Thanks for the reviews everyone. Happy Evil Day! I hate Valentine's Day so it's an evil day for me. After all I am alone. But to those who do have someone out there in the world, have a great day. I'm sure you'll love it. Author's notes will be at the end. Enjoy the chappie!

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS. What I do own is this plot and Ryu's character… oh and the maidens, the servants, and all the other crazy people I make up. Thank you very much!

Fantasy

By: Final Fantasy Princess

Chapter Four

The Nova Prophecy

-Present-

Looking back on that day, I was heartbroken to find out I was going to be separated from my family and friends. I wondered how on earth I could be one of the chosen ones if I never reached my full potential yet. I wondered if my family knew why I wasn't there with them and if they came running out to look for me… I wondered so many things. I thought that this whole situation was unfair to bring down on a young girl like myself.

But what I wanted to know most of all was, what part did I play in the prophecy?

I was so young and naïve to realize that I was forgetting the most important part of the prophecy. After all, who wanted to be the hero in an impossible prophecy?

Fortunately enough Kero and Yue managed to come through to where I was and gave me advice. They told me they knew and that I had to be strong. They couldn't stay and help me… no matter what. They couldn't stay long either since the figure began to approach us and they were sent off. I always wanted to know if any of my friends tried to break through too…

My goodness, I thought so many things.

But I didn't think of the important things…

Syaoran…

-Past-

"Kero-chan!"

A young girl sobbed as her two guardians were pulled away from her embrace. The place was barren, almost without any color. The ground was a pale gray, matching the sky. No clouds were in sight and no plants or life moved anywhere. Sakura felt alone, scared, and depressed. This was a sharp contrast from the warm, magical place she was used to seeing. Her home…

She shifted slightly when she saw the tall figure begin to approach her, her hair swaying slightly even without wind. If she had to describe the woman approaching, she would have to say she had dirty brown hair that was clumped together almost elegantly. Her jade green eyes sharply contrasted her dark tanned skin and she was the height of Syaoran. Her brown robes were lined with green. Her shoes were made of what seemed like vines and the bark of trees molded together.

Her lips were pursed together, as if she was angered to be in their presence. Her eyes were fixed in a glare. Sakura gulped. She didn't seem that pleasant after all. Without knowing it, she grasped Syaoran's hand in a tight grip. He answered it back by wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. Syaoran glared back at the woman, unsure of her intentions.

"Konbanwa Mikomi, Faita."

The woman bowed slightly, keeping her eyes on them both. Syaoran raised an eyebrow at her, not understanding what she meant with their titles. Sakura, on the other hand, bit her lip, now wishing that she didn't understand the old language. She bowed her head a bit, unsure if that was what the woman wanted. Syaoran frowned but followed Sakura's lead.

This seemed to appease the woman as she softened her glare. "I'm glad you both recognize me. I underestimated you both. Are you both prepared? We've been monitoring you both closely. Have you both improved?"

Syaoran took a glance at Sakura and was surprised not to find a puzzled look on her face. "What are we in this plan?"

The woman raised her eyebrows and smirked. "I am not the one who may answer that question. You must find out on your own, solve this little riddle." She giggled slightly, her hair bouncing as she moved. "I believe I overstayed my welcome. My objective was only to hold you back from the alcoves. Couldn't let you get comfortable in the alcoves, now could we? Good luck Mikomi… Faita. Let the best win."

"Matte!" Syaoran called out but it was too late. In a split second, the woman was gone from their eyes. And as she completely disappeared, so did the place they were in. Syaoran held Sakura tight as everything began to vanish. Wind rushed pass the duo before it stopped abruptly. Sakura was the first to open her eyes.

They were back at the entrance of the alcoves. But surprisingly enough, no one was there. Not even the ones that were spitted out earlier on. The place was deserted now, with no help but their own.

"What do we do now Syaoran-san?" Sakura whispered, remaining in his hold.

"I don't know… what did she call us? And who was she?"

"One of the maidens or servants… I haven't a clue really. In the ancient tongue, she called us something I don't remember…" Sakura bit her lip, hating the fact that this was the first time she was lying. "Syaoran…where do we go now? We have no one… but ourselves. No path to follow, no clues to help us. Nothing!"

"Calm down. I'm sure we'll figure out something…"

Sakura sighed as moved out of his hold and sat down not too far away from the entrance she badly wanted to enter in. Her hair swayed silently inside her shield, picking up some of the harsh wind that was circling around her. The winds haven't died down since the explosion, debris continuing to fly all about her. Emerald eyes began to fill with unshed tears as she wrapped her arms around herself.

Syaoran looked down at the girl next to him. Even with the harsh climate around them, she still managed to have this bright aura around her that glows whenever she is down. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he looked around the area they were in. He had a weird feeling about this place before realizing it wasn't the place that was making him feel this way, it was a person.

Looking up, he was startled to find a pair of eerie icy white eyes on him. The figure was not too far off, but she nearly blended in with the harsh background. Without knowing it, he had unknowingly taken a step forward. This seemed to have scared the figure because it disappeared within seconds. Puzzled, he turned to Sakura. He was surprised to see that she had fallen asleep unknowingly.

"Sakura?"

Walking over to the damsel in distress, he lifted her up in his arms before looking back at the alcoves. He knew they needed to find a place to stay in because using their shields at all times would wear them out. Summoning his wings, he took off in the opposite direction they came from. He was heading towards Ishi Garden. It was one of the minor gardens but it probably held during the blast since it was made of pure stone. Thus was the meaning of the word Ishi in their ancient language, Ishi meant stone.

'I wonder what that thing was.'

