In this story, we used the American names for the CCS characters, because
we are more familiar with the dub than than the sub. Dub haters, please accept
our sincere apologies. It is hard to please everyone, but we do the best
we can.
DISCLAIMERS - We do not own any of the characters in this story, or the shows they came from.
Clamp, Kodansha, Yu Watase, etc. etc. - they own it all.
**********************************
CARMINA BURANA ~ CHAPTER 1
O FORTUNA, VELUT LUNA
(O FORTUNE, A VARIABLE MOON)
By Sorceress Elcyion and *Aeris*
**********************************
A soft patter of bare feet can faintly be heard throughout the dark
hallways of the southern wing's chambers. A dim candlelight lit up the
cold, dank halls as a brown-haired seventeen-year-old walked in a
slightly quick pace to her love's room with the long, crimson red silk
robe she wore over her light pink nightgown trailing behind her.
Suddenly, the girl stopped in front of two oak doors. She took a deep
breath and twisted the rusty copper knob. She pushed the door open
slightly and snuck in. She stared dreamily at the red-haired man
sleeping peacefully in the large, white canopy bed in the room. The
girl crept to her beloved's bedside and gazed fondly at his handsome
face. She set the white candle on his bedside table and sat on the edge
of the soft mattress.
The man stirred. He slowly opened his eyes and focused on the extra
weight set beside him. "Miaka," he breathed sleepily.
Miaka smiled and laid down next to him. The man, Tasuki, wrapped his
arms around her held the girl close to him. "It's late," he replied
quietly. "What are you doing here?"
"Nothing," was Miaka's answer. She closed her eyes and snuggled closer
to Tasuki. "I just want to stay with you tonight."
"This is about tomorrow morning, isn't it?" Tasuki asked, grinning
slightly.
Miaka pulled away a bit to look at him. "Do you really have to go to
the battle?" she questioned sadly.
The red-haired man sighed. "You know I have to leave for war. I'm a
knight of the Enigma Kingdom--our kingdom. It's my duty to fight for
everyone's safety."
"I'm so...scared...for you..." Miaka responded, her voice drifting
off. She was sounded incredibly tired. "Scared...that..." She stopped.
"Scared that what?" Tasuki asked gently. He didn't get an answer. He
looked closely at Miaka and noticed that she had fallen asleep. Tasuki
stroked Miaka's thick brown hair once and relaxed against the soft
cushions and the girl in his arms, eventually falling asleep as well.
* * *
Outside the doors of Tasuki's chambers stood another young man,
Tamahome. He had been watching and listening through the small crack in
the door. His heart ached painfully at Miaka's devotion to Tasuki. He
remembered what it was like before, when Tasuki and Miaka barely knew
each other. HE was Miaka's lover. THEY had been in love. But Miaka felt
that she was more comfortable around Tamahome as her best friend, like
he had been to her at the very beginning.
Tamahome couldn't move on after that. He was still in love with Miaka.
But it was a one-sided feeling that was never returned. Miaka fell
deeply in love with Tasuki ever since he saved her from a panther
roaming around nearby mountains when she was visiting Timbergrove. From
then on, he knew she would never come back to him. He closed the door
gently and made his way back to his sleeping quarters. He needed some
sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day for everyone.
* * *
There she was, standing on the bridge, staring over into the silvery
water, glowing from the light of the full moon. Her gossamer dress
shimmered a pale green, representing the forest color of her kingdom.
"Sakura?" Julian asked cautiously. He didn't want to disturb any deep
thoughts she might be having.
The sixteen-year-old princess of the Enigma Kingdom looked up with a
start. "Julian!" she cried, running towards him and wrapping her arms
around his neck. "I'm so glad you're here. I didn't know if I would see
you again."
Earlier that day, Sakura and Julian had seen each other for only a
brief moment. Julian was at the Sanctuary Palace, with several other
knights, for a conference with Sakura's widowed mother, Empress Subaru.
They had started to speak, but before they could get close to each
other, Julian was summoned for the conference.
