TITLE: Folly Curse
(A Card Captor Sakura Fan-Fiction)
WRITTEN BY: Violent Hayes
RATED: T, for situations and some language
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SUMMARY: Tired of your average fantasy? Join a naïve Sakura, the foolishly cursed princess, recently kicked out of her wicked kingdom and out into the dangerous world of Tomoeda in an imaginary quest to find her cure.
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chapter 2: monster's fault
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It is sometimes good to pretend to sleep; people don't have to know you are eavesdropping in their conversations. Inside the tent, a strange girl had been sleeping peacefully as if nothing had ever happened that night, but with all the yelling coming from outside, her mind returned back to the world of Tomoeda. With her eyes still closed, she could hear the scolding a certain someone had received for helping her. She was eternally grateful for the aid, and completely sorry for the disaster she had caused. Her destiny had been set for the moment; she was to repay what they had already given her.
There was an instance of serenity, and all she could hear was the wind that came through to softly caress her skin. Then she felt two people enter talking, apparently a boy and a girl. They each sat down at both of her sides. She was going to keep on faking; she didn't want to go into their world just yet.
"Thank you for helping me out, but still, I'm curious just to know what your true intentions are…" The girl said.
After a period of silence, he finally responded, "You should have kept watch…"
"There you go, avoiding my question… Well, I wasn't going to miss dancing for some girl."
"Less than a day and she gets into trouble. Is that the way you're going to take care of her?"
"Hey, it's not as if she's my baby or something. She can take care of herself, she's our age!"
"But she's your responsibility until she heals completely. Evander will surely kick her out if she commits another mistake."
"Okay, fine. I'll see what I can do... But how am I supposed to know when she'll go zombie all over again? I can't keep watch through the whole day! I'll die out of boredom…" She whined. Clearly she stated everything that was going through her mind.
"You won't have to worry. She's awake right now. Isn't that right?"
A pang of embarrassment swept through "sleeping beauty", even more when she realized he had known since the beginning. Not wasting more time, she slowly revealed her emeralds. Everything was dark at the beginning, but she soon saw the two sitting figures.
"Good morning lazy head. Why didn't you tell us you were already up?" The ruby-eyed girl grinned.
Feeling as a victim, she couldn't find the words to speak. She was still self-absorbed with what was going on. The two persons in front of her didn't know whether she had the ability to talk, all they did was waiting in uncertainty. They both caught their breath when they saw tears forming in her dazzling eyes. Was she going to cry out of misery?
"Thank you!" She blurted out, catching Meiling off guard with a hug. They finally understood they were tears of joy. "Thank you for everything you've done! I'll do anything to repay you!"
Is she for real? Meiling thought in disbelief. She saw the boy aiming a glare, which in words meant: don't take advantage. She rolled her eyes. As if I could do such a horrid thing…
"Don't worry, we won't ask you for anything in return. But Evander, our so-called boss, he was pretty upset about last night…" At this point, she hurried herself, thinking the girl might cry for real this time. "But he said you can stay by helping out with the chores we're always complaining about."
The girl smiled and nodded without hesitation.
"By the way, I'm Meiling, and this here is my cousin Syaoran. What's your name?"
"Sakura," she answered.
Meiling bit her lip. Poor mother! She must have given her such a lovely flower name so she could feel pretty…. She soon scolded herself. I must not think this whatsoever! "Well, Sakura, welcome to our family: the Yorokobi."
"The Yorokobi?" Sakura thought for a while, her emerald eyes in wonder.
"You've never heard about us? We are the most popular gypsy travelers around! We make it in time for each festivity!" Well, we get there, and that's what usually counts!
After quite a while, she finally shook her head. Meiling almost fell down on the floor, she was sure they had covered almost all of the towns. Where did she come from, anyway? It was rare enough seeing such tinted eyes. Here was formed yet another question.
Sakura doubted whether to tell them from where she came from. She remembered her father's words that day, which now seemed so long ago: "No one is to know who you truly are, you must promise me! You wouldn't want to know the many enemies our Kingdom has gained. And I wouldn't want my little girl to fall into trouble…" Now to tell you the truth, he only did this so nobody would know he had a daughter, a cursed princess; an heir to the Kinomoto Kingdom. But since Sakura believed everything he said; she began thinking of a town that was close to Tsuki Town. The only problem was that she didn't know any other towns outside her kingdom, and she had spent the rest of her time inside the forest. She drew a blank and only pretended to continue thinking. Hopefully, the quiet boy named Syaoran wouldn't catch her again.
