Chapter Four: The Hopeless Forest
Olwen-Cheesecake: You know the routine...
Syaoran: Yes we do, but please enlighten anyway.
Sakura: Yes-do!
Kero: I like your name...mm cheesecake!
Olwen-Cheesecake: Uh huh-I don't own CCS...
Kero: If you did would we all get free cheesecake?
Olwen-Cheesecake: Err-let us begin the rest of the story!
"Who dares travel anywhere near the Hopeless Forest?" a man called from a cabin that sat in front of the forest.
"Er...us people?" Takashi suggested as an answer.
"Oh-I thought the apes were finally coming!" he said sarcastically.
"Actually, considering how humans came to be, which is clearly stated as the Darwin Theory, humans can be mistaken for apes at times. There was also once a-"
"What Takashi means is he's shutting up now." Syaoran cut off.
"Uh huh. Why are you three here?" the man asked grumpily. His eyes looked darkened, but as if they weren't meant to be so dark. An unfamiliar spark lit his eyes when Sakura began to answer.
"We're willing to pass through the Hopeless Forest to get to Tokyo. We're going to-"
"I don't need to know why you want to go!" he cut off Sakura's explanation. "But I would like to know what a helpless, vulnerable young girl, like you, is doing here with these brutes." he gestured toward Syaoran and Takashi.
"Um, I'm traveling with them..." Sakura didn't know how to answer. "They're my friends."
"Well, seeing as you're such a tolerable lady," the man began. "I'll take you all down to the halfway mark. It's a resting area; a cabin, but I'm warning you three, the dangers in this forest come in the most unexpected ways."
"How do you know you'll survive or better yet; how do you know we'll survive?" Takashi asked.
The young man had a sinister grin on his face. "I have faith in you all. As for me, boy do I got a tale to tell you, my tale-telling stranger. I was born in that forest. Born near the most hopeless part, but not quite. For some its terrible, for others more immune, it's nothing. Some call me a pure helpless fellow, others call me the guardian of Eden."
"Why the guardian of Eden?" Syaoran questioned.
"I'm as hopeless as they come. It was obvious Adam and Eve were doomed to a cruel life if they took the forbidden fruit. Why send them at all, then, if you knew they would be tempted? It is the same with this forest. Although it was no accident or craving for it. It was planned. I guess you could say it balances out-or not quite. Life should be balanced, if it isn't you know something's wrong." he answered honestly.
"But if they refer to you as the guardian of Eden it could also be looked at from another perspective. They could be saying that you are truly an angel. Right?" Sakura commented.
The young man ignored the question. It was as if he was avoiding it, rather. Something about the question bothered him and Sakura didn't bother to point it out.
Takashi didn't seem to notice her question either. He looked stunned by the story and asked only one question. "You were born in the cabin right? The cabin we're resting at?"
The young man nodded, "I thought I explained that part already."
Sakura decided to change the subject, "My name's Sakura-what's yours?"
"You have manners too? My name is not to be said aloud amongst people. Keep it to yourselves. My name is Angelo." he said.
"Another Spanish person?" Takashi looked upset.
Angelo chuckled, "I'd prefer it to be Roman or Italian, but who really knows? I'm neither of the above, but I think you'll see in time. For now Sakura-" Syaoran nudged Sakura at the mention of her name. Sakura realized she had given Angelo her real name rather than Ying Fa, but she had also realized that she didn't regret it one bit. If she kept his name safe, he'd keep hers safe also. "We should head into the forest, nae? Brace yourselves." Angelo continued and began heading into the forest with a lantern.
Nae, stands for no in Irish...doesn't it? Hm...he is a person of many abilities. Danger. Syaoran thought quietly, while following him in.A.N.: Silly Syaoran...
Sakura watched Angelo's facial expressions in the light of the lantern. It was obvious he was very young. Perhaps even her age or maybe a little older. It was hard to tell with the withered look of his face. Although he seemed almost heavenly. His face was solemn, silent and most definitely handsome. As they walked deeper into the forest none of the group felt a decrease in hope, but by Angelo's expression, it was obvious this is where the deteriorating began. He could sense anything in this forest, it seemed.