"I wouldn't ever do anything without seeing you first. Especially not
this..." Julian trailed off.
"Julian, I'm scared. I'm scared that something's going to happen to you
tomorrow, and I'll be left here all alone." Sakura confessed, as tears
welled up in her eyes and silently ran down her cheeks.
"Sakura, it's all right. It's all right." Julian said softly, stroking
her hair. He held his princess in a tight embrace.
"Listen to me, Sakura," he said after a long silent moment, lifting her
chin. "I give you my word that I won't leave you." He pulled a small
object out from one of his pockets. It was a ring, the blue stone
glinting in the moonlight. Sakura was enchanted by the beauty of the
glorious piece of jewelry.
"Keep this ring, and remember my promise," the eighteen-year-old prince
replied sincerely as he slipped it on his love's finger.
"Thank you, Julian," Sakura gasped. "I'll never take it off."
As the two once again embraced, Sakura mentioned to Julian that he had
better get home and get some sleep. "Are you sure you'll be all right?"
he asked. "I'll stay here all night if that is what you wish."
"Although I would like that, it would be selfish of me. Go on. I'll be
fine," Sakura insisted, glancing down at her ring.
"Farewell then, my princess," Julian said as he reluctantly turned back
towards his home.
Suddenly, he stopped and took the princess's hand. "Remember, Sakura.
If our army should be kept away long by this war, all you have to do is
look up at the Moon whenever you feel lonely."
Sakura was at a loss for words, her eyes welling up again. She didn't
know if she was able to take anymore talk of him leaving and saying
goodbye to her.
"Just keep in mind that we're under the same Sky, and the same Moon,"
her prince continued. His dark eyes met her emerald green ones. "And
that we'll be looking into the same Stars. Those beautiful twinkling
orbs up there that compete with the beautiful twinkle in yours. They
watch down on us, along with with the Moon, providing comfort and
tranquility." He cracked a grin. "Just remember that, Sakura."
Sakura blushed a pretty shade of pink and replied, "I will, Julian."
He quickly kissed her and took off running down the bridge, to the
Underground passage that would take him home.
* * *
The hot, brilliant rays of the sun was just rising against the fading
night sky when Tamahome headed to the back of the castle to the horse
stables. His black horse, Shapeshifter, fussed impatiently as Tamahome
unlocked the old wooden door to let him out.
Tamahome sighed and petted Shapeshifter's muzzle. He was too anxious to
sleep and was the first to get up. He climbed up onto his horse and
looked up at the castle looming over the trees. All he could think of
now was Miaka. The one girl he would lay down his life for. Of course,
he would lay down his life for the princess, for it was his duty, but
he also loved Miaka more than words can say.
"You're up a bit early," replied a cocky baritone voice from behind
Tamahome.
The head of the order of the knights of the Enigma court whirled around
in surprise and found himself looking down at Tori, a dark-haired
knight who was one of the most respected warriors in the empire. Tori
walked over to his horse's stable to let him out. "Ready for battle?"
he asked.
Tamahome nodded, his face solemn. "I'm more than ready."
Tori mounted his white horse, Gaea, and glanced at his friend and
fellow knight. "Then what are we waiting for?"
Taka looked back once again at the castle where his favorite
brown-haired court princess was sleeping. "I'm waiting for the right
time," he answered quietly.
* * *
It was later that morning, and Miaka was still in bed. She groggily
rolled over to her stomach and buried her face in her pillow. She could
hear the rhythmic pounding of the horses' hooves and urgent shouts of
men outside the open window.
Miaka suddenly sat up and faced the sky outside. She climbed out of bed
and ran toward it and looked down at the stables, where men were
getting on their steeds and rushing out the palace gates to Lea Field.
"Tasuki," she murmured to herself, stricken look on her face. "Did he
leave already? And not tell me?"
Miaka found herself rushing out of Tasuki's chambers and down the
long, creaky spiral staircase at the end of the wing. She pushed past
servants and other court royalty and stumbled down the grand staircase.