Syaoran shook his head. He needed to train his comrade a bit more about holding up her power. At this rate, they'll probably fall against the Maidens or even the other sorcerer.

'We're just two kids… what can we do?'

-

"What do you mean they can't come in?"

Meiling Rae was angered as she stood in front of one of the old prophets in the alcoves. The seemingly older woman had deep orange eyes sighed at the young girl's protests, despite the knowledge that she had told her. In truth, she didn't know much about those 'chosen ones' because she had not received such vision. But the young raven head warrior refused to step down and acknowledge it. She wanted her friends here, with her. It wasn't her choice anyway. She hadn't withheld them.

"I explained it to you thrice young child. Your friends cannot enter because of a power outside. I did not hold them back but allowed them entry. You'll have to ask her guardians, seeing that they have returned."

Meiling turned around angrily but softened up at seeing the distraught face of Kero and the more solemn face of Sakura's elder guardian, Yue. They walked softly through the crowds that have gathered around Meiling and the prophet. Tomoyo had fainted when she found out Sakura hadn't been able to come through and she was taken away by Eriol to a more hospitable area where she could be treated for her anxiety.

Earlier on, Meiling had woken up after being healed by one of the prophet's own healing staff. Ryu had been treated as well but the healers had told her that he hadn't left her side until she was fully treated. Ruby Moon's treatment had only been a healing spell on her outward appearance and left many inward injuries untreated. Thankfully Ryu had insisted to the healers to see if anything else was wrong and thus Meiling was aptly treated.

She woke up soon after only to realize that Sakura and Syaoran were missing. Sakura's family was distraught, saying that they walked through but when they reached the other side, Sakura wasn't there. Immediately discovering Sakura's absence, Kero and Yue had fled to see what went wrong. The same story came from the Li's, his sisters were bawling. Li's mother held her stature, but Meiling could tell that she was upset that her son wasn't allowed entrance. Meiling had took it into her account to attack one of the prophets with a colossal amount of questions only to be responded with that they hadn't held them back and perhaps they played a part of the prophecy.

Outraged was too small of a word to describe Meiling's feelings. She was downright furious because Sakura Kinomoto was one of the nicest sorceresses that were here and she wasn't allowed to come in? She didn't know what to think of Syaoran Li, only to take the word of her best friend when she said he was nice.

"Did you speak to her Kero?"

The guardian beast sighed as he shuffled down onto a mat. They were in the main tavern hall of the alcoves. Many of the 'markets' were located on each of the walls. In the center of the tavern was a crystalline water fountain with an icy sculpture of the goddess Shiva. Water surged from her palm down to the sparkling water below. The dome of the tavern on the other hand, was designed with stained glass windows. The people of Gaea were confused of such richness the alcoves seemed to have. After all, they thought that prophets only prayed to the maidens, gods and goddesses instead of designing such beautiful buildings like this.

Meiling, Kero, Yue, and the old prophet Aria were in the center, nearby the large fountain. There were mats put everywhere because of the quantities of people that were allowed through. Fortunately enough, the group were able to get one of the personal houses due to Syaoran and Sakura's parents who stepped through first. They had to all share and Meiling could only imagine how life would be from now on with the countless girls in the house and the emptiness because Sakura was gone.

"Hai I did. She was taken to another area where we fortunately were able to go into if only for a few minutes. She was with the Li gaki and they were both held back because of the prophecy. Or so the gaki says. We told her a few things to keep in mind and some tips but nothing more because we were sent away by this figure there."

Kero sighed yet again as he folded his wings, preparing to transform back into his smaller form. Yue on the other hand kept his stoic appearance and he remained standing, silent, emotionless, and somewhat alone.

"Can't we go with them? Help them? I don't want Sakura-chan to be all alone in this, even if she is one of the stupid chosen ones! She needs our help, she's just a girl! Why do we have to leave them all alone with no guidance?" Meiling roared out, waving her arms out. Her face had turned red in her anger but slowly cooled down when she felt someone hug her from behind.

"Because Mei, no one is allowed to leave the alcoves once they have entered unless the prophecy is over. You of all people know that from our studies."

Meiling became quiet before she turned around and hugged the person tightly before letting go of her sobs that she had been holding this whole time. Ryu only hugged her tighter, whispering soothing things into her ear. They had not seen Tomoyo or Eriol who had raced out after Tomoyo had recovered. Nor had they seen Yue struggling to keep his feelings in check.

"We can't help them, Kami-sama, we can't help them Ryu!" Meiling sobbed.

-

Sakura opened her eyes to only see nothing but pitched black darkness. Seized in fear, she held the sheets that were on her tight as she tried to figure out where she was. The last thing she remembered was being thrown out of the alcoves and trying to figure out what Syaoran and she should do. Now she's in this pitch dark place with no sight of Syaoran or anyone else for that matter. Sakura quivered in fear as she heard some noises coming from who knows where.

'Maybe it's a ghost! HOEE!'

Sakura whimpered before hiding altogether under the sheets. She did so just in time because Syaoran walked in to see if she woke up. Sighing at the sight of her, he took the meals he had cooked and sat not too far away from his female comrade. That's when he noticed that the lights he had set up had turned off. He chuckled thinking of the reaction Sakura would've had if she woken up in a pitch black room.

"Allumaí"

"HOEEE!"

Syaoran jumped as the lights went on only to see Sakura coming full force at him. Unable to move, he was tackled by the young girl to the floor and knocked breathless. Sakura took the opportunity to run from the room before she could see how horrid the ghost would look like. After running for a few feet, she realized what she had tackled was in fact solid and had a smell of food on it.

