Three Jewels Enchanted

by We are DesCom

He was a lonely fairy, she was a confused girl caught up in an infamous and fatal battle. Would love blossom between two worlds, or will their difference be an impossible hurdle to confront?

8. Ruby Eyes

"Three Jewels Enchanted: Ruby Eyes"

by Seventh Faythes

Jezareth: Wow! So many positive reviews! Thank you so much, guys!

Xiu Ying: And thank you, Lupinelightning for taking on my side on the mushiness. You really told the boys off!

Boys: (grumble)

Xiu Ying: Told ya guys there's always mush in romance fics! Specially s+s!

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.

Jezareth: Thanks for praising us that much! We only posted those two chapters fast coz we had to go somewhere this Friday! And our darn internet keeps on crashing! Thanks anyway, and thanks for keeping an eye out for our updates! We still can't believe we've got so many readers! We've reached past the 20-review mark and still counting!

Seventh Faythes: Keep on reading! You guys are all marvelous! On with the fic!

+Ruby Eyes+

The king of the Faeries walked down the empty hall, receiving bows and greetings from all the people he passed by. But he paid none of them any heed. His face was still blank as ever, but if one looked closely, one would find a twinkle of concern in his eyes.

He turned sharply around one corner and stood before one of the castle's large rooms. The guards at the door bowed down and opened the door for him.

"Oh, Syaoran, it is you. What a pleasant surprise!" Eriol greeted as his brother came into the room of their human guest. Sakura was still asleep on her bed, exhausted from the incident that happened the night before. Jenith and Eriol were inside the room as well, checking if she is fine.

Syaoran shot a glance at his sister, who was sitting by the bed. She smiled. "She is fine, kuda. There is nothing else to worry about. Her fever had gone down as well. All she needs now is some rest."

"Mm-mm…"

They were startled when Sakura moved. Slowly, her emerald eyes opened. It took a while for her to actually adjust to the light, but after that, she was staring at the three royal children, anxious about their presence.

"W-why are y-you here?"

"We were just looking if you needed any more treatment. But I can see now that you are fine."

Jenith helped her sit up. Sakura's head was still in a daze. But slowly, everything came flooding back to her. She glanced at Syaoran and flushed pink. She turned away immediately.

"Is something the matter, Lady Sakura?"

"N-n-nothing, prince Eriol."

Sakura could not believe it. Did yesterday really happen? The meadow…the flowers…the rain…the kiss?

She only turned a brighter shade of red when she remembered. She glanced at Syaoran again. He did not seem to be troubled by the incident. In fact, he did not even look like he remembered it. Sakura sighed in disappointment.

"We shall be leaving now then. I believe you have some matters to discuss. Let us go, Jenith." Eriol and Jenith walked to the door, bowing to Syaoran when they passed him by. Before they walked out the door though, Syaoran walked toward Sakura's bed and turned to her. Half of his face was visible to his siblings, and before they closed the door, they saw a slight upturn of his lips.

+outside+

Eriol and Jenith looked at each other in utter disbelief. Deciding not to let any of the guards hear what they wanted to talk about, they walked off.

"Did you see it too? Eriol, tell me I did not imagine that," Jenith said as they walked down the hall. She was leaning closer toward Eriol, who nodded.

"I saw it as bright as day, aqae. He was smiling. It may be tiny, but it was indubitably a smile."

"Oh, I have not expected that this day will come. Kuda is finally showing signs of emotion! Oh, praise Bathala!"

"You are also thinking that Lady Sakura is the cause of all this, are you not?"

"Yes. I cannot think of anyone else. Now I am truly thankful that she has come to Fantasya. She is gradually bringing our brother's smile back. Truly, she has been sent for him. And no one else would be more fitting!"

Eriol raised a brow. "Fitting for what, Jenith? As a savior?"

"Far more than that, my brother. As a bride."

+in Sakura's room+

"Ah…good morning, your highness," Sakura greeted as Syaoran approached her. She had not paid much heed to his smile, for she was too busy avoiding his smile and hiding her beet red face.