While she kept on thinking, both gypsies could only help but stare. They noticed her knotted hair was showing slight hints of brown; her shadowy skin had been lightened if just a bit; and the wounds resting on them, were beginning to close.
"Well?" Meiling was getting a tad impatient.
"I-I can't remember…" She lied in a small and soft voice, her eyes trailing off. "The only thing I see is the dreadful forest, which I thought was never going to end."
"And what were you doing?" Meiling curiously asked. It wasn't common to just take a walk in the forest. People often feared getting lost, or finding something unpleasant inside.
Now this was tough for Sakura. Had her father mentioned anything about not telling people she was cursed? It was a hard decision, but she couldn't make them wait any longer. They would think she was truly dishonest.
"I have this problem you see…" She started biting her lip, praying she wouldn't mess anything up. Could she really trust these two? After all, they both had saved her life.
No kidding. Meiling thought. She carefully remembered not to spill out her words, they would be rude for such a sweet girl.
"I'm currently under a spell, a witch cursed me when I was little, and I'm searching for the cure in order to return to my family…" She waited for their reaction. Had she gone too fast? Had they not understood?
"Cursed… Is there such a thing?" Meiling asked. She was starting to doubt Sakura's sanity. The boy only processed the information as he stood quietly; it was unnerving for Sakura not knowing what he thought about it. She couldn't take a peek at his features for his eyes were locked on her, instead she nodded.
"How do I know you are not lying? Prove to me you are truly under this… spell…"
Sakura hesitated; she was serious for the first time. "You wouldn't want to know…"
"Why wouldn't I?" Meiling taunted. It was common for her to do such things.
Sakura thought for a while, she couldn't just kiss the boy beside her. He was going to drop dead in front of them. In fact, she couldn't prove it without having someone dead as a consequence.
As she was about to reply, the boy for the first time replied. His voice was smooth, easy, calmed. "You should stop Meiling. You cannot suck out personal issues only because you don't believe. You are being blinded by the truth you want to see."
"Aww… You're right. Sorry Sakura, sometimes I tend to get my way, next time remind me to stop when I'm going too far."
Sakura smiled in relief and nodded. "Do you believe my words?" She asked Syaoran.
"No." He simply answered.
"Now who is being rude? Don't mind him; he's such a serious guy... Wouldn't want to loose his cool…"
He wasn't hurt, yet he simply stood up, and went out the tent. Meiling slightly scoffed, and waited a moment until he completely disappeared. She turned around and smiled. Sakura could only but guess the plan she was building in a gypsy's mind.
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Cleansing water came from the river to the east of Tsuki Town. As part of their ceremonies, they watched the moon's reflection and bathed under its light. Often they came whenever they were sad or in distress at night, and a sign of relief would be imprinted in their souls. It was Sakura's turn, but for other purposes, as Meiling had told her. "It's not as if water can change here because of the moon. You can see the moon in every lake that is nearby town. What we need for you is to bathe as much as you can."
Sakura, however, had high hopes of drowning her curse down the lake. She was blinded by the sun as soon as she stepped out of the tent; Meiling had to guide her all the way through, fortunately missing all the annoyed glances in her direction. Once she touched warm water, her eyes began adjusting to her surroundings. Meiling was at a safe distance, encouraging her to dive and have some fun, with brand new gypsy clothes by her side.
Sakura nodded and took a small dip. She was glad the lake wasn't too profound, since she didn't know how to swim; there had never been one near the Kinomoto Kingdom. She got a surprise when she saw the reflection in front of her. Who was that girl? She had never seen such a thing, and to think she had been worse before… No Sakura, do not think this. No matter what, she was still intent on keeping her promise, that is, if death didn't stop her in her tracks.
"What's the matter? Don't like your new clothes?" Meiling asked as she was trying to untie the stranded knots in Sakura's hair. She was already dried up and sitting at the edge of the forest.
"No. I like them. I'm just thinking." She answered, her smile never failed to shine through the darkness that covered her. There was progress in her whole look; she was less hideous than before.
