I closed my eyes. It was getting harder and harder to fight the Demon off when he came to try to devour me, which he had just attempted once again. I opened my mouth to breathe through it. Once again, I wished I had my runes with me; I could last longer with them. The stench of the Demon was dissipating; I have been in here for so long that I no longer notice it unless he comes to me. I have lost all track of time, and know that it is night for that is when the Demon comes to me. Sometimes he paws at me, an almost mournful expression in his eyes, but most of the time he simply tries to kill me. My pendant is growing weaker; this time it almost failed me. I haven't had much energy, either. Briefly Syaoran flashes through my mind, and I hold onto the image the best I can. I have long since given up hope in him. It pains me to think this, but I can see no way that he will be able to rescue me with the Demon here. I only wish I could see him one last time before I can no longer fight back...
---
Syaoran was still lost in thought, staring at his sword, long after the ghost witch had left. Takano left him in peace, wondering once in a while what he was thinking. After an hour he wandered down the stream, searching for fish. He did not think that Syaoran would actually leave him, but he did not wander too far, just in case.
Syaoran had no idea how he would pull the power out of his sword. The last time he had done it, it was in desperation, and he had no power over it. "Open your mind and your heart," she had said. His mind wandered briefly. He knew that the witch was old; she used a language that had died out a long time ago, and was kept alive by both the Priestesses and village chieftains. It was regarded as a sacred language, one meant to cast extremely powerful spells. Syaoran made himself come back to the present again, and focused his eyes on his sword. It looked like a normal sword, except for the richness of it. Briefly, he wondered if Meling's father had really made it, because, if it was what the witch said it was, it was old, and had been made long ago.
Syaoran lifted the sword up, thinking that he would try to use the magic. He closed his eyes and blanked his mind out, and searched the sword in front of him for some hidden trigger or button, something that would release the powers. He could not find what he wanted; however, there was something different about the dragons. He opened his eyes again and traced the carvings along the blade. He was right, there was something etched into the blade, which took the form of a dragon. He wondered if that was what had released the fire when he had been fighting the Lady of the North. His mind wandered once again, and he started to think of the Demon. How would he fight it? He did not think that fire would work, since fire was the most difficult and dangerous of the five elements. It was the one most readily held by servants of evil, and Syaoran doubted that it would help him at all.
He focused his eyes again and looked back at the blade. However, it was different. The dragons were gone, and etched on the blade was an intricate Celtic knot, in which a trinity was featured. Syaoran gave a cry and dropped the sword, stepping back.
"I say, what is the matter?" Takano asked, directly behind Syaoran.
Syaoran jumped and whipped around.
Takano held up his hands. "Steady there!" he said.
Syaoran looked back at the sword. "It...that...it changed!"
Takano stepped forward and examined it, but did not touch it. "I say!" he said. "This is amazing! It had dragons on it before, did it not?"
Syaoran nodded.
"Well, this is interesting! It looks as if you have one of the elemental swords of old, and a powerful one at that!" Takano told him, standing up.
"Elemental swords?" Syaoran asked.
Takano nodded. "Long ago, before the Demon came, this land was rich in magic. There were Priests and Priestesses of all kinds. Some who roamed the land, helping others out and singing for food and shelter…they were called bards back then. There were others whose soul purpose was to take care of nature; they were the Druids. There were some like the Priestesses of nowadays, who took care of villages, protecting them from vengeful spirits. And, there were others that crafted magical artifacts for warriors. An elite group of these fellows created the elemental swords. There were some created to defeat lesser beasts, and they were usually given to swordsmen. However, there were six elemental swords created that one could call 'elite.' They were stronger than the others, and were given to the mage kings of old. All of them could channel any element, but five of them were strongest in one element. The sixth, however, was strong in all of the five elements, much stronger than the other five. It was given to the High King, and he used it to drive all of the monsters from the land. However, it was in his son's reign that the Demon came to being. The sword, as powerful as it was, could not destroy the demon, for the demon was indestructible to those who did not know the Demon's secret."
Syaoran blinked. "Sakura..." he said.
"Eh?" Takano looked at Syaoran.
"Sakura must know the secret!" Syaoran said. "That is why the demon kidnapped her! When we get her back, we can destroy the Demon!"
"Ah, but no one has been able to destroy it!" Takano said. "Only confine it."
