt clashed and illuminated his features as a guy with long dark brown hair, held in a loose pony tail, and deep, crimson eyes that reminded them all of fresh blood. A frown was on his face and he stared at each and every one of them with blank eyes. His frown slowly curved up into an exact replica of Crainte's evil smirk. He flicked his hand. Another person appeared, floating in front of the crimson eyed person. Silver chains were wrapped around her legs and slowly made its way up her waists, around her stomach, up her neck and shoulders, and they held her arms up over her bowed head. Auburn bangs covered over her eyes and her cheeks were a flaming red. Her face was an ill-white and her lips were in a tiny frown. It was hard for the others so tell who this person was through the rain. And speaking of rain: The hail decreased gradually into a soft one that hit against them with the lightest of touches. Everyone's eyes went wide when they were able to see who the chained person was.
"S-Sakura. . .?" Syaoran gasped out. His eyes were wide in horror. She looked weak, fragile, and sick. It was obvious that she needed to be treated immediately before her fever became worse. He took a step towards her but stopped in his tracks when the guy, Quin, held a dagger at a throat. He had his crimson eyes glaring at Crystallight.
"Let go of Crainte if you know what's good for you," Quin demanded in a dull tone.
Crystallight shoved Crainte's face back into the mud with a push as she then got off of him and backed away. Climbing back onto his feet, Crainte frantically wiped the mud off of his face as he approached Quin so he joined his side.
"Give us back Sakura!" Syaoran commanded, his tone icy and demanding.
"I'm afraid we can't do that," Crainte replied in what seemed like mock- sympathy. "You see, she now belongs to Lord Zero now."
"What do you mean?" Rage spat out.
"Exactly what you think I mean," Crainte said with a snarling smirk. "He now owns her. ALL of her. Her powers, her soul, EVERYTHING of her is his."
"Yeah? And who said that?" Gem asked in anger.
"Why, Lord Zero of course," Quin answered.
"Well guess what? Sakura-sama belongs to NO ONE!" Crystallight snapped.
"But she does now," Crainte pointed out with a triumphant, short laugh.
Syaoran balled his hands into tight fists. He shook with furry and anger that could be seen in his burning amber eyes. He grind his teeth and had to keep himself in check before he went dashing towards them and killing the two right where they stood. His eyes flashed white and returned to its original colour and his green aura flared out around him with great brilliance. His knuckles turned white and sweat formed on his palms as he kept his grip on the hilt of his sword.
"Aww. Is the little wolf pup mad?" Every part of Crainte taunted Syaoran. His eyes; his grin; and his jeering tone mocked the angered God.
His eyes flashed again, this time in a warning way that was sent towards the two. His body suddenly then became less tense and more calm as he lost his angered expression and simply stared at them with a smirk.
Quin eyed him in fear as he took a step back. "Crainte. . ."
"Whach'ya gonna do, huh?" Crainte continued to say.
"What do YOU think?" Syaoran asked in an almost TOO calm voice that suddenly wiped the taunting look off of Crainte's face. "Now, hand over Sakura or I shall be forced to take her from you two."
"Maybe we should do as he says. . ." Crainte mumbled to Quin who shook his head wildly and who tried to keep a brave expression.
"No. We can't go back to Lord Zero empty handed or both of us will loose our heads," Quin muttered in return. "Do you really wish to be. . . beheaded?"
Crainte gulped at the thought as he placed a hand on his throat. That thought didn't sound to comforting. . . but the look in Syaoran's eyes MADE him want to change his mind and hand over the emerald eyed Goddess. The Element Gods stared at their Master and backed away from him at a safe distance. They knew what he would do if they didn't obey him.
"So what do you say. . .?" Syaoran began. "Hand her over and I'll let you both free. . . Or. . ." He fiddled with his sword as his smirk turned into a dark grin.
The two minions were torn. What were they going to do? But they made no movement to hand her over to him. And I guess you can say. . . that was a BAD decision. . .
"Fine! You two have asked for it!" Syaoran exclaimed as his amber eyes were washed over with white. "Both of you shall perish!!!!" His green aura blazed everywhere like a green fire. It circled around him and gradually turned into a silver one. A white glow enveloped his sword and then a bright light flashed everywhere. They all covered their eyes and once the light died down, they re-opened their eyes to see the God of Earth at his full power.
Syaoran's silver aura surrounded his body and his amber orbs were brought back into his eyes. He let out a powerful, and yet heavenly, feeling. His sword was now different: The hilt was silver and the blade reminded them each of snow on a winter's day. Quin and Crainte stared at him wide-eye and their whole bodies shook violently and uncontrollably. Syaoran smirked at them, looking satisfied by the fear they showed. He cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders as he then flexed his muscles. His sword seemed to gleam even brighter as water dripped down his bangs. The rain suddenly came to a complete stop and the air was filled with a damp fog.
"What are we going to do now?" Crainte asked Quin in a low, shaky voice.
"How am I suppose to know?" Quin snapped. "It's YOUR fault he transformed in the first place so YOU should take care of him!" He shoved Crainte towards the patient God.
His eyes went wide. "No, no, no, no, no!! Oooh no! YOU can handle him yourself!" Crainte protested as he ran behind Quin and shoved him forward.
Syaoran shook his head as he chuckled at the two. Then he slowly raised his sword and pointed the tip of the blade between them. A calm, almost bored, look was on his face as he gave them a lazy grin. "It's time for you two to face the consequence. . ."
Quin suddenly glared at Syaoran, a smirk on his face. "You haven't won just yet, Xiaolang. . . ." He snapped his fingers.