"How come nothing's happened yet?" Syaoran seemed to guess what Sakura was thinking.
"It has only begun. This is nothing-anyone can handle this type of hopelessness, but as you get deeper you'll realize how much it really hurts. You are also stronger than it would seem, while others may be weaker." Angelo eyed Takashi. "When the weaker feel it, you know it is there. When you feel it all hope is gone. You must resist it. Believe." Angelo continued. "The forest will truly begin to affect you once we reach the cabin. The cabin will protect you though, from the toxicity of the forest. You may remain in the cabin as long as you like and survive, but I don't think you three have much time-do you?"
Sakura smiled cleverly at Angelo. Angelo seemed to notice and fell in step beside her. "What's so funny?"
"You said the cabin would protect us from all dangers, including the forest's gloomy lack of hope. If you were born in that cabin you're not hopeless at all!" Sakura remarked tartly.
A genuine smile appeared on Angelo's face. "You're smarter than they think."
"They?" Sakura then received nervous glances from Syaoran and Takashi. Sakura glared at them. "I'd like to think of myself as clever!" She gave Angelo a friendly nudge. To the surprise of Takashi and Syaoran, Angelo nudged Sakura back with an equally friendly meaning. Angelo ran his hand playfully through Sakura's hair. He then took out a flower that had been in his back pocket and slipped it into her hair. "Where'd that come from?" Sakura asked.
Angelo smirked, "Not from this forest. Let's just say my instincts told me I'd meet a pretty girl today, who deserves a flower like this."
"Well aren't they getting on great!" Takashi commented. Syaoran's face had turned blue by now. He wouldn't be able to stand watching the two flirt any longer.
Why do I care!? Syaoran's thoughts screamed.
Suddenly, Angelo stopped and seated himself on a rotting log. Sakura sat beside him and they soon lost track of time while conversing with each other. How Angelo knew it was night in the dark, gloomy, bog of a forest, was a mystery to them all. He lit a fire and prepared sleeping bags. He didn't seem tired from the long hike, but everyone else definitely was. "I only have three sleeping bags."
"Someone has to pair up," Sakura suggested.
Syaoran saw a twinkle in Angelo's eyes and couldn't bear it any longer. "I will!"
"If you insist-" Angelo grinned. "You and Takashi then."
Syaoran's face fell. Great going idiot!
After they had eaten Sakura began talking to Kero in secrecy. "He's really cute and-"
"I'm not your diary!" Kero cut off.
"I think Syaoran looked sick today. Maybe he's got a cold-he was really blue." Sakura stole a look at Syaoran's resting body. her body tingled awkwardly and she felt a familiar sensation that she had long forgotten.
"If you ask me, I think he's being an idiot and trying to get you to worry about him." Kero also stole a glance, but his was a look of disgust.
"Now that I know the basics, what else do you have to teach me?" Sakura changed the subject.
Kero pointed at the left side of Sakura's chest. "The rest comes from here." Kero then lifted his paw from her chest and to her forehead. "And just a little from there too."
Sakura seemed inspired by Kero's words, causing Kero to feel rather superior. She felt a part of her old self emerge for just a second, but a brief second at that. She began to shiver and at once realized it was raining. I don't think anyone wants to catch pneumonia tonight. Sakura released her wand and summoned the Wood card to get it to shape the trees over the four travelers, protecting them from the rain. Proud that she had achieved something that day, Sakura slept fully, but awoke to a surprised Angelo and Takashi.
"How the hell did this happen?" Angelo gestured up at the shelter, which had obviously protected them from the small drops of rain that did get through the tree tops.
"Never mind that...at least we're not sick. I think we should get going." Syaoran said as he watched Sakura innocently pack her not-quite dried sleeping bag.
"Risky move Kinomoto..." everyone turned to look at Angelo in question.
"What d-do you mean?" Sakura asked, circumspectly.
"Your sleeping bag will stink if you pack it while it's still wet." he replied.
Sakura sighed in relief. "Right." She took her sleeping bag out and hung it over a nearby branch, to dry. Syaoran had taken his chance to talk to Sakura while Angelo and Takashi were busy preparing something to eat for breakfast.
