Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura. It is owned by the lovely ladies of CLAMP.
Chapter six: Guilty deceit
The blonde haired man sighed as he waited for his drink. Why did this have to happen? Out of all the girls in the world why did it have to be her?
"Are you sure that this is a picture of the royal family, Captain?"
"Of course I'm sure! And I want her dead!" bawled the Captain snatching the picture back. "One of the roads here comes straight from Kinotmoto so there's a good chance that she could pass through here, and I want us to be the ones to find her. The Emperor would reward us greatly if we were the ones to kill her. That's why I want at least one man at watch at all times."
The soldiers yelled upon hearing this. "But Captain!"
"No buts. And instead of warming your lazy asses, why don't you go scan the area!"
The men reluctantly complied, cursing under their breaths as they left. Ryoji on the other hand stayed glued to the spot.
"Didn't you hear me? I said get the hell out of here!"
"Um Captain, may I see that picture again?"
"What? Don't tell me you're like the rest of those morons and wanna drool over the little brat we're supposed to kill?"
"I just want to memorise it so I can be sure it's her if I see her." The Captain handed him the picture. He stared intensely at it, still unable to believe it.
"You know if you get her, you'll be promoted for sure. Hell I hope to get promoted. You might even get to shake the hand of the Emperor."
"Yeah…"
"Your old man would definitely be proud."
Ryoji looked up with surprise. "My father?"
"Yeah. I thought you said he was a soldier serving in one of the top ranks of the Emperors army."
He smiled somewhat sadly. "Yes he did. He died in the line of duty though."
"There's nothing more honourable than dyingfor the sake of your Country and from what you've told me about him kid, he sounded like a brave man."
"Yes he was…" Retaining a sigh, Ryoji handed the picture back to the Captain. "Well I guess I better get searching." With that he walked away.
There was no mistaking it, that picture was definitely of that girl from earlier. She was the Princess of Kinomoto for sure. What he couldn't understand however was how in the world she had managed to escape the Li army. He sighed sadly as he thought of her beautiful smile. It was amazing how someone could smile like that when there Kingdom had just been invaded and their family killed. Did she even know about her family? The thought would have definitely occurred in her mind.
A woman placed a glass on his table but Ryoji was too deep in thought however to bother thanking her. She must be a lot stronger than she looks. Plus she's damn cute. He took a large gulp and placed the glass back down on the table with a small thud. At this moment he wished for nothing more than to drown himself in alcohol until he fell unconscious and then wake up to find that this whole thing had been just a dream.
When he was a child his father held a top rank in the army. Like his Mother and the rest of his family, he admired his father greatly and was extremely proud of him. The downside however was that he never got to see him very often. He was sad and lonely, but when his Father came home it was wonderful. He would tell him hundreds of stories of all the amazing things he and his comrades had seen and done. He explained that everything he did was for the sake of the Emperor and the country.
"One day you too will join the army and serve your country just like your Papa, won't you?"
"Hai, Papa! I can't wait!"
"It won't be easy though. To reach where I am you must be willing to give and sacrifice anything and everything for the honour of Li."
"Everything?"
"Yes. The only thing that matters is the Emperor's wishes."
What would you do in this situation Father? Would you really sacrifice those two innocent girls for the wishes of one man? A few moments later he gave a hollow laugh. What am I saying? Of course you would. I mean you sacrificed everything else didn't you? But can I?
Taking one last drink, he got up and left. He quickly hurried to the two girls' room before any of his comrades spotted him.
Gently he knocked on their door. "Who is it?" came a voice which belonged to the other girl Tomoyo.
"It's me, Ryoji!"
He found that it was a few moments before he heard any locks being opened. Was this hesitation perhaps? Given their situation he imagined there should be.
"Hello." greeted Tomoyo. What was the ivory haired girl's connection with the royal family?
Sakura quickly ran over seeing that it was him. "Konbanwa Ryoji-san!" she greeted gleefully.
He put on a fake smile. "Hello there. Just wanted to come over and check that the room is all right."
"It's great! Thank you so much for paying for us to stay the night."
"I told you before that you don't need to thank me." For some reason hearing her thank him caused him guilt.
"I know. But it was just so kind of you."
"To be so kind, Ryoji-san must have to be a very kind man." added Tomoyo smiling.
He stared at her curiously for a few moments. "Uhhh…."
"Is something wrong?" asked Sakura looking concerned.
"Wrong? Oh, no, no. I'm just tired that's all." he replied quickly, pretending to yawn.