"Oh, is it about your… curse then?"
"Yes. I need to know how to break it."
Meiling thought for a while. She hadn't heard about them before, so normally she had no clue as to what Sakura was currently suffering from, or how to aid her. "If it helps, I'll tell you our next destination. It is a town a day and a half from here, where a powerful ancient man stays. He could be wise enough to give you a hint…"
Sakura's eyes brightened up. "Really?"
"I haven't met him personally, but it wouldn't hurt to try. We usually stop at the town to rest."
"Oh, thank you Meiling!"
Sakura gave a hug, which Meiling found she had to get accustomed to, since she predicted more in the future. She heard the slight rustle of leaves at the far distance and sighed. "You can come out now, you pervert!"
Syaoran came out of one of the bushes; he had been walking by, not spying on them. He ignored her comment with a slightly crooked eyebrow. He had been asked to hand out a message: that they would leave tomorrow, very early in the morning.
Damn you, Evander. Meiling got up at the instant, "I'll be back, Sakura. I need to take care of some things… Syaoran, you keep watch."
Sakura nodded and continued combing her hair (or at least trying to); Syaoran didn't talk and simply sat on the ground with closed eyes. He had crossed his legs and both of his hands were at his sides. He seemed to be meditating; with inner peace. Sakura battled an entire minute whether to ask him something or not. She didn't want to disrupt any process he was having inside. She felt awkward being accompanied by someone as silent as him.
"What?" Syaoran suddenly asked. He hadn't opened his eyes yet. Sakura got a shock from the sudden question.
"Sorry, but I'm really curious… How did you know I was awake back in the tent?"
"Curiosity killed the cat…" He replied.
Sakura only could help but stare dumbfounded at the lake in front of her. The sun was setting behind them. They both stood quiet for a while, until he answered again.
"When a person sleeps, the breathing becomes profound and deep. You were in the state at first, but when we returned, you had changed your respiration."
If Syaoran would have had his eyes open, he would have laughed at the expression poor Sakura put on her face. There were still many things she had to learn, she reasoned. It proved to be difficult once they had no more conversation left, and he didn't seem to be helping at all. She instead tried remembering her mother, and how she had told her to respect others for who they were.
An hour could have passed by, and they were still sitting at the edge of the lake. If it hadn't been for the old man who passed by on the other side, Sakura would have died out of boredom. She carefully watched as he made prayers and kneeled at the other edge. He was soon joined by others, mostly families, and they all kept waiting; probably for the new moon to arise in the sky. It was crowded lake indeed, and one-sided, for they all believed that to greet the moon, they had to be facing it.
Sakura slightly tugged Syaoran's shirt and whispered. "Why are they devout of the moon?"
"They feel the need to believe in someone far greater for their problems to be solved. It is a matter of not trusting themselves."
"Oh. And what happens now?"
"As the sun ends setting, the moon will make its appearance, thus bringing its blessings back to the Tsukis."
"You don't believe in the moon, then?"
"No. I feel no need. If it makes them happy, let them be. As long as they are living their life without regret, they may continue with their worship."
As he finished his words, he finally opened his eyes. Already had the darkness covered their surroundings; it was a matter of minutes before it would reach the other side and complete its cycle. The town members silently cheered, their faces were illuminated with hopefulness. Syaoran stayed still, and Sakura thought to do the same.
Night appeared before them, and they waited until the clouds would disperse. They were covering their goddess; their savior.
However, no reflection was distinguished across the water. Not a shred of white light could be possibly seen.
What had happened to the moon? Had it finally decided to rest in peace?
The Tsuki's were outraged. They started loosing their patience, they thought at first it had all been a joke, but the moon still did not appear. Women screamed, children cried, men lost their minds, and old people could only weakly stare at what wasn't in the sky. Syaoran sensed the tension building at the other side; he was trying to think what was best, whether to stay or leave unnoticed. He slowly stood up and grabbed Sakura's hand, making her stand up as well.
"What did we do wrong?" A man asked. "Didn't we follow every single detail as always?"
"Who didn't praise the moon?" A woman demanded, "Something must have upset her!"
"Now what should we do? It's the end of the town, we can't live without her!"
"No! It can't be? Someone must be responsible for this!"