There were people darting around, blubbering about the knights'
leaving, getting reports on the Macabre troops in the meadows,
answering questions for the women and children who wanted know about
the war. The Empress had allowed villagers to stay in the protective
interiors of the castle just in case the battle happened to extend over
into the towns.
Miaka ran out the palace doors in her bare feet into the bright morning
sunlight and sprinted to her left. She saw in the near distance the
stables, with the knights preparing for their battle.
"Tasuki!" She yelled desperately. She took a quick look around her.
There was no sign of her beloved anywhere. Panic rose in her throat.
She cried out his name again. 'He can't be gone already,' Miaka said
silently to herself. 'He would never just disappear, would he?'
Just then, the Empress's advisor, Keisuke, hurried out into the stable
area with an urgent look on his face. "The enemy troops have started
invading Timbergrove! Everyone out here must either leave for battle or
go inside immediately! We all must take precautions!"
The knights went into a more frenzied hurry and galloped their horses
right past Miaka, who just stood there, her face and mind blank.
"Miaka?"
Miaka whirled around at the sound of her name and came face to face
with the one person she was looking for. He was fully dressed in his
dark green battle tunic with brown boots. He was standing next to his
horse, Cynder, and holding her reins. He had a surprised look on his
face.
"Tasuki!" She exclaimed joyously and gave him a great hug. "Oh,
Great Fortuna, I thought you left without saying good-bye to me!"
Tasuki stiffened in her hold. The maiden pulled away to look at him, an
unreadable look on her face. The knight looked remorsefully to the
floor.
"That was your intention, wasn't it?" she asked. Her eyes became glassy
as she added, "Why would you do that?"
Tasuki opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Why did
he just leave her without a farewell? Was it the pain of the last
good-bye before he would go out for an unpredictable battle? Was it the
fear of seeing his beloved's tears?
Suddenly, he felt Miaka's arms encircle him once again. "It doesn't
matter anyway," she replied blissfully, closing her eyes as she rested
her head against Tasuki's chest. "I just hope you fight a great battle
and come home a hero."
"Oh, Miaka," he whispered, stroking her back gently. He breathed in the
sweet flowery scent of her silky hair. Then, without warning, he heard
a cry. It was coming from Miaka. He looked down and saw that she was
sobbing. His maiden pushed herself away and quickly turned around to
wipe away her tears, trying to regain her composure. "I-I'm sorry," she
stammered. "I didn't mean to cry...it's just that I don't want to see
you leave me here..."
"Don't apologize," he said, touching her wet cheek lightly with the
back of his hand. "And don't cry. I hate seeing you so sad. It just
breaks my heart."
This made Miaka weep even more. Tears slid down her cheeks rapidly, one
right after another. Tasuki put his hands on her shoulders and kissed
the tears away. His usually laughing amber eyes were now solemn as they
bore into her green ones. "I swear to you, my love," he replied
softly, his voice serious and husky. His hands found their way to hers
and they entertwined, not wanting to let go. "I will return to you
after all this bloodshed is over and not one of the Macabre troops is
alive. And then," he added, seeing that Miaka was about to break down
once again. He leaned into her ear and whispered, "I will take you as
my beautiful bride."
Miaka let out a small laugh as a single tear managed to slide down her
face. She gave Tasuki's hands a squeeze. "You were never good at
keeping your promises," she answered him softly.
Tasuki felt a painful ache in his heart. He didn't want to admit to her
that it was true. Instead, he grabbed Miaka by the waist and gave her a
long, passionate kiss. Miaka responded by sliding her hands to the nape
of his neck.
That was when Tamahome came onto the scene, watching the two lovebirds.
He slowed Shapeshifter down, closely eyeing Miaka and Tasuki. The
knight and the maiden didn't seem to notice the onlooker behind them in
the background. Tamahome felt that familiar pang in his chest as he
always did when he accidently found himself seeing his beloved Miaka
with the fiery-haired knight.
"God bless, Tasuki," Miaka replied in a quiet voice as she gave him one
final hug. "May the Moon guide you through the war."
