"Three Jewels Enchanted: Destiny's Kiss"
by Seventh Faythes
Robin: Whew! We're on a roll here, people! Let's get going!
Xiu Ying: Wow! Days really have gone hectic. But its great we have an activity like this to freshen up our heads before school. And where's Jezareth?
Xiao Lei: Still asleep, I think.
Jezareth: (comes out in her pajamas) (yawn) Huh? Hey! You guys are already at the computer and you didn't tell me? Unfair!
Lenny: But don't you remember what you did last time, while writing the last chapter? You were really sleepy back then.
Jezareth: Oh, I forgot! To those who've already read the past chapter, the title was supposed to be A Meeting of Worlds. I accidentally wrote The Beginning of an Epic. Sorry for that!
Xiu Ying: She wasn't able to get much sleep the night before just to finish that chapter. And we even had to miss out on a swimming trip just to make quick updates! That's how we love you guys!
Disclaimer: Seventh Faythes do not own any CCS characters that all belong to marvelous CLAMP ladies. Though Jeza and I agree that owning Syaoran would be quite a dream….This fic is also based on the uber-cool tele-fantasya (television Fantasy show) here in the Philippines, Encantadia, which, by the way, is sweeping us by storm. If you have time, you can look it up in the net, and we assure you a great catch!
Danny: Do you remember what each race is? If you don't and if you're too lazy to go back and read again, here's a quick recap, with some unmentioned details.
Faeries (Farina) They reside in the North of Fantasya, in the land of Lunaea (Land of the Moon), which is made up of towering castles on a floating city. They are the highest beings in Fantasya, and their queen/king is the supreme ruler. They once only guarded the stone of the Moon, which gave them tremendous power and magic. The do not have wings, except some commoners called Transivas who are crosses between the other races. (read: Yue and Ruby Moon)
Sprites (Esperites) They reside in the West of Fantasya, in the land of Talla (land of the Star), which is mostly made up of forests and lakes. They are small creatures with wings that serve the Faeries. They used to be driven to extinction by the goblins, but after the Faeries adopted their queen Miw-a, they were able to exist again. They have unbeatable expertise in healing, from once guarding the stone of the Star.
Elves (Erubes) They reside in the East of Fantasya, in the land of Adlaw (land of the Sun), which is also called the Haven, the most evolved place in all of Fantasya. The Elves are the wisest of creatures, for they once guarded the stone of the Sun. They are ethereal creatures who love peace, but are also formidable opponents in war.
Goblins (Gobrine) The main evil race that resides in the far South of Fantasya, in the land of Dellius (land of Darkness), a series of underground caves. They have long pointy ears and wart-stricken faces, and gray skin. But there are exceptions (read: Agate). They used to live in peace, until greed got the best of them. Before they held none of the Celestial stones, but things are about to change…
Jezareth: Well, I guess that takes care of stuff!
Seventh Faythes: Enjoy the fic!
+Destiny's Kiss+
The sky above thundered and roared as two forces clashed. The Faeries versus the Goblins. It was hard to know who was winning, for deprived of light, one cannot even see if the person beside him was an ally or foe.
However, all Faeries held a certain light in their hearts, guiding them to who the enemies were. But the goblins have long lived in the dark, and their eyes were already adjusted to such absence of perception.
"Solem Metora (Solar Meteor)!" Eriol yelled. All of a sudden, balls of fire came from his hand and hit a group of goblins charging at the soldiers he was in charge of. He was in charge of the front army, Jenith the middle, and the queen the back army.
Eriol's attack granted them temporary light, but it did not last long. The burning bodies of the goblins illuminated the earth, but singed anyone who neared them.
"Strella Aegisu (Star Shield)!" A pink sphere covered the princess of the stars as several goblins tried attacking her at the same time. They were all repelled by the shield, and thrown off, without the princess breaking a sweat.
The princess had turned around to face any more chargers, but found herself right in the path of a raging beast that belonged to the goblins.
"Protect the princess, Ruby Moon!"
The girl with long brown hair and butterfly wings jumped in front of the princess and picked her up. Then she flew off to safety. At the corner of her eye, she saw someone shoot an arrow at the monster, crippling it completely.
"T-thank you, Ruby Moon."
"Kath 'nu par siau, Sei'sa (anything for you, princess)," the guardian replied, jumping back into battle.
+meanwhile+
Eriol easily defeated another foe, and searched around for any attackers, but found none. He walked around, clutching his stilettos tightly. Then he heard a voice say, "Looking for more blood to spill, my prince?"
