Hey there! Thanks for the reviews that came in. I really appreciate it. I'm speechless so I won't make this long. I just want to say thanks and please continue to review because sometimes I get the feeling that I shouldn't continue writing. I really, really do hope you review. Anyway, here's chapter 9. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Sakura2649: Thanks sis for all the support that you gave me. I know you included your review for this chapter in my other story.and I'm totally cool about that. Thanks.
Wolfgirl(): Thanks for the review you gave me. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry I can't answer your question right now because it might spoil some stuff. Just read on and you'll find out. Thanks so much for reading. I really appreciate it.
Chapter 9 Four Pillars of the Dragon
A day and a half passed since Sakura passed out.
"Doctor, is she going to be alright?" Tomoyo asked.
The old man closed his kit and replied to the young woman, "Yes, my dear. It's a miracle that she's alive from all the blood she had lost. Her wounds are not as bad as I even expected. Just let her rest. That is all the she needs right now. She's fine and not in a critical condition. She'll come around soon enough."
Tomoyo signed a great relief before thanking the doctor.
She then sat beside Sakura's bed and looked at her friend.
Emperor Rei and Eriol were at the same time standing at the door of her room.
They asked the doctor how Sakura was doing.
The old man just told them what he had just told Tomoyo before he left.
They then joined Tomoyo.
Rei then said, "Don't worry, Tomoyo-chan. The doctor assured that she's alright now."
"Yes. It even looks like that she healed herself before she came here with her magic." Eriol commented.
Tomoyo and Rei both looked at him.
Eriol just smiled at them and said, "With what the doctor said, he thinks it's a miracle. From what I am seeing, it is more than a miracle. We are seeing her will to live."
Tomoyo just smiled and said, "Sakura was always such a strong person ever since we were young. Even though we grew up together, she still knows how to surprise me."
"Just send word if she's awake. I would like to talk to her, Tomoyo- chan." Rei said as he and Eriol headed out.
Tomoyo just smiled and nodded.
"Indeed she is a strong woman. She had faced one challenge after another and still she fights to survive. I just hope she will never lose her spirit and determination because the challenges she must face are just starting." Eriol said as he and the Emperor walked along the hallway.
"What do you mean, Eriol-san?"
"We will see soon enough, Your Highness. It won't be long before things start to show their true colors." Eriol said.
Meanwhile…
Shaoran was out back at near the stables, training.
He was meditating while practicing his sword skills.
'I shouldn't have left Sakura. I knew she was going to end up in trouble.' He thought.
As he was pondering with his thoughts, Yukito was looking at him from a distance.
Yukito knew that Shaoran was blaming himself for what had happened to Sakura.
'Touya, I know you don't like Li-san that much. If you are watching now, I don't know how you will react…maybe you're still going to react but…he really does care for your sister. I'm sure he is sincere with this and I have complete confidence that he will do his best to protect and keep harm from her just like you wanted. But I have my suspicions as well. I'll let time pass and see what happens. It seems that there is something more to what we are seeing in both of them right now and that there are things that Li-san didn't tell us. I feel that there were some things that happened during their journey that neither one of them are telling. But I'm certain it is something good.' Yukito prayed.
"I know, Yukito-san." He heard a voice say.
Yukito turned around and saw no one.
"Who's there?" Yukito said, unsheathing his sword.
"Don't be afraid, Yukito-san. It's just me." The voice said.
Soon, Yukito could see the ghostly figure of Touya.
"Touya?"
"Yes, it's me in the flesh or should I say in the spirit."
Yukito wasn't afraid at all but was really puzzled.
"Touya? Why…how come I could see you? Am I hallucinating or something?"
"No, you are wide awake. Yukito, there is something inside of you that will awaken soon. I'm here to prepare you for that. When it happens, don't fear it because it is nothing bad but something that would help Sakura a lot. And that is also the reason why you can see me. No one else will be able to unless that person had some magic gift."
"What do you mean? How will I be able to help Sakura?"
"The day of her judgment is coming near and when that day comes, a hidden force will awaken and bring her to be tested."
Instead of making it all clear, it made it all more complicated for Yukito.
"Don't beat around the bush, Touya." Yukito finally said.
Touya then stood there, impatiently.
"What do I have to say to make it clear to you? I'm saying...when the Day of Judgment comes, a power that was hidden inside of you will awaken. The guardian of the moon, Yue, will come forth and test her worth. I want you to prepare her before that happen but she must not know. No one but you must know." He explained.
"And how am I supposed to prepare her when I have no idea who Yue is or what he's like?"
"Remember your dreams, Yukito? The dreams that you used to tell me? I lied to you when I told you that I didn't know what they meant. I did and I am telling it to you now. Who you were seeing is Yue. You've already seen your other half. All the things that you dreamed in the past are what you must prepare Sakura for."