Sakura's eye lids fluttered open to reveal a pair of pale emerald eyes. She found it hard for her to lift her head. It felt as if a great weight was upon her body. With whatever strength she could muster, she tilted her head back and was met by a pair of warm, amber eyes that suddenly brought hope back into her heart. Her lips twitched up into a faint grin. "Syaoran. . . It's you. . ."
He brought his sword back down to his side and instantly forgot about Quin and Crainte as he fixed her with a worried look. "Sakura! Daijoubu desu ka?"
"Hai," she replied with a cough. "I'm fine. . . Just a little bit tired, that's all. *coughs* It's nothing to worry about. . . *coughs*"
He took a step towards her as he reached out a hand for her. "Sakur -"
"Stay back if you know what's good for her!" Quin suddenly barked as he brought his dagger up to her neck.
Coming to an abrupt halt, Syaoran stared at Quin in anger as he glared daggers at his enemy. "Give her back!"
"Sorry but. . . ." Quin began. "No."
"Too bad, so sad," Crainte remarked with a fake sigh.
Growling darkly at them, the Earth God gripped the hilt tightly as he bent over a bit in a pose that showed he was about to pounce at them any minute now.
"Syaoran. . . Don't worry about me. . . *coughs* I'll be fine. . ." Sakura protested but was forced to tilt her head back when the sharp weapon pressed even closer against her neck.
"Shut up, woman!" Quin snapped.
But she ignored him. "Just leave! All of you! Go on without me!!! I know you'll be able to accomplish the mission with or without my help." She broke into fits of harsh coughing, blood splattering out of her mouth.
"Sakura! We're not leaving without you!" Gem stepped in.
"Yeah!" Rage added. "You're apart of our 'team!' And we don't leave team members behind. . .let alone our friends!"
"We started this with you and Master, and we're not going to finish it without you," Crystallight stated in a firm tone.
She gazed at them with glistening emerald eyes, a soft smile playing across her lips. She was truly, and deeply, touched by their words. "You guys. . ."
"We'll get you out of there, Sakura!" Syaoran swore through gritted teeth as he continued to glare venomously at Quin and Crainte. "And I surely won't let THOSE two stand in any of our way!!!" He whipped out an ofuda and slammed the flat of his blade against it. "ELEMENT, WIND!!!!"
A strong gust of tan wind flew at the two villains with great speed. The wind wrapped around the two boys, picked them off their feet, and roughly forced them away from the chained Goddess and into the muddy ground where they lied there, groaning and moaning. The Future Li Clan Leader approached them in a slow, almost turtle-like, way. They forced themselves up into a sitting position as they watched him coming towards them. Quin and Crainte held their breaths, their eyes wide in fear and panic. What was he going to do to them now that they were at his complete mercy?
"See! I told you we should've just handed her over!" Crainte hissed at Quin from the corner of his mouth. "But did you listen to me? Nooo!!!"
"YOU'RE the one that wouldn't let me hand her over!" Quin sneered back.
"No!! It's YOUR fault!"
"No! YOUR'S!"
"YOUR'S!"
"YOUR'S!"
"YOUR'S!"
"YOUR'S!"
"SHUT UP! BOTH OF YOU!!!!"
Their jaws snapped together in an instant as they turned their head towards Syaoran who now towered over them. He looked like a menacing force that should never be reckoned with. His face was dark and shadows could be seen under his eyes. His lips were in a snarl and his teeth were barred. He raised his sword up and the blade gleamed an even brighter white. The two minions of Hade's and Zero pushed themselves backwards; trying to get as far away as possible from the angered God before he could unleash his rage upon them.
"Please!!! Don't hurt me!! He started it!!!" Crainte begged.
"WHAT!?! YOU STARTED ALL THIS!!" Quin exclaimed, his eyes wide.
"Silence!" Syaoran's strong voice boomed out. "It is to late for the both of you to beg for forgiveness!! You both shall die!"
"Iie!! Onegai!! Have mercy on our poor souls!!!" Crainte pleaded.
His amber eyes seemed to flash. "I show no mercy to the likes of you two!!!" He brought his sword down so the point was aimed between the two. He opened and closed his mouth and these are the words that he spoke:
"Of Fire and Water
Of Wind and Earth.
I call upon the spirits of the elements.
Come to my aid!
I, God of Earth,
Call you!
Element, Strike!"
A silver glow gradually formed at the tip of the blade. It expanded to a greater size. A great amount of power and energy could be felt emitting from that one little energy ball that was now a huge energy ball. Quin and Crainte stared at it in horror as Crystallight, Gem, and Rage stared at it in wonder and awe. Shivers ran up their spines from the force the thing let out. They'd sure hate to be in Crainte's and Quin's shoes at the moment. . .
"Now! Both of you shall pay the consequences!!!!"
He released the energy ball and it flew straight at them like a thick, wide pillar of power. Their mouths went wide and a cry of agony and torture escaped their mouths right when they were enveloped by the silver light. Sakura tightly shut her eyes as she turned her head away from the sight of humans being torn away from their skin and whatever remains of them, dissolved away. Yes, it's true, she's killed many of Zero's and Hade's minions, but do you think she was proud of it? No. She wasn't. Truth is, she completely despised herself from doing this. She hated killing and will continue to hate it. But, she had to kill them if she wished to save herself and the others and if she wished to survive. Once the silver light of the attack finally dimmed down, she parted her eye lids and looked back at the section of land where Quin and Crainte once sat. They weren't there anymore. Instead, ashes replaced their bodies. Syaoran stood there for a minute or two before his aura circled around his body and was washed over by a faint, green one. Weariness was instantly on his face and lines could be seen under his eyes. His sword returned back to normal and so did he. His legs wobbled underneath his weight and it was plain to see that he was exhausted and power drained. He buried the point of his sword in the ground as he leaned on it for support.