He spun around and spotted a woman among the goblins, holding a long and sharp sword in her hands and a twinkle of malice in her eyes. "Agate," he growled, gritting his teeth. He readied himself in a fighting stance, and glared at her. "I have waited for this! You will pay for my brother's death!"
"Oh, I am sorry! Is he dead? I was hoping it would be sooner."
"Why you heartless-"
"Eriol!"
He stopped and turned to see who had called him. It was his mother. She dismounted her horse and walked toward him. "Do not bother yourself with vermin like her. I shall exact punishment for her actions."
"But mother-!"
"I expect you to not interfere. And tell the troops as well to not intervene."
Agate smiled. "Very well then, my queen. None of my soldiers will intervene as well. I have already claimed the life of your beloved husband, and of your cherished son. And now I would take your life as well!"
The goblin woman charged at the queen but she easily evaded it, and hit Agate on the back of her neck with the hilt of her sword. Agate gasped in pain and stumbled to her knees. But she quickly recovered and attacked again. The queen merely stepped out of the way.
"Grrr! I have had enough of your childish shenanigans! It is time to finish this!" Agate smirked and pulled out something from her chest. It was a black jewel glowing in an eerie dark blue aura. Yelan's jaw dropped.
"Yes, queen Yelan. You are not the only ones who hold a celestial stone. I present to you, the stone of the goblins! "An vatu na'n Dellum (the Stone of the Darkness)!"
"What? That is preposterous! No such stone exists!"
"But now queen, there is. And now prepare to meet your husband and son!"
A beam shot out from the jewel and headed straight for the queen. The Faeries tried to stop it, but none of them could do it in time.
"Nan'ia (Mother)!" her children screamed.
"Vulan Patronum (Moon Aegis)!"
Suddenly, a force covered the queen and shielded her from the force of the attack. Everyone could only wait in anxiety for what had happened to Yelan. Agate was smirking. She knew no one was strong enough to beat her attack. She was victorious.
"I believe that is far too weak, Agate."
Everyone gasped at the sound of the tiny voice. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Senritsumon appeared and flew to the center of the hushed battle. She looked as though she was not concerned if the queen was hurt. She was looking pretty excited though.
"You little mouse! How could you have returned? I closed the portal!" Agate screamed. The sprite shook her head and her finger.
"Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Yes, you have indeed closed the portal, after throwing the prince into it. But we have learned that there are other ways to return and save the prince's life!"
"Syaoran is…alive?" Jenith cried out hopefully. Senritsumon turned to her.
"Far more than that, Sei'sa."
As if on cue, the smoke caused by the explosion slowly cleared up. Some coughed softly, even Jenith, but they all had their eyes glued to the spot where the queen was a moment ago.
Someone was covering the startled woman with a silver cape, and embracing her protectively. The savior was not that tall and not that old either. He looked like he was only in his teens, with chestnut brown hair.
It took a second for them, but they realized who he was.
"Kuda!" Jenith yelled. She was at the verge of tears, and yet she ran to the middle of the battlefield just to embrace her brother. With Yue's icy blue eyes guarding her of course. When she neared him, however, she saw that he had another person in his arms. An unconscious girl with short brown hair and unusual clothing. Come to think of it, Syaoran was wearing an unusually designed shirt as well.
Syaoran straightened up and left the girl with his mother. Then he turned to Agate and walked toward her. She took a step back. "No matter! I will just defeat you with my celestial stone!"
Syaoran's brows furrowed and he opened his hand before her. The stone flew out of Agate's hands without warning. Then Syaoran disappeared for a second and reappeared near her, with his blade merely inches away from her throat.
"Surrender now, or lose your life, Agate," Senritsumon called out. Agate gritted her teeth and dropped her sword. She raised her hands in the air.
"Yes!" the Faeries squealed as the goblins retreated in a flash. Then it was time to gather and help those who are wounded and take them back to the kingdom to be taken care of. Meanwhile, Yelan remained in her spot, with the girl in her arms. Jenith and Eriol approached their mother and curiously looked at the newcomer. Jenith was even poking her face.
Syaoran approached them, giving them an empty stare. Then, Jenith noticed something hiding behind her brother. She quickly caught it with her hands. It was a small lightning yellow dragon, cowering in fear. "Oh! You are such an adorable creature! What is your name?"
"L-Lupinelighning…"
"Such a long name. But…where did my brother find you?"
Senritsumon flew to her. "Lupinelightning helped us return. Along with Lady Sakura."
"Lady Sakura?" Eriol asked.
