Hey there! It was a fun summer and it will take me a long time to update from now on. I'm really sorry but the new school year is about to start and I have to really give it my all because it won't be long I would reach fourth year high school and will need to apply for college. I was told that colleges these days look at the grades from when you are a third year student so I really, really have to do good to get into a decent college.
Anyway, enough of that because I know you are probably curious about what's going to happen at chapter 11. Here it is.I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Chapter 11 Awakening
After advising Chiharu to join Tomoyo and the others, Shaoran was again on his way to the garden.
He had caught up with Yamazaki just before he entered the garden.
Shaoran noticed how tired Yamazaki was.
"After delivering the report, I want you to join Chiharu with the other ladies here. You will guard them while we are at the battlefield. Ask them to join the Emperor, the Royal Magician and the Card Mistress." Shaoran said.
"Card Mistress?" Yamazaki questioned.
"Yes. There is no time to explain everything now. We have more important matters to worry about." Shaoran replied as they joined the small group.
"Excuse us Your Highness but we have a situation in our hands." Shaoran said as he and Yamazaki knelt in respect.
Rei motioned them to stand.
"Report." Yukito said.
Yamazaki then gave the latest update to what was happening.
Shaoran watched Sakura's expression change.
He knew her well enough to read the fear and nervousness that were written all over her face.
Rei and Yukito's expressions became more serious as Eriol remained his calm.
"This is a letter written by the knight in command at that town. It contains all the details that they had gathered." Shaoran explained as he handed the letter to Yukito.
As he opened it and they studied the contents, Eriol approached Sakura.
"Eriol-san, I have a bad feeling about this." Sakura whispered.
Eriol reassured her with a smile.
He then said, "Sakura, everything is going to be fine."
"I know but…I can't stop feeling what I felt when the Mulian army invaded my village." Sakura replied.
"There maybe a good reason why you are feeling that way because I myself am certain that there is more to what they are showing us now." Eriol answered.
"Eriol...is there anything we could do to determine our hunch?"
"Time is our only answer but it won't harm if we let them know what we think." Eriol replied.
Sakura became hesitant.
"What's wrong?" Eriol asked.
Sakura forced a smile.
She then answered, "Nothing Eriol-san. I just wish I could help more...that's all."
Eriol just smiled to reassure her.
Their conversation was interrupted when Rei and the others stepped forward.
"Sakura, don't wonder off without Yamazaki, Hiiragizawa or the Emperor. You have to be extra careful." Yukito said.
"Yukito-san…I don't know if this will help you that much but…"
"But what Sakura?" Yukito asked.
Sakura glanced at Eriol.
He just smiled a little to give her a little encouragement.
"Yukito-san, Shaoran, be extra careful yourselves. This doesn't feel right…I haven't felt like this since...that night. They are up to something big. I know they are." Sakura said.
Yukito looked at Eriol.
"I agree with her. Actually, that is also what I think." Eriol said.
"Alright then. Since they dare to be bolder by attacking closer to Omida, it sure looks like they have something up their sleeves. But right now, we have to push them back…away from the city." Rei said.
After a moment of thought, Yukito then spoke as the Warfare Adviser, "We cannot look down on them and we cannot afford to make a mistake. I think it is wise if Li stays here just in case it's a trap."
"I agree. It might be an ambush, Tsukihiro or it might be a plot to take over Omida." Rei said.
"Or it maybe both." Sakura commented.
They all looked at her.
"I've seen their wrath up close more than once. More or less I know what to expect." She explained.
"You'll be safe here. I can assure you that they won't harm you." Rei assured.
Sakura smiled a little and said, "I'm not afraid anymore Rei-san. I actually thank them because without what they did, I don't think I'll be able to get the strength for what's ahead."
Rei smiled and nodded a little.
He then turned to Yukito, giving him last minute instructions.
After awhile, before Yukito left them, he motioned Sakura to follow him for a minute.
"What is it, Yukito-san?"
Yukito then took out a small package from his pocket.
"Before Touya left Omida for the last time, he already knew what was waiting for him. That was why before he left, he asked me to keep this and give it to you when I felt the time was right. Here…take it. I believe you are ready." Yukito explained as he handed the parcel to Sakura.
