Disclaimer: I own the world. Just not CCS.
Author's Note(s): I have so many ideas for this chapter that I just HAD to update it now. I'll update Partners soon. I've already started on the chapter, I just haven't finished. Um. Okay, well that's enough for now.
Thanks to my reviewers! It was wonderful reading your reviews. I'm doing this shoutout by memory (I haven't been online today) but thanks to Kitsune? (sorry if I got the name wrong) and I'm glad you did review. ^_^
Iris: Yes, I got the idea of having a "Champion" but other than that, this idea's been playing in my head for a long time. I don't even remember if Alanna had a group like the Elite in this story. But oh well, heh.
****
Sakura was awake early. Her eyes looked over her battered body and found herself disappointed. She hadn't been beaten this badly since her first year here.
Soon she was testing her muscles, hoping underneath the bruises they would still work. Her first attempt to stand sent her reeling. She collapsed back on the bed in a flurry of curses. Once she had calmed, she tried again.
'I have to at least stand.'
Her determination was very strong and she soon found herself standing. She watched as the room swayed around her. She sighed. She had expected as much.
She stepped forward, setting her concentration on balancing. One faltering step after the other, she made it across the room. She smiled as she watched the steps get less and less awkward.
Her eyes flitted over to her sword. She walked slowly to it and unsheathed it. Her arm had to fight to hold it up, but hold it she did.
She winced from the pain as she practiced with the sword. Her arm was burning from the activity; protesting the use. She ignored it and continued. Slowly it began to get easier.
She looked down at herself. She had worked up a heavy sweat. She sheathed the sword again and walked towards her water basin. Quickly, she cleaned herself up, preparing herself for the new day.
She set about collecting her weapons, staggering occasionally but never resting. Soon she was ready to leave.
She looked out her window, carefully calculating the sun's location in the sky. She smiled, knowing what she had to do.
'There is only one way to regain full use of your muscles. Train.'
****
A gust of fresh air welcomed her to the training court and she smiled. She always loved training early in the morning.
She looked around the court, taking in the group of rocks in the western corner. She smiled wryly as she remembered her use for them the day before. To the east side of the court was a small group of trees, which provided shade on the hot summer days. The middle of the court was hard, packed-down dirt that gave the trainer steady footing.
Sakura plopped down in the middle of the court and began stretching her ill- used muscles. She set her mouth, trying not to wince at the pain.
'It must be done.'
Once she had finished her stretches, she began to repeat the same movements she had used this morning with her sword. She started off going slowly through the motions before finally speeding up. Soon she had worked up another heavy sweat. She was now ready.
She sent a small spiral of her magic out, calling forward the practice dummy into the court. She smiled wryly as it appeared in front of her.
She started swinging her sword against the dummy, killing it many times before she sent a second tendril of magic hurling at it. She watched as it began to move. Now she had a partner.
It attacked slowly, for its skill was not strong in the first stage. It progressively got better, causing the Champion to reciprocate. Soon Sakura lost perception of her surroundings, concentrating only on the dummy.
She swerved in and out, avoiding her opponent's sword as it threatened to hit her. Her muscles ached, causing her to be slower than usual. She pushed them harder, pumping them even more in her determination. They answered, however weakly, and allowed her more movement. She slashed and block as each turn demanded, ignoring her chances to behead the dummy and thus end the fight. She wanted it to last.
The dummy was getting progressively faster. It moved forward much more, its solid-black rock eyes eerily watching her movement. The canvas bag that made up the body moved fluently, just as a human might.
She focused her gaze on his shoulder muscles, using them to anticipate the next swing. She felt her muscles begin to protest again but tried to push the pain away.
So intent was she on pushing the pain away that she forgot to block one of the dummy's swings. She rolled out of the way just in time, sighing as she saw the sword pierce where she had recently been. She pushed herself to her feet, once again ignoring the pain, only to find the dummy swinging again.
Hurriedly, she brought her sword upwards, barely blocking in time. She swung the sword and beheaded him, ending the fight.
She fought to regain her breath. Through narrow eyes, she watched as the dummy's head floated from the ground and reattached itself.
Her breathing not returned to normal, she looked down at herself. She had reopened a wound on her knee and it was bleeding freely. She cast around for a piece of cloth, becoming angry when she found none. She turned to head back towards the castle and ran headfirst into someone.
The person's arms reached around quickly to steady her, preventing her fall. She smiled as she recognized the scent. He released her and she looked up into his scolding eyes.