Syaoran approached his mother and took the girl, carrying her bride-style. She was still asleep, but she looked peaceful in his arms. He looked at her, and somehow his family saw a flicker of emotion in his blank eyes. It was not anger or annoyance. It was…different.
Syaoran then started making his way back to the castle. His family followed him, with puzzled faces. Senritsumon and Lupinelightning flew beside them, smiling at each other. They were the only ones who could tell them what actually happened.
+flashback+
"What's happening?" Sakura asked as her mother's book began to glow. Something clearly was happening. Senritsumon was equally surprised. In fact, she had fallen to the floor.
The book slowly changed shape. It grew smaller as well. Then, in a moment, it was all over.
"Ehi? Where am I?" a small voice asked. Sakura rubbed her eyes. She could not believe that a baby dragon was right in front of her!
"What creature are you?" the sprite asked, buzzing around the second flying creature.
"Uhm…I am an Illusion Dragon. And my name is Lupinelighning. Are you from Fantasya?"
"Well, yes I am."
"Really? Then what are you doing in the world of mortals? It has been years since I last saw anyone from Fantasya. Nadeshiko never returned to the place."
Sakura's head shot up. "Wait, my mother goes to Fantasya?"
"Used to. When she was still a little girl. And we met there. Ever since, I never left her side, because I am her only way of going back and forth between these two worlds."
"Wait! You can go back to Fantasya? Create a portal or something like that?"
"Of course I can! That's what Illusion Dragons are for! Though, I AM the last of my kind."
"Then you can help us take the prince back home! Please! There must be a way to revive him in Fantasya!" Senritsumon pleaded.
"Probably, there is. But if we must leave, then she should come with us." He pointed to Sakura.
"Ho-hoe? Why me?"
"In order to move from world to world, I need a mortal with me. And you're the only one available."
"Okay," she replied, glancing at the prince. "What do I have to do?"
"Just trust me."
+end of flashback/at the castle of Faeries+
The darkness had completely disappeared, all thanks to the return of their beloved prince. The day once came and everyone was rejoicing. The palace was serene once again. Its denizens walked in its halls without worry, and in one of its large rooms lay the queen, earning her much needed rest.
"So, the Illusion Dragon sent you back here through a portal, but the girl lost consciousness on your way?" Jenith asked the two flying creatures as they guarded Sakura, who was lying on the princess' bed.
"Yes, your highness," answered Lupinelightning. "It is very odd, for Nadeshiko had a much stronger power within her. Yet, her daughter is so weak."
"Hmm…This Nadeshiko is quite a mysterious character. I would love to learn more about her from my mother. But right now, I believe her daughter still needs to rest."
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Come in!"
Her door swung open and her silent brother, in his princely robes, stepped in. His cape flared behind him as he stepped up to her. He only stared at her, but Jenith caught his unasked question.
"There is nothing to worry about, kuda. She has been treated with the outmost care. All that there is to wait for now is for her to awake."
Syaoran sighed voicelessly. Jenith smiled. "Do you feel something special for this girl perhaps?" she asked with a telling smile.
He looked toward her with a raise brow, color rising to his cheeks. Jenith looked at him and giggled softly. "Oh, Syaoran! You are very successful in hiding your emotions, and yet this girl seems to have a special effect on you. But do not worry. I will be the only one who would know." She stood up and walked to the girl sleeping on her silk covered bed. Sakura was dressed in one of her gowns. A cherry pink colored dress with cap sleeves and a high collar. As with all of Jenith's gowns, the one Sakura wore was very long. The bodice was designed with sequined flowers, and a silk ribbon tied around her waist served as her belt.
Just looking at her mad Syaoran feel…uneasy. There was as unexplainable throbbing in his chest, which came as a surprise to him since he had never felt like this before. He tried to breathe to get rid of that. It was not successful.
He tried to focus as Jenith spoke. "If I am right, she will awake in a short while. By dinner perhaps. Now you should leave and see mother. She has to see you, to feel that you still truly are alive."
Syaoran nodded and left. When he had gone out the door, Jenith closed her eyes and giggled yet again. "Oh, kuda. This is getting to be interesting. I could not wait to see when this girl has awoken completely. She seems to affect Syaoran in a different way."
+in the Queen's quarters+
Syaoran knelt beside the queen's bed, holding her hand. The queen woke up and turned to him, smiling. "My son…you truly are alive…I am so glad."
He nodded and held up her hand to his cheek. "We have all thought you have died. When Candifor visited me, with a frozen rose, it was more than I could bear. And now you are here, alive and well. Oh praise Bathala (god)!"
