5th Chapter--- *wahh... being a junior is NO fun I assure you all. So much work. And no time to have any fun. Junior Prom is coming up. I'm not THAT excited about it. But im sure I'll have a good time. :] Why the heck do I add my personal life into my fics? Im such a loser. LoL.

Ok... on with the story. No more chitchatting for me. =]

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= Sakura POV =

I gasped. Hiko looked at me with calm eyes.

"I like you" he said bluntly," ever since I saw you at that bar, I've liked you."

I laughed bitterly.

"You cant like me. We've only known each other for barely few days. Don't use that word so freely. You know nothing about it."

I turned to leave, but Hiko's grasp on my arm impeded it.

"This is fate," he said looking straight into my eyes, "you cannot avoid what is bound to happen, you cannot escape it, you can only face it, and use your best judgment."

"I have no clue what you're talking about." I said roughly, jerking my arm away from him.

I stomped away; My cheeks were slightly flushed. 'How dare he say he like me.' I was angry. And with good reason. A year ago a suitor had come to the Kinomoto kingdom asking for the fair lady's hand. He was handsome, and charming. Andros had captivated Sakura's heart, and a few days before their wedding, everything had fallen apart. She had caught him kissing one of their maids. Sakura had thrown a tantrum and kicked the maid out. Sakura before then, had the sweetest temper, and she had changed into this horrid monster. That why Fujitaka had her trained to be daintier, for her attitude scared away many a suiter.

Without looking where I was going, I crashed into a man.

"Omg, I'm so sorr-"

I looked up and saw Xiao Lang reach out to offer his hand.

Upon looking at his face, I felt my heart race.

I must have stared at him for a moment, for he asked jokingly,

"Im sorry miss, but do you find me THAT fascinating? Or am I just too good- looking?"

"You WISH." I grumbled with my face red as I took his hand and hoisted myself up.

I glared at him then and said as politely as I could manage, "Thank you"

Xiao Lang's eyes looked amused.

He then asked me "Why do you hate me?"

I gave him a stoic look and answered, "Because dear SIR, men are all like, they just want to use a woman, and find another. You are all PIGS."

Xiao Lang stared at me and said slowly," This has happened to you before huh?"

I gazed at the man before me in wonder. No one had ever understood me as well as he did. And he barely knew me!

I turned my head away from him and blushed.

I turned my head skyward, and saw an ominous cloud hovering, yet it seemed like it was getting closer and closer.

Hiko ran toward me.

"We must flee. NOW."

He had quickly gathered our meager belongings, slipped my pack on me gently, threw Xiao Lang's bag at his roughly, and we started.

We ran. Hiko held my hand running, I was running too hard to complain. Xiao Lang could run AND complain.

"Let go of her hand!" he snarled at Hiko.

This prompted Hiko to grin wider and run faster, my hand enclosed in his.

Xiao Lang suddenly stopped running, but Hiko kept running with me.

"sir!" I yelled at Xiao Lang.

He whistled, lowly at first, with vibratos. Then the second time more shrill. I heard a neigh.

"Midnight!"

Xiao Lang swung himself on the handsome steed as midnight flashed past. The pair came thundering down on us. His eyes locked on mine, his hand outstretched before him. Using the hand Hiko had not taken, and grabbed it as he flew past us, and I swung behind him. Hikos hand was wrenched from mine. I looked back as my arms flew around Xiao Lang's waist. Hiko looked at us in amazement. Then he said in a clear voice

::MA::

A horse appeared out of nowhere, and Hiko swung on him and rode quickly after us. I breathed a sigh of relief.

The pound of Midnights hooves were rhythmic and soothing. My head fell against Xiao Lang's back. I could hear his heart beating. I wasn't sure, but I felt it beat faster. Making sure my arms were securely around the man in front of me, I drifted off into sleep...

II was floating in the air. My eyes were half open. Before me, I saw a majestic castle, prettier than my families. The banisters were made of gold, and everything shined brilliantly. Two figures could be seen. A man around the age of 18 and the woman about the same. Both had striking black blue hair. Blue eyes held yours captivated.

