Azure Rosas: HIIII!!!!! ^-^ Gomen, I'm just hyper right now...eheheh..^^;;; Welp, 'bout time I updated, ne? First before I begin the chapter, lemme thank these people for reviewing:

KawaiiSakuraAngel
Sakura Li-tenshi
Kawaii-CherryWolf
Litwolf689
Isa-chan
Animefreak242
Silvercherrywolf
Sapphirestar
Momiji-chan
SailorJamie
kawaiiaznangel36

Arigatou minna! It means a lot to me! Oh, and here's a lil note I have to leave for Sakura Li-tenshi:
First, lemme thank you for reviewing! *hugz* Thanks! And second, lemme say this: PLEASE UPDATE YOUR FIC!! PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE!!! And third: I'm so glad that you mentioned somethin' about Rage and Crystallight being a cute couple, because truth is.... *coverz mouth* ^^; Opps! Nearly spilled out nearly all of this chapter! You'll just have to read on to read what I was just about to say... ^-~

Disclaimer: The cast of CCS DOES NOT belong to me and will NEVER belong to me...But the other characters such as Rage, Crystallight, Gem, the Gods/Goddesses/Angels and the evil characters ALL belong to ME!

The Goddess of Light & The God of Earth
Chapter 23: Ai's Words
By:
Azure Rosas

_________




-Oh Sakura-sama.... Can't you see? Master Xiaolang loves you. You are his Ying Fa. You are his soul. And you are the only one that he loves.' Gem thought silently to herself as she kept her back to the chosen ones. She was supposedly asleep, well, at least that's what Sakura and Syaoran thought. Neither of them knew that she over-heard their conversation. She could feel the warmth of the fire beat against her back from behind. It kept her warm against the cold night. But for some odd reason, doubt mirrored in her light blue eyes. She was clearly starting to believe that all hope in saving the world was slim. 'If only they knew that it's their love that'll save the world... But it's not my place in telling them. They'll have to figure it out on their own.' She let out a sigh and closed her eyes, though sleep would not welcome her. 'Oh damn this cruel world we live in! Why must things be so complicated!?' she thought to herself fiercely, yet dully. Silently letting out another sigh, she prayed to the Goddess of Love, Ai, and the Angel of Faith, Hope, for both love and faith to find its way towards all of them.

Yawning cutely, Sakura pulled Syaoran's cloak more tightly around her. "Well, I'm going to go back to sleep. You should be getting to sleep also."

"I will," he replied in a murmur as he watched her stand up.

Removing the cloak from around her, she held it out for him. "Take it. It's yours. Not mines. And plus, you'll most likely catch a cold without it."

Eyeing her, he pushed her hand, and the cloak, away. "Iie. I'm not willing to risk you catching another fever." Seeing that she was about to protest, he stood up and placed a finger on her lips. His amber eyes stared deeply into her own emerald orbs and she could've sworn that he could see through her soul. Their faces were close; their noses were just centimeters apart; and she could feel his warm, soft, breath lightly beat against her face. "Keep it," he whispered in a tone that settled any further arguments or protest.

Feeling her cheeks burn brightly with a sudden blush, Sakura nodded obediently and silently, not making a sound as he removed his finger and brought his hand down back to his side.

"Good night, Sakura-chan," Syaoran muttered after placing a gentle peck on her forehead. He walked away and towards Silver Fox, leaving a stunned, and scarlet Sakura behind.

Sakura's Dream

Card Mistress...

Lifting her head up to search for the owner of the voice, she found herself in a completely different world from the one she lived in. There was nothing to see but endless light. Everywhere she turned, she was only welcomed by...light. For some odd reason, it wasn't like the usual bright light that always blinded someone; it was more of a welcoming light; one that made her feel content, warm, and loved. "Who are you?" she questioned into the emptiness.

That doesn't matter at the moment, Card Mistress. What matters most is that you hear what I have to say...

"How do I know that I can trust you?" Sakura asked in suspiscion, though she felt as if she could trust this unknown, feminine voice that held trust, warmth, love, and a soft tone.

You trust me, you just don't wish to admit it.

Placing her hands on her hips, Sakura blew away a strand of hair that fell over her eyes. "Hm. Good point. But even though I feel as if I can trust you, how do I know I really can when I haven't seen you?"

Then...I shall show myself.

