Disclaimer: Oops, sorry, I've already used all three of my wishes. CCS
does not belong to me.
-UrbanCinderella waves from the sports car, with Syaoran driving.-
Author's Note(s):
BEWARE: This is going to have a veeeeery long storyline. Oh yes, it will be a good. . . MANY chapters. This is a warning, however. If this is not the type of story you are looking for, there are many exits located here.
-points sheepishly at the very tiny and scary looking exits, each guarded by a growling Keroberos- I usually discourage leaving my stories, however.
Well this is my third story. I've had this idea playing around in my head for a while, so I'm finally just going to write it down. The funny thing, however, is I just so happen to have one more idea. Heh heh, I may write one more soon. Oh well, I have this thing where I sort of 'spread myself thin' as the saying goes. Some call it a problem.
Anyway, hope you enjoy it. If your Syaoran/Sakura fix is not totally fulfilled, check out my other two stories-Falling Blossom (14 chapters) and Partners (3)
****
Sakura ducked and rolled, letting her breath fall lightly as her eyes took in the closeness of the arrow. Not allowing herself another glance, she ran, throwing herself forward and atop a large boulder. Her shoulder felt the heat of another close arrow.
'He's getting closer. And faster.'
Leaving her thoughts behind, she gracefully jumped from the boulder to another taller one. Using this second boulder for footing, she launched herself into the air, grasping wildly for the third and tallest boulder in the training court. Her knee made contact with the boulder, and she cursed the pain her carelessness had caused. She used pure strength to pull herself atop the final boulder and pure luck to keep Yue's arrows from hitting her.
She jumped into the air, narrowly missing another of his arrows. She unhooked her bow from her arm, cocking an arrow in the same graceful motion. As her feet made contact with the rock once again, she fired. It was Yue's turn to dodge.
He smiled lightly, acknowledging her success. Sakura was thrown off by his smile giving Yue enough time to loose another of his never-ending supply of arrows. She resisted the urge to call forth Shield and ducked as before. Rolling to the side, she narrowly missed another arrow. Curses were freely escaping her lips now. Yue smiled again, alerting Sakura he had heard her.
'The rocks looked a lot safer from the ground' she thought wryly.
Her thoughts were interrupted again by something other than the onslaught of arrows. Her eyes widened in horror as she watched Yue's wings unfold. They began to pump the air and he slowly left the ground, heading straight for her.
Fear broke through her thoughts. She had to do something fast. A smile began to form, as did a plan.
Carefully, she controlled her body's reactions. Tactfully, she kept her eyes widened in fear, playing on the "deer-in-headlights" look. She made herself wait until he was in the right position. She drew an arrow in her bow discreetly, forcing herself to look into Yue's eyes, focusing on his rapidly approaching form. When he was almost directly in front of her, she acted.
Using her strong legs, she launched herself into the air, twisting her body to do a flip. She sailed over his head. She watched as Yue's eyes grew larger and he hurried to turn, trying to attack her. Smiling, she released her arrow. It rang true, hitting the guardian. He was knocked to the ground.
Sakura landed gracefully and raced over to her fallen guardian.
"Are you okay, Yue?!" she demanded loudly, fearing for his health.
Through narrowed eyes, she watched as he raised his head.
A proud smile escaped his lips.
****
Einar angrily shoved his hands into the seer's bowl, disturbing the once- calm water. The image disappeared.
"Is something wrong, my lord?" asked a woman. Yelan held her head high and proudly. Seated upon her throne, she was intimidating to anyone who was not family.
He growled. "She is getting strong. We are raging war on the country who found her. It is not wise."
Another figure emerged from the shadows. His bright amber eyes immediately caught all attention. His chocolate hair was in disarray, as it always was. With a strong build, he could be well known for his good looks. But he was known instead for his famed skilled and powerful magic. Only one person was more powerful than he, in fact. And she was the one they had been watching.
"I can still beat her, Einar. Stop worrying." He walked nonchalantly to the table and seated himself.
Einar growled. "You grow overconfident, my prince."
He smirked. "It's not overconfidence that's speaking. It's truth."
