A/N: So here's another chapter. Quite long cause I didn't feel like studying for ap exams, shame on me. Anyways, I changed Li to Syaoran cause it was getting confusing with the whole Li magic and Li Kingdom stuff.
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS
Summary: The land of Trian is under attack by mystical forces. The kingdoms have been separated, and the Li Kingdom's last hope of success flew out the window when the Kinomoto Weapon never arrives. But the appearance of a powerful presence leads the prince of the Li Kingdom to the strongest source of magic he has ever seen. The problem is it is locked inside the body of a young girl with no memory of who she is. Her power could help but will she be able to figure it out in time, and will the prince be able to not fall in love as well. (We should all know the answers shouldn't we? Hehe or maybe not!)
The Kinomoto Weapon
Chapter 2: I Dub Thee Lady Yuri
A beautiful woman stood at a table in the center of a circular room muttering incantations her elegant hands poised above her head of ebony hair. The table before her was constructed of slabs of an unknown stone that resembled hard snow glistening in the sun. On its surface rested a flat piece of obsidian polished to a point where not a streak or smudge could be seen.
"Acclaro!" She finished bringing her palms down toward the stone. The piece lit up the space above it forming a picture in the air. In it was scene of a castle under siege of Gitans, their massive arms hurling rocks at the weakening walls. A small smile pulled at her lips. The Dinat Kingdom would soon be in her clutches.
Remembering her original intent she refocused her eyes and the viewpoint took flight traveling the lands, scanning from kingdom to kingdom until reaching the borders of the land of the Li's. But as the image began to cross the river on the border the woman flew back as a flash emerged, landing in a heap on the floor.
"Damn it!" She shrieked pulling herself off the floor, her pale skin flushing with rage. "There is a barrier in the way. It will take time to break through this magic. Time I do not have."
There was a knock at the door. "Queen Caligo," A voice hailed.
Regaining her regal composure Caligo commanded, "Enter."
A young man opened the door, kneeling at the feet of his queen his sandy hair falling over his forehead, hiding it slightly. He was wearing a black uniform with only a broadsword sheathed at his waist, nothing giving away his status or importance in the war. In truth he was her right hand man, there to perform her bidding. At the moment it was to overtake the lands of Trian. He would do anything for his beautiful queen, even die for her. All of her subjects would. It was her power.
"Report Antari."
"The Dinat Kingdom is nearly ours. A force of twenty Gitans is breaking through their defenses and several Estians have infiltrated the castle. In a matter of days the kingdom shall be under your rule. We have also released more Elementals into the realm to weaken all the remaining kingdoms." Antari finished, praying silently that this information would be all that was needed, but Caligo did not miss what had not been said.
"And what about the Kinomoto Weapon?" She questioned.
"…"
"Do you have her?"
"No, your Majesty. I failed to capture the princess." Antari admitted, fearful of the repercussions of this statement.
"So she is still on her way to the Li Kingdom?" She hissed.
"I do not know, my queen." Antari trembled under the scathing gaze of Caligo. Her eyes burned, their black endless depths were like black holes sucking in the light but not reflecting it back.
"Then tell me what you do know before I strip you of your powers for your failure of this assignment."
Antari shivered with the threat. Without his powers he would become…one of them. A victim. A zombie.
"We attacked the Kinomoto party on the border of the Rei and Li Kingdoms with a full army of Scalrons and Elementals. The princess nearly defeated us but a Water Elemental attacked from the Blomue River catching her off guard. I took this opportunity to use your potion. But in so doing, her magic stopped and the elemental dragged her into the river. Its current tugged her away from our forces sending her directly into the Li Kingdom. But she may not even be alive." He added seeing that this did not placate Caligo.
"So the weapon is already in the Li kingdom thanks to your incompetence," her anger and fear rising.
"But if she survived she will no longer know of herself as Princess Sakura Kinomoto. The potion stripped her of her memories. She will not even realize her power."
Caligo turned away from him walking toward the only window in the room looking at its empty view pondering the change in events. The view from the window was the familiar darkness of this realm. Had there been light maybe it could have resembled a normal kingdom with castles, towns, people and the like. But light had never existed; it was the land of eternal darkness. But Caligo had the power to create light, keeping it flowing inside the walls of the castle accessible only by her and those with power who resided there.
Finally she turned back to the man kneeling on the floor. "If the weapon is dead at least she cannot combine with the Li magic. But if she is alive we need to find her before she regains her memory and unites with the Li Kingdom. We may not be able to defeat them if they discover the ultimate connection. Princess Sakura needs to be either under our control or dead."