Sweat-dropping, she slowly returned to the room only to see Syaoran rubbing the back of his head and mumbling a few words under his breath. She was a bit too far to distinguish what he was saying but she knew he was probably cursing her for being such a scaredy cat for attacking him and then fleeing. Standing up, he dusted himself off before noticing Sakura's small form at the door.

"So you finally realized it wasn't a ghost huh?"

Sakura smiled sheepishly before stepping inside the room. She looked around the room to see it had absolutely no windows whatsoever and it was made of solid stone. It was kind of creepy that the only light was coming from the candelabrum that was lighted on the ceiling. The room was a small size with only one mattress that was twin sized with a small desk in the corner with its chair. There was nothing else. Sakura was irked at the lack of color in the room but nevertheless took a seat on the bed.

"You cooked?"

Syaoran repressed the feeling of rolling his eyes. "No Sakura, there is a professional chef here and I told him if he could cook us a good meal since we're both exhausted." He replied sarcastically as he pulled the desk towards the bed so they can both eat together.

"Oh. Well that's nice of him."

Syaoran froze before looking up at the dense girl in front of him. That's when he realized she was joking because she was smiling slyly at him. He laughed hard, because the girl never failed to entertain him. Sakura giggled a bit too before smiling at him shyly.

"Arigato Syaoran-san, I wouldn't know how I'd survive without you."

"You wouldn't, now stop turning mushy on me and eat up."

Sakura nodded before turning to her dish and hungrily digging in. She completely missed the faint blush on her friend's cheeks as he in turn began to dig into his own food, his eyes trained on her.

-

Through the hustling and bustling of the new community that was being built in the alcoves, many of the prophets hid. They hated the vast amount of noise the newcomers brought and thus ended up exiling themselves to the highest tower in the alcoves that was impossible for normal sorcerers to trespass into. They welcomed the silence of the small sea that was surrounding most of the alcoves. Only a certain part of that sea was welcomed to enter the alcoves since there was a barrier about 30 feet into the sea that blocks off any life that dares to enter.

Tomoyo didn't understand why the prophets liked to be alone, amongst themselves, when they're finally letting most of the community in. After sobbing for hours because of the loss of her best friend, Tomoyo had left the personal house that her best friend's family had acquired to walk amongst the harsh sea. That was when she heard of the talk of the strange prophets. They had retired to the furthest place possible, cutting off the possibility of people trying to talk to them. She knew that amongst the prophets, one was her great uncle, whom she had loved very much when she was younger and then taken away because he was discovered.

She always wondered how he would be and if he still was alive with the rest. She scowled at herself for wasting time crying when it didn't solve anything anyway. Eriol left her due to her wish to be alone. Now she wished he was with her, giving her some encouraging words. Being alone made her think, something she didn't want to do.

Where was Sakura? Was she all right? Was she battling right now? Did Li leave her to fend for herself? Were they attacked? Are they fighting? Did something go wrong?

She hated these thoughts. They did nothing to calm her and only worked her up more. Picking up a smooth stone that lied on the precious cool sand that was a bit rare in the alcoves, she threw the rock across the sea to see how much it would skip. She was surprised when the stone skipped three times before being tossed back at her. Shocked, she ducked, nearly being hit by the stone.

"I would be careful child. The barrier shocks those who try to escape the alcoves and sends them flying back to the shore."

Tomoyo looked up in surprise to see an old man with a long white beard smiling down at her. She took his offered hand and stood up to see that he was about one inch taller than she was. He had dark amethyst eyes, darker than hers. That startled her even more because no one except her family had amethyst eyes.

"Arigato Gozaimasu…"

The old man smiled, revealing his perfect white teeth. "Do Itashimashite little one. I see you're distressed because your best friend was held back by an unknown force, are you not?"

"Hai…"

"I can show you where she is right now child. Care to follow your old uncle?"

Tomoyo's eyes widened in shock when she realized that the old man speaking to her was her great uncle Haru. Squealing in delight she jumped into his arms as she heard his rich laugh that she adored in her younger years. The prophet who had left her family to hide from those who claimed vengeance on him because he didn't speak of an accident that killed a young girl of fourteen was here with her at last.

"You're here! You're alive! I'm so glad to see you! Okaa-san would be too!"

"I know child but I'm not here to visit long. I'm here to take your worries away." Haru replied calmly as he released his niece. Tomoyo tilted her head slightly, unsure of what to expect from her great uncle. He smiled warmly before taking her hand and leading her to a small pool of water that was in a basin. Tomoyo never realized the basin before because it clearly blended with the rocks around it. It was a dark creamed color but smooth as ever. Inside of it was sparkling blue water.

"What is this for?" Tomoyo asked inquisitively as she peered into the bowl to see her face as though she were looking at a mirror.

"This, my dear, is a foreseer basin. It lets you see whatever it is in your heart that you desperately want to see. Though to regular sorcerers, it might trick you with its image. As a prophet, I can conjure the actual picture. So my dear, who do you want to see?"

Tomoyo looked up at her uncle and smiled softly. Closing her eyes for the briefest of moments, she took a deep breathe.

"I want to see Sakura Kinomoto, my best friend."

-

"So we're where?"

Syaoran had taken it into account that his lady comrade had no idea where they were even though the answer should be obvious to any of the garden students. But knowing the dense girl, he had decided to give her a tour to show her where they were instead of downright telling her. Why he had decided to do this, he didn't know, but he knew it was quite fun showing Sakura around and hearing her exclaim in glee now and then.