'I thought I had already told you to call me Syaoran?'

"Uhm…right. Good morning, Syaoran…"

'Are you not glad to see me? Or perhaps I should leave…'

"N-no!" Sakura looked up and shook her head. "I-I'm sorry…it's just that last night…"

Syaoran bowed and shook his head. 'There is nothing that you should be sorry of, Lady Sakura. It should be me asking your forgiveness. It was discourteous of me to do such a thing to a respectful lady. I hope for your forgiveness.'

"N-no, d-don't think about it…I-it's better if we just forget about it…" Sakura mentally kicked herself. 'Forget about it? That was so lame, Sakura!' she thought.

'If that is what you wish, then…I shall comply.'

Syaoran walked over to her balcony and stared out at the breathtaking view. 'I am also here to express my gratitude to you for saving me. If you had not brought me here, my illness would have gotten worse. And for that I thank you yet again.'

"Oh, n-no need for that. I only did what anyone w-would do for a king…"

'Do you still treat me as a king?'

"H-hoe? O-of course! You are s-supreme ruler of F-fantasya, right? Anyone who would not treat you as their king w-would be out of their minds."

'Oh…of course…' Syaoran bowed his head, looking quite disappointed. Then he put on his usual blank face and turned to the door. 'I should be going now.'

"U-uh…Wait, your highness!" Sakura pulled something from beneath her pillow and stopped him before he reached the door. She handed it to him. Syaoran took and examined what she gave him. One was his cape he lent her last night.

The other was a silver cloak.

HIS silver cloak.

Syaoran looked at her, and she blushed again. "T-thanks for the cape…I thought t-the cloak m-must be yours too, 'c-coz i-it had your s-symbol…"

She tried to look at Syaoran, and he smiled at her. Not merely a small upturn of the lips, but a genuine smile. His eyes softened as well. Sakura could feel her heart throbbing madly against the wall of her chest. She had to clutch her chest, for it felt like she was running out of breath.

Syaoran saw her reaction and looked slightly worried. 'Is something the matter, Lady Sakura? Are you having trouble breathing?' he asked, stepping forward.

"N-no!" Sakura stepped back. "N-no…i-it's just that…it must be hangover from last night, t-that's all!" She faked a smile. "I-I think you must b-be going now…they might need you…"

Syaoran nodded and walked out of the door. Only when she had heard the door close behind her did Sakura turn around. The beating of her heart was still fast, but she soon calmed down. 'Oh god, I'm getting this feeling again. What's happening to me…am I falling in love with him? With Syaoran?'

+outside+

Syaoran walked back to the throne feeling rather upset. For everybody else he looked like his usual self, but inside he was deeply disappointed.

'What is the matter, young one?'

'Nothing, Luna.'

'I am inside you, my child, and I could feel a deep sadness in your heart. Tell me, what is the casue of your suffering?'

'The truth is, I do not know what it is myself.'

'Perhaps this has something to do with Lady Sakura.'

Syaoran stopped from the act of turning around the corner. Instead he looked out the window to his right. 'Perhaps it has.'

'What would be your predicament with her, then?'

'It is something even I cannot explain, Luna. I want her to treat me as not a king. Perhaps treat me as a friend.'

'Are you certain that you only want her to treat you as a friend? I sense something deeper, young one.'

Syaoran looked at the two cloths in his hands. 'Perhaps it is something deeper, Luna. Perhaps it is.'

+later+

Tomoyo and Jenith led Sakura to the women's chamber, where most of the women nobles of the palace where staying. They were either chatting or weaving magnificent fabrics.

"Ah! My mom would definitely like this place! She likes embroidery!"

"We are glad that you like it here, Lady Sakura. We were wondering if you would like to spend your time in embroidery. There are other people you could speak with here as well. We would not want you to always spend your spare time with only Senritsumon, Lupinelightning, and the guardian beasts at your side."