"Do something like that again and Angelo will discover your secret." Syaoran said with a hint of warning.
Sakura turned to Syaoran and smiled as if she didn't quite understand. "And what acts would you be talking about?" Sakura asked rhetorically. "I'm just an innocent, young girl-what harm could I possibly do?" she winked and left Syaoran dumbfounded.
Syaoran watched her join Angelo and Takashi in preparing food and thought helplessly. She'll win a Grammy one day, that one.
After breakfast they began their journey to the cabin, again. Syaoran kept close to Sakura, making sure she wouldn't cause anymore mischief on their way. He also was satisfied with punching her bag and receiving a small, muffled "Ouch!"
"Angelo, how much further must we go?" Takashi quivered.
"Are you beginning to feel it?" Angelo smirked.
"Y-yes." Takashi replied.
"Not too far; ten minutes at the most. I have a feeling you'll survive, but Sakura may be growing weaker by the minute. I do not think she can handle the penetration of this forest for long." Angelo pointed out, making sure Sakura could not hear him. Sakura did seem tired, but had slept well the night before.
"Do you need rest?" Syaoran asked her suddenly, after falling into step with her.
Sakura shook her head, denying her obvious state. "I'll be fine, just a bit tired."
At last they arrived just as Angelo had predicted they would. The four rushed into the cabin to feel the differentiating air of the place. It felt like they had just alternated from one totally different world, into another. They could all feel the shield of protection around the cabin, it wouldn't take a genius to see that.
The forest had even worn out Angelo. "And it gets worse!" he exclaimed as he ran his fingers through his curly brown hair. Syaoran had just noticed the sparkle in Angelo's eyes at the relief of being saved. They shone their honey hue of colour which any girl could fall for, in their right mind. It was hard to admit, but Syaoran knew that Angelo was very attractive. He felt a jealous burn go through him, but couldn't understand why he should be jealous of Sakura liking a guy like Angelo. It wasn't like he should be over-protective of Sakura, but he felt he had to be. Why?
Angelo interrupted his thoughts. "Sakura and Xiaolang will be staying in that room." he pointed without much though to a door across the main entrance. It was the first door in the hall of doors; one of which looked like a closet door. "We need definite recovering so Takashi and I will take the other room, which is mine."
When Syaoran and Sakura didn't move muscle, Angelo almost had a spasm. "Go in! Go in! Get away! Just go!" he said wearily. Syaoran and Sakura followed his commands and curiously entered the room to discover someone standing in the corner of the room. The door of the room shut fast behind them and locked. Takashi ran to open the door from the outside, but Angelo pulled him away. "They need some time alone right now."
Inside the room, the cloaked figure turned around to reveal an eighteen year old boy with blue hair and sparkling blue eyes. He wore glasses and held a strange, unique, but familiar wand in one hand.
"You're that waiter!" Sakura recognized.
"My name is Eriol Hiirigizawa. I'm sure you two will not remember me from before this Obythia existed, but I ensure you, we were good friends." he explained as Kero pulled himself out of Sakura's bag. Kero neutrally began questioning Eriol and instead of answers, they all received the story from Eriol's point of view.
I was dancing with Tomoyo, when I realized that you two love birds had run off by the creek. I was sensing something odd, but you two did not. Otherwise you would've shown up immediately and told me, but this was-unfortunately-not so. I arrived to find the two of you deep in conversation, talking so openly. Sakura was entranced by the same bracelet she wears now, she began hugging you, Syaoran, and was talking about something I couldn't catch. Finally you requested something of her and she agreed. I tried inching closer to you two to see what she was holding up to you. It was a Star Card. A new Star Card, at that. In my past, as Clow Reed, I realized it was not my card at all. Sakura had created it.
I heard Syaoran say something, suddenly. They were his last words. It was about there always being hope, after all. There was a flash of light, and I was blinded by it. I abruptly found myself in England, or more to the humour of the emperor; Englanassia. It was actually quite odd, I remembered everything that had happened. I decided to go back in time to trap Kero into the Clow Book again. It was the least I could do at my weakened state. I waited and gathered my old companions. I made them remember as my powers regained. Finally you two began remembering things you thought never had happened. When you two met it was my doing. I knew this is how the war for our world would begin.