Syaoran nodded. "We will at least be able to confine it, then." He said.
Takano nodded. "It was one of the Sakura family Priestesses who helped the first High King's son to trap the demon. She was destroyed in the effort, but not before she begot a daughter to carry her line on." Takano smiled. "Some say that the father was the High King's son..." He blinked. "Anyways, I think that your sword is one of the five elemental swords of old. It has to be, for the lesser elemental swords did not have carvings like this, they only glowed. The one elemental sword was sealed in the tomb of the son of the High King after he died, the last of that line. No one has been able to get in."
Syaoran nodded and picked up his sword again. "What is this symbol?" he asked.
"It is the fifth element, manna," Takano told him. "Represented by the triquetra, a symbol of mind, body, and soul. How did you get it to change?"
"I thought about fighting the demon while holding it," Syaoran said. He frowned and thought about fighting the Witch of the North. Before his eyes, the knots shifted and changed shape, forming the Celtic dragons that were on it originally. Syaoran smiled broadly. "I think I know how to change its power," he said. "I just need to learn how to trigger it."
Takano shrugged and smiled. This was the first time he had seen Syaoran so very happy at something, and it gladdened his heart. "I do not know how to trigger it, but I will say this, we had better get going. We are about four days away from the demon's den, assuming it is where you say it is. Which I believe is true."
Syaoran nodded and sheathed the sword again, but a familiar feeling rose up in his gut. The witch had seemed very familiar, a little too familiar for comfort.
"Takano, did that witch ever tell you how she died?" Syaoran asked as they left the trees and headed back towards the western mountain ranges.
"I am sorry, I do not know," Takano replied.
Syaoran nodded. If Takano did not know her name, then it was very unlikely that he knew how she died. Nevertheless, the feeling of familiarity did not leave.
Once the companions were clear of the trees completely they brought the map out and adjusted their course once again. They set out a short cut across a large valley that would save them a day and a half's trip. Syaoran was grateful that they were every so much closer to rescuing Sakura. The next thing on the list of things to do was to learn how to trigger the sword's abilities.
"I say, Syaoran!" Takano called loudly.
"Yes?" Syaoran asked and looked up from his thoughts.
"I called your name three times, is something wrong?" Takano asked.
"I am sorry my friend," Syaoran replied and put an arm around Takano's shoulders. "I was just trying to think of ways to get the sword to react. But come, we have a significant journey through the Valley of the Mist."
Takano looked at Syaoran strangely. He could not tell by Syaoran's action whether he was trying to hide his growing anxiety, or if he was truly somewhat giddy about the news of the sword.
Syaoran was lost in his thoughts again when he felt a cold hand against his forehead and looked at Takano.
"I say Syaoran, are you feeling well? Because you are acting quite strangely," Takano said.
"Takano, I am just happy that we now have a way to safely rescue Sakura. Nothing ails my spirit or my body," Syaoran reassured.
Takano took his hand away from Syaoran's forehead. "I was just worried, I have never seen you act like this. It was just a precaution."
Syaoran laughed and patted Takano on the shoulder. "Come, we must cover much ground."
The two set off into the slowly setting sun. The sky had turned many different shades of purples and pinks and the clouds were thin and wispy. They gave the world a sense of hope and sereneness, an altogether calming factor to such desperate times.
Whenever they stopped, Syaoran would gobble down his food and stare at the sword, trying to discover its secret. At first, he tried banging the sword against something, seeing if the magic would come out if it came into contact with an object. When that did not work, he tried shouting at it, asking it, and talking to it. This, also, did not work. After a bout of banging the sword on the ground followed by cursing, Takano decided to step in.
"What happened when the power came to you?" he asked.
Syaoran paused in his banging and thought back. "I felt like I was in danger, and if I did not do something, I would die," he said. "I felt desperate."
"Maybe that is a trigger?" Takano asked, then turned back to summoning a pond to rest his feet in.
Syaoran stared at Takano, who was trying not to notice Syaoran's gaze, and then looked back at the sword. He reasoned that it might work, so he closed his eyes and thought back to when he fought the ice lady. He recalled the feeling of terror that had washed over him when the ice crystal shot towards him, and of hopelessness. He opened his eyes again and, to his surprise, a few flames lanced down the sword.