"Thank you, Tomoyo-chan. I think I'd like it here. But I don't know a thing about embroidery!"

Jenith touched her right shoulder. "Do not despair. We shall show you how."

+a few moments later+

Sakura looked at Jenith's work. While the other women were either embroidering on linen or cotton, she was embroidering on delicate silk, and was making no mistake.

"That is beautiful, Jen! What are you making anyway?"

"It is a sash," Jenith replied, showing her the silver cloth.

"For whom is it, your highness?"

Jenith's face turned pink at Tomoyo's question. "I-I do not have anyone particular in mind…"

Tomoyo giggled and leaned closer to Sakura. She whispered lowly, "Perhaps it is for Yue."

Sakura raised a brow. She could not quite get the picture. Most of the time Jenith was yelling at Yue to leave her alone. If she was so angered by him, why would she go through all the business of making a sash for him? 'Faeries are so unusual!'

"Well, enough about me. How about you, Tomoyo? To whom will you give your work?"

Tomoyo did not bother to deny anything. She showed them the robe she was making out of fine linen. It had the symbol of the sun embroidered on it. "I was thinking of giving it to Prince Eriol. He seems to have outgrown his old robe. He might need a new one."

"Oh, how thoughtful of you. I am assured that he will like it."

Then the two girls turned to their third companion, who had not started on anything yet. "How about you, Lady Sakura? What shall you do and for whom will it be?"

Sakura shyly raised her clasped hands to her lips, blushing pink. "I was thinking of making a scarf…But I want to learn how to weave as well, so it would really be my own work."

"Then I shall show you. I trust you are a fast learner. It would be effortless to teach you. But I must ask you now, what type of cloth will you be using?"

"What do you suggest, Jen?"

Jenith thought for a while, glancing momentarily at Tomoyo. "There is only one plant in all of Fantasya that can produce the finest silk. But it will be hard transforming it from its base form. Are you up for such a challenge?"

Sakura was silent for a while. She was not really sure. She was only a beginner at this. Who knows what would happen if she attempted something that even experts were not able to easily do? But she took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, I think I can manage, with a little help from you of course!"

+at the throne room+

Syaoran sat as bored as ever as people constantly came in and out of the room. Most of course needed help, and he granted them that in a blink of an eye. Others were proposing business. But other than that, he was usually stuck with only the guards and the guardian beasts for company. And Senritsumon too as his interpreter. Occasionally Lupinelightning and Eriol would enter the room, but they only stayed for a short while. And then they would leave again.

Back to the present. Syaoran sat on the throne, scanning the almost empty space with his amber eyes. He would rather be training right now, but law says he was still supposed to stay there for another hour more.

The door opened and Cherrypink came in. Syaoran looked rather grateful in seeing somebody else for a change, and straightened up in his seat. "I believe there are no more audiences for today, your highness," she began. "You may take your leave."

She did not have to say that twice. Syaoran was up and out of the room in an instant. Senritsumon did not even see him leave his chair. She followed him immediately, seeing that the door has been opened. Cherrypink dismissed the guards as well. For a moment she stood at the center of the abandoned room. Then she approached the nearby window and looked out.

"You should see your son now, my dear Yelan. Syaoran is growing to be a very fine and strong king. He is following in his father's footsteps, I can clearly see that he will somehow bring triumph to us."

She smiled. But the moment was interrupted when a vision came into her mind. It came like a sudden surge of pain and startled her. It was a quick one, made up of a vortex of different scenes that went by as fast as a blink of an eye. But she was able to grasp one piece of the vision: the vision of a red butterfly.

The high priestess leaned on the window ledge for support. "No, can it be? Bathala…has decided to choose a bride for the king!"

+downstairs at the garden+

Sakura looked around the bushes at the center of the palace garden. She was carrying a medium sized wicker basket. She was picking some of the flowers and putting them in the basket, along with some needles and thread. There was also something else. It was a patch of silver silk. It was a sample that Jenith had made for her.