"You should be in bed, Sakura."
She sighed. "I needed to practice, Yue."
He looked at her for a moment, his frown never leaving his face. He took in her battered appearance, heartened somewhat by her fighting. She caught him look at her knee and saw his frown deepened. She hurried to speak.
"It's nothing, Yue. It was a shallow cut when I got it and I just reopened it."
Wordlessly, he pulled a piece of cloth out and handed it to her. She took it gratefully and rolled up her pants. She placed it carefully on the wound. She heard Yue's light gasp as he saw the state of her legs. Quickly, she rolled her pants leg down again, hoping he wouldn't say anything.
"Is it time to leave yet?" she asked hurriedly, hoping to keep his attention elsewhere.
He frowned, considering her before answering. "The men are just waking up. They should be ready within the hour." He looked at her for another moment. "You should see the palace healer before we leave."
She sighed. "Don't be foolish, Yue. I'm fine. I just need a little more movement and my muscles will be back to normal."
His eyes never left her face. "You need more hand-to-hand training."
Her eyes widened in surprise before she began to smile. She loved training with Yue. He stepped forward, stretching his muscles quickly. Soon he set himself into a fighting stance. She smiled and mirrored him, waiting for him to attack.
****
The two trained until a growl interrupted them. Sakura flipped backwards, avoiding Yue's attack gracefully. They both turned to find a raging Keroberos. He flew into the training court, yelling.
"What do you think you're doing Yue?! She should be in bed! Not throwing herself around like a crazy woman!"
He turned to her, causing her to stumble backwards. "And you! I watched you crumple last night! Don't bother to tell me you're fine. I can't believe you two!"
He turned back to Yue. "I thought YOU'D at least be sensible enough to put her back to bed."
Sakura slowly began to walk towards him. He didn't notice. She was now only five steps away.
"I've been searching for you all morning."
Four steps.
"I thought that stupid Prince had returned and taken you."
Three steps.
"And here I find out that Yue had already found you!"
Two steps.
"You couldn't even take the time to let me know?!"
One step.
"I swear, one day I'm just going to fly away and you'll never see me again."
She launched herself into the air just as he noticed how close she was. She landed on top of him, making him fall. Throwing out her arms, she enveloped him in a huge hug, planting a kiss on the very top of his head.
"And I'll still love you, Kero."
He grumbled something before gently throwing her off. His eyes had softened. She smiled, catching Yue's amused eyes.
Before he could speak again, she turned to lead the way out, heading to the castle in hopes of bidding the king farewell.
****
Keroberos watched her walking towards the castle, carefully measuring her steps. He noticed how she faltered a few times and looked slightly uncertain on her feet. He planted a worried frown on his face. To any observer, he was the picture of a worried guardian.
Secretly, he was amazed. He had known her all through her training and had never ceased to be amazed. She had been hurt many times to the point of unconsciousness and yet the next morning she always woke and continued as though nothing had happened.
It was nerve-racking.
He cared about her too much to want to see her hurt, but she was so dead- set on becoming the best he was hardly able to protect her.
'And that damned Yue doesn't help,' he thought angrily. 'With his intensive training, I'm surprised she isn't already in her grave.'
He couldn't help but smile through his protectiveness. She had come a long way.
****
The king looked up as she entered the room. He smiled and dismissed the courtier that was jabbering to him. She looked rather surprised, but left in a hurry, recognizing the Champion.
She walked over to him, stopping quickly to bow. As she stepped forward, he suddenly remembered to be amazed. His gaze flicked worriedly over her form, searching for weakness.
She had chosen her outfit well, making sure most of her skin was covered. He could only spot one bruise, but his intense gaze picked up on a slight limp. She looked a bit awkward.
He couldn't help but be proud. She was everything the seer had said.
She spoke quietly. "We are to leave this morning, your highness."
He stepped down from his throne, a kind smile on his lips. "I'm aware. Why else would I be up at this hour?"
She smiled weakly. "Are there any orders, your highness?"
He thought for a moment before responding. "Return home safe."
Her smile was more sincere now. She turned to leave when he remembered something. "I sent an extra troop along. If our calculations are wrong and enemy soldiers are there, you'll need more to defend long enough for you to escape."
He watched her eyes carefully, knowing she didn't want another troop. He also knew she couldn't protest. Finally she smiled.
"Thank you, my lord."
He watched her leave, hoping he would see her again soon.
****
Author's Note2: Hope this wasn't that boring. I don't have anymore time though. ^_^ Hehe.