As realization entered Yukito's mind, his believes and determination became firmer.
"You have my word, Touya. I will take care of Sakura."
Touya just grinned and turned to go but stopped.
He then turned and said, "You keep an eye on Li. I still don't trust him that much yet. And don't think that I don't know that you left Sakura in his care. Just watch him while Sakura is with him."
Yukito just smiled and said, "Don't worry. I'm sure he will take care of Sakura very well. I'm sure he knows how much you care about your sister."
Touya then turned and left.
"Eriol-san, I still don't understand what these gems are and what their importance is." Rei said as he held the gems that Sakura had handed over the night before.
Eriol just smiled.
Shaoran then entered the room, followed by Tomoyo and Yukito.
"Ah, Tomoyo-chan. How's Sakura?" Rei asked.
Tomoyo just smiled and replied, "She has awakened but I told her to sleep again. She's still weak. I left her with Rika and Naoko."
Rei just smiled as Shaoran, Yukito and Tomoyo settled in their seats.
"Ok, now that we're all here, Eriol please enlighten us with an explanation." Rei said.
"A long time ago, before the Mulian army came to be, there was a time of great turmoil. That time is what now is known as the Great Depression. There was chaos every where you look. When all seemed lost, the light came. There were four dragons that came from the Four Corners of the world: the red, blue, white and green dragons. These dragons possessed great magic that brought prosperity back to the world." Eriol explained.
"After, to honor their saviors, the people from the lost civilization called the Draconian, meaning dragon, created stones that would one day could be used to bring peace once more to the world if another era of destruction occurred." He added.
"Hiiragizawa-san, if I may, Sakura told me that she was taught that a magician who had once infiltrated within the Mulian army created the stones to destroy the army one day." Shaoran said.
"That is what is widely said by prophets of long ago. And as you know, Sakura Kinomoto descends from one of the most brilliant prophets who walked this planet. But what I'm telling you now is the truth not what is merely said." Eriol replied.
"But why?" Tomoyo asked.
"Sakura's ancestor prophesized that an army would arise that will devour everything in its path for hundreds of years. And it came true so in order to hide the truth, they invented a story to cover up the real facts." Eriol explained.
"Then, how many gems are really there?" Shaoran asked.
"There are ten gems all in all. Each with its own purpose and role." Eriol said.
Eriol then took the gems from Rei.
He raised the Eye of the Serpent first.
"As you all know, this is the Eye of the Serpent. This is the key to all the gems. It had already found Sakura worthy." Eriol said.
"Worthy? You mean the test that she talked about?" Yukito asked.
Eriol just nodded.
"This gem is one of the gems that portrays the element of water. It consists as I've said earlier is the gift of wisdom. This is one of the most stubborn among all the gems. I don't know how Sakura did it but she has earned the respect and loyalty of this gem." Eriol said.
"But who changed it to make people believe that it was one of the Dragon gems?" Rei asked as he looked at the majestic gem and then to Eriol.
Eriol smiled and replied after a moment, "I did."
"You? But why?" Rei asked.
"Because I know its power and over the last generation, there was a leak within the circle of chosen prophets. The Mulian army learned its power and had longed to find it. I'm just lucky that I found it before they did five years ago. I then gave it to my trusted friend, Saiyuri, Seiki's grandmother. She must have handed it over to her husband who later handed it to Seiki and then ended up with its rightful owner, Sakura." Eriol said.
"Five years ago? But we were only thirteen at the time and you were already here at the palace." Rei commented as he remembered the previous five years.
Eriol grinned and nodded.
He then took the Dragon gem.
"I know you are all aware that this is the Dragon gem. It is one of two. When those two are combined, it then turns into the Red Dragon of the South. The red dragon possesses courage. It symbolizes the element of fire. Individually, it can allow the holder to control people's minds." Eriol explained.
"If Sakura got it from the Mulian army soldiers, then I suppose the race is on to find all the gems." Yukito said.
Eriol just nodded.
"The next gems I'm going to tell you about are also related to water. There are four of those. Individually they are known as the Ice Phoenix of the East. Like the Dragon gems, they are to be combined. When they are finally put together, it becomes the Blue Dragon. It holds the gift of patience. The only difference it has with the Eye of the Serpent is that its color the color of the sea. Each gem has its own specialty. One can allow you to tap to the power of water. Another, the power of ice. While another lets its holder to make illusions. And the last can give you the power to control dreams."
Shaoran was suddenly struck with horror.
'Dream? Is it possible?' Shaoran thought.
"What is the difference of the power of the Ice Phoenix and the Dragon gem? I mean, you said that the Dragon gem could control people's minds while the Ice Phoenix could control people's dreams." Rei said.
"The difference between the Dragon and Ice Phoenix is that the Dragon gem can only control your conscious mind and nothing more while the Ice Phoenix can only control your subconscious mind." Eriol replied.