"Jen said this patch took her a month to make. I wonder how long it would take me…" Sakura muttered to herself as she continued picking the delicate flowers.

'What are you doing?'

Sakura froze in place when she heard the voice. Her heart started pounding madly again as she turned around to face Syaoran. "A-ah…just picking some flowers…nothing special," she replied, hiding the basket behind her back.

'I do not think picking such a large amount of flowers could be nothing special. What will you use them for?'

"U-uhm…I just wanted a l-little display in m-my room, t-that's all."

'I will pretend I believe your excuse. But if you shall be picking more flowers, please do hurry for the wind is getting colder. I sense that another rainstorm is headed our way.'

"A-alright. Thanks." Sakura resumed her work and picked a few more blossoms. Then she followed Syaoran back into the castle. She was a little anxious to tell him what she was going to make, but she decided to make it a secret.

They stopped walking when they passed by her room. "Thanks for escorting me. I have to go now."

'Of course. If you ever need anything, please feel free to go to the throne room.'

"Yeah, I'll be sure to remember that." Sakura sent a warm smile and a small wave at him before going into her room. Syaoran turned on his heel and headed back to the throne room.

'I wonder what she might be doing with so many Silver Moonlights…' he muttered to himself.

'I see that Lady Sakura has made you quite curious, has she not?'

'Yes, Luna. I would really want to know what she is planning with those flowers.'

'Oh, I feel that you will know soon enough.'

Out of the blue, a red butterfly approached him and fluttered around the king. He was slightly annoyed and tried to wave his hand to shoo it away. He did not care even if it was very mystical, and scattered a magical dust. Finally, it left him and he was able to go on peacefully again.

+at the throne room+

Syaoran entered the throne room and found that only Cherrypink was left inside. She looked rather troubled, so he approached her. Of course, he could not show emotions or talk to her like what he does to Sakura, but still, one look from him was enough.

Cherrypink sighed and looked at him. "Oh, your highness…T-there is nothing wrong. I-I only think I need some fresh air. I-I shall see you later." She walked out the door just as the guards returned. Syaoran looked at her retreating figure with a questioning stare.

'She is not her usual self.'

+a few days later+

Sakura looked at her little project. "So far so good." Thankfully, she was able to create silk from the Silver Moonlights' petals. In three days' time, she was able to make a small portion of the long scarf she was planning to make.

"Ouch!" Sakura jumped up from her bed when she pricked her finger for the hundredth time. She has bandaged most of her wounds, which covered most of her hands. And now she had another open wound. A drop of her vermillion blood fell on her work. Mysteriously, the drop slid down the surface without staining it, as if the cloth was water-or rather, blood-proof.

Her door opened and Syaoran stepped in. She quickly dove onto her bed and slipped her work under her pillow. "O-oh! S-Syaoran! What a surprise! What brought you here?"

He stared at her with a raised brow. 'Oh, well, I was going to fetch and escort you to the throne room. Cherrypink and Candifor have told everyone to assemble there for an announcement.'

"Oh! Alright! I'm right behind you!" Syaoran nodded and went out the door to wait for her. Sakura quickly hid her scarf and went out the door.

"What is the meeting for anyway?"

'They said it was something of the uttermost importance, and that everyone should hear it. The truth is, I am not interested. Even if I am king, I prefer being in the throne room alone all day than staying with a crowd of people.'

"That's a wolf's nature."

'I beg your pardon?'

"That's a wolf's nature, if you don't mind me saying so. In my world, we have this expression, 'a lone wolf.' It's a person who's like a wolf 'coz wolves always prefer to be alone all the time."

'I see…I guess it might be my nature as well.'

The two of them turned and went into the throne room. A lot of people were already cooped up into the small space. The people broke away though, when the two of them passed by, and they bowed low as well. Sakura felt quite embarrassed at the gesture and bowed her head shyly.

"Kuda, over here." They both turned around and saw Jenith, beside the throne, gesturing and whispering to them. The two glanced at each other before approaching them.