"Same here. Since we have a bed to sleep in tonight we've decided to make the most of it and go to bed early."
"I see. Well I guess I better be going then."
"We'll see you in the morning to say goodbye."
"You-you're leaving that soon?" he asked, surprised.
"Yeah, um you could say that we don't like to stay in one place to long."
He smiled. "I understand. I suppose being in one place too long can sometimes be dangerous. Well I'll go to bed early too so I can get up in the morning and bid you farewell."
"That would be great!" replied Sakura merrily.
"Have a good nights sleep then. Oyasumi nasai."
"Oyasumi nasai!"
After the door closed, he let himself fall back against the wall, placing his head in his hands. This was the most difficult decision he was ever forced to make. But he had to do it. Taking a deep breath he walked back to his room and entered. I truly am sorry…
Sakura hopped down the stairs humming merrily to herself. "Ryoji-san!" Looking about she spotted him sitting at an empty table. "Ohayo gozaimasu, Ryoji-san!"
"When you said you were leaving early, you really meant earlier didn't you?" he said, seeing as the sun had only rose a short while ago.
"You're up early yourself."
"Yeah well, I wanted to say goodbye."
"Thank you. That was very kind of you." replied Sakura with a smile.
"Oh, where's Tomoyo-san?" he asked noticing that the violet eyed girl was nowhere to be seen.
"Tomoyo-chan went to buy some food for our travels. Since you where coming to say goodbye she suggested that I stay here in case I ran into you."
Ryoji was relieved to hear this. The thought of killing two innocent girls made him sick, but at least this way one life would be spared. Also it was only the Princess they wanted, but he knew the Captain wouldn't hesitate to kill any witnesses.
"I'm I was able to meet you."
"So am I." he replied, flashing a convincing fake smile. "When will Tomoyo-san return?"
"She said she wouldn't be too long and that she would try and hurry back."
"Oh in that case I think there's still time to show it."
"Show what?"
"Well near here there is a large spring. It's gorgeous, the loveliest I've ever seen. It's not far from here, just along that road and up the hill. When you reach the top, it has the most amazing view."
"It sounds beautiful!"
He nodded. "It is. Would you like to see it?"
"Of course!" she cried excitedly. "Although… When Tomoyo-chan returns she'll wonder where I am."
"Don't worry, it won't take long. I'm sure we'll be back before she even finishes shopping."
"Well… okay then."
"Right then let's go."
"Hai!"
He took a deep breath. It won't be long now.
"I hope Sakura-chan doesn't mind me buying this kind of bread." said Tomoyo to herself as she placed a few loafs of bread into the basket. "This is the cheapest in the shop but since we don't have that much money…"
"Really? You saw them?" Slowly her attention was diverted to a conversation going on near by.
"Yes. I got up earlier this morning to help my husband with the farm work seeing that Nobu is ill and there I saw them walking up the hill."
"Do you really think that they where soldiers from Li?"
"I'm positive! I could make out the swords they carrying and I don't know of any kingdom that has swords like that."
"Why do you think they're here, of all places?"
"Looking for the Kinomoto Princess, no doubt."
"You mean they still haven't found her?"
"Not from what I've heard."
"I hope they're not here long. I don't want them to cause any trouble."
"One of them looked pretty darn cute but I'm not even sure he was a soldier. I saw him coming down the hill and going into the Inn and-" The woman stopped abruptly and turned around to see a basket and some loafs of bread lying on the ground.
"Sakura-chan!"
As Sakura hiked up the hill she grew aware of how distant Ryoji-san was being. It was like he had stopped talking right after she had agreed to come with him. If this spring was as wonderful as he described shouldn't he have been looking forward to seeing it. Another thing she noticed was how long it was taking to reach the top. Tomoyo-chan will be back soon. I hope I'm not too long, I don't want to worry her.
"Ano… Ryoji-san, will we be much longer? Tomoyo-chan will be back soon." She asked nervously.
"I told you not to worry." he replied impassively.
"Ha-hai…"
Meanwhile Tomoyo was running with all the strength she could muster. She had to get to Sakura. She had to warn her. Please be there. Please be there.
"We're here." stated Ryoji stopping. Excitedly Sakura ran to the other side of the hill, eager to see the lake… only to find that nothing was there… "Ryoji-san, what's going on there's-"
"No lake, I know."
The auburn haired girl stared in confusion. "Hoe? What do you mean?"
"I'm sorry I lied, but I needed to get you up here…Sa-ku-ra…."
"But why?" She stopped, her eyes widened. She wasn't Sakura, she-she was Satsuki! "Wh-what are-"
"I know who you are, Princess."