"I told you Sakura that you had to guess. Okay here is the cafeteria and back there is where I prepared our scrumptious meal." At that comment, Sakura chose to roll her eyes and giggled when her tour guide poked her side. "Many students eat here after classes or to study what they had learned earlier in the day."

"Are you trying to give me clues Syaoran-san?"

Syaoran sighed before grinning at Sakura. "Maybe but I figured you were probably too dense to notice any hints I'd give you."

"Why you…!"

Syaoran let out a playful yelp as Sakura dashed after him with her staff. Dodging tables, chairs, and garbage bins, Syaoran successfully managed to escape Sakura's wrath as he dived into the kitchen area. Quietly hiding behind one of the large stoves, he heard Sakura stomp passed him and he let out a small chuckle. The girl was out of her mind but he enjoyed her company a lot.

Maybe a bit too much.

Syaoran paused as he sat behind the stove. He wondered just what his feelings for her were anyway. He never was kind to other girls who tried to get near him. He usually gave them a cold glare or a snide comment before getting away. But not with Sakura… Sakura hadn't tried to flirt with him or anything of the sort. She was given to him by his sensei to train with and she only wanted to be friends…

Friends…

That's what they were right now. Syaoran froze for a bit. 'Just what in the hell do I mean by right now?' He growled at himself for even thinking about this sort of thing. Sakura was just Sakura, a friend, a comrade, a fighting partner, a girl. Nothing more, nothing less. But why were they selected then if they're just friends? Where was the couple that was supposed to fight the maidens and the sorcerer?

Syaoran wasn't able to think much longer because in a quick second he felt someone staring at him. Turning to his right, he saw the girl he was thinking about, Sakura Kinomoto, smiling an evil smile, and her staff was raised. Syaoran visibly paled. This didn't look good at all in his perspective.

"Found ya." Sakura drawled before letting out a warrior cry as she chased Syaoran out of the kitchen. Syaoran let out another yelp as he ran towards the dormitories, where there were so many mazes, he'd probably lose the crazy girl and her killer staff.

'Crazy Girl!'

"Matte Syaoran-san! I'm only going to kill you a bit!"

Syaoran had to roll his eyes at this comment. He didn't want to even know what killing you a bit meant. All he wanted now was to get away from his supposed friend. She may be naïve but she never forgets a jab at her intelligence.

-

Tomoyo smiled with satisfaction at the growing feelings between her best friend and Li. She was surprised to find them in Ishi Garden instead of battling some maiden out there somewhere. They were safe, for now at least, and developing something between each other. She wished she was there with them, filming them endlessly with all the kawaii moments they'd probably have.

"Are you all right now little one?"

Tomoyo looked up at her great uncle and nodded. Although her best friend was going to fight unknown battles without her and the rest of her friends, she somehow knew she'd be all right. Li, after all, cared for her in some degree that he'd probably save her if anything bad would happen. Suddenly Tomoyo realized something.

"Oji-san, may I look for two more people now?"

Haru gave her a confused look before erasing the image of two teenagers running in one of the school gardens. "I'm surprised at the request 'Moyo. I only believed that you were going to look for one person since I only read the name of your best friend swarming around your head. But if you'd like to look for two more, than I suppose that would be all right. Who would you like to see?"

Tomoyo didn't want to lie to her uncle but she wanted to see what part Sakura and Syaoran really played in the prophecy. It was vital since if they were insignificant then maybe she could convince some power inside the alcoves to summon the strength to pull both of them through. If they were essential, then Tomoyo would just have to give them warning on how important they really were.

"Little one?"

Smiling lightly at her uncle, Tomoyo crossed her fingers hoping for the latter of what was going through her mind.

"I would like to see the couple that was spoken of in the Nova Prophecy."

Her great uncle raised his eyebrows in surprise but all other emotions that usually were shown on his face were hidden behind a mask of an emotionless her uncle had put on.

"As you wish Tomoyo."

Tomoyo looked down into the bowl and let out a gasp of surprise. Her eyes began to fill with tears as she saw the image displayed below. How she wished now that she hadn't thought to ask.

In the water below showed the image of two people.

Running.

-

"Syaoran!"

Sakura bit her lip in fear since she lost sight of the young warrior a few minutes back. Now she was left alone to tread the halls in the dark, unsure if Syaoran went that way or another way or if he just left her all alone.

"Syaoran, it's not funny really! I swear now I'm not going to kill you! I'm…" Sakura paused biting her lip because she heard a creaking noise coming from behind her. Her rational side told her it was Syaoran but once again her irrational side told her it was a ghost who wants to kidnap her and take her to the unknown. That thought gave Sakura a chill down her spine and she whimpered when she felt someone breathing down her neck.

Hearing a chuckle farther down the hall, Sakura realized that her irrational fear was true. Quickly turning around, her eyes opened wide at the sight in front of her. It wasn't Syaoran behind her at all. It wasn't even a person either. It was just as though there was a picture in the air, opposing the normalcy there was supposed to be.

"Tomoyo-chan?"

Sakura quirked an eyebrow when she saw her best friend smile a bit but her eyes were filled with tears. Sakura wondered if she was imagining this all since she was by herself and without Syaoran. The picture began to fuzz up a bit with some static waves before coming back into picture.

"Sakura-chan…no time…prophecy…"

"Nani? What are you trying to say?"

The picture began to become static again when two arms slid around Sakura's waist. "What's going on Sakura-san?" Syaoran asked inquiringly, looking at the weird picture that was hanging from no where.

"Baka, you nearly scared me half to death! Anyway I think its Tomoyo-chan. Demo… the picture keeps messing up." Sakura replied, unknowingly placing her hands on top of Syaoran's. She didn't even mind that his head was resting on her shoulder and that he was holding her rather tight.