"Thank you, Yukito-san."
Yukito just smiled and excused himself as he went on his way.
Sakura just stood there and stared at the small package.
She was then interrupted from her thoughts when someone called her name.
She then turned and saw both Rei and Eriol standing there.
"Is everything alright?" Rei asked.
Sakura just smiled and nodded.
"So, what do we do now? I mean, is there anything I could do to help?" Sakura just said.
Rei couldn't help but grin.
'She's a high-spirited young lady.' He couldn't help but think.
Eriol smiled as well.
"Well, Sakura, I want to show you something. We have much to learn and since you are the Card Mistress, you need to know it too." Eriol said.
"I'm ready Eriol-san." Sakura replied as her smile broadened.
"I was hoping you'd say that." Eriol said.
"So, where will you two be?" Rei asked.
"We will be at the library most of the time." Eriol replied.
"Very well. After we finish the meeting, I will send Li to you." Rei said.
Eriol nodded.
Rei then left them.
"Sakura, what do you know about the Four Dragons?"
Sakura thought for a while.
"I know everything about it and how it is related to all the gems because of what the Eye of the Serpent had shown me. I know I had given you somehow an impression that I didn't know because of my past comments. You might have heard it either from Seiki, Kero or Shaoran but I know now the truth." Sakura said.
"That's good. Then I suppose I don't need to explain the legend and it's relation to the gems. Now we could move forward into something deeper." Eriol replied.
As they headed towards the library, Seiki called out to Sakura.
Sakura turned to him and smiled.
"How are you feeling Seiki? Are you alright?" Sakura asked.
Seiki smiled and nodded.
"How about you Sakura-chan?" He asked.
"I'm fine thank you." She replied.
Kero then went over to Sakura.
Seiki then excused himself and left.
"Sakura, how are you doing?" Kero couldn't help but ask.
Sakura smiled and said, "I'm fine Kero. So how about you, are you behaving yourself?"
Kero nodded and crossed his arms.
"Of course. It's good that I don't get to be with that gaki anymore." He said.
Sakura just smiled.
"Kero, this is Eriol Hiiragizawa, the Royal Magician."
"Yes I know. You're power is strong Hiiragizawa-san." Kero said.
Eriol just smiled a little and nodded.
"Anyway, we were on our way to the library. Eriol-san wanted to show me something. I was thinking that you might find some interest with it too since you are my guardian and all." Sakura said.
Kero just nodded.
They then continued on to the library.
Yukito and the other troops made their way to the outskirts of the city.
When they arrived there, they saw that everything was totally destroyed.
A lot of bodies were seen inside the burnt church.
They were trapped inside and left for dead when the Mulian army burnt the sanctuary.
Their fellow knights' bodies were scattered about.
They formed into ranks to analyze every inch of the town.
As Yukito slowly scanned the scene, a slight movement caught his eye.
He hurried to where it came from and saw a half-dead knight under a heavy, large log.
Yukito sliced the log in half.
When the knight opened his eyes slightly and recognized who had rescued him, he tried to sit up.
Yukito then laid a hand on his comrade's shoulder and motioned to him to lie down again.
"Tsukihiro-san, we have failed greatly." He said.
"No. You tried your best and that is what matters now. Save your strength until we can get you back to Omida for immediate medical attention." Yukito replied.
"I'm sorry sir but I don't think I could last that long. Sir, you better get out of here. When they had thought that we were all dead, they led all the villagers to the church and burnt them. They left all of us for dead. But before they left, I heard the ones in charge talking. They had ordered their men to form ranks. Some were sent to Omida while others were sent…I'm not sure." The man said.
He started to cough blood.
"Stay still and conserve your strength." Yukito said.
Yukito then turned his head and tried to find a knight close by.
When he finally saw a few of them, he called out, "You there! Come here! This one's barely alive."
The man suddenly but gently grabbed Yukito arm and said, "No…you have to go back to Omida sir. You must stop them. You must save the Emperor. They are must stronger than before. Leave me here. There is little time."
"There...is…little…time…left." Those were the man's last words.
Yukito bowed in respect.
"You have died with honor. The world recognizes your sacrifice. Rest in peace my friend." Yukito said as he stood.