Einar snorted. "You haven't even met her yet."
He looked up, eyes widening. Einar could see a plan forming. The prince's smirk darkened. "That should be fixed."
****
Sakura sat in her chair, trying to stifle a yawn. Her friend continued to speak, not noticing her fatigue.
"I told him to do it again, but for some reason he just wouldn't sit back on the thorn." Her animated face fell, taking on a dreamy look. "And I so wanted to draw a picture."
Sakura now had to stifle a laugh. It was just like the princess to want a picture of it.
'She uses about half of the castle's supply of parchment with her drawings.'
Her friend shook herself from her daze and examined Sakura closer. Her eyes caught the heavy bags under Sakura's eyes. She reprimanded herself for not noticing how bloodshot they looked.
"You're tired," she said accusingly.
Sakura began to deny it, but the yawn she had been holding back broke free, contradicting her words. Finally she admitted it. "Just a little, Tomoyo."
Tomoyo jumped up and began to hustle her friend into bed. Ignoring her many protests, she was wrestling the covers on her when the door swung open.
Three soldiers entered, amused looks taking over their faces once they saw Sakura.
She turned beet-red. Using her friend's momentary surprise to her advantage, she pushed herself from the bed. Coughing she stood, waiting for the men to bow.
They stifled their amusement and quickly moved forward to bow deeply first to Sakura, then to the Princess Tomoyo. Their commander spoke. "Good day, Princess Tomoyo. I hope we are not interrupting."
At Tomoyo's flustered nod, he turned back to face Sakura. "My lady champion, his highness requires your presence."
She sighed. "Are there new reports from the Li kingdom?"
He bowed slightly once again. "All we know is we were to summon you, my lady champion."
Grabbing her coat, she walked out of the door, promising Tomoyo she would return shortly.
'They really should start a training course in personality. These soldiers are well trained, but their personality is lacking. How am I to get information out of them if they're so damn. . . obedient?'
****
Keroberos joined her on the way. He stalked stealthily beside her, causing one of the soldiers to drop back. Sakura caught his smile as he saw the soldier's flustered expression. She shook her head, cocking a small smile at him.
'He looks so regal,' she thought.
The soldiers pulled open the doors. Sakura stood patiently, allowing the court crier to pass and announce their arrival.
She entered the throne room that had not long ago amazed her. Her very first day in the palace had been a day of splendor; the throne room was just the beginning of it. She looked around, eyes taking in the beautiful hues of red and gold which covered the room. There were tapestries big enough to cover five people hanging from the wall, and soft rugs littered the floor. Tables spread throughout added richness to the room, but the true centerpiece were the very thrones the room was named after. The thrones were magnificently carved to be nearly as tall as the room they were contained in. Only those of the royal family could sit in them.
An excited yell brought her from her memories. "Pastries!"
She watched with a smile as her friend made his way to the table. The servants backed up against the wall in fear. Her smile grew larger. She couldn't blame them. He was a lion after all.
She heard the king's soft chuckle and turned, remembering herself. She continued her journey, bowing deeply once she had reached the throne. The king smiled, beckoning her to rise.
Sakura heard everyone behind her leave. She almost winced as she heard the doors slam shut. Almost. Her training her taught her better than that. She could be stabbed and keep a straight face.
The king stepped down from his throne. He opened his mouth to speak when the door was once again thrown open. Sakura felt his aura. She smiled, waiting for Yue to join her. She heard his snort and knew he had seen Keroberos.
Soon the dark guardian was by her side and the king spoke.
"We have had reports on the approaching army, Sakura." His face grew serious. Sakura knew it was not good.
"How many are there?" She carefully kept her expression blank. The king could not help but be struck by the resemblance she now held to her moon guardian.
"At least fifty separate troops in the first wave alone. There are more coming."
"Fifty? Are you sure?"
The king nodded. She sighed, thinking aloud.
"Fifty troops, at about thirty per troop. That's would outnumber our men by a ratio of about two to one." She sighed.
'If only we had more time to call for more,' she thought wistfully.
For a second she almost wished she hadn't become the Champion. It didn't last long, however. A smile graced her lips as she remembered how she had come to this position.