"I think she's trying to tell us something. I heard of this once… conjuring a message? Was she watching us?" Syaoran asked before racing through his mind what they had been doing for the past hour.

"She said something about… oh wait there she goes!"

"Li…Sakura…Ugh!... You…chosen…Plant…Guy… Onegai…" The picture kept fading in and out, showing a frustrated Tomoyo trying to tell them something. Sakura and Syaoran only remained entranced, trying to piece together her message.

"Onegai! Two…Chosen…are…ones…two…you…damn…guys…listen…time…go…understand?"

Both Sakura and Syaoran had a puzzled look before the image of Tomoyo faded away and disappeared from their sight. Lifting an eyebrow, Syaoran released Sakura from his grasp before scratching his head. Sakura on the other hand, made a face. She hated solving puzzles and least of all when the clues are partially given.

"What did she say before that Sakura-san?"

"She said no time and prophecy. That's about it." Sakura said grumpily before sitting on the floor. Syaoran chuckled at her response to Tomoyo's words before sitting down next to her. Lifting his head up to stare at the ceiling, he could only think that Tomoyo was just trying to tell them the prophecy. But she kept saying 'you' which didn't make much sense to them at all.

"Well no use trying to think of it now. Let's go upstairs to see if the winds calmed down." Syaoran said, shrugging off Tomoyo's words. He stood up and extended his hand to Sakura. Shrugging also, Sakura took his hand and stood up. She couldn't make sense of it either and only hoped that her best friend's words weren't that much of importance.

"Will you finally tell me where we are?"

"Yeah sure. We're in Ishi Garden. You know, the Stone Garden." Syaoran said sarcastically before messing up Sakura's hair. Scowling at him, Sakura tried to fix her hair before realizing that the answer was the most obvious one to any Garden student. She wondered what Syaoran was thinking about her right now since she was slow enough not to realize one of the gardens.

"Come on slow poke!"

Sakura looked up to see Syaoran ten feet ahead, giving her an impish look. Knowing that Syaoran wasn't judging her at all, she stuck out her tongue playfully before running forward to catch up with him.

"Don't forget I'm going to kill you later." Sakura said in a singsong voice as she walked by his side.

"Yeah, I figured."

-

Tomoyo let out a frustrated cry as the image in the basin completely disappeared, along with the water. She knew that Sakura and Syaoran didn't hear much of what she was trying to tell them after all the strain she put into trying to tell them. She didn't notice that her uncle had been staring at her since the water disappeared or that there were two more figures behind her.

"If only this thing would've let me said a complete sentence then they would've gotten it!" Tomoyo lashed out as she made a motion to attack the basin. In a fast moment, Tomoyo realized she couldn't move her limbs anymore. Only able to look about her, she saw the stare of her great uncle. He was paler than he was before and his face didn't contain the smile he originally greeted her with.

"Daidouji Tomoyo, you have made a mistake. Because you tried to reach your friends and tell them the truth about their parts, you have put them into grave danger. The basin is only made to see people not to speak to them through it. You have alerted the powers outside to where they are. If they fail now, the blame will be solely placed on your shoulders and we'll be forever doomed."

Tomoyo didn't know who was speaking but the voice, cool yet stern, spoke from behind her. 'Perhaps they're the ones who've made me immobile.' She thought before falling to the floor. Wincing at the pain her limbs were going through, Tomoyo turned around to see a woman with maroon eyes and pale green hair. She was smiling wickedly at Tomoyo but that didn't trouble the young girl. What troubled her more was the other woman by her side, the one with wine red hair that was twisted into a bun with coal-black eyes. She was glowering at Tomoyo and it was her that probably spoke to her just now.

"Stupid teenagers are all the same, thinking they can try to outmaneuver the stronger powers. Idiot. I would cast you out but that would be no fun. You'd probably run to the chosen ones and try to warn them. No, I shall degree a harsher punishment. You are to be locked up in the Northeastern tower all by yourself, watching the chosen ones at all times. Even if that means their death… and no one will know you're there, you will be there, blaming yourself for what you have done."

The woman chuckled darkly as she stroked Tomoyo's cheek. Tomoyo's eyes began to fill with tears as she thought of the idea. No one will be with her; no one will know where she is. What about Eriol? Her mother? They'll panic for sure.

"I would like to vouch for my niece."

"You can vouch for nothing because you allowed her to do this even when you knew the price." The woman spat as her comrade nodded in comply.

"I couldn't have stopped her if I would've tried. Her determination was strong and you of all people should know that it is hard to break a determined sorcerer or sorceress." Haru replied, his eyes shining.

The woman scoffed at the old man before moving away. "Fine I believe that a better punishment is to release this girl back and letting her never know until the end what could've happened to her friends." With that said, the woman disappeared and her other mignon did too but without giving a resounding slap to Tomoyo's cheek.

Gasping at the violence the two women or perhaps prophets have shown her, she turned only to see that she was by herself. Her great uncle was no where to be seen. Holding her hurt cheek in her hand, Tomoyo looked around to see any sign that he had left on his own. As a few minutes passed by without word, Tomoyo began to weep.

She had endangered her best friend.

She had endangered the chosen ones.

-

Sakura tilted her head to the side, staring out the steeled window that had opposed the harsh blast to Gaea. The winds had finally died down but the sky was still a grayish hue. She didn't like the new color of her planet's sky. It was so depressing even if things stopped flying around. Biting her lip, she glanced at Syaoran quickly.