"I DID IT!" Syaoran shouted, startling Takano and causing the river man to fall backwards.
"Could you be a little less loud about it?" Takano asked and scratched his head.
"Sorry," Syaoran said.
Takano got up and looked at the sword wearily and took a few steps back. Syaoran looked at the river man and put the sword away.
"I am sorry about that Takano. I am just overjoyed that I know how to control that power. But I am not sure if it will be enough to get Sakura out of the clutches of that demon," Syaoran explained.
"Well, we will cross that bridge when we get there," Takano replied making a small movement with his hands.
As they continued on their journey a large set of dusty mountains appeared over the ridge of the horizon. They were tall and dark, daring anyone to get near, and if anyone did, it seemed as if they would swallow you right up. Very few pieces of vegetation grew on the mountains, and what did grow, was usually poisonous.
They neared the mountains and it seemed as if the mountains themselves reached out and choked the land with its shadow. The land was dry and cracked and there were remains of those who had tried to get in before, both carcasses of animals and humans. Takano shuddered slightly as he saw the remains of one of his kind.
Syaoran looked around and saw that some of the land was scarred, most like from a fight between someone with a sword and someone much larger.
"I suggest we hurry...." Takano said quietly. "We do not want to let whatever did this to know that we are here."
Syaoran nodded and quickened his pace a bit; but the farther they got into the mountain ranges, the more carcasses and bones they saw.
"This does not feel right," Syaoran stated as he walked past what seemed to be a person dressed in knight's armor.
Takano looked around. "Something is coming..."
Syaoran drew his sword and peered into the narrow passageway in front of them. A large, hairy spider with saliva dripping from it's fangs and pieces of it's web attached to it's body was sitting, cleaning its pincers with its forelegs. Syaoran grimaced and pulled back. A bit of the saliva hit the ground and hissed, causing steam to rise. Syaoran doubted that the saliva was nothing that a human could ever make in its mouth.
"What is it?" Takano asked.
"A huge beast in the shape of a spider," Syaoran replied. He looked at his sword and saw that the Celtic dragons were on the blade. He reasoned that this was either the best element to fight it with, or that his sword was the fire sword, and it had decided to use its strongest element.
"What are we going to do?" Takano asked.
"I do not know," Syaoran said. "I will have to kill it in one blow, and I would have to get close enough to get a good one in."
Takano peered around the corner. "I say! It is a great, hulking sort of a beast, is it not?" He looked at Syaoran. "I will distract it with a bit of rocks and water," he said. "You get in when it is paying attention to me and stab it!"
Syaoran nodded. "Right," he said. He lifted up his sword into a ready position and waited for the chance to come.
Takano ran out into the passage, a ball of concentrated water hovering in front of him. "Hey, you brute!" Takano shouted and hurled the water at the beast.
The spider gave an inhuman scream and turned to face Takano. The water ball had hit it on the side of the head, on a giant, faceted eye. The water dripped down the side of its head, and, when it collided the saliva, sent up a black, foul smelling smoke.
Takano was already busily throwing rocks at it, and shouting various battle cries.
The spider screamed again and regarded Takano with its good eye, the pincers clicking together. After a few seconds and several more thrown rocks, it charged at the river man.
Takano leapt back and sent another ball of water at it, this time hitting it square in the head.
The spider paused in its charge, the pincers clicking in rage as it shook its hulking body, trying to dislodge the water.
Syaoran judged that this was the appropriate time to move, and ran forward.
Takano saw Syaoran running towards the spider and sent another water ball at the spider.
Syaoran yelled and fire lanced up the sword, lighting up the passageway.
The spider, seeing a bright light coming towards it, screamed and charged at Syaoran, intending to extinguish this new fearful enemy.
Syaoran saw with dismay that the beast was heading towards him instead of towards Takano, no matter how many rocks the river man threw at the spider, and paused in dismay. However, the spider had no such feelings and continued towards the young man. Not knowing what else to do, Syaoran dived to the ground, curling his body so that he would roll instead of land, and held his sword out at an angle. He rolled underneath the spider, his sword cutting the bottom of two of its legs.
The spider recoiled and writhed, waving its injured legs around.
Takano gave a shout and threw another water ball at the spider, followed by a few more stones.