Sakura's eyes went wide as she gave him a concerned look. "Syaoran!" The chains around her faded away. Her legs felt like led under her weight and she was about to collapse but she forced herself to run with all her might. Syaoran lifted his head up towards her and watched as she ran towards him. Once she was in front of him, Sakura found herself falling down on her knees and into his arms where he embraced her tightly. He released his sword and allowed it to fall to the ground as he sat down and held her close to him. He rubbed her back and rested his chin on the top of her; never wanting to let her go. She kept her arms wrapped around his waist, her face buried in his chest. She rubbed her face against his shirt before looking up at him with dreary emerald eyes.
"Daijoubu desu ka, Syaoran-kun?" Sakura asked him, barely above a whisper, her eyes half open.
He smiled warmly down at her, a soft look on his face. "Hai, I'm fine. Where have you been all this time?"
She let out a shaky sigh as she diverted her gaze from his. "I'm not really sure. . . It was all. . . dark. I can't really remember anything." After that was said, she broke into fits of harsh coughs.
Syaoran brought a hand and placed the palm of it against her forehead and immediately withdrew it. His eyes were wide in worry. "You're burning up!!!"
"You must be imagining things, Syaoran," Sakura inquired as she pulled herself away from him. "Maybe it's your hands that are burning."
He eyed her. "I don't believe you. You're sick, we have to get you some help!"
She waved a hand at him. "Hush up, Syaoran. I'm not sick. I haven't been sick in a while. What makes you think that I'm sick now?"
Syaoran gave her an intense stare. "Kinomoto, Sakura! You're the most stubborn person I have EVER met!"
She gave him a clumsy smile as she forced herself up onto wobbly legs. "I'll except that as a compliment." She held out a hand. "Here, let me help you up."
He simply stared at her hand for a while then, he reached out and grasped her hand in his. She was about to haul him up onto his feet when he pulled her towards him and she ended up falling back into his embrace.
"Hoe!" she squeaked in surprise, her eyes wide.
"You can't lie to me. . ." Syaoran whispered into her ear. "I know that you're sick so quit lying to yourself."
Her cheeks seemed to turn a darker scarlet red.
"Now let me help you," he pleaded. "Onegai."
She allowed a small smile to cross her face as her eye lids covered her emerald orbs. She now found it quite useless to persuade him that she was just fine. It seemed as if he could read her like an open book! Crystallight, Gem, and Rage observed all of this silently, neither of them wanting to disturb the God and Goddess. Stars were in Gem's eyes as she clasped her hands together in a dreamy look.
"Those two are so kawaii!" she whispered to her two comrades. "Don't you think so?"
Rage gave Gem a weird look and Crystallight simply nodded in agreement, a grin on her face.
-End of Chapter-
Azure Rosas: -cracks knuckles- Whew! That was tiring. . . .I know, I know. Sorry for the late posting. -,- It took me FOREVER to post this chapter!! Gomen nasi. Please forgive me! ^^; And I guess we all now know Crainte's TRUE colours! He's nothing but a coward deep down inside. Anyway, here are two notes I left for Kitty Kat and Animefreak242:
Kitty Kat - ^^; Thanks for pointing that out. . .I just noticed after reading your review that I called male horses "mares" and female horses "stallions." I usually don't notice my mistakes until LATER on. But thanks for tellin' me that!!!
Animefreak242: You're right. . . Hades doesn't want them hurt or killed, but I guess you can say he doesn't know the meaning of hurting someone. Odd, aren't they? Why are villains so. . . stupid? And the reason why the Gods/Goddess aren't helping them is because the only Gods/Goddess that are actually alive at the moment are Sakura, Syaoran, Crystallight, Rage, and Gem. The others are all dead and if they go down to Earth than they'll only be able to stay for a short while and their time down on Earth wouldn't last long enough for them to help. Oh, and the REAL Briar is still in Heaven. Crainte was lying about all that wish-wash he said when he was pretending to be Briar.
Azure Rosas: Also, I must thank these people for reviewing: Isa-chan, Kawaiiaznangel36, Litwolf689, Silvercherrywolf, and Kadokyaketa Sakura. Thank you soo much!!! All of you!! For reviewing!! I would've left you all separate notes, but I wouldn't know what to say but: THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUUUCCHHH!!! Welp. I must go now! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!! Bye minna! And: PLEASE REVIEW!!
Chapter 21: You Can't Lie To Me
By: Azure Rosas
*
"Syaoran. . . ." she whispered in a feverish way. "Where are you. . .?" Tears slowly fell from her tightly shut eyes as she moved about restlessly. "I need you. . . ." Her eye lids gradually parted and everything was all but a blur at first. When her eyes adjusted to the darkness in the room, she found herself in some sort of. . . transparent bubble. She forced herself up to her feet but was suddenly enveloped by a wave of weariness. She staggered to the side and leaned against the sphere that encased her. Coughing heavily, she slid back to her knees, her shoulder and head still leaning against the side. Her eyes were half opened and her breathing came out as pants. Her head throbbed with a head ache and she brought her hand to the back of her head where she felt wet liquid that was drying up. Bringing her hand back, she looked down at her fingers to find it a crimson color.