He then turned to the men that had ran towards them.
He then ordered, "Gather all the men and tell them that we are heading back to Omida."
"Yes Sir!"
They then hurried along to warn the others.
Yukito then climbed his horse.
He took one last look at the burned village.
He then motioned his horse to gallop towards Omida.
'They must have one of the gems Hiiragizawa was talking about. That must be the reason why they seem to be stronger than before. I must get to Omida as soon as possible! I hope I'm not too late.' Yukito thought as he motioned his horse to go faster.
As they galloped along the path to Omida, they were suddenly attacked.
'An ambush. They were waiting for us.' Yukito thought.
"Get out of range!" He then ordered his men.
But the Mulian army didn't give them the chance to get out of range.
They all unsheathed their swords and counterattacked.
'He was right. They are suspiciously stronger than they are before.' Yukito said as he blocked an attack.
Suddenly, the Lieutenant of the Mulian army came in front of Yukito.
He gave Yukito an evil grin.
Without warning and with such stealth, he killed Yukito's horse.
Yukito was thrown back.
As he fell, the next thing Yukito knew was that there was a sword threatening to slash his throat.
"You are easier to kill than I thought." The Lieutenant said.
"Don't look down on me just yet." Yukito replied as he struck the sword away from him and quickly stood to confront the Lieutenant.
"Killing you will be so much fun. Then I will make that girl Sakura Kinomoto suffer and kill her softly. That is for shaming the Mulian army more than once." He said.
"You will not do that." Yukito said.
"And why not?" The man answered.
"Because I'm going to kill you first." Yukito said as he tried to thrust the man with his sword.
"Temper...temper…temper..." The Lieutenant teased.
"I'd like to see you try." He added.
As they continued to confront each other, the numbers of men from the Mulian army and from Yukito's men were both dropping like flies.
The battle was so fierce.
Pools of blood were every where.
Yukito was eventually wounded as well.
Their battle was short in the length of time but too long for those who were actually fighting.
Yukito and the Lieutenant were both very exhausted and were wounded.
The Lieutenant then grinned.
"I didn't expect that you'd survive this long. But it doesn't matter. Some of our troops are now in Omida and soon you all will fall." He said.
Yukito then thrust his sword again and this time it had hit the Lieutenant and gave a fatal blow.
Yukito almost fell in exhaustion and pain but he knew he had to reach Omida.
He then started the trek to the city with great determination.
Meanwhile back at Omida…
Sakura had excused herself and had left Eriol and Kero back at the library.
It was getting dark and for the past few hours, she, Eriol and Kero were looking at some books about the history of the world and how things turned out to be as they were.
She couldn't stop thinking about the parcel Yukito had given her earlier.
She hadn't had the chance to take a look at it.
Sakura stood by the slightly open window and glanced outside.
As the late afternoon rays of light entered the window, she took out the package.
She stared at it for a long time.
She then slowly started to open it.
'I wonder what Onii-chan had left me.' Sakura thought as she opened it.
"Sakura." Someone called out.
Sakura turned and saw Shaoran there.
She smiled at him.
He approached her.
"You look a little troubled, are you alright?" He said.
"Troubled? I'm not. Nervous is the word...not troubled." She answered.
"Nervous? What about?"
"Yukito-san gave me this package. He said that my brother asked him to keep it and give it to me when I was ready. I don't know but something tells me that once I open this…it would be the start of something new." She answered.
Suddenly, there was a very powerful earthquake that had rocked the entire city.
It lasted for only a few seconds.
"Are you alright?" Shaoran quickly asked.
"Yes but what about the others? I hope they are all alright." Sakura said.
"Come on." Shaoran said as he grabbed her hand.
They dashed off to find the others.
They then saw that there were some parts of the palace that had collapsed.
They weren't expecting that Mother Nature was going to unleash her power on them that day.
Soon after, they had met up with Rei, Eriol and Kero.
"Are you all alright?" Sakura quickly asked.
They just nodded.
"Where are the others?" Rei asked.
"I'm not sure Your Highness. I know they are with Yamazaki, including Seiki and your sisters." Shaoran answered.
"Where did you last see them?" Rei asked.
"Rei-san, they are over there, coming towards us." Sakura answered.