His expression was solemn as ever, staring hard at the outside condition. She couldn't tell what he was thinking since he had some sort of hard and cold mask on, hiding his feelings from her. She wished she could've learned to master that sort of thing when she was in school but her eyes expressed too much. Maybe that's why Syaoran knew how she felt usually.

"Syaoran-san… how long are we going to stay here?"

Syaoran turned slightly to Sakura but didn't say anything. Giving her the smallest of smiles, he turned back to the view. What he saw there not only surprised him but filled him with an all too sudden fear.

"Sakura move!"

Startled, Sakura was pushed away just in time to miss icy spikes fly right passed her. They hit the wall that was behind her, and that made a huge explosion once it made the impact. Coughing and trying to catch her breath, she saw the supposed impenetrable glass window broken through. Debris from the window covered everything in soot and dirt. Syaoran wasn't to be seen anywhere.

Behind the broken glass, floating in mid air was what almost appeared to be a crystallized figure. Frosty wavy blue-white hair framed the cold pale-white face of the woman hovering. She had icy blue eyes that were so piercing it shook Sakura's very own soul to the core. Her robe had a shiny gleam to it. It almost appeared as if she were wearing mirrors. Her slippers looked as if they were made of ice.

"Koori…"

The woman smiled at the recognition of her name. She took a step inside through the broken window and inclined her head again before looking at Sakura again. "I have found you, child that dares to threaten the maidens. Never have someone scribe when you're trying to hide." With that said, the woman raised her hand, forming the icicles above her head. Sakura continued to stay seated, almost entranced by the aura of the woman. It was cold.

"Goodbye little one." She whispered quietly before shooting the icicles at Sakura.

"Barrier!" Syaoran shouted just in time. He quickly picked up the dazed Sakura and ran like a madman out of there. They could hear icicle after icicle attacking his shield as he sprinted down the narrow corridor. Cursing his luck, he looked at Sakura, who in turn continued to look as if she were in her own world. "Sakura snap out of it!" Syaoran yelled as he threw the both of them on the kitchen floor behind the large stoves.

They were in his hiding place of before and he wondered if the servant could feel auras. Being wary, he lowered his own and tried to cover Sakura's. She was still in a daze. This began to worry Syaoran for Sakura never responded this way to no one. At least, that's what he thought. Looking at Sakura's immobile form, Syaoran searched around for a mean to escape. They couldn't stay in the Garden anymore for one of the servants had found them and threatened their lives.

The sound of teeth chattering took him away from his search. Turning to his comrade, he noticed she had put herself in the fetal position and that she was shivering badly. Her clothes were torn since the major explosion and not to mention the one that happened seconds ago. Also not to mention her clothes were covered with dirt and grime. Glancing at himself, he looked no better either.

'I have to find another garden and fast… but which one would've withheld the impact of the huge explosion?'

Pulling off his top shirt, he put it on Sakura's shivering form. He could sense the woman servant roaming around the floor. Filled with worry and panic, he noticed an escape chute towards the end of the aisle. That's when he realized he was shivering too.

Syaoran groaned as he saw ice beginning to cover all of the kitchen's stoves and counters. Koori was trying to freeze them to death. She wasn't the Hail maiden servant for nothing. He pulled Sakura to him and lifted her into his arms. There was only one chance to get out of there and that meant running across in open ground to the escape chute. He prayed he could get them out in time.

"Hold on Sakura…"

Pressing the girl closer, he took a deep breath before jumping up from their position and running down to the chute. Pulling the handle open, he lifted Sakura in and pushed her down. As he was about to go in himself, he felt something stuck on his undershirt. Turning around, he was surprised to see it wasn't a something, it was a someone, a person. A pale white hand was gripping the end of his shirt. He looked up to see piercing ice blue eyes.

"Boo."

-

Eriol had been worried ever since he had went to check on Tomoyo in her room only to find that she wasn't there. Since he did not want to bother the others with this dilemma, he had set it upon himself to find her. He searched everywhere the people told him there was to this place but he still didn't find her. That's when he realized he had been oblivious to the fact that he could sense her without a second thought.

Cursing himself for his stupidity, he immediately closed his eyes and concentrated on her lovely violet aura. He was surprised to find it far from the small town the Gaea people had just put up and to find it filled with fear. He automatically assumed the worst and rushed through the crowded streets towards the prophet's area. He had heard about the prophet's retreating but he didn't find it weird like others would. He knew they were used to be alone and undisturbed. He wondered why Tomoyo had wandered all the way over there.

'For the same reason the prophets did Eriol, for some peace and quiet.' He mentally shouted at himself.

After running for quite some time, he finally made it to the calm sand lands of the alcoves. He glanced around, feeling a bit irked about the stillness of it all. That's when he noticed her, his beloved Tomoyo, sobbing uncontrollably on top of a very large and old looking rock. He sprinted over to her in one movement and went by her side. Tomoyo looked up, her eyes swollen red and still overflowing with tears, and hugged Eriol tightly before continuing to bawl all over again. Eriol was extremely confused but pulled her closer into his embrace anyway. He understood that she couldn't discuss at the moment what was bothering her and he wouldn't push her until she was ready.

They missed the peering eyes of a young pair, walking over their way.

Meiling nudged Ryu's shoulder and motioned toward them. "Do you think they knew what my idea was?"

Ryu smiled softly as he wrapped his arm around Meiling's petite frame. She had been sobbing earlier non-stop and finally gave into his pleas to go on a walk to the sand lands of the alcoves. Ryu hated to see the girl he loved cry, but he knew she couldn't help it. After all, her best friend was sent on a mission she didn't know and no one but the Li guy could help her.