-Blood? When did this happen?- Then she remembered how Quin hit her on the head with the hilt of his sword. A grim look came on her face as she let out a forced sigh. -Ah yes. . . How could I have forgotten? They have me now. There's no route of escape. And I don't even know where I'm at anymore.- She stared out through the sphere but all she saw was darkness. "Syaoran. . . Help me. . ." It was then that she felt something hard in her pocket. Blinking in confusion, she dug her hand in her pocket and pulled out a flute. Her face brightened upon seeing it. "How could I forget this!? Hope gave it to me!!" It seemed as if she were slowly regaining her hope that was lost earlier just by looking at this flute. Then, doubt gripped her heart. Did she really want to play it? If she did then, Syaoran would know where she was and he would come after her. . . But he'd probably end up being captured along with her and the world will most likely be doom. Gripping it tightly, she put it away.
"No. . . ." she mumbled to herself. "I'm not going to risk Syaoran's capture. I'll just have to find away out myself." She reached out for her Star Key and sighed with relief once she found it still hung around her neck. She dug into her other pocket, and then it hit her: She left her cards in Syaoran's cloak! "Kuso. . ." The cards were her last hope but that slowly went down the drain. How was she going to get out now? She WOULD use her Goddess powers, but she didn't know how to release them. It usually happened at unexpected times. "What am I going to do now?"
She sat there in the silence, not a single sound could be heard but her heavy breathing. Slowly closing her eyes, she didn't bother to re-open them when she heard the sound of footsteps approach the sphere that held her prisoner. The footsteps came to a stop and she could sense Zero's presence in front of her. Opening her eyes, she looked at him, then away. A smirk crossed his face.
"Sweet, sweet, Cherry Blossom. . ." he began to say. "You are finally mines."
Sakura looked back at him as she narrowed her eyes. "I will never be yours!"
"Ah. But you already are," Zero replied with the same smirk.
Her eye lids became heavy but she fought the urge to fall asleep. "To bad, Zero. Even though you say I'm yours. . . I shall never be yours. You'll never have me nor my powers!"
His eyes twinkled at her. "Quit denying it, Card Mistress, you're already mines and so are your powers. You're only fooling yourself into thinking that you're free. You're nothing but a defenseless and powerless blossom that I hold in the palm of my hands. I could easily squash you with a simple squeeze."
"I'm not as weak as you think, Zero," Sakura muttered. "You'll be sorry for ever misjudging me. . . I'll make sure of it."
Zero chuckled. "Say whatever you wish. It won't make the difference. Words won't scare me and plus, you're no match for me."
"Then if you're so powerful, why do you want my powers?" Sakura spat.
He reached a hand out for her that went through the bubble. He cupped her cheek in his hand as he then caressed her face. "If I have you by my side then the two of us can be the rulers of the whole universe! We could be unstoppable. Just think of all the destruction we could cause together." Then his eyes gleamed with what seemed like. . . lust. "And we could have some fun together. . ."
Barring her teeth, Sakura growled and glared as she pushed his hand away. "You're a sick person! You know that, Zero!?"
Snickering, he brought his hand back to his side. "Why thank you for that comment. It really means a lot to me that you think of me in such a way." It wasn't that hard to tell he was just being sarcastic.
Sakura rolled her eyes as she glared at him. "I demand you to let me go!"
"I'm afraid that cannot be arrange. . ." Zero replied. "If I do let you go then you'll just end up running away and get yourself lost. It's not as easy as it seems to get out of here, you know? Now. . ." He waved his hand and the sphere that encased her suddenly disappeared and she fell to the ground with a thump.
"Itai. . ." Rubbing her bottom, Sakura glared up at him. Gathering whatever strength she could muster, she forced herself onto wobbly feet. She made a move to run away when Zero waved his hand once again, this time, in front of her face. Her eye lids became even more heavier than before as she found herself falling forward. She then embraced the unconscious world with open arms. He caught her in his hold as his smirk went seemingly wider.
"I finally have you, Card Mistress. If I had my way, then I'd kill the Little Wolf. But Father has his eyes set on his powers so we cannot disappoint him, now can we?" He then shouted into the darkness. "Quin!!"
Quin appeared out of nowhere, with the same emotionless look on his face. Zero handed Sakura to him.
"Do not fail," Zero warned. "You know the consequences if you do. . ."
Bowing his head, Quin swept Sakura up into his arms as he turned his back and walked away, his body and Sakura's slowly fading away and mixing with the blackness.
-Meanwhile-
Syaoran stared at the point of Crainte's sword, then he looked up at him with a glare.
"Let me ask you one last time. . . Come with me peacefully or I shall force you to come."
"I'd rather die than surrender to the likes of you!" Syaoran growled dangerously.
"I'd kill you if I had the chance to!" Crainte sneered.
"Then why don't you?"
"It's against Master Hade's wishes," Crainte replied coldly, obviously not liking the idea that he had to spare the Little Wolf's life.
"Do you always have to do as you are told?" Syaoran asked in an almost mocking tone.
Meanwhile, while they were talking, Gem, Crystallight, and Rage snuck up towards Crainte. Their swords were drawn and they were ready to attack Crainte at any moment. A thunder bolt crashed over head, but it went unnoticed a long with the rain. Sneering at Syaoran's mocking tone, Crainte's grip on the hilt went seemingly tighter as his knuckles turned white. "If I were you, I'd watch that tongue of yours before it leads to a certain blossom getting hurt. . ."
Eyes widening in rage, Syaoran growled menacingly up at him. "If ANYONE lays a hand on Sakura. . . I'll kill you!!!"