In a blink of an eye, the emerald eyed Goddess was staring in awe and wonder at the beautiful figure that stood before her. The person was a lady, that looked neither young nor old. Strands of her light, silky red hair framed her face and rested on her shoulders, while the rest of her hair trailed down and brushed against her waist. She had tight cheek bones, firm bone structure, a soft and gentle looking face, and rosey red lips that smiled lovingly down at the younger girl. Her pink-hue eyes were the most catchiest sight of all. They held love beyond words for everyone and everything. They were welcoming, and held the most kindest look she has ever seen. She wore a light reddish-pink dress that clung to her curves and flared out below her waist. On her back were a pair of snow white wings.

Holding her breath, Sakura managed to gasp out in awe, "Are you an angel?"

The "angel's" smile seemingly widen to an amused one as she giggled softly. Her laugh sounded like bells being rung. No. I am no angel. I am the Goddess of Love: Ai. It is a pleasure to have finally met you, Card Mistress.

"A-A Goddess?" Sakura stammered, and soon regained over her shock. She dipped down in a respectful bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you also, Ai-sama."

Letting out another short laugh, Ai waved a hand to dismiss her formality. It isn't you who should be formal, it should be I. You are the Goddess of Light, and therefore, hold one of the highest ranks a Goddess can have. I should be the one bowing right now... And after that was spoken, the Goddess of Love gripped her dress and curtsied before the Card Mistress.

Blushing in embarrassment, Sakura protested. "You don't have to curtsy..."

Ai grinned at her. And you don't have to either. Now, let's just ignore that little subject. I only have a short while to speak with you because I can't stay in your dream forever or else I will be drained of my powers. She knelt down on her knees and placed her hands on Sakura's shoulders as she stared intently into her eyes. Listen to my words, Card Mistress. It'll help you in the future. And may you heed every word I speak... for it shall only be spoken once. Then, she began to talk in a different voice; a more elderly and powerful voice, and these are the words she said:

"Listen to your heart,
for your heart holds the answers.
Ignore what your mind tells you,
for it tells not but lies.

When you find the answer,
to the secrets from your heart,
may you unleash your true powers,
and save Earth.

When you find the answer
to the secrets from your heart,
may you tell the one,
how you truly feel.

Only then when you unlock the secret,
will you be able to control your powers.
Only when you find the answer,
then you shall find true happiness."

Please, Card Mistress, think it over...and may love and hope go with you. Ai whispered softly as she placed a motherly kiss on her forehead. Now, wake up. It is time for you to start your quest.

End of Sakura's Dream

"Sakura-sama!!!" Gem's voice reached her ears as she suddenly felt herself being shook softly.

Snapping her eyes open, she was met by Gem's light blue eyes and by her wide, morning smile. "Ohayou, Sakura-sama! It's about time you woke up! It took me nearly ten minutes just to snap you back to reality..."

Smiling sheepishly, Sakura sat up as a bead of sweat rolled down the back of her head. "Gomen nasi, Gem-san. I...er...over slept."

Waving a hand to dismiss her apology, Gem stood up. "It's alright, Sakura-sama. No apologies necessary. We're gettin' ready to live so you better hurry up."

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Sakura stood up and pulled on Syaoran's cloak. She could smell his autumn scent imitting from it and she tugged it around her more tightly as a faint grin crossed her face.

"Are you ready now?" Syaoran whispered into her ear from behind

A light red hue crossed her face and she nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise. Turning around, she came face to face with the amber eyed God. "Syaoran-kun! You SCARED me! Don't ever do that again!"

Chuckling, he nodded. "Gomen nasi, Sakura-chan. I won't do it again." She watched him walk up to Silver Fox and mount the male stallion.

Sighing, a hint of confusion appeared in her emerald eyes. -Hooee...Why do I feel this way when I'm around Syaoran?- she wondered silently in her mind as she mounted Jade and gripped tightly on the reins. -How come everytime he's around... my face feels as if it's going to blow? How come everytime he's around... my legs feel like jello? And how come whenever I think of him... I don't know...I feel warm in side... I feel...happy and content...? What's wrong with me?-

"Sakura-sama? Daijoubu desu ka?" Crystallight questioned as she stirred Hue next to Jade.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Sakura grinned reassuringly at Crystallight. "Hai, daijoubu."

"Are you sure?" Crystallight asked, obviously not believing her.

"I"m sure!" the Goddess of Light chirrped.

"Alright..." the Goddess of Water trailed off as she led her horse away and towards the empty road. "C'mon, everyone! It's time we set off!"

"Then let's hit the rode!!!" Rage exclaimed as he tapped his heels against Flame's side, setting it at a fast pace. The others followed pursuit and soon, they were racing time; on to find the next Elemental Stone that'll help save the world.