"I believe they thought of my idea first Mei. Should we head over there?"

Meiling shook her head and sighed. She leaned into Ryu more, loving the way it felt to have his arm around her. She didn't know what she was feeling but she couldn't decipher it now. She was more troubled about Sakura and Li, out there in the doomed world. No one had an idea who the 'chosen ones' were or what Sakura and Li had to do with it. She didn't know whether that was a good sign or a bad one. She considered it both.

"I don't think we should. Tomoyo needs some time alone with Eriol like I had my time with you. Let's go back to the house. Fujitaka-san and Touya-san are a mess. We might need to help console them. Yue and Kero aren't fairing well either."

"Let's go then." Ryu murmured as he steered Meiling around. They didn't know that Tomoyo had seen Sakura and Li, or that she probably doomed their fate.

-

Sakura landed with a thud to the ground below. Coughing and shivering, Sakura looked around to see where she was. The last thing she remembered was looking into cold, foreboding eyes. As she noticed she was outside, she noticed that she was wearing a bigger shirt.

She smiled softly seeing Syaoran's shirt on her. But as she shifted her gaze, she realized Syaoran was no where near her. In fact, he wasn't even with her. Fearing the worst, Sakura summoned her staff. She peered around mutely before discovering that she was in some sort of yard. She didn't know how she got there but soon recognized that she fell onto the ground she was on.

Sakura looked up to see that she fell from some sort of chute out of Ishi Garden. 'Did Syaoran push me out?' Sakura thought as she began to summon her wings. What made her stop was a loud sounding scream that came from inside. Sakura froze with terror as she made a connection with the owner's voice.

It was Syaoran.

"Fly!" Sakura shouted as she quickly summoned her wings and flew to the chute. Tears began to spring to her eyes as she tried everything to get into the chute. But it wouldn't open. She knew it was because it only let things out, after all it was an escape chute. "SYAORAN! HOLD ON ONEGAI!" She screamed as she speedily flew towards the entrance.

She halted immediately as she saw that the entrance doors were completely frozen. Another ear piercing scream was released from the inside depths of the now cold garden. Sakura burst into sobs, collapsing to the barren floor. She couldn't do anything.

"That's no way to solve anything."

Sakura looked up, staring into the deep rich jade eyes of the woman she saw in the other dimension. She had a frown set on her face but there wasn't a glare present in her features. She moved closer to Sakura and settled by her feet. Touching the dirty ground, she sighed before lifting a flower out of the dead earth.

"Everyone can perform miracles. You're being a coward for thinking you can do nothing when you can. Use your mind; you will not win if you continue this way. I promised to her that I will only help you once. You better go now before it is too late."

The figure stood up, the corners of her mouth twitching. "You are pure but slow Mikomi. Don't let her down." She began to walk away, disappearing to the fog that began to appear, almost out of no where.

Sakura stared at the place where the woman or better yet said, maiden, once stood. Nodding to herself, she gripped her staff tightly. She was allowed one chance to help Syaoran and she was going to do it, whether it'd kill her or not. Turning back to the frozen doors, she knew she'd alert the maiden servant if she used Fiery against her power. 'Think Sakura… think. She said there was a way…' Suddenly Sakura got it. Koori had broken down the window where Syaoran and she had been looking through. It was an entrance.

Pulling all her strength, Sakura flew up to the place where she had last remembered being. Thanking Kami-sama, she flew right into the huge hole and peered around. She didn't know where Syaoran or Koori could be and the last time she heard anything was…

'Don't think like that… Syaoran is all right. He's strong, stronger than you. He's okay…' Sakura thought, but not calming herself in any way with her thoughts. She released her wings back into her power, not wanting them to get in the way. Noticing that there were footprints leading down the long corridor, she followed them into the kitchen. What she saw there made her whole body freeze.

In the kitchen, Syaoran Li was hung up onto the ceiling. The only thing sustaining him was his arms which were frozen to the ceiling's edge. His arms appeared to be straining to keep him up but Syaoran had no choice. He couldn't let go. His legs were frozen together, probably adding more weight onto his arms to hold. There were huge welts on his upper torso and cuts on his face. His eyes were half closed and he looked as though he were about to give up in any moment.

Koori on the other hand was sitting on a stove, looking mighty happy at the predicament Syaoran was in. There was a pair of large icicles in her hand, one stained with probably what was Syaoran's blood. It looked as though she were pondering what to do next to the poor warrior. The whole kitchen was frozen but the only thing that looked to be sealed together by fire was the escape chute Sakura was probably pushed into.

"Now boy, almighty warrior, if only you could look at yourself now. It appears that your arms are about to break off. Pity, those looked like very capable arms. You must be in a lot of pain. This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't been so arrogant and seal off the only way to get your lovely girl here as well." Koori said in a slight happy tone. She waved her icicle again and slashed Syaoran across his arm. Sakura could see Syaoran biting his lip harshly in order not to yell again.

"I would rather die then see you torture Sakura the way you're torturing me, you sick woman!" Syaoran shouted, trying to glare at her but finding no power to do so.

Koori laughed loudly, dropping the icicles she was using. They crashed and broke onto the kitchen floor into a million pieces. But Koori didn't seem concerned. She continued to laugh hysterically as if Syaoran had said something funny. "I am no woman you mortal. I am a maiden servant, if you haven't noticed. My job is to kill those who dare to take down my mistresses. I believe the power of hail suits me, don't you think? I use it almost professionally. Don't you see the clever icicles I made by infusing all those little hail stones I have inside of me together? I'm very intelligent, aren't I? It was you, fool, who dare to defy me by sealing off that exit! But I'm sure with all those screams you've made; your little girl will come running. And I will detect whatever magic she uses to try to get inside." Koori said deviously before she continued to laugh again.