They did not seem to notice Sakura, and they seemed to be bickering.

"You need to get a wife soon Shita." The girl said, her eyes narrowing and her hands resting on her hips.

"How about a husband for yourself Shiori?" the man shot back sarcastically," your such a hypocrite."

The girl flushed and said "whatever TWIN. After mother and father died, we have been pressured to marry as soon as possible, for if any belligerent nations decide to take over us, they'll be sure to succeed!"

The man waved his hands impatiently.

"Our job at the moment is not to find a soul mate. Remember the prophecy? "

My eyes widened.

"Of course dear brother, I know. We must help the two destined to save mankind. I know that already! But we can't just think of that duty! We must also think of our own lives!"

"This IS our life. If the two Zi masters fail, all mankind is doomed! We must first help these two, then we can worry about ourselves! We aren't that old yet!"

I gaped at them. Somehow, these twins were to help her and Xiao Lang in their destined journey!

I felt a tug. I was being pulled back!/I

=Xiao Lang's POV =

I felt Sakura's head fall against my back. I heard her labored breathing and knew she was asleep. We were still tearing through the thick woods. Hiko was a shade behind me. The cloud was trailing us.

I slowed Midnight a bit so that Hiko and I ran evenly together.

I turned my head and asked him, "What is that thing?"

Hiko didn't answer right away. His eyes were glinting strangely.

I opened my mouth to ask again, but Hiko had already started answering.

"That is Meshi.(A/n: I have a feeling I didn't make that up myself. Hahaha. Sounds familiar. I just kinda used my awesome Japanese skills to make a name. Oh well. LoL. See? I'm very random. =] ) The ultimate Zi master. Or so he thinks. He is very powerful. He used to be a regular peasant. Because his family secretly worshipped a foreign god, they were massacred. He was a small boy that time and his mother had thrown him in the river before they killed her. He was in a wicker basket, and a nearby village saw him floating by and picked him up. He grew up normally. But there was magic working inside of him, and hatred fueled it. He remembered what happened when he was a small boy. His memory is astounding. His philosophy is that man doesn't deserve to live. That he will build himself an empire that will be governed by worthy people. And lets not go into who he thinks is worthy."

I was shocked.

"If he was just a regular peasant, why does he possess such powerful magic?"

Hiko grimaced.

"He sold himself to Mara, the vengeance demon. Mara has already been purified by the priestess kasana, but before that, he gave his powers to Meshi. And because Meshi's hatred is filled with bitterness to the top, it made this power even more powerful. He is going to destroy all human beings if he can."

"And that's where the destined Zi users come in" I said understandingly.

We were approaching a sunlit area. The ominous black cloud was slowing down.

Hiko stopped and turned his magic horse around to look at Meshi.

The cloud disappeared.

I was confused. "what happened?"

"This is the land of Ryuho. One of the last lands where magic runs through its veins. Ancient magic forbids the entering of souls that are corrupted. But those pure of heart are free to enter. That's why I wanted to get here as soon as possible. Meshi fears this place, and the people who rule it." Hiko answered.

He spurred his horse onward, toward a luminated castle. It looked like it was made out of gold.

It felt weird, talking normally to a natural born enemy, but I guess he was forced to be kind and helpful to me.

We entered the shimmering gates. Guards looked in our direction, but made no move to stop us, or even ask our identities.

Hiko turned to me as we clomped deeper into the fortress, "We will need the shelter of Ryuho, but Ryuho is weakening. We cannot depend on this land and its natural barriers forever."

I nodded, showing I understood.

I turned around and nudged Sakura gently.

"Sakura, wake up...."

= Sakura's POV =

Someone nudged me. I lifted my head. I saw everything. It was bright. Just like my dream!

I started up, causing me to fall off Midnight sideways.

"HOEEE!!!!"

Xiao Lang had grabbed me. Instead of putting me behind him, he jammed me in front of him. An arm went around me, assuring that I wouldn't fall off again.

My face heated up.

I looked up and saw Hiko look at me. His eyes looked hurt, but he made no comment.

Ahead of us, I saw two figures walk out of the huge gates which led to the royal tower.