Suddenly several men jumped out from behind the trees. "Good job!" yelled the Captain. "She's definitely the girl from that picture, there's no mistaking it. Now all the royal family are dead."
Ryoji pulled out his sword and pointed it towards her. She gasped and took a step back.
"Ry-Ryoji-san, I-I don't understand…"
He gazed sadly at her puzzled and frightened face. "I truly am sorry but I have no other choice…"
"You-you're from the Li Kingdom… You-you're a soldier…"
He nodded.
No, this didn't make sense! This couldn't be happening! He had been so kind buying them meals and a room to stay the night. He hadn't even needed to acknowledge their existence, right? But he had. He had been so kind… But he was just like those who had invaded Kinomoto…
"Doushite?! I-I thought you liked us! I thought we were friends!"
"Believe me, it's nothing personal. I have orders and I cannot defy them, whether I agree with them or not." he replied remorsefully.
Tears ran down her cheeks. "I-I haven't done anything… My family… they never did anything…. We-we haven't done anything wrong at all!"
"That's it! I've heard enough! Kill her!" ordered the Captain.
The soldiers instantly ran towards her aiming their swords. She had never been so terrified. She was going to die. She was going to die yet she hadn't done anything wrong. She was going to die yet she hadn't found the guardian. She was going to die because she had failed. She was going to die and so where hundreds of other innocent people. She was going to die and her family all ready were.
They didn't do anything wrong! They didn't do anything wrong! They didn't do anything wrong! They didn't do anything wrong! They didn't do anything wrong! They didn't anything wrong yet they're dead! "I didn't do anything wrong and I don't want to DIE!!!!!!!!!"
Blasts of energy erupted from the young girl blasting her attackers back.
"Captain, what the hell's happening!?"
"LEAVE ME ALONE!!!"
The soldiers' bodies smashed back against the trees and boulders. The only person who was not harmed was Ryoji who stood staring in fear. What-what the hell was going on? How did a little kid like that have so much power?! The people of Kinomoto didn't practice magic! Was this why the Emperor wanted her dead?
Sakura staggered slightly, weary from all the power she had just used. Slowly she gazed upwards at the man who had brought her here. "Ry-Ryoji-san, I-I don't want to hurt you…"
He stood watching her fearfully. But he couldn't… "I cannot turn my back on my country! I have to carry out the orders given to me. I am no traitor." he said uneasily, holding his sword in front of him. What was he thinking? If she did that to his comrades including the Captain then she could easily do that to him. But still he had to be strong. He couldn't give up.
There was a rustling sound coming from the bushes beside him and the other girl Tomoyo appeared from them.
"Tomoyo-chan!"
"Sakura-chan you have to get out of here! They're trying to hurt you! You have to-" Two arms suddenly grabbed her.
"Tomoyo-chan!"
"Ryoji smiled as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. This was his chance. Frantically Sakura ran towards them.
"Stop!" he ordered mightily, holding his sword beneath the ivory haired girl's chin.
"Let Tomoyo-chan go! She hasn't got anything to do with this!" Sakura demanded furiously.
"Don't worry, no harm will come of her as long as you corroborate." he replied, more confident than before.
"Sakura-chan, don't worry about me! Please run away!" cried Tomoyo struggling.
"You could do what you're friend says and run, but of course that way she will die."
"Why the hell are you doing this?! I thought you were a kind person!" screamed Sakura desperately.
"Most people consider me a kind person too, but when it comes to my Country then no mercy shall be shown to the enemy."
Although weak Sakura knew she still had some power left yet. She outstretched her arm and pointed her palm towards him.
He gave a small chuckle. "You can attack me if you wish, although it would be unfortunate if your friend was hurt also."
Her eyes widened and she dropped her hand. He was right. And there was even more a chance of Tomoyo getting hurt since she was unable to control her powers very well. What if she blasted them and Tomoyo got seriously injured or worst…
"Sakura-chan run! Forget about me and just go!"
"No! I'm not leaving you here to die!"
"If you come over here without any hesitation and allow me to kill you then I will let Tomoyo-san go free, Princess."
"How do I know you won't just kill her after you're through with me?" she growled.
"Because my orders were to kill only you, no one else. I don't believe in innocent people getting killed if I can help it."
"But I have done anything wrong and neither had my family!"
He sighed. "You may well be innocent but in the eyes of my Country you're an enemy, an enemy that must be eliminated immediately."
"If you really don't believe in not hurting innocent people then why are you doing this to Tomoyo-chan?"