They turned and saw Chiharu and Tomoyo helping Yamazaki walk followed by Rika, Naoko, the girls and Seiki.
Shaoran approached them and took over supporting Yamazaki.
"What happened?" Shaoran asked.
"Well, a column was about to fall upon one of girls and I pushed her and was the one who was hit slightly. It's not so bad. I had worse." Yamazaki answered.
Kero, who was then sitting at Sakura's shoulder, suddenly turned.
"What is it?" Sakura whispered.
Kero didn't reply.
'I thought I felt the power of the Moon. Could it be...is it you…Yue?' Kero thought.
"Kero?" Sakura whispered again.
"I'm sorry." Kero replied.
"Is anything the matter?" Sakura asked.
"No…no…Sakura-chan." Kero replied.
"Are you sure?" She persisted.
"Yes Sakura." Kero replied.
Sakura just smiled and gave a nod.
"Owe!" Yamazaki then yelled.
Shaoran had helped him sit down.
"Sorry but you could have been more careful." Yamazaki then said.
Shaoran just ignored him.
"Are you alright now?" Chiharu asked.
"Barely." Yamazaki replied.
Eriol then knelt beside Yamazaki and started to examine his leg.
"This is going to hurt." Eriol said as he touched Yamazaki's ankle.
Yamazaki contained his scream.
"What do you think Eriol-san?" Tomoyo asked.
Eriol then stood and looked down at the leg.
"Well, his leg is not broken…only his foot. Other than that, he had sustained minor injuries. I would call him lucky that he didn't attain the full force of the column." Eriol said.
Chiharu signed in relief.
"At least your hard head is good for something." Chiharu commented to Yamazaki.
"Hey, what does that suppose to mean?" Yamazaki replied.
"What do you think?" Chiharu teased.
"Never mind." Yamazaki said.
Rei could only shake his head.
His sisters, Kyra and Lyka, and Seiki were all playing with Naoko and Rika as if nothing was happening.
Rei thought that it was probably good that way because at least they weren't afraid.
Tomoyo had gone to fetch bandages for Yamazaki.
Sakura had approached Shaoran, Yamazaki and Chiharu.
"This is not good." Rei commented almost in a whisper so that only Eriol could hear.
"Yes. The Mulian army could use that earthquake as an advantage." Eriol replied.
Rei became more troubled.
Sakura turned and saw Rei's expression.
She approached them and said, "What's wrong?"
"We must learn the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake as soon as possible." Rei said.
"Is there anything I could do to help?" Sakura asked.
Rei just smiled and said, "I've decided to go out into the city and see for myself."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Tomoyo said as she approached them, holding the bandages.
"Yes Tomoyo-chan. I cannot send just anyone since there might still be a threat of the Mulian army attacking. I must go myself." Rei explained.
"That's what Tomoyo's talking about. You will be in danger if there is really an attack." Sakura commented.
Rei assured them with a smile.
"Come on you two. I will be alright." He then said.
"I will come too." Sakura said.
"No. That will be too dangerous...especially for you." Rei replied.
"Please Rei-san. I really want to help. Besides, I feel so suffocated in here. I won't be a burden I promise." Sakura pleaded.
"I don't know. What do you think?" Rei said as he directed it to Eriol.
"Well…" Eriol started to say.
"Please…I don't want to just run away from the problem that's at hand." Sakura said.
"I think there is no stopping her Your Majesty. She can indeed help. I have complete confidence in her." Eriol said.
"So, are you saying that I have no other choice but to allow her to come?" Rei said.
"Yes. You don't have to worry because Li and I will be there to help as well." Eriol said.
Rei signed and said.
"Very well. We do need as much help as possible." Rei admitted.
"Please be careful…all of you." Tomoyo said.
Sakura just smiled to reassure her.
"Li-san, come over here." Rei said.
Shaoran approached them as Tomoyo headed over to Yamazaki and Chiharu.
"Li, we are heading to the city and I want you to come with us." Rei said.
"Yes Your Highness but Tsukihiro ordered me to-" Shaoran said.
"I know…to protect Sakura. And you are going to do just that because Sakura is coming too." Rei said.
Rei then turned and headed to his chambers to get his sword.