"I have already sent forces, my queen, into the Li Kingdom to search her out." Antari said.
"Good. For the moment you shall keep your powers because I have need of you. But I warn you, fail again and I will not be so forgiving."
He nodded his compliance.
Caligo continued, "At this moment I cannot view the Li Kingdom, the magic is blocking me. Eventually I will be able to penetrate the barrier. But what I see may still be indiscernible. I will need you to be my eyes and ears."
"Yes your Majesty."
"Learn what the Li's are planning. And watch for the weapon. Contact me the moment you find her."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The young girl spoken of, the Kinomoto Princess Sakura, was at that moment walking the streets of the Capitol trying to calm her pounding heart. The attack was still emblazoned in her mind. Funny how that's the most vibrant memory I have. Being attacked by a stranger stands out while anything of my past is an empty darkness. She laughed at the irony. "Who are you?" still rang in her ears. I wish I knew she thought with a hint of bitterness.
Careful to avoid any open windows where pails full of indiscernible material tended to be chucked out of them onto the streets below, Sakura weaved through the crowds of people. She sighed at the sights around her. Nothing around her was familiar. It was all a blank. It's been days and still nothing. Not a single memory. I can't remember a damned thing. Not even my own name. Her mind was like a history book; she knew about the world but not her place in it. The personal connection was lacking. Maybe I should just move on. The Yamazakis have been so kind. But I know this place isn't right.
Sakura sighed as she circled back to the shop hoping her assailant was long gone. Why did that man act like I was dangerous? And why did it matter so much who I was? It's clear he did not know me.
She shook away these seemingly unanswerable questions as she walked up the steps to the living quarters. Sakura opened the door feeling her heart pull a yo-yo maneuver at the sight of her attacker having tea with the Yamazakis. Fear coursed through her veins but something inside her refused to let her be prey. Feigning what she hoped was indifference, "Oh you're still here," she tossed in his direction closing the door.
Syaoran stood saying, "Yes. I stayed to apologize," already faltering at her change in moods.
"So now you decide to show some smidge of manners after attacking me?" Her question tinged with anger. Anger was good, it overrides fear.
"Uhhhhh." A voice quietly said.
Syaoran began to feel his blood boil merely at the tone of her voice. No one dared be so disrespectful to him, even though there was some truth to what she was saying. Glaring at the slender girl in front of him, "Why you little…"
"Is that attitude supposed to scare me?" She scoffed glaring back. To her, his sword frightened her more than his attitude.
He took a step closer to her and she stepped back not wanting him physically near him. "Are you so sure you aren't afraid?" Syaoran challenged his amber eyes blazing.
"Ummmm." The small voice said.
"Maybe the fact that you went all psychotic on me just a little while ago is reason for me to want to be as far away from you as possible. Does attacking innocent women boost your ego or something? Makes you feel tough?" Sakura taunted.
"Ummmm." The voice came again
Syaoran bristled at her words. He was a warrior. A man of honor. And she definitely was not defenseless with how much power she had. But he could not say that. She did not know yet and he felt it was not wise to inform her of that bit of knowledge at this moment. So instead he taunted her, "Wouldn't take much to scare you. You fell over a stool the moment you saw me. Maybe you were too flustered at the sight of a strong man."
Sakura flushed with rage and embarrassment over his suggestion, "You're assuming that I would ever see you in a flattering way. Which is not the case."
"Then how do you see me?"
"Um, excuse me." The voice tried a little louder.
"You're a pathetic excuse of a warrior who preys on the fear of others. You care nothing of how they feel, and from how you've been acting you don't like people challenging your authority. In short you are a stuck up worthless jerk." Sakura wasn't even sure where half of the things she was saying were coming from. She barely knew this man, but she couldn't keep her tongue around him.
Syaoran had not taken her words kindly," And you're a weak sissy child whose lacks the intelligence to have any opinion worth my time."
"Excuse me!" The now loud voice shouted.
"WHAT?" Both Sakura and Syaoran yelled in the direction of the voice, turning to see a cowering Chiharu and Takashi.
"I just thought that you might want to know that he is Prince Syaoran Li, heir to the Li Kingdom. Just thought you might want to know before you anger him further." Chiharu stated meekly. Sakura's mouth dropped open in shock.
"Him?" she squeaked. Chiharu nodded. A prince? She stared at Syaoran, disbelief clearly written over her face.
Syaoran smirked at her comical look of surprise, almost gloating. This new information and the smug expression on the prince's face only further enraged her.