Syaoran and Sakura looked at each other in disbelief. Quite as suddenly, they looked away. They had been lovers. This implement was unbelievably believable. There were so many proofs of their past life. Sakura had felt small sensations and Syaoran had never felt anything for a girl as he did for Sakura. It had to be true.
"What card was it?" Sakura asked, breaking the long silence.
"Well, it took me awhile to figure it out, as I couldn't make out the words. By the picture of the heart with wings and what Syaoran had said, I figured it out after making one mistake, but I eventually realized my mistake. The card represents what Obythia lacks the most. Do you know what it lacks?" Eriol answered, mysteriously.
"Love?" Syaoran shivered as the word left his lips.
"My mistake exactly. What motivates love?" Eriol asked again.
"Hope," Sakura said suddenly. "the card was created the night I cried because Syaoran had left for China. I carried it around with me, separated from the other Star Cards because I cherished the symbol of the card. That's why you couldn't take it and put it in the Clow Book in time, Eriol."
Eriol nodded, "Well put, Sakura. Just out of curiosity, what kept you too busy to notice anything else?" he asked sincerely, but not nosily.
Sakura smiled miserably and sighed. "Love."
"Master, there is a disturbance in a forest near Tokyo." a short, stubby Obythian informed a dark, cloaked man, seated on the throne.
"I sense a familiar aura near here, in fact, a few familiar auras." he said. "Did you send spies?"
"Yes my lord, they are disguised as animals." the fearful minion said.
"Do you know whom these auras belong to?"
"A spy informed us of the assassin from-"
The emperor cut off the man. "Assassin-why was I not informed of an assassin?"
The stubby man shivered and bowed his head in cowardice. "We felt it unnecessary to worry thy emperor."
"Nonsense! You fools are too coward to notify me!" the emperor accused, rightly.
The cowardly man changed the subject, slightly. "There are two others his age, accompanying him. The other is a man of great rumour. He is said to have been born in the Hopeless Forest, itself. He never speaks of his name, but he is of no harm. The spies have also warned us that there is a strange, strong and extremely dangerous aura in the air. It is none that we can explain. It is one that can throw the charts off, one said. The subject owning this aura is nowhere to be seen, though."
"This is alarming...send a troop of six soldiers. They should be an easy catch."
Eriol had chosen the second largest room, next to Angelo's room. Sakura was made to share the room with Syaoran while Takashi and Angelo shared Angelo's room. The two couldn't bring each other to conversation.
That was too humiliating for words! How will I ever face him with both of us knowing the truth!? Why me!? Sakura thought tiredly. She was facing Syaoran's motionless body across the room. He'll never talk to me again.
Syaoran was also thinking, furiously while they lay motionless in the room. This can't be-or can it? But how? Why? I hate this...too quiet-must speak. The torture was even more unbearable because he could feel Sakura's emerald eyes on his back. The tension grew immensely until it couldn't have been possible for Syaoran to survive it.
"Sakura?"
"Y-yeah?"
"Are we still going to talk to each other?"
"Dunno."
Syaoran chuckled, suddenly. "Now what does that remind you of?"
Sakura laughed softly too. "The little nameless boys."
"I hope this-er-experience, doesn't change anything between us. I mean, we can still be friends-right?"
"I hope so too." Sakura answered.
"Load of hope..."
"Yep."
In the morning they all awoke to the smell of hash browns. Sakura jumped out of bed to get ready. As she ran she bumped into someone, accidentally.
"Syaoran!" she cried with surprise. He had been putting on a shirt near his bed when she had bumped into him. Sakura stared up and down at his bare, muscular body. Sakura snapped back to reality a moment later and noticed the look of pure embarrassment on Syaoran's face. "Yummy...er-I mean-yummy hash browns." Sakura became all tongue-twisted and apologized. "Sorry, need to use the bathroom!" Sakura ran past him and into the bathroom with relief.