Syaoran leaped up and jumped away from the beast, running around to where its head was, intending to gouge out one eye. However, when he approached its head, the spider snapped around and almost cut Syaoran in two with its huge pincers. Syaoran dived and rolled again, coming to a stand on the other side of the head. Before the spider could react, he sliced off a whole leg.
The spider almost collapsed on its weakened side but recovered before it hit the ground. Syaoran ran out of the way once again and paused a few yards from the spider, in a battle stance. He panted and wiped some sweat away from his eyes. He was tiring fast; dodging a huge spider was not easy. The fire on his sword was still burning brightly, no less diminished from when he began fighting.
The spider turned to look at Syaoran. It was angered and frightened; nothing had ever wounded it this badly before. It considered running away, but its pride was hurt, so it charged at Syaoran again, intending to cut the man in half.
Syaoran saw the beast run towards him again and took a step to run away. However, he stepped on a loose stone and twisted his ankle. He groaned and looked down at his injured foot. A shout from Takano reminded him of where he was and what was happening, and he looked up again and realized with dismay that looking down at his feet had lost him precious time. With a curse, Syaoran held his sword up in front of him, perpendicular to the ground, blade facing to the beast. It would land right in the center of the pincers. Syaoran had time to regret pausing before the beast was upon him. However, before the pincers could snap closed, a huge burst of fire left the sword and the spider caught on fire. The beast shuddered to a halt, flaming pincers on either side of Syaoran. For some reason, Syaoran moved his sword so that the edge tapped the exact middle of the pincers. A fiery line ran through the spider, in the exact center of it. The beast gave one last shudder before it was split in half, fire licking at both halves of the body.
Syaoran slumped to the ground, frightened and exhausted. His ankle hurt, so much that he did not notice that he was covered with slime from the monster.
Takano hurried to Syaoran and pulled him away from the slain beast, the body almost entirely consumed in fire. "I say, good fight!" he exclaimed, running water from his hands over Syaoran's filthy body.
Syaoran winced and pulled his ankle towards him. "I think I sprained it," he said.
"It is lucky that is the only scratch you came out with!" Takano said. "I thought we were done for!"
"If I am injured so, Takano, how will we get the Priestess out of the clutches of that vile demon?" Syaoran asked, rubbing his ankle tenderly.
He never foresaw this happening, and his hopes were dampened.
"Buck up Syaoran, it is not over yet," Takano reassured Syaoran.
But in all honesty, Takano was worried - very worried. By now the priestess probably could not walk. How was he supposed to support Syaoran and dodge the demon to get the priestess as well? Takano looked up at the sky and silently prayed that they would be able to do this.
"Can you stand?" Takano asked.
He helped Syaoran to his feet and watched as Syaoran tested the strength of his ankle.
"I can walk, but I will not be able to outrun anything any time soon; especially the demon," he replied.
"Well, it is still a ways until we reach the demon's den, maybe the strength in your ankle will return to you," Takano said; silently praying that that would happen.
The started down the passage way that the large smoldering spider had emerged from and there was a steady climb up the side of the mountain and the strength in Syaoran's ankle did begin to return, though very slowly.
The farther they got up the side of the mountain the drearier it became. The mountain, at some point, had been covered in thick, green trees, but everything now was burned and dead, nothing remotely beautiful grew anywhere and it seemed to suck the spirit right out of the two companions as they continued to the peak of the mountain.
"Syaoran, let us rest," Takano said and leaned against a rock. "The elevation has increased greatly since we started."
Syaoran sunk to the ground and leaned against another rock. "At least we have not had to face anything else."
Takano nodded and began drinking from his hands, then walked over to Syaoran and gave him some. Syaoran eagerly took the offering.
"We should be almost to the peak," Syaoran commented, after he hand finished drinking the water.
Takano nodded. "I suspect that it will be only a few more hours to get to it. However," he added and stared up the path. "It will probably be very steep."
Syaoran nodded. He pulled off the boot off of his injured foot and examined it. It was bruised and swollen and tender to the touch.
Takano shook his head. "I'll pour some water over it," he said. "We shall see if that helps."
Syaoran closed his eyes and leaned back as the cool liquid poured over his ankle. The water helped out a lot, and he wondered if it was normal water. After the trickle of water stopped, Syaoran dried off his ankle and slipped on his boots again. If they rescued the Priestess he vowed to find some healing herbs in the valley before they continued on.