Sakura strode over to Syaoran and made a small curtsy, and plastering an obviously fake smile on her face said, "I am terribly sorry for my atrocious actions your highness. I hope you find somewhere in your enormous heart to forgive the likes of me, your highness."
Syaoran grimaced at his title. Somehow the way she said it sounded more like an insult than an acknowledgement of respect, and her sugary sweet but so clearly sarcastic tone irritated him to no end. This girl is lucky she could be valuable to this kingdom or I'd lock her in the dungeons for the rest of her annoying existence, his mind growled.
He extended the formal courtesy of nodding a reply but neither erased the glares from their eyes. But he suddenly broke off the staring battle when something entered his mind. His plan.
"Thank you Master and Mistress Yamazaki for your hospitality and kindness. But it is getting late and we need to take leave to the castle."
"Excuse me?" Sakura growled. "What do you mean we?" Funny how she seemed to have forgotten his title.
"You shall be accompanying me to the castle." Syaoran stated simply not expecting a challenge to his demand.
"And why should I do that?"
"Because …" Syaoran thought for a moment until he came upon an excuse. "You are a wonderful weaver and my mother is in need of new tapestries. She will want to meet you." Satisfied with his reasoning, Syaoran turned and began to leave expecting Sakura to follow.
"I will do no such thing." Sakura stated, her voice strong as stone.
Syaoran halted like he had just smacked into an invisible wall. He turned slowly around to face her; maybe he had not heard her right. "What did you say?"
"I am not going."
"You are coming with me." Syaoran felt his irritation rise. Maybe this girl was more trouble than she was worth.
"I graciously thank you for the honor of being invited, but I am not interested."
"It is not an invitation." Syaoran growl his patience wearing thin. "It is a command."
Sakura began to tremble under his gaze, demanding that she give in. But taking a stance she managed to say, "I refuse."
Something in the prince broke. All of a sudden he stormed up to Sakura grabbing her by the waist and slinging her like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder. "Eeeeek!" Sakura shrieked in surprise, at first not sure what was going on. When realization hit she screamed in protest, "Put me down this instant you creep! How dare you do this!" She began to pound her fists into his back. Syaoran flinched slightly; I guess she's stronger than she looks. But he held strong.
Walking to the door he nodded his thanks again to the Yamazakis and headed toward the castle leaving a stunned couple unsure of what they had just witnessed in their home.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The prince carried the squawking woman to the great hall, pushing the doors open to reveal his mother and sisters lined in attack formation with blazing energy balls crackling in their outstretched palms. At the sight of Syaoran they relaxed letting the energy dissipate, each of them white barely laced with different shades of red.
The five women gazed inquiringly at the tiny figure atop Syaoran's shoulder who still pounding away relentlessly on his back desperately trying to be released. He relinquished his hold, sliding Sakura down to the floor where she instantly began to berate him not noticing her surroundings, "How dare you treat me this way. I don't care how important you are, you have no right! What you did..."
"Ahem."
Sakura turned around to face the elegant queen and the four princesses who had been watching this interlude with barely masked amusement.
"May I present my mother Queen Yelan and my sisters Princess Fuutie, Princess Fanren, Princess Feimei, and Princess Sheifa." Syaoran formally announced them. "This time you might not say something you regret." He reminded bringing up their encounter.
Sakura threw a glare in his direction before kneeling before them. "Forgive my rudeness your Majesty and your Highnesses. I am sorry for the disruption I have caused." Syaoran nearly fell over with shock at the change in behavior. What? She's polite and courteous to them but rude and stubborn to me! What gives?
Queen Yelan smiled at the young woman in front of her. "There is nothing to be forgiven, for from the looks of it my son has treated you rather improperly." Syaoran shot darks looks at his mother. Traitor! His sisters began to giggle at his childish behavior.
"Tell me who you are young lady."
Sakura paused for a moment before speaking, "I do not know who I am. I cannot remember anything before a few days ago."
The queen looked at her with sad eyes while the sisters whispered their sympathies. Oh it's not that tragic, Syaoran thought rolling his eyes..
"I know!" Fuutie exclaimed. "Why don't we give her a name until she remembers her own." The other sisters nodded in agreement.
"Would that be alright with you?" The queen asked Sakura. She could only nod a response. A name? It would nice to be known as someone not just 'the girl' or 'you there' but… what if it's still not me?
"Akiko."
"Jasmine."
"Aradia."
"Maria."
The girls shouted names but none seemed to fit.
"How about Yuri(Lily)." A voice said softly.