"Lady Miaka!"
Tasuki, Miaka, and even Tamahome turned to see Keisuke running up to
them. The advisor grabbed Miaka's arm gently, pulling her away from
Tasuki's arms. "You must stay inside, madam. You won't know when danger
will come this way."
Miaka looked from Keisuke to Tasuki. The knight backed away slowly,
mouthing an "I love you" to the court princess. Tamahome trotted
Shapeshifter up to Keisuke and Miaka just as Tasuki mounted his horse
and left to get suited into his armor.
"Tamahome," Miaka said as she saw him. "You're still here?"
"I was waiting for you to get up," he replied.
Miaka's eyes widened for a moment. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize..."
"No," he answered softly, cutting her off. "Don't apologize. We are
both here now, that's all that matters."
The Empress's advisor watched them carefully and figured they would
want some privacy. "Madam," he said. "Come inside immediately as soon
you are finished with your business." He spun on his heel and headed
inside the palace.
"What is it that you want, Tamahome?" Miaka asked as soon as Keisuke
left.
"I just..." he started. He got off his horse and faced his lifelong
friend and former lover with discomfort. "I just wanted to say good-bye
to you before I leave."
Miaka giggled. "You sound like you're never going to come back."
"You never know," he answered, a small smile playing on his face.
"Don't say things like that," said the maiden, her voice breaking. "I
know you much better than that. You're such a good person."
"We've been best friends since we were little," she continued, "And I
have always loved you."
"Really?"
"Not in the way that I love Tasuki," she responded, "but we've gone
through a lot together. I don't want to lose you."
"Miaka..."
Suddenly, a bright white light blinded their vision. Miaka backed away
in fright. "What was that?!" she cried fearfully.
Tamahome narrowed his eyes. "It's coming from the meadows. Macabre is
using magic to cause some sort of trouble." He turned to the maiden.
"Don't worry," he added. "I'll make sure we won't lose." He hopped on
Shapeshifter and proceeded to head into battle.
"You're leaving now?" Miaka asked.
The knight stopped. "I must," he responded, not turning his head.
"Farewell, Miaka."
Miaka didn't want to speak, for fear that the words that would come out
of her mouth would beg her friend to stay. Tamahome stayed a second
longer and then left, his horse breaking into a run.
Tamahome looked back at her once again as he was slowly getting further
and further away from his home. "I love you, Miaka," he whispered as
he rode off.
Miaka closed the great doors behind her and leaned against them. She
was now alone. Her boyfriend and her best friend are gone and might
never be seen again. Tears started streaming down her cheeks for what
seemed like the millionth time. Best friends? Tamahome was her only
other real friend besides Tasuki.
* * *
After he had heard the news about Timbergrove's invasion, Zachary was
the first to report there. He glanced behind him and saw only a few
fellow knights doing the same. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted
a strange white light coming from Lea. "Macabre," he muttered angrily.
"Them and their damn magic." He proceeded his horse to move faster, but
suddenly pulled on them hard, causing his steed, Avalanche, to rear up.
"Whoa, boy!" he exclaimed, trying to comfort him. He looked down at the
familiar figure in front of him. The person backed against a nearby
tree, afraid of the fussy horse. After the sixteen-year-old knight
had managed to calm his horse down, he dismounted and squinted at the
young individual who caused him to stop. It was a teenage girl, and she
looked awfully familiar to him.
The girl, who was dressed in a thin brown cloak, removed her arms from
above her head and looked up at the knight who stared down at her.
She indeed looked familiar to Zachary. She was the young woman he had
saved from a thief that had snuck over into her hometown in Wildwood.
He had seen and talked to her several times. She was always alone and
often talked to forest animals as if they had their own language.
Zachary always came around to protect her in case something might
happen since the sixteen-year-old girl was by herself all the time.