'I strode uncertainly into the great room. I had heard it called the
throne room. I soon saw where it had received its name. Gulping, I see
a great man beckoning me forward. I notice the crown he wears. I
suppose he is the king.
I gasp as I realize he is not the only one in the room. Out of the
shadows step two strange creatures. The first appears to be a man,
though his wings tell another tale. The second bears the shape of a
lion, with pieces of armor scattered throughout his fur. He also has
wings. I remember the stories I heard as a young child. These were the
two guardians. They guarded the Champion.
But the Champion had died in battle nearly a week before.
I stood in front of him, not knowing what to say. Quickly, I drop into
a deep bow. If only my parents had taught me the manners of a noble, I
might be better prepared. That thought dies off quickly. My family was
dead. Killed by enemy soldiers. I wiped a lone tear from my cheek,
ignoring the worried look the lion guardian sent my way.
The king spoke then. "We need a new Champion, Sakura."
I did not understand what he needed me for, so I just stood there. He
chuckled again, then clarified.
"Would you like to be our Champion?"
I looked up quickly, eyes widening in surprise. "But I'm just a girl!"
He laughed. "You could be the first Lady Champion."
I pinched myself discreetly. The king had to be kidding. I had so many
points against me. Not only was I a girl, while all other Champions
had been men, I was also only fifteen. Not to mention I had no magical
abilities.
Then the moon guardian did the two things I hardly believed would ever
happen to me. He read my mind. Then he spoke to me.
"You certainly have magic, girl. And neither your age nor your sex is
of any matter."
The king caught my eyes and held them. He spoke gently.
"I am offering you this because, by right, it must be offered. The
person in the kingdom with the strongest magic is automatically
offered the position as the realm's Champion."
I take this in with silence. He continued.
"You know you will have to be tested. Both Yue and Keroberos will help
you. Once you complete your test, if you succeed, you will become the
Champion."
Once again, I gave nothing but silence.
He gently prodded me. "Will you accept the challenge?"
I heard Yue snort at my silence. It was all I needed to decide my
answer. "Yes."
Keroberos laughed joyfully, choosing the moment to launch himself atop
Yue. Completely unsuspecting, the moon guardian went down, angrily
trying to rid himself of Keroberos's weight. It was enough to pry a
light giggle from me.
Suddenly I remembered a question I needed to ask. "What is my
challenge, your highness?"
The king returned his gaze once again to me. "Have you ever heard of
the Clow Cards?"
Yue was prying into her thoughts. She could feel him. She smiled, looking over at her friend. He looked back at her, eyes twinkling lightly.
'You caught them, though. And everyone eventually accepted your sex.' He said in her mind [I don't remember if Yue can actually read her mind OR send a thought through, but he can now. ^-^]
Her smile widened. From the corner of her eye, she caught the king's strange look. Coughing, she removed the smile from her lips. Her thoughts returned to the problem at hand. As the realm's Champion, she was in control of the army.
"We need more time," she spoke finally. "If I had more time, I could get enough men to ensure victory."
****
The king watched her carefully, recognizing her look.
He had come to know her over her five years in the kingdom. His pride in her grew larger, just as she had. He had watched her go from a simple peasant girl to a woman who no longer could be defeated.
'At least no one within our country's limits,' he corrected himself. His thoughts wondered to the prince of the Li Kingdom. Before Sakura had surfaced, he had been the strongest.
He remembered the date the prophecy had been spoken.
'I watched as the seer fell forward, gasping for air. I knew now it
was something important. I sent my servants forward to fetch her
water, hoping she would tell me what I needed to know quickly. She
did.
Still reeling from such a large use of magic, she spoke. "There will
be another. One stronger than the little wolf. One who will break the
boundaries set for warriors. One who will surprise everyone.
Especially the little wolf himself."
Suddenly she seized up in a cloud of purple. Angrily, I flung out some
of my own blue magic. I recognized Einar's magic. My magic was too
late. I watched as the seer crumpled up.
I cursed. The two figures emerged from the shadows.