Author's Note(s): I have so many ideas for this chapter that I just HAD to update it now. I'll update Partners soon. I've already started on the chapter, I just haven't finished. Um. Okay, well that's enough for now.
Thanks to my reviewers! It was wonderful reading your reviews. I'm doing this shoutout by memory (I haven't been online today) but thanks to Kitsune? (sorry if I got the name wrong) and I'm glad you did review. ^_^
Iris: Yes, I got the idea of having a "Champion" but other than that, this idea's been playing in my head for a long time. I don't even remember if Alanna had a group like the Elite in this story. But oh well, heh.
****
Sakura was awake early. Her eyes looked over her battered body and found herself disappointed. She hadn't been beaten this badly since her first year here.
Soon she was testing her muscles, hoping underneath the bruises they would still work. Her first attempt to stand sent her reeling. She collapsed back on the bed in a flurry of curses. Once she had calmed, she tried again.
'I have to at least stand.'
Her determination was very strong and she soon found herself standing. She watched as the room swayed around her. She sighed. She had expected as much.
She stepped forward, setting her concentration on balancing. One faltering step after the other, she made it across the room. She smiled as she watched the steps get less and less awkward.
Her eyes flitted over to her sword. She walked slowly to it and unsheathed it. Her arm had to fight to hold it up, but hold it she did.
She winced from the pain as she practiced with the sword. Her arm was burning from the activity; protesting the use. She ignored it and continued. Slowly it began to get easier.
She looked down at herself. She had worked up a heavy sweat. She sheathed the sword again and walked towards her water basin. Quickly, she cleaned herself up, preparing herself for the new day.
She set about collecting her weapons, staggering occasionally but never resting. Soon she was ready to leave.
She looked out her window, carefully calculating the sun's location in the sky. She smiled, knowing what she had to do.
'There is only one way to regain full use of your muscles. Train.'
****
A gust of fresh air welcomed her to the training court and she smiled. She always loved training early in the morning.
She looked around the court, taking in the group of rocks in the western corner. She smiled wryly as she remembered her use for them the day before. To the east side of the court was a small group of trees, which provided shade on the hot summer days. The middle of the court was hard, packed-down dirt that gave the trainer steady footing.
Sakura plopped down in the middle of the court and began stretching her ill- used muscles. She set her mouth, trying not to wince at the pain.
'It must be done.'
Once she had finished her stretches, she began to repeat the same movements she had used this morning with her sword. She started off going slowly through the motions before finally speeding up. Soon she had worked up another heavy sweat. She was now ready.
She sent a small spiral of her magic out, calling forward the practice dummy into the court. She smiled wryly as it appeared in front of her.
She started swinging her sword against the dummy, killing it many times before she sent a second tendril of magic hurling at it. She watched as it began to move. Now she had a partner.
It attacked slowly, for its skill was not strong in the first stage. It progressively got better, causing the Champion to reciprocate. Soon Sakura lost perception of her surroundings, concentrating only on the dummy.
She swerved in and out, avoiding her opponent's sword as it threatened to hit her. Her muscles ached, causing her to be slower than usual. She pushed them harder, pumping them even more in her determination. They answered, however weakly, and allowed her more movement. She slashed and block as each turn demanded, ignoring her chances to behead the dummy and thus end the fight. She wanted it to last.
The dummy was getting progressively faster. It moved forward much more, its solid-black rock eyes eerily watching her movement. The canvas bag that made up the body moved fluently, just as a human might.
She focused her gaze on his shoulder muscles, using them to anticipate the next swing. She felt her muscles begin to protest again but tried to push the pain away.
So intent was she on pushing the pain away that she forgot to block one of the dummy's swings. She rolled out of the way just in time, sighing as she saw the sword pierce where she had recently been. She pushed herself to her feet, once again ignoring the pain, only to find the dummy swinging again.
Hurriedly, she brought her sword upwards, barely blocking in time. She swung the sword and beheaded him, ending the fight.
She fought to regain her breath. Through narrow eyes, she watched as the dummy's head floated from the ground and reattached itself.
Her breathing not returned to normal, she looked down at herself. She had reopened a wound on her knee and it was bleeding freely. She cast around for a piece of cloth, becoming angry when she found none. She turned to head back towards the castle and ran headfirst into someone.
The person's arms reached around quickly to steady her, preventing her fall. She smiled as she recognized the scent. He released her and she looked up into his scolding eyes.
"You should be in bed, Sakura."