"Sir Zachary?" the girl, Chelsea, asked. She slowly pulled herself away
from the tree. Since the forest was dark and little light shone
through, neither Zachary or Chelsea didn't know if those were truly
each other's identities. The knight stepped closer. The other knights
heading to Timbergrove sped by, oblivious to the other warrior who
stopped in the middle of the path.
"What are you doing out here?" Zachary asked sternly. "You shouldn't
be outside alone, especially since there are Macabre troops just up
north."
"Sir, I was just going to the meadows--"
"Aren't you aware of the battle?" Zachary interrupted. "If you step
foot out there, you could get killed, either by sword or by sorcery."
"I know, sir," Chelsea answered, growing in fear of the knight's strict
tone. "But my younger brother, Chiriko, had just left for Massif. We
tried to make him stay, but that boy is so stubborn..." she started
break into tears. She tried to stop, since she didn't want to cry in
front of him, but she couldn't help it.
Zachary moved to put his arms around her, even with his hard armor on.
"I'm sure he will be all right," Zachary replied gently. "You just
make sure you keep yourself safe. Go back into town."
They parted from their hug. Chelsea looked up at the knight shyly.
"Thank you, sir, for everything," she replied, starting to head back
home.
"Don't call me sir," Zachary answered her. "Zachary is just fine."
"As you wish, Zachary."
He grinned at her and finally moved toward his impatient horse. "I will
see you when this is all over," he said. He mounted Avalanche.
"Zachary?" Chelsea suddenly asked. She looked longingly at his
departing figure. She wanted to confess, right there, that she loved
him. That she had fallen for him since the day he saved her from being
killed by that thief. She wanted to tell him before it was too late.
"Yes?" he asked, turning toward her.
Chelsea was brave enough to cross Lea Field during a war, face the
most dangerous animals in the land, fight a thief although she would
most likely lose, and sacrifice anything to save a life, but
unfortunately, she didn't have enough courage to say "I love you."
"Good luck in the battle," she muttered slowly.
* * *
"Your Highness, we must go NOW," cried out Suboshi, the head of the
order of the knights of the Summit Kingdom. The rest of the knights
were already leaving for the battlefield.
Julian turned his attention him. "Of course, of course," he murmured.
He looked back in the direction of Sanctuary, hoping his beloved
princess was safe.
"Your Highness," Suboshi pressed impatiently. "Timbergrove has already
been invaded by Macabre. If we don't get to battle now, we won't have
enough land to defend."
A bright light suddenly crossed everyone's vision. "What in Fortuna's
name is that?" Julian questioned cautiously.
Suboshi stared hard at where the flash came from. "I don't know, Your
Highness." His grey horse, Crescent, shifted uncomfortably beneath him.
Hotohori just then rode up to the two of them. "Suboshi, Your
Highness," he started urgently, nodding at each of them. "There has
been word about the knights and other warriors coming from the Crag
Alps."
Julian looked at him skeptically. "Go on," he urged.
"We are short on troops," he reported. "The knights from the Alps have
sided with Macabre, along with most of its residents."
Suboshi's eyes widened. "This is not good," he murmured. "This is
definitely not good..."
"The best we can do is rely on Enigma to give their all, as well as the
rest of us here," replied Hotohori.
"I'm leaving," Suboshi scoffed heatedly. "Many of our troops came from
Crag Alps.Macabre is FULL of soldiers, plus mages and our traitors.
They must be stopped immediately." He turned toward the direction of
the field, the morning sun casting him as a silhouette. He rode off
quickly, leaving Prince Julian and Hotohori staring after him in
silence.
"Tell me something, Hotohori," Julian said finally.
"Of course, Sire," replied the knight.
"How did we get knights from the Alps? I thought they had refused."
"We bribed them, Sire."
Julian looked alarmed. "But that's horrible! This is not how getting
knights into training works. You can't force people to work for you!
That clearly shows poorness in ruling a kingdom! This is my father's
doing, isn't it? I mean, we never had Alps knights here before..."
"Yes, Sire."
Tetsuya trotted up beside him. "We better get a move on. As far as we
know, Macabre knights could be heading down toward Sanctuary right
now."