"We'll find him," said Yue.'
The king nearly laughed, recalling Yue's words. Even the moon guardian had expected it to be a boy.
He heard her speak. It brought him from his memories.
"I need a map. Quickly."
He walked behind the throne. Reaching upwards, he pulled a hidden bell. The entire palace was linked by a bell system. It was very useful when one needed a servant.
A servant entered, rushing forward to Sakura, bowing deeply. She impatiently waved the servant up, making her request quickly.
The servant nodded and returned moments later, parchment in hand. Sakura thanked him, unrolling the parchment hurriedly. With a wave of her hand, she called a table in front of her and flattened the parchment on top.
'She has certainly learned how to control her powers well. She's gone from needing the wand to use any magic to being able to do most spells without it. Now she only needs her wand for summoning one of the cards and great magic.'
"There," she yelled, pointing triumphantly. The king moved closer to her so he could look over her shoulder. He followed her finger, seeing the valley. It was a simple, narrow valley between the Li kingdom and their own. His eyes widened as he realized her plan.
"Do you know if they've made it past this valley yet?" she asked.
The king nearly shook with his excitement. "No, they haven't. And I'll bet if you ride hard, you can make it there just before they do."
****
She smiled, then turned to her sun guardian. "Can you go call my men?"
He frowned and reluctantly turned to leave, grumbling the whole time. On his way out, however, he grabbed another pastry.
'What a baby,' she thought.
****
Within fifteen minutes, her men were assembled in the throne room, staring expectantly at their Champion and beloved leader. Over the five years they had gotten to know her well. Their respect was almost endless, and they would willingly place their lives in danger for her.
They were her personal men, the troop she alone commanded. They were the best fighters in the country. They called themselves the Champion Elite.
Sakura smiled as she saw their sleepy looks.
'It is getting late' she thought, frowning slightly.
"The report from the Li kingdom has come through," she said simply. These words triggered a unified response among the men. One by one, they straightened, looking much more awake. She continued.
"There are to be at least fifty separate troops." The men groaned. Sakura glared at them, causing them to hush and let her finish. "We do not have enough men to defeat them, nor enough time to assemble more troops from the east.
"There is, however, a very narrow valley nearby. If we can get there before the Li's troops do, we have a chance to block it. This will cause them to change their plans. They will be forced to go around, which should give us enough time to prepare ourselves for their attack.
"And you all know if we can hold against their attack, we will get to attack ourselves."
Her smile turned slightly evil. "While the guards are out, nonetheless."
The men joined in her smile, laughing at their leader. Finally one asked the question they had all wondered.
"When do we leave?"
She smiled kindly. "Tomorrow morning. Just after dawn. We'll ride hard; you'll need both your warhorse and your swiftest horse. I suggest you all go to sleep right now."
One of the younger ones, Keland, a personal friend of Sakura's, piped up. "And will you be on time, my lady?" he asked, taunting her.
The rest of the Elite erupted into laughter. They all knew their leader's tendency towards lateness. She blushed slightly, regaining herself quickly. She smiled.
"I think I can manage it."
The men filed out, heading to their beds. Sakura stood still, watching them leave, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to find herself looking straight into Yue's worried eyes.
"You too should retire, my lady."
****
She could find no sleep that night, however. She tossed and turned until the early hours of the day. Tempted to call upon Sleep, she sat up. She walked over to her basin, splashing her face with some water. Suddenly she felt someone's presence behind her. She turned quickly.
The first thing her eyes caught was deep amber. It was topped by carefree chocolate hair. The most abundant color was green. His tunic was a deep emerald green, nearly matching the emerald of her own eyes. His aura was colored the same deep emerald, and it pulsed throughout the room, nearly stifling her own light pink one. He had a muscular frame. The way he held himself enticed Sakura. She recognized the grace of a warrior.
He spoke slowly. A smirk tinted his voice.
"So we finally meet."
****
Author's Note 2: Wow. I actually edited the day after it was posted. Good thing, too. I found a couple of problems, lol. Like I put that Syaoran spoke only one word, hehe. Guess I can't count, b/c there are clearly four. Oh well, hope you enjoy the edited version a little better.