Syaoran let out a small groan. He didn't want to scream but he had no choice. The pain was too unbearable and now for his weakness, Sakura might be trying to get in as he though of this. He hoped she didn't, that she ran away. Or that she was still immobile at the bottom of the escape chute. He wanted her anywhere but here. He got them into this mess in the first place by not moving fast enough out of Ishi Garden when they had the chance.

Sakura breathed in deeply, trying to control her emotions. She had one chance to surprise the maiden servant of hail to get Syaoran out of there. Only one chance because she knew she couldn't take her down with her limited amount of powers. The maiden servant was strong after all and Sakura had to admit, quite sharp. "Fiery…" Sakura whispered, summoning the smooth power of fire around her hand. She had to bring enough fire to knock over the maiden servant and free Syaoran from his binds… in one shot.

Syaoran's eyes widened as he sensed Sakura's growing power and magic not too far from him. He quickly looked at the maiden servant only to see that she hadn't stopped laughing or had sensed Sakura's magic. Maybe they had a chance against her in the end. She couldn't sense magic. Seeing that Sakura was trying to stir up enough fire magic to blow off the maiden servant, he decided to stall her before she did anything else.

"So what of Daisuke then? Why aren't you stopping him?" Syaoran asked, hoping that the maiden servant was stupid enough to release some information that could be useful for them.

Koori snorted, thinking that it was the most obvious answer. "He thinks he can control us with no problem. He doesn't know that Raju has him in her sight. With her and Fuyu, they could take them down easily. I almost wish I was there. But no, I got stuck chasing you two. Where does that get me? A bunch of fun but you turned into a pain in my ass by protecting that girl. What's the matter honey? Do you love her too much that you decided to give yourself up for her?"

Sakura froze as she saw a tint of red form on Syaoran's cheeks before feeling her own turn into a cherry red. That's when she heard Syaoran snort and look as though he were insulted. "She's my friend and nothing more. Plus who in their right mind would let anyone suffer under you?" He responded harshly, half believing his own words. Sakura's spirits dampened a little even though she didn't know why. Looking down at her magic, she knew she was ready. She released a bit of her aura to let Syaoran get a sign. Syaoran nodded but he kept his eyes trained on Koori. He didn't want her to get suspicious just before Sakura attacked.

"I'm sure you're just friends. Silly bo-" Koori began to say before she screamed out in surprise. Screaming in some agony, she ran from the kitchen to douse out the flames that were attacking her. She needed a source of water to take them out, not using ice magic that would probably freeze her.

Sakura quickly controlled her fiery spell to melt the ice surrounding Syaoran's hands and legs. Syaoran gave a small smile before being released from his binds. He collapsed into Sakura's arms as she held him close. "I didn't want you to come back for me you idiot."

Sakura smiled half-heartedly. "And leave you for this moron? I wouldn't be able to live with myself. Now hold on, we'll talk later. I didn't give my whole power behind that spell on Koori."

Syaoran nodded as he wrapped his arms around her. "Fly!" Sakura shouted before soaring out to the corridor. She began to see Koori filling up her mistake with ice. "Hold on Syaoran!" She shouted as they burst through the small particles of hail. Sakura flew into the air and flew fast. Syaoran needed her attention and she knew where they were headed this time.

"Hold on for me Syaoran, we're going to Enkai Garden." Sakura said in tears. She knew Syaoran was hold on with his best but his pain was evident.

"Thank you." Syaoran whispered into her ear before passing out.

-

A pair of clear silver eyes was looking at the two flying pair curiously. She had never seen such determination from a woman sorceress before to get somewhere so quickly. As she took a closer glance at the fallen warrior, she realized why. Giggling a bit, she raised her hand to calm the harsh winds that were going to head their way. She didn't want them to struggle on her part.

'This could actually be some fun.'

Turning to the nearly frozen Ishi Garden, she flew closely to the broken window. She smiled softly at the poor servant looking at her angrily. "Dear Koori, I never had seen such a failure from you before. Are you sure you're all right?"

The servant bowed a bit before turning her eyes to the woman whom had approached her. "Gomen nasai mistress demo the girl came out of no where. I can't sense these beings you know; it's been a long time… I promise I'll get them for you and kill them ruthlessly for getting pass-"

The woman shook her head, silencing the frantic servant. "There will be no need. I will follow them shortly. They turned out to be an interesting pair. You surely gave it hard enough to the young warrior. They need some rest before Fuyu or Raju find out what has conspired here. They won't let you hear the end of it."

Koori looked down shamefaced. "Onegai, just one more chance before those two find out, Mistress?"

The woman shook her head once more. "Go help the other two out. They're having more difficulty than they thought. You won't be the only one to be outwitted today. Now go."

The servant nodded before taking off the opposite direction Sakura and Syaoran were headed. The 'Mistress' turned around, floating in the air. She smiled softly, almost as if she could see Sakura and Syaoran from where she was. "I believe Koori that I might join her soon enough. She has proven to me to be somewhat worthy. Let's see how Chi handles this."

With that said, the maiden known as Ea, took off after the two sorcerers.

-

Miss Princess' Notes: Well that's it for the new chapter of Fantasy. I must say that I finished the last scene right now at 4am in the morning. I just had to finish it because I couldn't bear postponing it again to the next millennium.

See you in March I suppose. And be kind to leave a review… I believe I went off track a bit with this story and it's appearing dumb to me. So some support I think would be nice.

FFP