Julian was scared to think of Sakura being captured by those evil
Macabre knights. "We must leave now, then!" He galloped quickly into
the mountain paths, with Hotohori and Tetsuya following closely behind.
* * *
Li didn't know how the master blacksmith and artisan got him into this.
He didn't want to fight in the war, he didn't want to see any blood...
he would rather sit in front of the hot fire in the forge all day.
He sighed dejectedly. He didn't have any fancy armor like those of the
knights of the Sanctuary Palace. All he had was a chocolate-brown tunic
to match the chocolate-brown of his unruly hair and piercing eyes.
"Li," called Mitsukake, the blacksmith of Enigma. "It's time."
The apprentice slowly got up from the small stool he was sitting in.
"Yes, sir," he answered. He took his sword from the table and put it
on his belt. He walked outside and found his master standing in between
two horses, one black and one a light apricot color.
"Take Echo," Mitsukake replied, pointing to the smaller black horse.
"Follow me and then we'll get going."
That was Mitsukake. Always succinct, always right to the point. Do what
he says and you'll be fine. No confusion, no difficulties. Li had
enough of simplicity. He wanted something more. He hopped on Echo as
Mitsukake hopped on the other horse, Demeter. They started riding out
of their home in Wildwood.
"You may only be sixteen--"
"I turn seventeen in two days," Li interrupted.
"Yes," Mitsukake said, "but I feel as though you are more ready to face
anything in this world than I had ever hoped."
"Hn," Li grunted.
"Now this is your biggest challenge, my apprentice," Mitsukake droned
on, "War. This is the most dangerous one as well. One of us may not be
able to survive this one. But it's a good thing I have taught you most
of the things you need to know to become a smith. If you're stuck, then
ask one of the neighbors. They have watched me long enough to know
what's going on." A tear that escaped his eye went unnoticed.
Li smirked at him.
"But that's assuming I won't come back," the blacksmith added. "Now if
it were you, however..."
The orphaned boy turned white at the thought of dying in a battle he
didn't want to participate in. He let Mitsukake go on about whatever he
felt like talking about, trying to bring Li's spirits up about
fighting. So far it wasn't working for the pessimistic apprentice.
"It's the princess, boy," replied Mitsukake.
Li's head snapped up. "Princess Sakura? What is she doing out here?"
Mitsukake shrugged. "You never know with those nobles."
Sure enough, right ahead of them, at the border of Wildwood was
Princess Sakura herself, flanked by two stone-faced guards. The smith
and his apprentice dismounted their horses and bowed before her.
Li for some reason couldn't keep his eyes away from her. She was so
beautiful. Although she had a petite frame, he got the impression that
she was hugely powerful.
"Mastersmith Mitsukake," she muttered politely. She turned to the boy
next to him. She locked eyes with him and started feeling somehow
mesmerized. "Who's this?" she asked.
"My apprentice, Li," Mitsukake answered in his deep voice as he and the
boy stood up. Mitsukake pushed him forward so that Li was inches away
from Sakura. "Uh," Li started. He suddenly grew bashful. He looked down
at her gorgeous emerald green eyes and felt like he was going to melt
away. What is he supposed to do? Needless to say, Sakura somehow felt
the same way he did. She couldn't move. She was so hypnotized by the
depths of his coffee-colored eyes. She and the apprentice were standing
silently before each other, unaware of the time passing by.
"What are you doing in town, Your Highness?" Mitsukake broke in. Li and
Sakura jumped at the sudden sound of his voice.
"I-I wanted to see the villagers off," She stuttered.
"That so?" the blacksmith questioned. "Well, you better be careful. The
Macabre knights already have gotten a hold of the townspeople up in
Timbergrove."
"I am aware of that," she replied, looking down at the ground.
"We have to get going," Mitsukake muttered cautiously, staring off into
the distance. Li looked at the shocked look on his master's face and
followed his gaze. There was a blinding light shining from Lea. Sakura
too, was staring at it. "It's Macabre," she murmured. "They were
performing some kind of spell." It then suddenly disappeared, leaving
them all in wonder.