Review!
-UrbanCinderella waves from the sports car, with Syaoran driving.-
Author's Note(s):
BEWARE: This is going to have a veeeeery long storyline. Oh yes, it will be a good. . . MANY chapters. This is a warning, however. If this is not the type of story you are looking for, there are many exits located here.
-points sheepishly at the very tiny and scary looking exits, each guarded by a growling Keroberos- I usually discourage leaving my stories, however.
Well this is my third story. I've had this idea playing around in my head for a while, so I'm finally just going to write it down. The funny thing, however, is I just so happen to have one more idea. Heh heh, I may write one more soon. Oh well, I have this thing where I sort of 'spread myself thin' as the saying goes. Some call it a problem.
Anyway, hope you enjoy it. If your Syaoran/Sakura fix is not totally fulfilled, check out my other two stories-Falling Blossom (14 chapters) and Partners (3)
****
Sakura ducked and rolled, letting her breath fall lightly as her eyes took in the closeness of the arrow. Not allowing herself another glance, she ran, throwing herself forward and atop a large boulder. Her shoulder felt the heat of another close arrow.
'He's getting closer. And faster.'
Leaving her thoughts behind, she gracefully jumped from the boulder to another taller one. Using this second boulder for footing, she launched herself into the air, grasping wildly for the third and tallest boulder in the training court. Her knee made contact with the boulder, and she cursed the pain her carelessness had caused. She used pure strength to pull herself atop the final boulder and pure luck to keep Yue's arrows from hitting her.
She jumped into the air, narrowly missing another of his arrows. She unhooked her bow from her arm, cocking an arrow in the same graceful motion. As her feet made contact with the rock once again, she fired. It was Yue's turn to dodge.
He smiled lightly, acknowledging her success. Sakura was thrown off by his smile giving Yue enough time to loose another of his never-ending supply of arrows. She resisted the urge to call forth Shield and ducked as before. Rolling to the side, she narrowly missed another arrow. Curses were freely escaping her lips now. Yue smiled again, alerting Sakura he had heard her.
'The rocks looked a lot safer from the ground' she thought wryly.
Her thoughts were interrupted again by something other than the onslaught of arrows. Her eyes widened in horror as she watched Yue's wings unfold. They began to pump the air and he slowly left the ground, heading straight for her.
Fear broke through her thoughts. She had to do something fast. A smile began to form, as did a plan.
Carefully, she controlled her body's reactions. Tactfully, she kept her eyes widened in fear, playing on the "deer-in-headlights" look. She made herself wait until he was in the right position. She drew an arrow in her bow discreetly, forcing herself to look into Yue's eyes, focusing on his rapidly approaching form. When he was almost directly in front of her, she acted.
Using her strong legs, she launched herself into the air, twisting her body to do a flip. She sailed over his head. She watched as Yue's eyes grew larger and he hurried to turn, trying to attack her. Smiling, she released her arrow. It rang true, hitting the guardian. He was knocked to the ground.
Sakura landed gracefully and raced over to her fallen guardian.
"Are you okay, Yue?!" she demanded loudly, fearing for his health.
Through narrowed eyes, she watched as he raised his head.
A proud smile escaped his lips.
****
Einar angrily shoved his hands into the seer's bowl, disturbing the once- calm water. The image disappeared.
"Is something wrong, my lord?" asked a woman. Yelan held her head high and proudly. Seated upon her throne, she was intimidating to anyone who was not family.
He growled. "She is getting strong. We are raging war on the country who found her. It is not wise."
Another figure emerged from the shadows. His bright amber eyes immediately caught all attention. His chocolate hair was in disarray, as it always was. With a strong build, he could be well known for his good looks. But he was known instead for his famed skilled and powerful magic. Only one person was more powerful than he, in fact. And she was the one they had been watching.
"I can still beat her, Einar. Stop worrying." He walked nonchalantly to the table and seated himself.
Einar growled. "You grow overconfident, my prince."
He smirked. "It's not overconfidence that's speaking. It's truth."
Einar snorted. "You haven't even met her yet."