"As I said before, I can show no mercy when it comes to enemies, no matter what the consequences."
Sakura tightly shut her eyes feeling completely helpless. If she agreed then she would die and if she didn't then Tomoyo would. But she couldn't allow any harm to come upon Tomoyo. Onii-chan, what do I do?
"Sakura-chan, please just go! Remember the future of Kinomoto is counting of you!" She opened her eyes. She was right. As the last heir to the throne it was her duty to protect her country and people but… Tomoyo was also a citizen of Kinomoto. Wasn't it her duty to protect her too?
"I'm afraid I cannot make such a deal with you, but I won't allow any harm to come to Tomoyo."
"Such a thing can not be."
Sakura clenched her fists together. Damnit, what do I do?!
"Sakura-hime…"
Her eyes widened at the sound of a familiar voice. She quickly looked about herself but no one was there. "Misumara-san?"
"You're powers go far beyond just shielding and attack. Deep down you will find a world of power that you could not even have imagined. You must dig deep and free that power and wield it for the powers of good. You must stop him."
"I can't! If I do that then Tomoyo-chan might get hurt!"
"That is why you must focus. Focus only on him."
"Only on him?"
"She's talking to herself. Has the pressure gotten to her?" Ryoji thought to himself.
"All right, I'll try!" Gathering all her courage, she took a few steps forward.
He smiled. "So you're going to hand yourself over them?"
"No." she replied powerfully.
He snorted. "What? You're just going to allow your friend to die?"
"No."
Taking a deep breath she raised her hand, pointing it towards him.
"What are you doing? Kill me and you kill her!" he yelled becoming panicked.
Sakura continued to stare. Angrily he pulled the blade closer to Tomoyo's neck.
"Sakura-chan."
Focus…
She closed to her eyes.
Focus…
Her eyes shot open and the moment they did Ryoji felt a surging pain consume his body. He screamed, accidentally tossing Tomoyo away due to the immense pain. Sakura collapsed to the ground. Quickly Tomoyo rushed to her aid, Ryoji still screaming and clasping at his head in pain.
"Sakura-chan! Sakura-chan! Daijoubu ka!?"
"I'm all right." She replied weakly as Tomoyo helped her up. "Are you hurt?"
"No I'm fine. But what about you, are you sure you're all right?" Tomoyo asked worriedly.
Sakura ignored her question and slowly walked towards Ryoji who had only just stopped screaming. He lay on the ground looking as if his body had been tossed there. As she stood over him she could see that he was conscious.
Slowly he opened his eyes and looked up. "Sakura-hime." He gave a small cough. "Are you going to kill me?"
"No."
"But why? You defeated me, therefore I should die. I failed my country and my father… Now I should die…"
"No."
"I-I don't understand. After all I did to you, after I threatened to kill you and your friend, after my country killed you family, you should want to kill me."
"I don't believe that people have the right to take the life of another just like you don't believe that innocent people should die. But unlike you I will stick to my beliefs." she replied coldly.
"If you're not going to kill me, then may I ask you a question?" he asked weakly.
No reply came but he decided to continue anyway. "You-you wanted to know if there was away you could repay me… Well there is something you could do…"
"And what is that?"
"Please. Please forgive me."
Sakura turned her head unable to look at him. "I am grateful for you helping us, but… I am afraid I am unable to forgive you…" With that she walked away, leaving Ryoji and his men lying there in defeat,
"Sa-Sakura-chan…"
"Since we have the bags we should leave. We can get some bread later."
Tomoyo nodded. It was best if they got out of there as quickly as they good. "Per-perhaps we should stop somewhere for you to rest. I mean-"
"I don't think I could rest even if I tried." she replied dejectedly. Picking up her back she started to walk down the hill. "Let's go…"
Authors Notes: Yay, it didn't take me ages to update this time! I hope that chapter is all right. I wanted to give Ryoji's character a bit of depth to make things more interesting. Generally he is a nice guy, also a bit of a ladies man but because his father was a honourable soldier and well-respected, he has been brought up to place his loyalties to his Country and Emperor above everything else. Although he loved his Father he's a bit resentful towards him, mainly because he wasn't around much. Anyway, yeah I'm rambling. Gomen ;;
Thank you lots to heheangel kisses, Lomiel, kawaiitenshisakura, SaKuRaStArS, Rosie and sweetlove73 for reviewing. Any feedback or advice on how I could improve is greatly appreciated. Thankies for reading.
Also next chapter Sakura and Syaoran finally meet.