"Li-san, is there something the matter?" Tomoyo asked.
That was when he snapped back to reality to find out that everyone was looking at him.
At first, he thought of telling them a lie but then decided against it.
"I...well...it can't be possible. On our way here, a captain of the Mulian army had attacked Sakura in her dreams. But I found a needle at the back of her neck so I pulled it out. That was when I thought that it was probably a spell with poison. But I had doubts because the needle was longer and finer than what is usually used." Shaoran explained.
Every one's face went white, except for Eriol.
"Is it possible that they already possess that Ice Phoenix gem that can control people's dream?" Rei asked.
Eriol's face was expressionless.
He replied in a glum voice, "It could be possible."
They then continued with the other gems.
"The Earth gem of the West is also known as the Green Dragon. It holds the gift of resourcefulness."
"The last gems are the Tiger eyes. There are two of them, which are related to the wind element of the north. Individually, they can be used for healing. When the two are combined, it becomes the white dragon. It can give you the gift of strength." Eriol said.
He then positioned the two gems they had in the table in front of them.
He then explained, "When all the gems are complete and had been combined, we must position them according to their rightful place. When that has been done, the last and most powerful dragon is then released. The Golden Dragon will give the ultimate power to change the world. I, myself, do not know what its form is."
They were all then silent for a while.
"Eriol-san." Tomoyo then said.
Every one turned to her.
She then said, "Last night, Sakura said that the reason why she handed the gems over to Rei-san is because she didn't complete her training. If the Eye of the Serpent had already found her worthy to be its holder, then why? Does she really have to complete her training to be able to use it? She proved that she didn't need to when she turned it back to its original form."
Eriol smiled at her.
He then said, "A very keen observation, Tomoyo-chan. Sakura doesn't need to complete her training to be able to use it but she wants to believe otherwise. I won't be able to answer for certain why but maybe she just wants to be sure that she's capable because she knows the importance of this all and what will happen if ever she fails."
"So, she's perfectly capable on handling this certain responsibility?" Rei asked.
"May I answer that, Your Highness?" Shaoran said.
They all looked at him.
Rei gave him permission.
"Sakura is very capable of the responsibility but I believe it is wiser if you or Hiiragizawa-san holds it for her at the mean time. She's still in the process of accepting the fact that she is the Card Mistress. I do not think it would help her if we ask her to take this one too." Shaoran said.
"I think he's right, Rei-san. Knowing Sakura, she will just smile and say yes even though she is already very troubled inside." Tomoyo said.
"She also asked me one night is she has the right to be the Card Mistress…if fate was right on placing the responsibility on her shoulders. Your Highness, I think it is better if we give her time." Shaoran explained.
Rei didn't have to think hard about it.
He was much aware of what Sakura was going through.
He knew how much pressure it was if the fate of an entire nation falls on your shoulders...much less the entire world.
He already promised within himself that he would do anything he could do to help Sakura attain the peace for them all.
"Very well. Eriol-san, I will leave these gems to you and when the time is right, hand it over to Sakura." Rei said.
Eriol just gave a short nod.
He then watched Shaoran at the corner of his eye.
'You are doing well, my little descendant. Continue looking over the young cherry blossom.' He said silently.
After their conversation, Tomoyo went back to check on Sakura while Rei and Eriol went to the library to look more into the gems.
In the hallway, as Shaoran slowly made his way back outside to practice a little more, Yukito stopped him.
Yukito asked Shaoran to go to the garden with him and also told him that they needed to talk.
Once there, Yukito started.
"What's wrong, Li-san?"
Shaoran said nothing as he gazed the distance.
"Come on, Li. I know there is something bothering you."
"It's nothing Tsukihiro. It's none of your business anyway."
"Yes it is. When it revolves around Sakura, it is now my business because I gave her brother my word that I would take over his place while I'm alive." Yukito replied sternly.
Shaoran still didn't answer him and turned to leave.
"Li, are you blaming yourself for what happened to her?" Yukito asked.
Shaoran stopped at his tracks.
"So, are you?" He asked again.
Still, Shaoran refused to answer and continued to walk slowly.
"It is not your fault, Li. Even if you were with her, you won't be able to stop her. I suppose you are now aware of what I'm talking about."
"No, I don't. I don't know what you are talking about." Shaoran replied.
"I never knew you're a bad liar, Li. If you wish to lie to me about her, make sure your actions don't speak otherwise." Yukito commented.
Shaoran stopped.
"Think all you want, Tsukihiro. I already told you that it is none of your business." Shaoran replied.
"And I also told you that it is. You know how strong-spirited Sakura is and it is hard to trust her sometimes because she almost always ends up in trouble. But you have to learn to believe in her. It is not your fault or hers. Give yourself some slack."