He looked up, eyes widening. Einar could see a plan forming. The prince's smirk darkened. "That should be fixed."
****
Sakura sat in her chair, trying to stifle a yawn. Her friend continued to speak, not noticing her fatigue.
"I told him to do it again, but for some reason he just wouldn't sit back on the thorn." Her animated face fell, taking on a dreamy look. "And I so wanted to draw a picture."
Sakura now had to stifle a laugh. It was just like the princess to want a picture of it.
'She uses about half of the castle's supply of parchment with her drawings.'
Her friend shook herself from her daze and examined Sakura closer. Her eyes caught the heavy bags under Sakura's eyes. She reprimanded herself for not noticing how bloodshot they looked.
"You're tired," she said accusingly.
Sakura began to deny it, but the yawn she had been holding back broke free, contradicting her words. Finally she admitted it. "Just a little, Tomoyo."
Tomoyo jumped up and began to hustle her friend into bed. Ignoring her many protests, she was wrestling the covers on her when the door swung open.
Three soldiers entered, amused looks taking over their faces once they saw Sakura.
She turned beet-red. Using her friend's momentary surprise to her advantage, she pushed herself from the bed. Coughing she stood, waiting for the men to bow.
They stifled their amusement and quickly moved forward to bow deeply first to Sakura, then to the Princess Tomoyo. Their commander spoke. "Good day, Princess Tomoyo. I hope we are not interrupting."
At Tomoyo's flustered nod, he turned back to face Sakura. "My lady champion, his highness requires your presence."
She sighed. "Are there new reports from the Li kingdom?"
He bowed slightly once again. "All we know is we were to summon you, my lady champion."
Grabbing her coat, she walked out of the door, promising Tomoyo she would return shortly.
'They really should start a training course in personality. These soldiers are well trained, but their personality is lacking. How am I to get information out of them if they're so damn. . . obedient?'
****
Keroberos joined her on the way. He stalked stealthily beside her, causing one of the soldiers to drop back. Sakura caught his smile as he saw the soldier's flustered expression. She shook her head, cocking a small smile at him.
'He looks so regal,' she thought.
The soldiers pulled open the doors. Sakura stood patiently, allowing the court crier to pass and announce their arrival.
She entered the throne room that had not long ago amazed her. Her very first day in the palace had been a day of splendor; the throne room was just the beginning of it. She looked around, eyes taking in the beautiful hues of red and gold which covered the room. There were tapestries big enough to cover five people hanging from the wall, and soft rugs littered the floor. Tables spread throughout added richness to the room, but the true centerpiece were the very thrones the room was named after. The thrones were magnificently carved to be nearly as tall as the room they were contained in. Only those of the royal family could sit in them.
An excited yell brought her from her memories. "Pastries!"
She watched with a smile as her friend made his way to the table. The servants backed up against the wall in fear. Her smile grew larger. She couldn't blame them. He was a lion after all.
She heard the king's soft chuckle and turned, remembering herself. She continued her journey, bowing deeply once she had reached the throne. The king smiled, beckoning her to rise.
Sakura heard everyone behind her leave. She almost winced as she heard the doors slam shut. Almost. Her training her taught her better than that. She could be stabbed and keep a straight face.
The king stepped down from his throne. He opened his mouth to speak when the door was once again thrown open. Sakura felt his aura. She smiled, waiting for Yue to join her. She heard his snort and knew he had seen Keroberos.
Soon the dark guardian was by her side and the king spoke.
"We have had reports on the approaching army, Sakura." His face grew serious. Sakura knew it was not good.
"How many are there?" She carefully kept her expression blank. The king could not help but be struck by the resemblance she now held to her moon guardian.
"At least fifty separate troops in the first wave alone. There are more coming."
"Fifty? Are you sure?"
The king nodded. She sighed, thinking aloud.
"Fifty troops, at about thirty per troop. That's would outnumber our men by a ratio of about two to one." She sighed.
'If only we had more time to call for more,' she thought wistfully.
For a second she almost wished she hadn't become the Champion. It didn't last long, however. A smile graced her lips as she remembered how she had come to this position.
