Title: Our Raging Pride (Formerly titled Journey Through The Dark)
Disclaimer: So the standard disclaimers apply. I don't own them and I certainly don't earn any money from this.
Rating: Probably R for lots of bad language and… perhaps more? --
Couples: S/S, E/T, C/T, Touya/Nakuru+ hints of Yuki/Meilin + others
Since I couldn't decide on a main couple, I shall try to give them all equal attention…
Summary:
AU fic. A tale of road rage, friendship, family loyalty, romance and a bitter ancient rivalry that was spawned generations ago. Two old feuding families struggle with life's emotional turmoils and slowly learn the meaning of forgiveness, love and honour.
Author's Note: This is sort of a post-Romeo&Juliet kind of story. Ever thought about the aftermath of such a tragedy? What happens after 2 lovers from rival families take their lives? It's highly unlikely that the families would forgive and forget so easily, especially after they've lost their precious children. And this is when the next real journey begins. The long road to forgiveness, compassion, and expiation.

P.S. No magick involved, therefore, no kawaii Kero or Suppi… Gomen...

BTW, Your reviews, feedback and suggestions would be much appreciated!

Warning:
This may be a clichéd plot. Well, sort of.

Prologue: The beginning of the Amamiya-Reed Curse


Pain and gain goes hand in hand
And we feel the wrath of man.
Power and wealth do feed your need
Come! Be embraced by the arms of greed.
Walk in rounds; We spin the circle.
Stop and live; Go break the cycle.

Some 400 years ago...

"Iie! Oh, god! Why? Why?"

A young lady of nineteen years let out a heart-wrenching sob as she held on tightly to the limp body on the ground. It had been a sound plan… And yet it had gone so terribly wrong. Didn't he know that she would wake up? Did he not receive her letter? Oh, Clow...

"Don't leave me, Clow… Onegai… Wake up… Please, my love…" Madoushi Amamiya hoarsely whispered in misery, as more tears flow freely down her face. Please, iie! Oh kamisama, it's not suppose to end this way…

Just a few minutes ago, she had woken up only to find Clow sprawled over her, and a bloody wakizashi lying beside his hand. He wasn't breathing. She was bewildered for a split moment at the turnabout of the event, until harsh reality sunk in a short while later. He had really come for her, but was now gone for good. The painful realisation left her stunned and numb. This isn't a joke… He must have thought I really died…

She cradled his now lifeless body closer to her heart and caressed his face so gently, so tenderly. He felt cool and looked so peaceful in his eternal slumber. "Oh Clow, I'm so sorry… Come back." She choked out in between sobs. "Kamisama, what have we done to deserve this?"

It was a cruel world indeed, to torment them so. Two innocent victims caught in between the struggle for power and land. Pawns in a vicious game influenced by their haunting ancestors. When will it ever end?

Madoushi let out a bitter, humourless laugh and silently condemned her dead ancestors for the hundredth time.

No, this would never end. They wouldn't let go. It was so predictable. The Reeds would blame her family for Clow's death, the Amamiyas would deny and blame them back, and then more chaos would ensue… And it would still continue for generations and generations.

Just like what her parents and grandparents are doing.

They were all consumed with hatred, pride and greed that they forgot how to live. Too much angst, pain and suffering passed down like a family tradition…Their worlds revolved around their family histories, and specifically, one common goal. Naturally, of course… All this over a stupid piece of land ages ago!

Damn you all.

Madoushi bit her lip and rested her head on Clow's chest. She was weary. It felt as if someone had stabbed a knife into her heart and twisted it. The pain was horribly unbearable. How could she go on without him?

And the perfect solution promptly came to mind. Hai, death would be preferable to this torture. But not just yet… There was something else to be done. One very last thing. And she wished it with all of her heart, knowing that it would really come true.

Madoushi smiled bitterly. A curse. One so strong that it would only be broken when both families truly make peace with each other. For as long as the families do not value love and life over power and reputation, they would pay a price -- A precious life in exchange for all the wealth and pride they could ever desire. For every generation they taught to hate.

And this curse has now begun with Clow Reed and Madoushi Amamiya.

"Damn the Reed and Amamiya blood! Since you know no compassion and love to suffer, then I swear to god, you'll suffer to love. Just as Clow and I have suffered… This I swear upon my blood and his…" Madoushi sniffed and reached for the wakizashi that was tainted with the blood of her soulmate. Her blood would mingle with his, just as their souls had… They were inseparable. Till death do us part? No. Not even that can come between us.

She lowered her head to brush her lips against his cool, pale ones. "Wait for me, Clow. We'll be together forever…"

Upon pointing the blade tip towards her heart, she sucked in a last shaky breath. It wouldn't be painful. Not as painful as his departure… No, nothing could be as hurting as that. Oh well, it wouldn't matter, anyway. She would be with him and everything would be better. They would be free from this ugly world and live in blissful harmony.

Wait for me, sweetheart. I'm coming…