"Welcome!" boomed the man.

"Shita?" I breathed.

His head snapped at me. His blue eyes pierced my own.

I slid off the horse once we stopped in front of the twins. Xiao Lang slid off and stood next to me.

I curtsied and said, "Your highness"

Shita would have none of the sort. He took my hands and looked deep into my eyes. Though no word was spoken, I knew he knew.

He smiled. "I should be the one saying that."

He opened his arms wide and indicated to his surroundings, "Welcome to Ryuho! Last of the ancient lands!"

His sister smiled as well, echoing him. But her eyes rested on Xiao Lang.

Xiao Lang felt the pinprick of someone watching him, and turned to Shiori.

He smiled politely at her and said "Hello miss."

Her whole face flushed, and I felt my blood boil.

"I am Shiori, one of the last royalties of this land. This is my brother, Shita, and he and I rule these lands, for we are the last Shiraki's."

Her voice was melodious and soft, and Xiao Lang felt himself being pulled toward her gently.

He immediately mentally slapped himself.

Hiko stepped from the shadows. "Do I get no welcome your highness?"

Shiori looked at him and a cry of joy sprang from her lips as she hugged him feriously.

Hiko laughed.

Shita had his eyes on me. And I noticed.

He said "There is little time, and much to explain, let us go in, so we can start as soon as possible."

Everyone nodded, and they began heading into the castle and its protective walls.

Midnight Sprinter was being led into the stables, but before fully entering, he turned his fined shaped head towards his departing master, his intelligent eyes looked almost worried.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

=Shiori POV=

All of them seated down. Shita, Shiori, Xiao Lang, Sakura, and Hiko. Green tea was brought, and they began discussing.

Shita turned to Hiko "Have you explained to them yet?"

Hiko nodded.

Shita then turned to the Kinomoto girl. I could tell he was infatuated with her. I turned my head to Xiao Lang, his eyes were on the girl. I felt my cheeks burn. Then I looked toward Hiko, and his eyes were trained onto the Princess too. I felt a small pinprick of anger.

What was so great about her?

Her hair was gorgeous, her eyes were stunning. Her figure perfect. She was also one of the chosen ones to save mankind!

I had to admit though, she was very kind.

I took a peek at Xiao Lang again. He was very handsome. His unruly hair was messy. His amber eyes we indescribable.

'Perhaps he could be my husband' I mused.

So into my own thoughts, my brother had to call my name 4 times.

"SHIORI!"

"wahhhh!!!" I cried.

I jumped up in surprise. And I tripped on the rug.

"AHHHH!!!!"

I felt someone catch me.

I looked up to thank Hiko, but I was met with Xiao Lang instead.

His face was very close.

I couldn't help it. I brushed my lips against his cheek.

Smiling as cutely as I could, I mustered up to say "Thank you!" before I returned to my seat.

I glanced at Princess Sakura. Though her outward appearance showed amusement, I saw sparks of anger fly from her eyes.

'She loves him too...'

From the other end, Hiko observed this. He loved Sakura, but he was willing to have her happiness above his own. Shiori, though shy, would get what she wanted. Even if it meant using unfair tactics.

-_-_-_-_-

far away, in the lands of Myojo, evil was at work.

Meshi looked at his army. Made from the fear and anger of the people, he had made himself an army.

He looked into a black mirror. Immediately, it showed Ryuho, it in sunbathed state.

"Soon...just you wait, ancient lords. I will destroy the two Zi users destined to destroy me... and Ryuho, will fall."

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hmm.. how was that? I noticed... I incorporated a lot of stuff from other anime and movies. I don't want to take the credit, so ill list them.

/Zi words/ Mara/: Alice 19th. (its not really similar, but I think I took ideas from there.) /Meshi/ : I THINK I got that from Planet Ladder. Correct me if im wrong. /Meshi worshipping foreign god and being persecuted/: idea from Rurouni Kenshin.

Also, some parts seem suspiciously like lord of the rings. Hmm... or is it my imagination? LoL. I LOVE fantasy. Its really exiting.

Until next update~ Oh yea, thanx for reviews. =]