'I strode uncertainly into the great room. I had heard it called the
throne room. I soon saw where it had received its name. Gulping, I see
a great man beckoning me forward. I notice the crown he wears. I
suppose he is the king.
I gasp as I realize he is not the only one in the room. Out of the
shadows step two strange creatures. The first appears to be a man,
though his wings tell another tale. The second bears the shape of a
lion, with pieces of armor scattered throughout his fur. He also has
wings. I remember the stories I heard as a young child. These were the
two guardians. They guarded the Champion.
But the Champion had died in battle nearly a week before.
I stood in front of him, not knowing what to say. Quickly, I drop into
a deep bow. If only my parents had taught me the manners of a noble, I
might be better prepared. That thought dies off quickly. My family was
dead. Killed by enemy soldiers. I wiped a lone tear from my cheek,
ignoring the worried look the lion guardian sent my way.
The king spoke then. "We need a new Champion, Sakura."
I did not understand what he needed me for, so I just stood there. He
chuckled again, then clarified.
"Would you like to be our Champion?"
I looked up quickly, eyes widening in surprise. "But I'm just a girl!"
He laughed. "You could be the first Lady Champion."
I pinched myself discreetly. The king had to be kidding. I had so many
points against me. Not only was I a girl, while all other Champions
had been men, I was also only fifteen. Not to mention I had no magical
abilities.
Then the moon guardian did the two things I hardly believed would ever
happen to me. He read my mind. Then he spoke to me.
"You certainly have magic, girl. And neither your age nor your sex is
of any matter."
The king caught my eyes and held them. He spoke gently.
"I am offering you this because, by right, it must be offered. The
person in the kingdom with the strongest magic is automatically
offered the position as the realm's Champion."
I take this in with silence. He continued.
"You know you will have to be tested. Both Yue and Keroberos will help
you. Once you complete your test, if you succeed, you will become the
Champion."
Once again, I gave nothing but silence.
He gently prodded me. "Will you accept the challenge?"
I heard Yue snort at my silence. It was all I needed to decide my
answer. "Yes."
Keroberos laughed joyfully, choosing the moment to launch himself atop
Yue. Completely unsuspecting, the moon guardian went down, angrily
trying to rid himself of Keroberos's weight. It was enough to pry a
light giggle from me.
Suddenly I remembered a question I needed to ask. "What is my
challenge, your highness?"
The king returned his gaze once again to me. "Have you ever heard of
the Clow Cards?"
Yue was prying into her thoughts. She could feel him. She smiled, looking over at her friend. He looked back at her, eyes twinkling lightly.
'You caught them, though. And everyone eventually accepted your sex.' He said in her mind [I don't remember if Yue can actually read her mind OR send a thought through, but he can now. ^-^]
Her smile widened. From the corner of her eye, she caught the king's strange look. Coughing, she removed the smile from her lips. Her thoughts returned to the problem at hand. As the realm's Champion, she was in control of the army.
"We need more time," she spoke finally. "If I had more time, I could get enough men to ensure victory."
****
The king watched her carefully, recognizing her look.
He had come to know her over her five years in the kingdom. His pride in her grew larger, just as she had. He had watched her go from a simple peasant girl to a woman who no longer could be defeated.
'At least no one within our country's limits,' he corrected himself. His thoughts wondered to the prince of the Li Kingdom. Before Sakura had surfaced, he had been the strongest.
He remembered the date the prophecy had been spoken.
'I watched as the seer fell forward, gasping for air. I knew now it
was something important. I sent my servants forward to fetch her
water, hoping she would tell me what I needed to know quickly. She
did.
Still reeling from such a large use of magic, she spoke. "There will
be another. One stronger than the little wolf. One who will break the
boundaries set for warriors. One who will surprise everyone.
Especially the little wolf himself."
Suddenly she seized up in a cloud of purple. Angrily, I flung out some
of my own blue magic. I recognized Einar's magic. My magic was too
late. I watched as the seer crumpled up.
I cursed. The two figures emerged from the shadows.
"We'll find him," said Yue.'