Syaoran nodded, taking in each word. Then, the queen waved her hand, and a Transiva dressed in a bubblegum pink dress, with curly hair of the same color, appeared in the doorway. He recognized her. Cherrypink, her mother's high priestess. She was a seer, one of the few select Faeries who can foretell the future. She was also Syaoran's mentor and caretaker since he came into the palace.
"Syaoran, it is time for you and your siblings to receive the Celestial stones as their rightful heirs. I shall perform the ritual."
His jaw dropped. 'Why her? The queen should do it! And if I take the stone…that would mean that…I'm supposed to take up the throne!' He turned to his sick mother and fiercely shook his head.
Yelan placed her hand on his and tried to smile. " My son, I am weak. My reign is near its end. And I need the one who would replace me. You should take up the throne as early as possible. And I refuse to take no for your answer." Syaoran bowed his head.
What else could he do?
He nodded reluctantly.
+later+
Sakura's eyelids slowly fluttered open. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the light in the room. But when she did, she found herself in a room covered in pink objects, and illuminated by small gold balls of light.
"So, you are awake, Lady Sakura."
A girl came in from the balcony, wearing a beautiful pink silk gown, with a high white collar and long white sleeves that reached to her wrists. Her long brown hair was tied in a braid with deep pink bows with star centerpieces.
"Uh…yes. And may I ask who you are?"
"I am the sister of the prince you have just saved from certain death. For that I am extremely grateful. I am-"
"Jenith?"
"Ah yes, you know me already. I have forgotten that you know all about us."
"And Syaoran?"
"He is already well, like he was never gone at all. All because of you, kind one."
Sakura blushed. She was getting plenty of praises from this girl alone. Jenith was very beautiful and very kind too.
Suddenly, Sakura noticed that the princess suddenly frowned. Standing up, she approached her and asked, "What's wrong?"
Jenith turned to the balcony, to the night sky strewn with stars. "You see, I have been informed that we are supposed to take hold of our heritage, the Celestial stones, and that my brother, Syaoran, is to be proclaimed king. I know you believe we should be pleased at this, but handing down the throne would mean that the present ruler is near his or her death. And in our case, that would be our mother."
"Oh…" Sakura could not think of any words to say. After all, this was a different world. Things that she might find right could be the other way around.
Scratching her head, she asked, "And when will the uhh…coronation happen?"
"Tonight." Then the princess turned to her. "And you would be the guest of honor."
+at the coronation+
Sakura sat at the back of everyone else. She was too shy to go near any of the other "creatures." They were far more ethereal and beautiful than she could ever be. She decided to stay away, with only Senritsumon and Lupinelightning for company.
Jenith fixed her up for the event. Aside from giving her one of her magnificent gowns, she also lent her a pair of ruby slippers with pink details. She also fixed up her auburn hair with some of her bows, and covered her hands with satin gloves.
"Lady Sakura? What are you doing alone?"
She looked up and saw a dark haired girl about her age. "Uh…who are you?"
"Oh, forgive my manners! I am called Tomoyo, and I am a maidservant of Sei'sa Jenith. And this is Debezigeti, one of the shrine servers." Tomoyo pointed to the young boy beside her who had spiky black hair, a blue shirt and yellow trousers. He bowed politely.
"It is a great honor to finally meet the savior of the prince," Debezigeti said. Sakura blushed. Again, she was receiving quite the special treatment. She noted however, that the boy was pretty burly for his age. He seemed very strong.
It was Tomoyo's turn to speak. "Princess Jenith sent me to accompany you. It is my duty to be your guardian as well as your guide for your short stay. And, if you would, follow me so that I can lead you to a place where you could watch the ceremony in its full glory."
She nodded and followed the two.
No sooner than that, there was a sudden hushed ambience. The queen's right hand appeared before everyone, her head covered by a hood. Then the three royal children entered the room, wearing their crowns on their heads. They sat down on the chairs surrounding Cherrypink. Syaoran sat on the north chair, Jenith on the west, and Eriol on the east. The heirs of the Sun and Star were both uneasy, as anyone could feel, but the future king showed nothing. Even as Candifor, the guardian of the Celestial stones appeared, bearing the stones on a soft pillow.
Sakura only watched as Candifor proclaimed something in the Faeries' own language. Tomoyo said it was a formality. The priestess was saying something about the stones yearning to help defeat the greedy goblins, and that it is time that the Faeries had a new and brave ruler. Then she motioned to Candifor, who stepped up to her and offered the stones. Tomoyo continued to translate as the ritual went on.