"You're in no position to be making threats, Xiaolang Li. Now I suggest you surrender yourself before I hurt you. . ."
"Now look at this. It seems as if it's the other way around, Crainte," came Crystallight's taunting and sneering tone from behind him. "You're the one that appears to be in no position to be making any threats at the moment."
Turning around, Crainte's eyes went wide in surprise when he found Crystallight pointing her own sword at his throat. His eyes darted to the side. To his right, was Rage, and to his left, was Gem. They both had their blades pointing at him; all of them blocking any possible route of escape. He then looked back at Crystallight and glared daggers at her.
"I suggest you tell us where Sakura-sama is before I. . . ." she began in a warning tone as she brought the tip of her sword closer to his neck.
Gem picked up Syaoran's sword as she handed it to him and helped him up.
"Arigatou, Gem-san."
"You're welcome, Master Xiaolang!" Gem replied.
"You heard the lady, Crainte, now tell us where she is!" Rage barked in a commanding voice.
To their confusion, Crainte smirked and burst into laughter. Syaoran narrowed his eyes to tiny slits as he found his patience slowly thinning away. "And what the heck do you find so amusing!?"
Crainte eyed them through half opened eyes, a humored grin still on his lips. "Everyone one of you. All of you amuse me with your little act. Do you really think just because you have me trapped that you actually one? Well. . . guess again!" In a blink of an eye, he kicked Syaoran square in the chest, making him stagger back. Then he swiped his blade against Gem's with such force that she lost grip on the hilt. After that, he turned sharply at Rage and slashed at his right shoulder, giving the Fire God a deep gash. Crystallight's eyes flashed dangerously when seeing that happen. She charged at Crainte and raised her sword high above her head as she then brought it down.
He raised his up and blocked her assault in the nick-of-time. With one swift movement, Crainte kicked her sword arm, making her let go of her sword, then he ducked down and kicked out his leg. She tripped to the ground and landed roughly on her back. He sat on her stomach and gripped her neck with his free hand as he pointed his blade at her heart. She grasped his wrist with both her hands as she struggled under his weight to get free. She could feel the air from her lungs slowly leaving. Her throat burned and cried out for oxygen.
"I'll kill you, and then I'll take your soul!" Crainte hissed venomously at her.
Her eyes widen in horror as he plunged the blade at her heart.
"ELEMENT, WIND!"
A gust of wind crashed against Crainte's side, knocking him off of Crystallight and sending him flying side ways. Pushing herself up, she picked her sword up and sent Syaoran a grateful look.
"You'll pay for that. . ." came Crainte's voice as he heaved his body off the ground. He kept his head bowed so that his bangs covered his eyes. An evil, almost crazed, smirk could be seen making its way across his face. His arms hung limply at his sides and he kept his body bent a bit. Then he lifted his head up and stared at them with gleaming eyes that made them feel uncomfortable and tense. "I bet you all think you can beat me. . . ne?" They all remained silent and the nearly crazed Crainte broke into a wild laughter. "Oh but you're all wrong!! You CANNOT defeat me!!! All of you are doom! This whole planet is doomed! Lord Hades and Lord Zero will rule the world and enslave the Humans. No one can stop them. . . No one."
"You want to bet?" Syaoran snarled as he advanced at him. He was seriously starting to think that Wind Attack he sent, severely damaged the lunatic's head and turned him into a deranged psycho-path. He tightly gripped the hilt on his sword as he gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes. He whipped out another ofuda. (A/N: Isn't it strange how he always seems to pull those things out of nowhere?) His amber eyes burned like a wild fire that made anyone who looked into them think it would never die out. Once he had that look in his eyes, nothing would stop him from getting what he wanted or accomplishing his task, and that task was: To get Sakura back at ALL costs.
Crainte stared at the approaching figure with the same smile. A thunder and lightning bolt struck and mixed together to create a blinding, booming light that illuminated Crainte's features to make him look even more frightful. Gem gulped as a shiver of fear ran up and down her spine. Rage kept a calm exposure, but deep down he was just as tense as anyone else. Crystallight squinted through the rain and shuddered from the coldness and from apprehension. "C'mon Little Wolf. . . Show me what you got!"
"So be it!" Syaoran exclaimed as he rushed at Crainte with his sword ready.
"Master! Iie!!" Gem shouted, her eyes wide. "You can't defeat him on your own!!!"
He ignored Gem's protest as he brought his sword down with immense force. His weapon quivered violently from the harsh collision of metal against metal. Chuckling up at him, Crainte slid his blade against Syaoran's as he twisted around and slammed his elbow into the amber eyed boy's stomach. Eyes widening, the Earth God doubled over in pain as he gripped his stomach and gasped while trying to breathe but found that quite hard. The blue eyed villain then rammed his knee under his chin, making him fall backwards with a cry of surprise. He pointed his sword at the fallen Wolf.
"It's over, Xiaolang. Just surrender yourself."
Syaoran simply stared up at him with a glare as he panted and continued to grip onto his stomach. Crystallight ran up behind Crainte with quick agility, silence, and grace as she slammed the hilt of her sword behind his neck. She raised her leg up and kicked at his back, making him stumble forward. Then she grabbed the back of his shirt, fell down to her back, placed the flat of her shoe against his back, and flipped him over her so that he landed face first into the mud. She scuttled up to her feet and pounced so she sat on the back of him with her legs on either side of him. She grasped on to his hair and forced his head up and then back with her blade against his neck. Her teeth were barred and a low growl could be heard escaping her throat.