The king nearly laughed, recalling Yue's words. Even the moon guardian had expected it to be a boy.
He heard her speak. It brought him from his memories.
"I need a map. Quickly."
He walked behind the throne. Reaching upwards, he pulled a hidden bell. The entire palace was linked by a bell system. It was very useful when one needed a servant.
A servant entered, rushing forward to Sakura, bowing deeply. She impatiently waved the servant up, making her request quickly.
The servant nodded and returned moments later, parchment in hand. Sakura thanked him, unrolling the parchment hurriedly. With a wave of her hand, she called a table in front of her and flattened the parchment on top.
'She has certainly learned how to control her powers well. She's gone from needing the wand to use any magic to being able to do most spells without it. Now she only needs her wand for summoning one of the cards and great magic.'
"There," she yelled, pointing triumphantly. The king moved closer to her so he could look over her shoulder. He followed her finger, seeing the valley. It was a simple, narrow valley between the Li kingdom and their own. His eyes widened as he realized her plan.
"Do you know if they've made it past this valley yet?" she asked.
The king nearly shook with his excitement. "No, they haven't. And I'll bet if you ride hard, you can make it there just before they do."
****
She smiled, then turned to her sun guardian. "Can you go call my men?"
He frowned and reluctantly turned to leave, grumbling the whole time. On his way out, however, he grabbed another pastry.
'What a baby,' she thought.
****
Within fifteen minutes, her men were assembled in the throne room, staring expectantly at their Champion and beloved leader. Over the five years they had gotten to know her well. Their respect was almost endless, and they would willingly place their lives in danger for her.
They were her personal men, the troop she alone commanded. They were the best fighters in the country. They called themselves the Champion Elite.
Sakura smiled as she saw their sleepy looks.
'It is getting late' she thought, frowning slightly.
"The report from the Li kingdom has come through," she said simply. These words triggered a unified response among the men. One by one, they straightened, looking much more awake. She continued.
"There are to be at least fifty separate troops." The men groaned. Sakura glared at them, causing them to hush and let her finish. "We do not have enough men to defeat them, nor enough time to assemble more troops from the east.
"There is, however, a very narrow valley nearby. If we can get there before the Li's troops do, we have a chance to block it. This will cause them to change their plans. They will be forced to go around, which should give us enough time to prepare ourselves for their attack.
"And you all know if we can hold against their attack, we will get to attack ourselves."
Her smile turned slightly evil. "While the guards are out, nonetheless."
The men joined in her smile, laughing at their leader. Finally one asked the question they had all wondered.
"When do we leave?"
She smiled kindly. "Tomorrow morning. Just after dawn. We'll ride hard; you'll need both your warhorse and your swiftest horse. I suggest you all go to sleep right now."
One of the younger ones, Keland, a personal friend of Sakura's, piped up. "And will you be on time, my lady?" he asked, taunting her.
The rest of the Elite erupted into laughter. They all knew their leader's tendency towards lateness. She blushed slightly, regaining herself quickly. She smiled.
"I think I can manage it."
The men filed out, heading to their beds. Sakura stood still, watching them leave, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to find herself looking straight into Yue's worried eyes.
"You too should retire, my lady."
****
She could find no sleep that night, however. She tossed and turned until the early hours of the day. Tempted to call upon Sleep, she sat up. She walked over to her basin, splashing her face with some water. Suddenly she felt someone's presence behind her. She turned quickly.
The first thing her eyes caught was deep amber. It was topped by carefree chocolate hair. The most abundant color was green. His tunic was a deep emerald green, nearly matching the emerald of her own eyes. His aura was colored the same deep emerald, and it pulsed throughout the room, nearly stifling her own light pink one. He had a muscular frame. The way he held himself enticed Sakura. She recognized the grace of a warrior.
He spoke slowly. A smirk tinted his voice.
"So we finally meet."
****
Author's Note 2: Wow. I actually edited the day after it was posted. Good thing, too. I found a couple of problems, lol. Like I put that Syaoran spoke only one word, hehe. Guess I can't count, b/c there are clearly four. Oh well, hope you enjoy the edited version a little better.
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