First, Cherrypink picked up the stone of the Star, and held it before everyone. "The stone of the Star, a symbol of femininity, care, and innocence. It is entrusted to the youngest of the children, Princess Jenith. Receive this jewel and use it to cure every illness that bothers the kingdom."
She gave it to Jenith, who held it to her chest, her eyes closed. The stone disappeared from her hands, and when she had opened her eyes again, a pink twinkle appeared in her right eye. Her tiara suddenly changed. It turned into a gold one with a pink gem in the middle.
Then Cherrypink took the stone of the Sun. "The stone of the Sun, a symbol of wisdom, protection, and loyalty. It is entrusted to the eldest of the children, Prince Eriol. Receive this jewel and use it to guide those who are confused."
Just like what Jenith did, Eriol held the stone to his chest, eyes closed. When he opened his eyes, an orange twinkle appeared in his eye. Then his crown changed into a gold one too, with an orange gem in the middle.
The only one left was the stone of the Moon. Cherrypink took it. "The stone of the Moon, our guardian stone, and the symbol of strength, power, and bravery. It is entrusted to the middle child, Prince Syaoran, and our future leader. Receive this jewel, and govern your kingdom in the way you believe is most rewarding for all, and keep strong in times of hardships."
She handed the stone to Syaoran, who did the same as his siblings except that instead of closing his eyes, he only bowed his head. When he had straightened up, a silver twinkle was in his eye. Then, his crown shone brightly and changed in shape and size. It grew into a large silver crown with a pair of wings on each side, and three jewels adorning the center. The jewels were in different colors. The one on the lower left was pink, the one on the lower right was bright orange, and the one above them was the largest of them all, and was colored silver.
"And now, Sei'spe Syaoran, I crown you Sei'rih (king) Syaoran, ruler of all Fantasya," Cherrypink proclaimed, handing to Syaoran a long scepter with a symbol of a silver crescent moon on the end. The three stone holders stood up, and the hall erupted in joyous clapping.
Cherrypink, Eriol and Jenith turned to the new king, and bowed down. Everyone else followed. Sakura was still a bit confused but she knelt down as well. Then Syaoran raised his hands and they all stood up.
"M'bihay es Sei'rih Syaoran (long live King Syaoran)!" Eriol yelled, raising his fist into the air.
"M'bihay es Sei'rih Syaoran (long live King Syaoran)!" the crowd yelled back, raising their fists as well.
"Oh, I am overjoyed to see the prince finally take the throne," Debezigeti said, clapping his hands. "If Lady Sakura had not saved his life, we would not have our new ruler. That is why you are our guest of honor, Lady Sakura," he said, turning to Sakura.
"Well…it wasn't only me. Lupinelightning helped too. And Senritsumon too."
Tomoyo nodded. "Well, yes. But if you have not taken care of the prince, then he would not exist anymore."
"Hey, I like all this special treatment and all, but I really have to go back now. My father and brother would be waiting for me. They must be worried."
"Can you not stay any longer? Even only for the festivities? They are also held in your honor."
"I'd love too, Tomoyo-chan, but I really have to go. Please say goodbye to Prince Syaoran for me." Then the human girl turned to the dragon beside her. "Lupinelightning, we should get going."
The yellow dragon nodded its tiny head and rubbed its hands together. "Alright! Bucs'n a'n d'naan (Open the portal)!"
A small spark appeared, but it suddenly disappeared. Lupinelightning looked quite surprised.
"Ehi? Why wouldn't it open?"
"What! It wouldn't open? How come?"
"I don't know, Sakura. It seems that something is interfering with my dimensional powers!"
Sakura clasped her hands together. "Hoe! How could I go back home now?"
+Wakas+
Robin: Uh-oh! Sakura couldn't go back! What now?
Lenny: Find out in the next chap!
Jezareth: And some notes about the new characters.
Lupinelightning is of course based on Lupineligthning-Illusion Dragon whose fics I just absolutely adore!
Candifor (previous chap) is based on candy44.
Cherrypink is based on kawaii li'l cherrypink.
Senritsumon is based on the kind fic-er who kindly read and reviewed all our fics, and who understands how hard it is to not play Ragnarok! Rok on!
Debezigeti is based on dbzgtfan. Get the similarities? And his appearance is based on the main character of his favorite anime series.
Xiu Ying: We really feel honored that you gave us some reviews! This is our thanks! Hope you keep on reading and reviewing!
Preview:
Now that Sakura could not return, she has to stay in Fantasya, under the supervision of the new king. But things begin to get complicated for the both of them and for some people around them as well. However, peace is once again restored as the goblins seemed to have stopped terrorizing the magical world. Or have they?
R &R