"We should get moving again," Takano said and gazed up the path.
Syaoran grunted and stood up, testing his ankle. The rest had helped it a little bit and he could almost ignore the pain it gave him.
However, after an hour of steep climbing, Syaoran doubted whether or not his ankle would hold up. While walking on flat land and shallow climbs helped out the state of his injury, the climb seemed to make it worse and worse. When he had stumbled for the third time, Takano simply picked up Syaoran and carried him over his shoulder.
"You do not need to carry me!" Syaoran protested.
"We will not get anywhere if you slip and break your neck, will we?" Takano asked.
Syaoran sighed. "Do not hesitate to put me down if you tire," he said.
The next hour passed more slowly, as the climbing went more slowly. Takano was obliged to put Syaoran down and rest for a bit, and Syaoran stubbornly refused to be carried unless he fell several times.
Finally, the two reached the top of the summit. Before them was a flat expanse of land about one mile wide by a half a mile deep. The air was rancid and heavy, and smelled strongly of death. Syaoran and Takano shuddered and sat down at the end of the path behind some boulders.
"I suggest we rest here," Takano said. "We do not want to get any closer until we have to."
Syaoran drew his sword and set it in his lap to look at it. Its edge gleamed in the light from the sun that was pouring down on them; it seemed to be the only source of hope that could be found in their dreary surroundings.
The two sat there in silence, both contemplating what they were to do once they actually go into the ruins and were confronted by the demon. Their only true hope was the sword, and if Syaoran could not get the sword to lash out at the demon with it's powers, then they would be trapped. Both Syaoran and Takano knew that their success rate was low, and that their chances of survival were even lower, but they were still determined and that was the only thing that seemed to keep them going.
Syaoran released a heavy sigh and closed his eyes, thinking about ways to get the sword to react. Images flashed before his eyes, images of the demon, and someone that looked like himself with a sword. It was glowing a soft taupe color and the person holding it looked determined. The sword's light began growing until all he saw was a bright light. As it faded he saw himself carrying a body and the demon writhing on the floor, screaming so horribly that he thought his eardrums would burst.
"Syaoran!" Takano called and shook his shoulders.
His eyes fluttered open and Takano stopped shaking him.
"What happened? It looked like you were in pain," Takano said.
"I saw.... I saw myself, and the demon," Syaoran said, trying to regain his bearings and register where he was.
Takano looked at the sword, the triquetra was back and it was glowing softly. "Syaoran... the sword."
Syaoran looked down at the sword and his eyes widened. That dream did more than show him how to trigger the sword; it actually triggered it for him. But, as his determination turned into awe, the swords glow faded and returned to the normal sword.
"We must go now Syaoran," Takano said and helped Syaoran up off the ground.
They began to cross the ruins, there were pools of liquid bubbling and erupting everywhere and whatever the gas was that was released ate away at the ground, dissolving it into larger pools. The two companions said nothing for fear that the demon would hear them and they would never get inside. The sun was setting and the world around them grew darker and darker and the ground disappeared under their feet. They were only lead by their sense of hearing, avoiding the pools and rocks and roots that were scattered along the pathway. Their bodies began to feel heavy and their pace slowed as their breathing became ragged. Their death-like stillness was effecting their brains, Syaoran's most of all. Takano had to pull him away from many pools to keep him going.
As they drew closer to the entrance, the air seemed to only get denser and the two had more and more problems breathing normally. Syaoran had begun using the sword as a walking stick, his legs wanted to give out on him, but he would not let them.
The stopped before a large arc carved into the mountainside.
"We," Takano started and gasped for breath, " made it."
Syaoran swallowed the growing fear that was rising in his throat and set his determination. He hefted the sword up and walked through the opening. The first thing that told Syaoran that he was in the right place was the stench. He gagged heavily but kept himself from throwing up was little was in his stomach. He ripped a small piece of cloth from his clothes and tied it around his head; he had to be able to think clearly.
Takano, who had followed Syaoran in, tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to something through the dimness ahead of them. Syaoran followed his outstretched arm and saw a large throne at the far end of the hall. He did not need to be told whom the throne belonged to. Syaoran gave an involuntary shudder and turned to Takano.