"You've lost, Crainte. It's time for you to face defeat! Now tell me where Sakura-sama is or I WILL kill you!" she warned.
"I'll never tell you!" Crainte sneered.
She ran the side of her blade along side his throat so that a thin, red line formed with a trail of liquid flowing out. Lucky for him it wasn't deep or he would've been dead.
"I'll only repeat myself once. . . and ONLY once: Where. Is. Sakura- sama!?" It was quite obvious that she was loosing her patience with him.
He let out a forced laugh. "Oh. . . You'll see. . . You'll see."
She eyed him with suspicion. "What are you talking about?"
"Just wait," he replied, a smirk on his face. He stared forward through the blankets of rain, as if expecting for something, or someone, to come any moment.
It was then that a single, dark, figurine could be made out through the darkness and falling water. A lightning bolt clashed and illuminated his features as a guy with long dark brown hair, held in a loose pony tail, and deep, crimson eyes that reminded them all of fresh blood. A frown was on his face and he stared at each and every one of them with blank eyes. His frown slowly curved up into an exact replica of Crainte's evil smirk. He flicked his hand. Another person appeared, floating in front of the crimson eyed person. Silver chains were wrapped around her legs and slowly made its way up her waists, around her stomach, up her neck and shoulders, and they held her arms up over her bowed head. Auburn bangs covered over her eyes and her cheeks were a flaming red. Her face was an ill-white and her lips were in a tiny frown. It was hard for the others so tell who this person was through the rain. And speaking of rain: The hail decreased gradually into a soft one that hit against them with the lightest of touches. Everyone's eyes went wide when they were able to see who the chained person was.
"S-Sakura. . .?" Syaoran gasped out. His eyes were wide in horror. She looked weak, fragile, and sick. It was obvious that she needed to be treated immediately before her fever became worse. He took a step towards her but stopped in his tracks when the guy, Quin, held a dagger at a throat. He had his crimson eyes glaring at Crystallight.
"Let go of Crainte if you know what's good for you," Quin demanded in a dull tone.
Crystallight shoved Crainte's face back into the mud with a push as she then got off of him and backed away. Climbing back onto his feet, Crainte frantically wiped the mud off of his face as he approached Quin so he joined his side.
"Give us back Sakura!" Syaoran commanded, his tone icy and demanding.
"I'm afraid we can't do that," Crainte replied in what seemed like mock- sympathy. "You see, she now belongs to Lord Zero now."
"What do you mean?" Rage spat out.
"Exactly what you think I mean," Crainte said with a snarling smirk. "He now owns her. ALL of her. Her powers, her soul, EVERYTHING of her is his."
"Yeah? And who said that?" Gem asked in anger.
"Why, Lord Zero of course," Quin answered.
"Well guess what? Sakura-sama belongs to NO ONE!" Crystallight snapped.
"But she does now," Crainte pointed out with a triumphant, short laugh.
Syaoran balled his hands into tight fists. He shook with furry and anger that could be seen in his burning amber eyes. He grind his teeth and had to keep himself in check before he went dashing towards them and killing the two right where they stood. His eyes flashed white and returned to its original colour and his green aura flared out around him with great brilliance. His knuckles turned white and sweat formed on his palms as he kept his grip on the hilt of his sword.
"Aww. Is the little wolf pup mad?" Every part of Crainte taunted Syaoran. His eyes; his grin; and his jeering tone mocked the angered God.
His eyes flashed again, this time in a warning way that was sent towards the two. His body suddenly then became less tense and more calm as he lost his angered expression and simply stared at them with a smirk.
Quin eyed him in fear as he took a step back. "Crainte. . ."
"Whach'ya gonna do, huh?" Crainte continued to say.
"What do YOU think?" Syaoran asked in an almost TOO calm voice that suddenly wiped the taunting look off of Crainte's face. "Now, hand over Sakura or I shall be forced to take her from you two."
"Maybe we should do as he says. . ." Crainte mumbled to Quin who shook his head wildly and who tried to keep a brave expression.
"No. We can't go back to Lord Zero empty handed or both of us will loose our heads," Quin muttered in return. "Do you really wish to be. . . beheaded?"
Crainte gulped at the thought as he placed a hand on his throat. That thought didn't sound to comforting. . . but the look in Syaoran's eyes MADE him want to change his mind and hand over the emerald eyed Goddess. The Element Gods stared at their Master and backed away from him at a safe distance. They knew what he would do if they didn't obey him.
"So what do you say. . .?" Syaoran began. "Hand her over and I'll let you both free. . . Or. . ." He fiddled with his sword as his smirk turned into a dark grin.
The two minions were torn. What were they going to do? But they made no movement to hand her over to him. And I guess you can say. . . that was a BAD decision. . .
"Fine! You two have asked for it!" Syaoran exclaimed as his amber eyes were washed over with white. "Both of you shall perish!!!!" His green aura blazed everywhere like a green fire. It circled around him and gradually turned into a silver one. A white glow enveloped his sword and then a bright light flashed everywhere. They all covered their eyes and once the light died down, they re-opened their eyes to see the God of Earth at his full power.
Syaoran's silver aura surrounded his body and his amber orbs were brought back into his eyes. He let out a powerful, and yet heavenly, feeling. His sword was now different: The hilt was silver and the blade reminded them each of snow on a winter's day. Quin and Crainte stared at him wide-eye and their whole bodies shook violently and uncontrollably. Syaoran smirked at them, looking satisfied by the fear they showed. He cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders as he then flexed his muscles. His sword seemed to gleam even brighter as water dripped down his bangs. The rain suddenly came to a complete stop and the air was filled with a damp fog.