"Yeah! You know what? I bet it was that monster the gypsies were keeping!"
"You mean, are keeping! They haven't left our town yet!"
"We must do something about it!"
Syaoran sensed trouble brewing. "We must warn the others."
He quickly ran away, dragging Sakura behind.
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Turmoil was spread throughout the camping set; the gypsies hurried disarming the tents, and packing everything up. Evander was fuming by the sudden accusation, yet there was nothing he could do against an outnumbering bunch of angered people. They were halfway through when they saw the Tsuki's running toward them.
"It's the monster's fault!"
"We must get her to pay for all the trouble she's caused!"
Evander was ready to kill Sakura, however he reasoned the damage had already been done, and there was nothing she had done to upset them again. Besides, if it hadn't been for Syaoran and her, they would have been attacked. Sadly, the commercial ties had been broken with both kinds of people; in the calendar, they would erase every month the day the moon was born again.
"I guess you got your wish, Meiling!"
"What do you mean? We are leaving late at night! It's even worse!" She continued complaining to his disadvantage.
The wagons were almost ready, it was only a matter of minutes before they would all be inside, and the same went for the angered town that was about to reach them. In the midst of all the commotion, Sakura lost her way. Everyone knew exactly what to do; she didn't. She had caused the mess, so normally all of the town would be satisfied enough to have captured her.
"They are getting away! We can't let that happen!"
"We want revenge for the death of the moon!"
The townsfolk increased their pace. Sakura for the first time in her heart felt fear, and she didn't know what to do. It had been the first time someone hated her, the first time someone wanted her dead. And still, she hadn't thought of doing anything wrong except showing herself that night. Shock filled her mind; she had shown herself as a hideous monster. She had disrupted their party after all.
"What is Sakura doing? She's going to get herself killed!" Meiling yelled in one of the wagons. They were already moving, the horses galloping with their might.
"I thought she was your responsibility! Why didn't you guide her?" Syaoran asked, also inside.
"I forgot! I was mad for the sudden movements…"
"Oh, poor thing…Well, we can't do anything for now, can't we?" Evander replied showing shame. He was glad in his insides for getting rid of her.
"Actually, there is…" Syaoran thought, and he suddenly jumped.
"What are you doing? You are going to get killed!" Meiling scolded, but she knew she was currently being disregarded.
"There she is, the monster!"
Sakura turned to the town. They really do hate me… and I didn't do anything… How does it feel to build all this anger only based on assumption? She couldn't believe what was happening, yet she was accepting the blame. It was hard not to think straight in such blurry situations. But what could she ever do?
And she really didn't do anything. She just stood there, while the furious crowd was launching toward her.
"Are you out of your mind? Do you want to get killed?" Syaoran for the first time raised his voice.
He didn't wait for her to react; he simply grabbed her hand, and dragged her toward the moving wagons. He was fast, which meant Sakura often tumbled down on her path, but he was also strong enough to pull her up again without a flinch.
"They are not going to make it! You need to slow down the horses," Meiling demanded.
"Are you crazy? If we do that, those absentminded people will kill us all!" Evander replied.
"But he is my cousin! And she is my friend!"
Eventually, the two caught up with the delayed wagon, and just in time to resume speed and get away from the Tsuki's, who were left alone furious. Once tired, they started to weep in sorrow, returning to their home with shattered hope. It was a night of gloom; nobody would sleep peacefully. Outside were left two elders, both of them watching the moonless sky.
"It is such a shame, a loss that will surely take great effect on us." One commented.
"Who would have thought the moon wouldn't show up? It seems odd, now that I think about it…" The other wondered. He drew a small calendar in the dirt with a stick.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm counting the days of the moon cycle."
"What for? It's not as if it'll invocate it."
All of a sudden the second old man started laughing. It was jolly and heartfelt; tears were also coming out of his eyes.
"Now what's so funny?"
"We counted the days wrong! That is why the moon didn't return to us, because she wasn't supposed to. Tomorrow it's her birth…"
"Oh, really? Well that's the silliest situation we have ever been in."
"Poor gypsies, seems like they won't be coming back in a while…"
HER NOTE: Well, here's another chapter. Sorry for the lateness, too much disruption for submission in a week. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for the reviews!
See you later!