Takano's eyes were widening and he pointed to Syaoran's sword. It had started glowing softly, the same color as in his dream. Syaoran looked at it, then looked back at Takano frantically. Takano made a motion that represented extinguishing a light. Syaoran shook his head. If he did not know how to make the sword react, he certainly could not quench its magic.
Takano tugged gently on Syaoran's tattered tunic. Syaoran understood what he meant instantly, and gingerly handed the sword to Takano before taking off his tunic. He ripped it into shreds and wrapped them around the blade. After he was satisfied that the sword no longer showed any light, the two men looked at each other.
"Where should we go?" Syaoran whispered to his friend.
"No idea, mate," Takano whispered back. "It is up to you, now. I will follow you wherever you go."
Syaoran stared blankly at Takano. He had counted on the water-creature to know where to go, just like he seemed to know everything. Syaoran then looked away, back at the throne. He bit his lip.
"Where would she be?" he wondered.
On an impulse, he started to walk towards the throne. Sakura would be in a safe place, somewhere the Demon could keep a close watch on her. That would be somewhere near the Demon frequented. He knew it was just a whim, but he supposed that the Demon would be one to flaunt his power and make others know it, and therefore spend much time on a throne. As they approached the huge, grotesque chair, a door to the right of it on the wall behind the throne became visible. Without hesitation, Syaoran walked to it, Takano one step behind him, and opened it.
The stench of the castle increased as the two men stepped into the room. Syaoran felt a sudden urge to flee, but he suppressed it and gripped the hilt of his sword with two hands. Sakura was here, and so was the Demon.
"Who dares enter my castle?" a deep voice rolled over them. It seemed to be the epitome of evil to Syaoran, and he resisted the smile that tried to cross his face.
"One who will save the priestess," Takano's voice rang out.
"What is he doing?" Syaoran thought as Takano stepped forward. The answer came instantly to Syaoran. Distracting the Demon, giving him a chance to prepare. Syaoran sighed and closed his eyes, concentrating on the feeling of determination that had once crossed over him.
"Save the Priestess?" the Demon spat back. "She is already dead!"
Despair knifed at Syaoran before he regained control over himself. Sakura was not dead; he could feel it. He once again concentrated on the sword.
"Then, I shall avenge her death," Takano returned. The room brightened slightly as an orb of slightly glowing water appeared in his hands.
"A water sprite?" the Demon laughed. "Such a mere imp could not even annoy me with that!" It took a thundering step forward.
As it did, a small form on the ground became visible to Syaoran. Rage welled up in the young man and his sword blazed.
The Demon stopped its approach toward Takano, who had backed against the wall, and looked at Syaoran.
Through the new source of light, Syaoran could see the face clearly. The red eyes reflected the light back at Syaoran.
"What is this?" the Demon hissed. He blocked the light from his eyes.
Syaoran realized that his vision was replaying. He removed the rags from his sword and the light from it became blinding.
The Demon screamed and backed up against the wall.
Takano rushed over to Syaoran. "I say, you did it!" he cried jubilantly.
Syaoran flew over to the small form at the far end of the room. He was right; it was Sakura. However, she looked horrible. Her limbs were horrible looking, dirty, and the flesh seemed to be hanging off her all-too visible bones. All the clothes had been removed from her body, and Syaoran could see cuts and bruises all over her. With an angry cry, he smashed the chain around her neck with the blade of his sword.
Startled, Sakura jumped and looked up at Syaoran. Her eyes were too large in her head, and he could see the fear in them clearly. "Syaoran?" she whispered.
Syaoran knelt by her. "It is me," he murmured.
Takano held out his cloak, and Syaoran wrapped the frail woman in it before he lifted her off the ground.
"We are leaving," Syaoran said. He handed Sakura to Takano and looked at the Demon, who was still screaming and writhing.
The demon, in all its evilness, looked nothing more than a bug trying to escape the noon summer sun.
Syaoran slowly backed out of the cave, still holding the sword pointed at the demon. It would buy them time to get off the mountain, and if he could keep the sword glowing it would prevent the demon from trying to kidnap the Priestess again. The sword would be their only hope, Syaoran's ankle was still in great pain and Takano could hardly run carrying the Priestess, not because she was heavy, but because she was in such bad shape. Syaoran was worried, extremely worried. Sakura's breathing was shallow, too shallow for his liking.