"Your Majesty, we must head back to the palace now," one of the guards
said, untying his horse's reins from a nearby post. He help the
princess up the horse climbed on himself. His partner did the same.
Sakura looked back at Li, who was staring intently at her. "Fight a
good battle," she said quickly, and they were off.
"Come on, boy," called out Mitsukake enthusiastically, climbing upon
Demeter. "We have a war to win."
Li shook himself out of his trance and mounted Echo. He was strangely
moved by meeting Princess Sakura. There was this feeling of yearning
he could not explain. It felt so new to him, and he liked it.
"I'll fight for you, my princess," he whispered at her distant figure.
"And I will make you mine."
*********************************
DISCLAIMERS - We do not own any of the characters in this story, or the shows they came from.
Clamp, Kodansha, Yu Watase, etc. etc. - they own it all.
**********************************
CARMINA BURANA ~ CHAPTER 1
O FORTUNA, VELUT LUNA
(O FORTUNE, A VARIABLE MOON)
By Sorceress Elcyion and *Aeris*
**********************************
A soft patter of bare feet can faintly be heard throughout the dark
hallways of the southern wing's chambers. A dim candlelight lit up the
cold, dank halls as a brown-haired seventeen-year-old walked in a
slightly quick pace to her love's room with the long, crimson red silk
robe she wore over her light pink nightgown trailing behind her.
Suddenly, the girl stopped in front of two oak doors. She took a deep
breath and twisted the rusty copper knob. She pushed the door open
slightly and snuck in. She stared dreamily at the red-haired man
sleeping peacefully in the large, white canopy bed in the room. The
girl crept to her beloved's bedside and gazed fondly at his handsome
face. She set the white candle on his bedside table and sat on the edge
of the soft mattress.
The man stirred. He slowly opened his eyes and focused on the extra
weight set beside him. "Miaka," he breathed sleepily.
Miaka smiled and laid down next to him. The man, Tasuki, wrapped his
arms around her held the girl close to him. "It's late," he replied
quietly. "What are you doing here?"
"Nothing," was Miaka's answer. She closed her eyes and snuggled closer
to Tasuki. "I just want to stay with you tonight."
"This is about tomorrow morning, isn't it?" Tasuki asked, grinning
slightly.
Miaka pulled away a bit to look at him. "Do you really have to go to
the battle?" she questioned sadly.
The red-haired man sighed. "You know I have to leave for war. I'm a
knight of the Enigma Kingdom--our kingdom. It's my duty to fight for
everyone's safety."
"I'm so...scared...for you..." Miaka responded, her voice drifting
off. She was sounded incredibly tired. "Scared...that..." She stopped.
"Scared that what?" Tasuki asked gently. He didn't get an answer. He
looked closely at Miaka and noticed that she had fallen asleep. Tasuki
stroked Miaka's thick brown hair once and relaxed against the soft
cushions and the girl in his arms, eventually falling asleep as well.
* * *
Outside the doors of Tasuki's chambers stood another young man,
Tamahome. He had been watching and listening through the small crack in
the door. His heart ached painfully at Miaka's devotion to Tasuki. He
remembered what it was like before, when Tasuki and Miaka barely knew
each other. HE was Miaka's lover. THEY had been in love. But Miaka felt
that she was more comfortable around Tamahome as her best friend, like
he had been to her at the very beginning.
Tamahome couldn't move on after that. He was still in love with Miaka.
But it was a one-sided feeling that was never returned. Miaka fell
deeply in love with Tasuki ever since he saved her from a panther
roaming around nearby mountains when she was visiting Timbergrove. From
then on, he knew she would never come back to him. He closed the door
gently and made his way back to his sleeping quarters. He needed some
sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day for everyone.
* * *
There she was, standing on the bridge, staring over into the silvery
water, glowing from the light of the full moon. Her gossamer dress
shimmered a pale green, representing the forest color of her kingdom.