"What's wrong?" Sakura asked as they watched Cherrypink and Candifor enter the room. There was an unusually hushed ambience, and it made Sakura shiver slightly.

"I do not know either. But Cherrypink has been quite troubled lately," Eriol, who was behind Jenith, answered.

The two women took their place before the crowd. Candifor looked as stern as ever, while her companion looked rather worried. She was staring down at her feet.

"People of Lunaea," Candifor began, raising her arms before her, "we have all gathered here for today is a day destined by Bathala. For centuries, he is the supreme governor of all life, and now we are here to honor his true power, and his all knowing mind. He is the ruler of destiny, and his word must be followed at all costs."

Sakura was quite troubled by her use of words. Her hands were turning cold and pale. But a hand grabbed hers, and held it tightly. When she looked up, the hand belonged to Syaoran, who did not even look at her. But Sakura knew deep in her heart he was as worried as she.

"But do not despair, my people. This is not a cause of problem, but a cause for celebration. For Bathala, our god," Candifor stopped dramatically, "has finally chosen a wife for our new king."

There was shock after that. Nothing moved. Nothing did not even seem to breathe. Then suddenly, the hall erupted in clapping of hands and shouts for joy. Everyone was too happy to even notice that the three royal children looked stunned. They were clearly not expecting that. The heir of the Sun and the heiress of the Star turned to their brother, whose widened eyes were more than enough to express his utter disbelief.

Candifor held up her hands to silence everyone. Then she continued speaking again. "Bathala has sent a messenger to choose for him. And the messenger has wisely chosen. That is why we should all offer due respect."

The door opened and the red butterfly fluttered in. Everyone was mystified by its beauty, and bowed immediately. The butterfly hovered before everybody. Syaoran stared at it. He could not believe that the little insect would be his matchmaker. If he knew, he would have led it to…

"And now, my people, I would like you to welcome your new queen!"

Everyone watched in silence as a figure stepped into the room. She was wearing a cloak and a hood, which hid her face from view. She knelt before the throne and stood up.

"Reveal your face, maiden, so that your betrothed may see you."

The maiden gently slipped off the hood and revealed long black hair that went down to her feet. Her long ears were telltale signs she was of elf descent. She had deep ruby eyes, and smooth white skin. All the men present were awed by her beauty. All except Syaoran.

The maiden curtsied and faced Syaoran. "I am honored to meet you, your highness. My name is Meilin."

Syaoran did not respond or move. He only glared at her, his grip on Sakura's hand tightening. His glare was cold, like the usual ones he gave to everyone else. 'Why this girl? Why did Bathala have to choose her? Why not-?'

"Bathala has also given us the time of the marriage. It will occur in seven days, and Cherrypink and I pray that all of you would join the preparations and festivities."

Everyone yelled and threw their hats with glee. Candifor took Meilin by the hand and led her to Syaoran, who continued to glare. She placed the maiden's hand in Syaoran's free one, and raised their joint hands before everyone.

Syaoran looked at Sakura, who was on the verge of crying. She forced a smile and withdrew her hand from his. He looked concerned. 'Sakura, don't…'

"Congratulations, your highness, and best wishes," she greeted. Then the tears began streaming down the sides of her face. She clamped a hand over her mouth and ran off. Syaoran wanted to run after her, but Candifor's grip prevented him. He turned instead to Jenith, Eriol, Senritsumon and Lupinelightning. The four of them nodded and slipped away from the room to follow Sakura.

+in Sakura's room+

Sakura threw herself onto her bed and cried. She could not believe that Syaoran was getting married to someone else. Yes, she knew they were too different, and yes, they were too far apart.

Tell that to her heart.

"Why….Why does he have to marry? Why…?" She chanted the question over and over again in her head, pounding on her pillow. She noticed a tiny piece of silver cloth peeping from under her pillow and pulled it out. It was the scarf she was making for Syaoran.