Once they cleared the entrance to the demon's den Syaoran called to Takano.
"Takano," he said softly. "How is she doing?"
"Not well my friend," Takano replied. "We need to get her to a healer soon."
"The next town is days from here..." Syaoran said.
"Then we must pray that there is one traveling in the direction we are heading," Takano replied shortly.
Syaoran took one last look at the demon den before limping to catch up with Takano.
"We must also get your ankle treated...walking on it has made it worse," Takano said, looking down at Syaoran's swollen ankle.
"I am more worried about the Priestess than my own ankle. At least I am able to walk...."Syaoran said and trailed off.
Takano nodded. "We should be safe if we enter the forest, the spirit will protect us from the demon while we rest."
"Do you think the spirit will be able to help Sakura?" Syaoran asked.
Takano was silent for some time.
"Takano?" Syaoran asked again.
"I am not sure mate... I am not sure," he replied and looked down at the woman in his arms.
Syaoran turned his face away. He refused to think about the possibility of her death. If she died, the world was out of hope and he.... Syaoran abruptly turned his thoughts to the forest spirit. She was powerful...she could do it.
They went down the mountain as quickly as was possible. Syaoran ignored the pain in his leg and Takano ignored the condition of Sakura. However, it was only a few hours before Syaoran collapsed.
"Are you alright?!" Takano cried when Syaoran gave a yell and fell down, sliding a few feet down the path.
"My leg," Syaoran said through clenched teeth. "I cannot walk on it anymore!"
Takano looked troubled.
"Just go," Syaoran said. "The Priestess is much more important than I am!"
Takano shook his head. "You are important, too," he said. "If you are not alive to defeat the demon, then Sakura will be useless."
Syaoran said nothing.
Takano put Sakura next to Syaoran and made sure that either one would not slip farther down the path, and then looked back up the mountain. The Demon's palace was no longer in sight, but both men knew that the Demon was just nursing its wounds and waiting for the time to attack.
"We will take a rest," Takano said finally.
"We cannot!" Syaoran gasped. "We have to get her to safety!"
"And, you have to heal!" Takano snapped. "Go to sleep. I will wake you up in a few hours time."
Syaoran stared at Takano.
"I am not leaving," Takano said and sat down on a rock across from Syaoran. "And you cannot carry the Priestess anywhere."
Syaoran slumped down. "Fine," he snapped.
"The time will not start until I see that you are asleep," Takano said after a few minutes in which Syaoran stared angrily at the sky.
Syaoran snapped his eyes shut. His sleep was not in a very deep sleep, but it did help to ease the pain in his leg. Syaoran did not know how much time had passed, but he felt himself being pulled out of sleep.
"Syaoran, it is time to get moving," Takano said. Not adding the part about the Priestess' condition worsening since they had stopped.
"How long has it been?" Syaoran asked, looking up into the sky; it was still day.
"Long enough," Takano replied.
In all truth, it had not been more than and hour. The Priestess was in such bad a bad condition that they had to get her to safety as soon as possible.
Syaoran painfully pushed himself up off the ground, his leg was still incredibly sore, but he could now walk on it.
The continued down the mountain as quickly as they could, both stumbled numerous times, but they never let themselves fall, or let Sakura fall. Quite often Syaoran would look over at Sakura. He could see that she was getting worse and knew why Takano and woken him earlier than he had intended.
The forest was coming into view as the vegetation around them changed from charred and dead, to luscious and vibrant. It was only a few miles off.
Syaoran looked up into the sky, it was beginning to show signs of night. They could not risk resting until morning; they had to make it to the forest today. They could not risk the Demon coming after them, everyone knew much to well that demons were stronger at night. He looked at Takano, who nodded.
"We will walk until we are safely within the lines of the trees," Takano said.
With the small burden of extra weight that Takano was carrying, and Syaoran's injury, it took longer than either of them had expected. The reached the tree line after night had fallen and the moon was beginning to rise. Once inside the forest, Syaoran collapsed with exhaustion and Takano carefully set Sakura down next to him. She had lost consciousness halfway along their journey to the forest, but luckily, she was still breathing.
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PLEASE review!! Beleive it or not, reviewing inspires us to write (well... it inspires Naoko. She just then kicks Sakura's butt into writing...) so REVIEW!