Meanwhile...

"Hmm... Who would've thought that they would get this far?"

"Yes, it's very surprising."

"Your last plan failed, so what are you going to do now, son?"

"I'm not sure," he replied in a cool tone. "Everyone is most untrustworthy these days. They never seem to be able to do anything right."

"Let me handle them this time..." the first voice spoke in a slithering like way.

"Are you sure, father?"

"Yes. My minions are a lot more capable then your minions. Even you must admit that."

His face twisted into a snarling look. "It's true...they're all failures! The whole lot of them!" Anger serged out through every fiber of his body as his mind continued to drift off to all of his minions that have failed him miserably in an attempt to rid Gem, Crystallight, and Rage, and to capture Sakura and Syaoran. It can't be that hard to capture just two teenagers, right!? So why can't his minions do just that!?!?! He tightly clenched his fists and barred his teeth, trying to control his outrage.

"Don't worry, son, the Cherry Blossom will soon be yours," he said as a smirk crossed his face.

Meanwhile...

The horses were now trotting along carelessly at a slow, walking pace. Sakura smiled widely, enjoying the warm weather that they seemed to be having. It was cold when she woke up, but over the hours that ticked by, the cold seemingly evaporated away to be replaced by the comforting warmth that hugged them.

Gem glanced up at the sky and made what seemed like a cross over her chest as a grateful grin crossed her face. "Thanks, Jasmine-sama!"

Sakura blinked and gave Gem a questioning look. "Jasmine-sama? Who's she? And why are you thanking her?"

Smile broadening, a proud look seemed to cross the young Goddess' face. "Jasmine-sama! Why! She's the Goddess of Weather and it's because of her that we're having such a nice weather today besides the fact that the sky is still dark...."

Face brightening, the Goddess of Light looked up at the sky. "Arigatou, Jasmine-sama!"

Your welcome. A feminine voice whispered softly into their ears as a swift wind brushed past them and suddenly disappeared.

A surprise look was on Sakura's and Syaoran's face, but the others had a calm look, finished off with a smile as they stared at the bewildered chosen ones with amusement.

Chuckling, Crystallight said to them, "Don't worry you two, it was only Jasmine."

Rage sighed, a dreamy look making its way across his features. "What a lovely voice she has..."

Sending him a glance then looking away, Sakura could've sworn she saw what seemed like a hint of jealousy appear in Crystallight's eyes. She blinked, her face looking more confused than ever.

-Jealousy? But it couldn't be.... Could it?- She continued to ponder over it and everything always ended up with one answer. -Could Crystallight-san... love Rage-san?- Shaking her head to rid that thought, she decided to watch the two before she came to conclusions.

Stiffling a giggle, Gem knew exactly how Rage and Crystallight felt about each other. She's known them since they were not but little babies that were just learning to walk and talk. When they were about 12 or 13, she noted that her two friends were acting a bit strange around each other. They were quite over protective of one another and treated each other with the up most respect you can give anyone. They blushed around each other, though they don't do much of that anymore because of the quest that is at hand. It was just a shame that those two were just to stubborn to tell the other how they felt. She saw the confused look Sakura sent there way and knew what the emerald eyed Goddess was thinking. Sighing, a small grin tugged at her lips. -Even though Sakura-sama may be dense, she doesn't seem naïve when it comes to other people's love affairs.-

They continued on in silence, Crystallight's expression looking more harden than before. I guess you can say that the only reason she had that expressionless look was so that she could contain her own jealousy that raged in her. She was deffinitely starting to think that Rage had a "thing" for Jasmine. Whenever they visited up there, in Heaven, he would constantly flirt with the Goddess of Weather. She tried to make it seem as if she didn't care one bit, but truth is, she did care. Okay, so she's in love with the stumbling oaf that loved fooling around, so what? It was because of who he was that made her love him. She cared about him more than anything and would do anything just to see him happy. And it was the realization that she loved him that allowed her to have full control over her powers. Rage always wondered how she was able to control them, but she never told him. She only told Gem who she knew would keep it all a secret. And yet, at times she would badger Rage and ask him how he was able to control his Godly powers....but he never told her. Letting out an air of frustration, she pushed away all of her emotions and focused her mind on the rode before them.

"Ano...Sakura-chan?" Gem began after a moments of uncomfortable silence with only the horses' hooves beating against the ground could be heard.

"Nani?"

"Do you think you can play that flute Hope-san gave to you?"