"It is a dangerous world out there and you sent me after her to make sure that nothing happens to her and to make sure that the Mulian army won't lay a finger on her. Near the end, I defied my promise and look where it got her."
"Don't take it personally. It was something that was meant to happen no matter how we all try to prevent it. Instead of worrying about what happened in the past, I want you to help me complete her training. There is something that will happen soon and she must be prepared when it happens."
Shaoran turned and looked at Yukito.
"What do you mean, Tsukihiro? Is there something that is supposed to happen to her?"
"Yes, Li. And she needs both of us so you don't have time to blame yourself. I suggest you snap out of it." Yukito replied and turned to leave, leaving Shaoran to his thoughts.
'I suppose he is right. I suppose there is a first time for everything. It's the first time that I failed a mission so I suppose it's normal to feel this way.' He thought.
From a distance, Yukito turned back to look over Shaoran.
Someone then spoke, "It looks like you've already talked to him, Yukito-san."
Yukito turned and saw that it was Eriol.
"Ah, Eriol-san."
"You had already talked to Li Shaoran, isn't it not?"
"Yes, Eriol-san. But may I ask-"
"It doesn't matter how I know, Yukito-san as long as you've already talked to him." Eriol replied reassuringly.
Eriol then said, "It also looks like you are already aware of something hidden that will soon come for the Day of Judgment."
Yukito was then taken aback for he had never told anyone what Touya had told him.
'How could he have known? Is his magic that strong?' Yukito thought.
"There is little time before the Moon Guardian, Yue, will come."
"Eriol-san, then you do know Yue. Sakura hadn't finished her training, could you possibly…train her?" Yukito asked.
Eriol smiled and laid a hand on his shoulder and said, "When the time calls for it. Have faith in Li. He can teach her a lot of things because there are a lot of secrets you don't know about him. When there is nothing left he could teach, I will shoulder the responsibility of training her myself. You have my word on that."
"Thank you, Eriol-san."
Yukito then turned to leave.
Eriol stopped him on his tracks when he said, "Yukito-san, now that you are aware of your hidden secret and Sakura's true power, don't forget that you also have other responsibilities. I know how close you and Kinomoto Touya were and you would do anything to keep your promise to him. Sakura is only one of your responsibilities. Don't shoulder it all by yourself. That's the reason why you have the Sun guardian, Keroberos and Li Shaoran."
"Don't worry, Eriol-san. I will always keep that in mind. I know Sakura enough to trust her." Yukito said before leaving.
Eriol then turned to look for Li.
He found him still at the garden.
"Li,san." Eriol called out as he walked towards him.
Li turned and bowed.
"What is it, Hiiragizawa-san?"
"I need to talk to you about the Card Mistress."
"What about her?" Li asked.
Eriol ignored his question.
He instead looked at the setting sun at the horizon.
Li remained silent.
Eriol then turned to face Shaoran and said, "I know the power you keep. I have been aware of it ever since you joined the knighthood. You know what is required to control your power. I'm leaving the responsibility of helping Sakura develop the control in your hands. The power she has now is just a part of her true power. Her grandfather trained her with the power based on what he knew. He wasn't aware of her true power. Now that the Eye of the Serpent had found her worthy, her true power will start to come out."
"But why me? You are the Royal Magician. You are far more capable in training her than me." Shaoran replied.
Eriol just smiled and answered, "There are only things I could teach her. I know something happened between the two of you that will help her more than what I could offer."
"What do you mean?" Shaoran questioned.
Eriol turned away from Shaoran to leave.
But before he left, Eriol replied, "I don't need to answer that because I am sure that you already know the answer."
Shaoran didn't have a clue with what Eriol was talking about.
Shaoran then started to make his way towards the stables to check on Yukito if there were other orders for the first knighthood troupe, which he belonged.
As Eriol closed the door of the library, Rei gazed up at him.
He then asked, "Where have you been, Eriol-san?"
Eriol just smiled at His Majesty and replied, "I just went out for some air to think and also I passed by Sakura's room to check on her."
"Well."
Eriol then sat opposite Rei and replied, "She's doing much better. Tomoyo-chan, Naoko-san and Rika-chan are all with her."
Rei just nodded.
He then stood and stretched.
Rei then walked to the window and gazed outside at the setting sun.
"Eriol-san." Rei began.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"You talked about Sakura Kinomoto's ancestor. You said she descends from one of the most brilliant prophets, who happens to be the one who prophesized the coming of the Mulian army. Who was he?"
(to be continued...)
There! I wanted write more on chapter nine but I decided that it's better if I left it in chapter 10. Please review because I'm dying to find out what you think about all these. I'm still struggling what to write on the next chapters and your reviews would greatly help to get me inspired. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for reading this far. I really appreciate it.
Michiko