Eriol had walked to Yamazaki to oversee if they were administering proper first aid.
"I don't even want to ask." Shaoran said.
Sakura couldn't help but giggle.
"This is no joke Sakura. I hope you know that." Shaoran said seriously.
"I know Shaoran. I just couldn't help but smile at your reaction. Please…it will be just fine. Trust me." Sakura replied.
"Now where did I hear that before?" He said.
"It will be different this time Shaoran. I can guarantee you that." She replied.
"Yeah. Sure. If that is what you believe, we are in big trouble." He commented.
"Baka! You are so mean. Do you know that?" Sakura said as she playfully hit him in the shoulder.
Shaoran just said nothing.
"Anyway, are you feeling better?" Sakura said to change the subject.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"You tell me." She said.
Shaoran just said nothing again.
Rei then appeared and motioned them to come along.
They made their way into the city.
The earthquake had indeed caused a disaster.
Some buildings had collapsed while others were slightly destroyed.
Some of the people where out on the roads, still shocked to what had happened.
A lot of them were injured.
"It's worse than I thought." Rei commented.
As he scanned more of the surroundings, he then added, "We have no choice but to split up to cover more grounds."
They just nodded in agreement.
"Eriol-san, go that way. I'll go this way and you two go that way." Rei said.
They nodded.
"We'll meet back here in an hour." Rei said.
They then parted ways.
As Shaoran and Sakura made their way down the street, they met a lot of people who had injuries that varied from minor to near fatal.
They tried their best to help as much people as they could.
As they got further along the road, they noticed that it was getting quieter as they went along.
"Shaoran." Sakura said.
"Shhh…don't worry. We'll be all right. Just stay close to me ok?" Shaoran replied.
Sakura stepped a little closer to him.
"Shaoran…I felt something back there. There was this energy and-" Sakura started to say.
"Yeah...I know. I felt it too." Shaoran replied before Sakura finished.
Sakura looked at him.
Meanwhile…
Eriol was also feeling the change that was present in the air.
He then hurried back and traced Rei's steps.
When he caught up with him, Eriol said, "Your Highness, we must find Sakura and Li right now. There is a drastic change in the wind and I'm afraid something is about to start."
Without another word, they dashed to trace Shaoran and Sakura's steps.
Suddenly, there it was.
The Mulian army was starting to attack.
Eriol and Rei stopped at their tracks.
"Go Eriol-san. Find them. I'll fend them off." Rei said.
Eriol nodded and dashed off.
While Rei fought the warriors attacking him and Eriol trying hard to find them, Shaoran and Sakura were fighting some warriors as well.
"Sakura, stay back." Shaoran said.
"But Shaoran."Sakura replied.
"Just do as I say Sakura. This is not the time to argue." Shaoran said seriously.
Sakura couldn't do anything but comply.
Shaoran was outnumbered but Sakura couldn't do much.
When Shaoran was about to be slashed by the side, Sakura couldn't help it any longer.
She transformed her staff into a sword and countered the attack before it had struck him.
Shaoran turned slightly to her.
"Shaoran, I'm not going to let you die just like that when I know that I could help. I'm not a helpless child so please stop treating me as one." Sakura said.
He could see determination in her.
He gave in.
They fought side by side.
But they were getting outnumbered quickly.
Eriol then spotted them.
He then held his staff high and released a surge of energy to fend away some attacks.
But at that moment, someone had also released a large amount of magic.
As the two collided, there was a blinding explosion of energy.
Shaoran and Sakura were both thrown back.
Sakura had dropped the package Yukito had given her earlier.
As she reached it, the part of the cloth that was covering it was blown away, revealing a small circular object that seemed to be the size of the crest found in the Clow book and the cards.
Before Sakura was able to reach for it, another flash of light was coming at her.
Shaoran then sat and saw what was to happen.
He quickly got up and dashed towards Sakura.
He was thrown far from her and was uncertain if he was to make it.
Sakura couldn't move.
She was paralyzed in place.
Before the moment of impact, there was a man with a pair of wings that had gotten her.
(To be continued...)
There! It was a long one. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Please, please review. I'll be waiting. Anyway, I know I won't be able to update faster than I would like but please bear with me. But please do review. I'll be waiting. Michiko