"What are we going to do now?" Crainte asked Quin in a low, shaky voice.
"How am I suppose to know?" Quin snapped. "It's YOUR fault he transformed in the first place so YOU should take care of him!" He shoved Crainte towards the patient God.
His eyes went wide. "No, no, no, no, no!! Oooh no! YOU can handle him yourself!" Crainte protested as he ran behind Quin and shoved him forward.
Syaoran shook his head as he chuckled at the two. Then he slowly raised his sword and pointed the tip of the blade between them. A calm, almost bored, look was on his face as he gave them a lazy grin. "It's time for you two to face the consequence. . ."
Quin suddenly glared at Syaoran, a smirk on his face. "You haven't won just yet, Xiaolang. . . ." He snapped his fingers.
Sakura's eye lids fluttered open to reveal a pair of pale emerald eyes. She found it hard for her to lift her head. It felt as if a great weight was upon her body. With whatever strength she could muster, she tilted her head back and was met by a pair of warm, amber eyes that suddenly brought hope back into her heart. Her lips twitched up into a faint grin. "Syaoran. . . It's you. . ."
He brought his sword back down to his side and instantly forgot about Quin and Crainte as he fixed her with a worried look. "Sakura! Daijoubu desu ka?"
"Hai," she replied with a cough. "I'm fine. . . Just a little bit tired, that's all. *coughs* It's nothing to worry about. . . *coughs*"
He took a step towards her as he reached out a hand for her. "Sakur -"
"Stay back if you know what's good for her!" Quin suddenly barked as he brought his dagger up to her neck.
Coming to an abrupt halt, Syaoran stared at Quin in anger as he glared daggers at his enemy. "Give her back!"
"Sorry but. . . ." Quin began. "No."
"Too bad, so sad," Crainte remarked with a fake sigh.
Growling darkly at them, the Earth God gripped the hilt tightly as he bent over a bit in a pose that showed he was about to pounce at them any minute now.
"Syaoran. . . Don't worry about me. . . *coughs* I'll be fine. . ." Sakura protested but was forced to tilt her head back when the sharp weapon pressed even closer against her neck.
"Shut up, woman!" Quin snapped.
But she ignored him. "Just leave! All of you! Go on without me!!! I know you'll be able to accomplish the mission with or without my help." She broke into fits of harsh coughing, blood splattering out of her mouth.
"Sakura! We're not leaving without you!" Gem stepped in.
"Yeah!" Rage added. "You're apart of our 'team!' And we don't leave team members behind. . .let alone our friends!"
"We started this with you and Master, and we're not going to finish it without you," Crystallight stated in a firm tone.
She gazed at them with glistening emerald eyes, a soft smile playing across her lips. She was truly, and deeply, touched by their words. "You guys. . ."
"We'll get you out of there, Sakura!" Syaoran swore through gritted teeth as he continued to glare venomously at Quin and Crainte. "And I surely won't let THOSE two stand in any of our way!!!" He whipped out an ofuda and slammed the flat of his blade against it. "ELEMENT, WIND!!!!"
A strong gust of tan wind flew at the two villains with great speed. The wind wrapped around the two boys, picked them off their feet, and roughly forced them away from the chained Goddess and into the muddy ground where they lied there, groaning and moaning. The Future Li Clan Leader approached them in a slow, almost turtle-like, way. They forced themselves up into a sitting position as they watched him coming towards them. Quin and Crainte held their breaths, their eyes wide in fear and panic. What was he going to do to them now that they were at his complete mercy?
"See! I told you we should've just handed her over!" Crainte hissed at Quin from the corner of his mouth. "But did you listen to me? Nooo!!!"
"YOU'RE the one that wouldn't let me hand her over!" Quin sneered back.
"No!! It's YOUR fault!"
"No! YOUR'S!"
"YOUR'S!"
"YOUR'S!"
"YOUR'S!"
"YOUR'S!"
"SHUT UP! BOTH OF YOU!!!!"
Their jaws snapped together in an instant as they turned their head towards Syaoran who now towered over them. He looked like a menacing force that should never be reckoned with. His face was dark and shadows could be seen under his eyes. His lips were in a snarl and his teeth were barred. He raised his sword up and the blade gleamed an even brighter white. The two minions of Hade's and Zero pushed themselves backwards; trying to get as far away as possible from the angered God before he could unleash his rage upon them.
"Please!!! Don't hurt me!! He started it!!!" Crainte begged.
"WHAT!?! YOU STARTED ALL THIS!!" Quin exclaimed, his eyes wide.
"Silence!" Syaoran's strong voice boomed out. "It is to late for the both of you to beg for forgiveness!! You both shall die!"
"Iie!! Onegai!! Have mercy on our poor souls!!!" Crainte pleaded.
His amber eyes seemed to flash. "I show no mercy to the likes of you two!!!" He brought his sword down so the point was aimed between the two. He opened and closed his mouth and these are the words that he spoke:
"Of Fire and Water
Of Wind and Earth.
I call upon the spirits of the elements.
Come to my aid!
I, God of Earth,
Call you!
Element, Strike!"
A silver glow gradually formed at the tip of the blade. It expanded to a greater size. A great amount of power and energy could be felt emitting from that one little energy ball that was now a huge energy ball. Quin and Crainte stared at it in horror as Crystallight, Gem, and Rage stared at it in wonder and awe. Shivers ran up their spines from the force the thing let out. They'd sure hate to be in Crainte's and Quin's shoes at the moment. . .