"Sakura…you are so stupid! Why…why fall in love with the one man you can't be with? WHY!"

KNOCK! KNOCK!

"C-come in…" Sakura sniffed and wiped away her tears. The door opened and Eriol, Jenith, and the two tiny creatures came in with concerned faces.

"Lady Sakura…"

"Oh, Eriol! I am so sorry for leaving without saying. I was just very tired. I guess I needed a little rest."

The four glanced at each other. Jenith stepped up to Sakura and held one of her hands. "Lady Sakura, we know you are hurt…"

"Me? Hurt? By what? You must be joking! I'm happy that you're god has finally found someone to be your future queen!"

"Lady Sakura, your tears-"

"What? These? Oh, there's just something in my eye! Listen, I really need to sleep now…"

"But-"

"Please?"

Jenith nodded and stood up, rather reluctant. She looked at her other companions and they all went out the door. When Sakura was left alone again, she cried harder, curling up into a ball. She was embracing her piece of work.

+back in the throne room+

The crowds have been dispersed and all that was left in the room were Syaoran, Meilin, Candifor and Cherrypink.

Syaoran sat in his throne, glaring at the elf-maiden. She stood untroubled before him, with a sweet smile. But to the king, nothing would rival Sakura's warm smile.

"Then it is settled. Lady Meilin shall sleep in the room next to the king's. Cherrypink shall guide you to your quarters, Lady Meilin."

"Thank you, Lady Candifor. And, your highness, I look forward to the day when we shall be declared as one." Meilin curtsied before Cherrypink led her out the door.

Cherrypink remained with a bowed head as she led the king's fiancée into her room. Then she bowed as she opened the door and let her in. The red butterfly followed Meilin into the room as well. The maiden bowed before she closed her door. She listened as Cherrypink's footsteps faded into the hallway. Then she walked to the large closed windows and threw off her cloak.

She was already wearing a black gown underneath. The bodice was well embroidered with blood red details. She walked over to the large mirror on one end of the room. She looked at herself and twirled around. The innocent face that she wore a while ago dissolved into a malicious smirk. "Perfect."

The butterfly landed on her shoulder and erupted into dark blue smoke which fused with the jewel she was wearing as necklace.

The stone of Darkness.

Meilin let out a cold laugh. Then stared at her reflection. "That was too easy. They did not even notice that I was not even a goblin! Oh, now I have separated the king from his only source of freedom, and soon I will get the chance to kill him!"

She waved her hand and two floating mirrors appeared behind her. The smaller one held a tiny gold butterfly fluttering around. And the much larger one held Candifor, who was pounding on the other side. Meilin approached Candifor and sneered at her. "Oh, dear Candifor, look what you are now. A worthless prisoner of my Celestial stone! You should know better than to encase the fourth Celestial stone in the hearts of the caverns of Sathna (devil). Now it has chosen me, granted me immortal beauty, and power strong enough to defeat the stone of the Moon! Now, all will be over in seven days," she turned back to the mirror and ran her fingers through her hair, "when King Syaoran marries me, Meilin. Or should I say…" She laughed once again as Candifor slowly became unconscious.

"When he marries Agate."

+Wakas+

Robin: Ohohoho! So that was what Agate was planning!

Danny: That's one slick chick!

Xiao Lei: To pro-Meilin fans out there, we're sorry if we made her an antagonist, but just think of this: her heart is not really Meilin. It's Agate in Meilin's body.

Xiu Ying: We're glad that some of you were pleased with our song AND with our translation. We really like the song. We even burst out singing whenever we hear it on the radio!

Jezareth: Yeah! "Binigyan mo ako…ng mahiwagang puso…" We're glad that we have some partly Filipino readers, and then there are also some who are truly Fil. Thanks for the growing number of reviews! Especially about the last tow chapters before this!

Preview:

Things end before they even start for Syaoran and Sakura. Love died before it was even born. As preparations for the wedding begin, will feelings surface, or will they only die?

R & R