The room fell silent as the sisters swiveled their heads to face their once quite silent brother, eyes slightly wide. Then small smiles tugged at their mouths as they thought the name over. It wasn't quite right, but somehow it was closer than any of the other names suggested. "It's perfect!" they cried.
They swarmed Sakura giving her a thorough comb over. "She's so cute." "No wonder Syaoran brought her." "Oh her hair is so beautiful." They cooed over her and Sakura blushed with embarrassment over the examination. She felt like a freak on display.
While the princesses kept Sakura occupied the queen walked over to her son. "When you first arrived we thought we were under attack. Her aura was pulsating with power. I have never felt someone so strong. Is she conscious of it?" Yelan asked.
"No. She didn't even fight back when I attacked her." The queen raised an eyebrow at his comment.
"No wonder she protested going with you," Yelan chuckled. "But you were right to bring her here. She could help us until we find the Kinomoto weapon." (A/N: I know I know, such a trite setup. But you'll just have to live with it.)
Syaoran nodded his agreement.
"You will have to help her train." Yelan did not miss the grimace that passed in her son's face. She smiled seeing her usually stone faced child so animated. "You are the only one qualified. But it may take some time before she is aware of her magic. Until then we will need a reason to keep her here without suspicion. If there are spies about we must hide her till she can learn to mask her aura. Luckily the creatures have no souls so they cannot feel her aura, but I still worry."
"She can weave quite well. The Yamazakis said it seemed to come to her naturally."
"Then it's settled. We can place her as a weaver and you can work on figuring out who she is and helping awaken her awareness of her magic."
Syaoran grew uneasy with his mother's decisions. I'm going to have to be around that annoying thing? He vaguely wondered if he would survive the experience.
"Girls." Yelan called out clapping her hands twice for their attention. "Please give Yuri some air. I am sure that she must be exhausted from her strenuous journey here." She gave a side glance and Syaoran before continuing. "Wei would be so kind as to show her to a room near the weaving quarter."
A servant that had been standing near the door came in and bowed. Then turning to Sakura, "Lady Yuri this way please." Sakura would have protested but the man was so friendly looking, reminding her of a grandfather type of figure. She did not want to cause trouble for him.
Syaoran watched the auburn haired girl leave without struggle. Was she nice to everyone but him? He heard snickering behind him and turned to see his sisters laughing at him.
"So Yuri is quite attractive isn't she?" Feimei said elbowing him in the ribs.
He glared at her causing the princesses to giggle even more. Used to a rather cold brother, they found him to be quite amusing when he got emotional.
"Funny, most girls never manage to get a reaction out of you, much less such a passionate one." Fanren commented.
"Maybe its love." Sheifa teased.
"Don't disgust me. She's an annoying weak little brat. The only interest I have in her is as a defense for this kingdom." Syaoran spat out then stormed through the doors.
The room was silent for a moment. Then the four sisters burst with laughter.
"Little Syaoran is in for a big surprise." Fuutie stated as the others nodded their agreement.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Fog was all around. A blank fuzzy whiteness.
"Daughter you must save us. Save us all."
Sakura wandered through the thick mist its vapors curling about her body blinding her. She followed the voice but it always seemed to be one step ahead of her. It kept calling her.
"Daughter you must save us. Save us all."
"Where are you?" Sakura cried out desperately starting to run toward the voice but never seeming to get closer. She needed to find them. Help them. But she couldn't.
"Daughter you must save us."
Sakura awoke with a start breathing heavily. She looked at her surroundings trying to remember where she was and how she got here. The few memories she had flooded back. She was in the Li castle to be a royal weaver. Anyone should consider it an honor and a blessing. It was lucky for an unknown like her to be taken in and given a job, food, and shelter. They'd even given her a room of her own, small but furnished with a good bed, a dresser, and a chair, even a small window facing the east. But it was not for her.
She couldn't stay. Her memories beckoned her. She needed to find her past. Did she have family? Were they in trouble? The answers were out there and she needed to locate them. Someone needed her help and she couldn't just wait around knowing that and doing nothing.
Sakura quickly made up her mind to leave that night. She would discover a way out. Maybe stop by the Yamazakis to retrieve supplies and head out. She would follow the river from where she was found and hope that something would spark her memory. It was the only thing she could think of. She opened the door and glanced down the hall, seeing no one she slipped out of the room hoping that chance would lead her out of the castle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Syaoran was pacing around his room when he felt a tingling sensation pull at his aura. He halted with recognition, she's leaving. He threw open his door and ran in the direction he was called. He had to stop her.
A/N: So what do ya think? Is it a keeper or a weeper?