Sakura blinked, once again feeling confused. "How'd you -"

"Before those items were given to you and Master Xiaolang, it was decided by the Council of Gods to approve them," Rage interrupted in a matter-of-fact tone.

Shrugging, Sakura grinned brightly. "Why not?" Digging into the pocket of Syaoran's cloak where not to long ago she put the musical instrument in, she pulled it out and stared at the item for a moment. She nearly forgotten how it looked like, especially in since it was put away for quite awhile. She stared at the silver flute and traced her fingers along the smooth carvings of the angels. It was the most beautifullest instrument she will ever hold and see. Snapping out of her trance, she brought it close to her lips and began to blow into it, a soft, sweet melody ringing gently around the weary group. The tune she played was one that she heard so many times in her past; when she was just a little girl...and when her Okaa-san was still alive. The memory of the tune was always fresh in her mind. Her Okaa-san always played it to her before she went to sleep. When she died, her 'nii-chan played it to her and soon, he taught her how to play one. But she quit playing the flute because school started getting in the way of things.

Jade neighed softly after Sakura finished off the note she hung on to for a few seconds. Sudden memories of her family flooded her mind like a wild tidal wave suddenly enveloping her in its mighty grasp. She could feel tears stinging her eyes but she rapidly blinked them away before any could fall. Silently sighing, she pocketed away the silver flute that Hope had given her. Rage applauded immediately, smiling his usual childish grin. Crystallight eyed him before rolling her eyes.

"Will you shut up?" the seemingly annoyed Goddess snapped. "We don't need anyone to applaud to know that her playing was wonderful."

"Well maybe I feel like clappin'. Ya got a problem?" Rage questioned in a haughty tone.

"Maybe I do," Crystallight replied with her eyes narrowed to tiny slits.

Looking away, he said with an air of indignance, "And maybe I don't care. So hmph!"

"Well you should," she growled in a warning and dangerous tone.

"And what if I don't?" Rage asked while quirking an eye brow her way.

"Then I'll do this!" Crystallight answered as she stood on the back of Hue and jumped towards Rage. His eyes widen in surprise, and the next thing he knew, he was being tackled off of Flame. They fell to the ground with a thud. Both rolled around, each trying to gain the upper hand. Gem, Syaoran, and Sakura watched them wrestle from their perched position on their horses. Blank looks were on their faces as they just...watched. In the end, Rage won their little "wrestling match." He sat on her stomach, his legs on either side of her, and with both hands, he pressed his palms firmly against her wrists above her head.

"Admit defeat," Rage demaned in a husky whisper.

"And what will you do if I don't?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

Before he could reply, Flame quietly trotted to the side, lifted up his back-right leg and "gently" kicked his master on the back, making him lean forward and kiss the surprised Goddess on the lips. His own eyes went wide and he withdrew immediately. They stared at each other, wide eye, both of their faces a beet red. Sakura giggled, Syaoran smirked, and Gem had to clamp a hand over her mouth to contain a squeal. Instantly getting off of her, Rage turned and glared at his "trusty" horse.

"FLAME!!!!"

The horse took off at an instant run with Rage trailing behind. The Fire God waved his fist threateningly at his horse as he ran as fast as his legs would allow him. "WHEN I CATCH UP TO YOU... YOU ARE SO DEAD!!!!"

Flame let out a whinny of glee as the gang chuckled and watched the two with amused and humored looks. Something from the corner caught Syaoran's attention and he turned towards Sakura as his gaze fell to one of the pockets on the cloaks. He could see a soft, white-tannish glow immitting from it. Sakura turned her head to the side to see the God of Earth staring at something. She looked down and noted the glow also. He looked up and amber met emerald. They nodded once and she reached in to pull out the pendent that Hope had given them. The gem that symboled the Wind Stone glowed softly and dimly. Gem and Crystallight, seeing that their Masters had serious looks on their faces, they turned their attention away from Rage and Flame and looked at the pendent also.

"The Wind Stone..." Sakura whispered, her eye brows furrowed.

"....it's near," Syaoran finished off for her. He lifted his head up and stared off into the distance. -Just two more Stones left and we'll be finally able to call on the Stone of Life or Death and defeat Zero and Hades.-

End of Chapter


Azure Rosas: FINALLY! I'm done typin' this chap. up! Anyway, I know not much happened but at least ya'll know now (if you haven't noticed the "tiny" hints in the past few chapters) that Rage and Crystallight have a "thing" for each other. And there are some other hints in this chapter that I hope aren't too obvious.. -,- Well, thanks to those that reviewed the last chapter and...Please R+R! Thanks! ^-^