Syaoran gave a giggle of relief also. "That girl is full of surprises." Then abruptly, he frowned. He had had a dream about the night he and Sakura had first kissed. The night when they both were fifteen; the night where their love for each other, unfolded; the night that brought their horrible position now, into being. It was probably the best and most worst night of his life.
"Breakfast!" called Angelo. "Tribal council!" he chuckled at his joke. "Alias a meeting!" Kero zoomed into the kitchen to the surprise of Takashi.
"It's okay, he's with us." Syaoran explained as he shuffled into the kitchen.
"He?"
Halfway through breakfast, a refreshed Sakura arrived at the dining table with the least clothes she was comfortable wearing. She wore a small pink tank top, with the straps criss-crossing at the back and a jean mini-skirt. "Hey! Sorry I'm late." she seated herself carefully at the dining table and ate quickly. Syaoran was sure he saw Angelo check Sakura out more than once, but he didn't bother saying so. After they had finished and had cleared the table the meeting began.
"You three will leave for Tokyo carrying errands that must be done. The first is to get out of the forest alive without the aid of Angelo or myself." Eriol began. "Secondly, in Tokyo, you must search for Hope-as in the card. I will give you a clue to help find another clue, which will then take you to another clue and then the last clue will bring you to find Hope." Eriol took out a small parchment and handed it to Sakura. "This is the first clue."
Sakura read the clue to herself, while others read it over her shoulder:
Fortunes can be found there.
Seek them out and search for I,
I live where death regularly comes by.
"Do not be foolish and attempt to solve the clue before arriving in Tokyo. You may take your time-that is the key to finding Hope." Eriol concluded.
"If you know we'll complete the tasks, successfully, why do you make us do them?" Sakura asked.
"In time your question will be answered and you'll soon see that only you can decide your fate." Eriol replied, but he began to disintegrate into thin air. "I must go now...they have sensed me." The last part of Eriol's sentence had faded and it was obvious no one had heard.
Takashi looked like he need to get out of the cabin quickly. "Come on are we going yet?" he was heading for the door, but Angelo held him back. "Now what?"
"Do you have any idea how to get out?"
"No-"
"Then let me explain." Angelo paused and freed Takashi from his grip. "You must stay on the path no matter what happens. Wherever the path goes, you must follow. On our way here we've been neglecting the path because I know safer ways around, but you must go by the path."
Takashi decided to ask a random question. "What if we let just a quarter of our foot slip off the path?"
"Than you must prepare to pay the consequences." Angelo said and all went quiet. His face was solitary, but few seconds after it loosened and he laughed. "Calm down you guys. Just don't get lost and make it to Tokyo in one piece." Angelo finished. He got them ready to leave in a few minutes. He also made sure that Sakura kept her cards very close to her so she could reach and receive them immediately. Angelo finally turned to the whole group of three. "You guys take care of yourself-" Angelo shot a look at Syaoran. Syaoran flinched as he received a message in his mind. Watch her every move-keep her safe.
"I'll miss you so much!" Sakura jumped into his arms. "Thanks for everything."
"Don't worry, I have a feeling we'll see each other once more before you-" Angelo stopped mid-sentence. "Good luck." Angelo led them out of the cabin and a chill passed through all of their spines. Sakura followed Takashi down the path they had ignored on their way to the cabin and made sure she didn't step a foot outside of it. She looked back and waved at Angelo.
"Bye!" she called.
Angelo called to her too, "See you soon!" he disappeared into the cabin soon after, but not without adding one small addition to his goodbye. although he did not say it aloud to Sakura. "If you make it."
A.N.: Not a very suspenseful ending...list:
1) Angelo is my sweet archangel. If you know Orlando Bloom it should
be noted
that Angelo DOES take after him, but he has been perfected.
2) Remember the episode with the Hope card?
3) There have been some reviews mentioning my speed of telling the story-but
I guess it's
essential for it because there will be a lot in the story. Oh and for those
of you
wanting to know where Chiharu is-in a matter of time she'll be included. She is
important as
well. Thanks for reviews and comments!
Remember to R&R! Always room for more comments and
suggestions....and correction of mistakes!!!