She sighed. "I needed to practice, Yue."
He looked at her for a moment, his frown never leaving his face. He took in her battered appearance, heartened somewhat by her fighting. She caught him look at her knee and saw his frown deepened. She hurried to speak.
"It's nothing, Yue. It was a shallow cut when I got it and I just reopened it."
Wordlessly, he pulled a piece of cloth out and handed it to her. She took it gratefully and rolled up her pants. She placed it carefully on the wound. She heard Yue's light gasp as he saw the state of her legs. Quickly, she rolled her pants leg down again, hoping he wouldn't say anything.
"Is it time to leave yet?" she asked hurriedly, hoping to keep his attention elsewhere.
He frowned, considering her before answering. "The men are just waking up. They should be ready within the hour." He looked at her for another moment. "You should see the palace healer before we leave."
She sighed. "Don't be foolish, Yue. I'm fine. I just need a little more movement and my muscles will be back to normal."
His eyes never left her face. "You need more hand-to-hand training."
Her eyes widened in surprise before she began to smile. She loved training with Yue. He stepped forward, stretching his muscles quickly. Soon he set himself into a fighting stance. She smiled and mirrored him, waiting for him to attack.
****
The two trained until a growl interrupted them. Sakura flipped backwards, avoiding Yue's attack gracefully. They both turned to find a raging Keroberos. He flew into the training court, yelling.
"What do you think you're doing Yue?! She should be in bed! Not throwing herself around like a crazy woman!"
He turned to her, causing her to stumble backwards. "And you! I watched you crumple last night! Don't bother to tell me you're fine. I can't believe you two!"
He turned back to Yue. "I thought YOU'D at least be sensible enough to put her back to bed."
Sakura slowly began to walk towards him. He didn't notice. She was now only five steps away.
"I've been searching for you all morning."
Four steps.
"I thought that stupid Prince had returned and taken you."
Three steps.
"And here I find out that Yue had already found you!"
Two steps.
"You couldn't even take the time to let me know?!"
One step.
"I swear, one day I'm just going to fly away and you'll never see me again."
She launched herself into the air just as he noticed how close she was. She landed on top of him, making him fall. Throwing out her arms, she enveloped him in a huge hug, planting a kiss on the very top of his head.
"And I'll still love you, Kero."
He grumbled something before gently throwing her off. His eyes had softened. She smiled, catching Yue's amused eyes.
Before he could speak again, she turned to lead the way out, heading to the castle in hopes of bidding the king farewell.
****
Keroberos watched her walking towards the castle, carefully measuring her steps. He noticed how she faltered a few times and looked slightly uncertain on her feet. He planted a worried frown on his face. To any observer, he was the picture of a worried guardian.
Secretly, he was amazed. He had known her all through her training and had never ceased to be amazed. She had been hurt many times to the point of unconsciousness and yet the next morning she always woke and continued as though nothing had happened.
It was nerve-racking.
He cared about her too much to want to see her hurt, but she was so dead- set on becoming the best he was hardly able to protect her.
'And that damned Yue doesn't help,' he thought angrily. 'With his intensive training, I'm surprised she isn't already in her grave.'
He couldn't help but smile through his protectiveness. She had come a long way.
****
The king looked up as she entered the room. He smiled and dismissed the courtier that was jabbering to him. She looked rather surprised, but left in a hurry, recognizing the Champion.
She walked over to him, stopping quickly to bow. As she stepped forward, he suddenly remembered to be amazed. His gaze flicked worriedly over her form, searching for weakness.
She had chosen her outfit well, making sure most of her skin was covered. He could only spot one bruise, but his intense gaze picked up on a slight limp. She looked a bit awkward.
He couldn't help but be proud. She was everything the seer had said.
She spoke quietly. "We are to leave this morning, your highness."
He stepped down from his throne, a kind smile on his lips. "I'm aware. Why else would I be up at this hour?"
She smiled weakly. "Are there any orders, your highness?"
He thought for a moment before responding. "Return home safe."
Her smile was more sincere now. She turned to leave when he remembered something. "I sent an extra troop along. If our calculations are wrong and enemy soldiers are there, you'll need more to defend long enough for you to escape."
He watched her eyes carefully, knowing she didn't want another troop. He also knew she couldn't protest. Finally she smiled.
"Thank you, my lord."
He watched her leave, hoping he would see her again soon.
****
Author's Note2: Hope this wasn't that boring. I don't have anymore time though. ^_^ Hehe.