"Now! Both of you shall pay the consequences!!!!"
He released the energy ball and it flew straight at them like a thick, wide pillar of power. Their mouths went wide and a cry of agony and torture escaped their mouths right when they were enveloped by the silver light. Sakura tightly shut her eyes as she turned her head away from the sight of humans being torn away from their skin and whatever remains of them, dissolved away. Yes, it's true, she's killed many of Zero's and Hade's minions, but do you think she was proud of it? No. She wasn't. Truth is, she completely despised herself from doing this. She hated killing and will continue to hate it. But, she had to kill them if she wished to save herself and the others and if she wished to survive. Once the silver light of the attack finally dimmed down, she parted her eye lids and looked back at the section of land where Quin and Crainte once sat. They weren't there anymore. Instead, ashes replaced their bodies. Syaoran stood there for a minute or two before his aura circled around his body and was washed over by a faint, green one. Weariness was instantly on his face and lines could be seen under his eyes. His sword returned back to normal and so did he. His legs wobbled underneath his weight and it was plain to see that he was exhausted and power drained. He buried the point of his sword in the ground as he leaned on it for support.
Sakura's eyes went wide as she gave him a concerned look. "Syaoran!" The chains around her faded away. Her legs felt like led under her weight and she was about to collapse but she forced herself to run with all her might. Syaoran lifted his head up towards her and watched as she ran towards him. Once she was in front of him, Sakura found herself falling down on her knees and into his arms where he embraced her tightly. He released his sword and allowed it to fall to the ground as he sat down and held her close to him. He rubbed her back and rested his chin on the top of her; never wanting to let her go. She kept her arms wrapped around his waist, her face buried in his chest. She rubbed her face against his shirt before looking up at him with dreary emerald eyes.
"Daijoubu desu ka, Syaoran-kun?" Sakura asked him, barely above a whisper, her eyes half open.
He smiled warmly down at her, a soft look on his face. "Hai, I'm fine. Where have you been all this time?"
She let out a shaky sigh as she diverted her gaze from his. "I'm not really sure. . . It was all. . . dark. I can't really remember anything." After that was said, she broke into fits of harsh coughs.
Syaoran brought a hand and placed the palm of it against her forehead and immediately withdrew it. His eyes were wide in worry. "You're burning up!!!"
"You must be imagining things, Syaoran," Sakura inquired as she pulled herself away from him. "Maybe it's your hands that are burning."
He eyed her. "I don't believe you. You're sick, we have to get you some help!"
She waved a hand at him. "Hush up, Syaoran. I'm not sick. I haven't been sick in a while. What makes you think that I'm sick now?"
Syaoran gave her an intense stare. "Kinomoto, Sakura! You're the most stubborn person I have EVER met!"
She gave him a clumsy smile as she forced herself up onto wobbly legs. "I'll except that as a compliment." She held out a hand. "Here, let me help you up."
He simply stared at her hand for a while then, he reached out and grasped her hand in his. She was about to haul him up onto his feet when he pulled her towards him and she ended up falling back into his embrace.
"Hoe!" she squeaked in surprise, her eyes wide.
"You can't lie to me. . ." Syaoran whispered into her ear. "I know that you're sick so quit lying to yourself."
Her cheeks seemed to turn a darker scarlet red.
"Now let me help you," he pleaded. "Onegai."
She allowed a small smile to cross her face as her eye lids covered her emerald orbs. She now found it quite useless to persuade him that she was just fine. It seemed as if he could read her like an open book! Crystallight, Gem, and Rage observed all of this silently, neither of them wanting to disturb the God and Goddess. Stars were in Gem's eyes as she clasped her hands together in a dreamy look.
"Those two are so kawaii!" she whispered to her two comrades. "Don't you think so?"
Rage gave Gem a weird look and Crystallight simply nodded in agreement, a grin on her face.
-End of Chapter-
Azure Rosas: -cracks knuckles- Whew! That was tiring. . . .I know, I know. Sorry for the late posting. -,- It took me FOREVER to post this chapter!! Gomen nasi. Please forgive me! ^^; And I guess we all now know Crainte's TRUE colours! He's nothing but a coward deep down inside. Anyway, here are two notes I left for Kitty Kat and Animefreak242:
Kitty Kat - ^^; Thanks for pointing that out. . .I just noticed after reading your review that I called male horses "mares" and female horses "stallions." I usually don't notice my mistakes until LATER on. But thanks for tellin' me that!!!
Animefreak242: You're right. . . Hades doesn't want them hurt or killed, but I guess you can say he doesn't know the meaning of hurting someone. Odd, aren't they? Why are villains so. . . stupid? And the reason why the Gods/Goddess aren't helping them is because the only Gods/Goddess that are actually alive at the moment are Sakura, Syaoran, Crystallight, Rage, and Gem. The others are all dead and if they go down to Earth than they'll only be able to stay for a short while and their time down on Earth wouldn't last long enough for them to help. Oh, and the REAL Briar is still in Heaven. Crainte was lying about all that wish-wash he said when he was pretending to be Briar.
Azure Rosas: Also, I must thank these people for reviewing: Isa-chan, Kawaiiaznangel36, Litwolf689, Silvercherrywolf, and Kadokyaketa Sakura. Thank you soo much!!! All of you!! For reviewing!! I would've left you all separate notes, but I wouldn't know what to say but: THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUUUCCHHH!!! Welp. I must go now! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!! Bye minna! And: PLEASE REVIEW!!