"Sakura?" Julian asked cautiously. He didn't want to disturb any deep
thoughts she might be having.
The sixteen-year-old princess of the Enigma Kingdom looked up with a
start. "Julian!" she cried, running towards him and wrapping her arms
around his neck. "I'm so glad you're here. I didn't know if I would see
you again."
Earlier that day, Sakura and Julian had seen each other for only a
brief moment. Julian was at the Sanctuary Palace, with several other
knights, for a conference with Sakura's widowed mother, Empress Subaru.
They had started to speak, but before they could get close to each
other, Julian was summoned for the conference.
"I wouldn't ever do anything without seeing you first. Especially not
this..." Julian trailed off.
"Julian, I'm scared. I'm scared that something's going to happen to you
tomorrow, and I'll be left here all alone." Sakura confessed, as tears
welled up in her eyes and silently ran down her cheeks.
"Sakura, it's all right. It's all right." Julian said softly, stroking
her hair. He held his princess in a tight embrace.
"Listen to me, Sakura," he said after a long silent moment, lifting her
chin. "I give you my word that I won't leave you." He pulled a small
object out from one of his pockets. It was a ring, the blue stone
glinting in the moonlight. Sakura was enchanted by the beauty of the
glorious piece of jewelry.
"Keep this ring, and remember my promise," the eighteen-year-old prince
replied sincerely as he slipped it on his love's finger.
"Thank you, Julian," Sakura gasped. "I'll never take it off."
As the two once again embraced, Sakura mentioned to Julian that he had
better get home and get some sleep. "Are you sure you'll be all right?"
he asked. "I'll stay here all night if that is what you wish."
"Although I would like that, it would be selfish of me. Go on. I'll be
fine," Sakura insisted, glancing down at her ring.
"Farewell then, my princess," Julian said as he reluctantly turned back
towards his home.
Suddenly, he stopped and took the princess's hand. "Remember, Sakura.
If our army should be kept away long by this war, all you have to do is
look up at the Moon whenever you feel lonely."
Sakura was at a loss for words, her eyes welling up again. She didn't
know if she was able to take anymore talk of him leaving and saying
goodbye to her.
"Just keep in mind that we're under the same Sky, and the same Moon,"
her prince continued. His dark eyes met her emerald green ones. "And
that we'll be looking into the same Stars. Those beautiful twinkling
orbs up there that compete with the beautiful twinkle in yours. They
watch down on us, along with with the Moon, providing comfort and
tranquility." He cracked a grin. "Just remember that, Sakura."
Sakura blushed a pretty shade of pink and replied, "I will, Julian."
He quickly kissed her and took off running down the bridge, to the
Underground passage that would take him home.
* * *
The hot, brilliant rays of the sun was just rising against the fading
night sky when Tamahome headed to the back of the castle to the horse
stables. His black horse, Shapeshifter, fussed impatiently as Tamahome
unlocked the old wooden door to let him out.
Tamahome sighed and petted Shapeshifter's muzzle. He was too anxious to
sleep and was the first to get up. He climbed up onto his horse and
looked up at the castle looming over the trees. All he could think of
now was Miaka. The one girl he would lay down his life for. Of course,
he would lay down his life for the princess, for it was his duty, but
he also loved Miaka more than words can say.
"You're up a bit early," replied a cocky baritone voice from behind
Tamahome.
The head of the order of the knights of the Enigma court whirled around
in surprise and found himself looking down at Tori, a dark-haired
knight who was one of the most respected warriors in the empire. Tori
walked over to his horse's stable to let him out. "Ready for battle?"
he asked.
Tamahome nodded, his face solemn. "I'm more than ready."
Tori mounted his white horse, Gaea, and glanced at his friend and
fellow knight. "Then what are we waiting for?"
Taka looked back once again at the castle where his favorite
brown-haired court princess was sleeping. "I'm waiting for the right
time," he answered quietly.
* * *
It was later that morning, and Miaka was still in bed. She groggily
rolled over to her stomach and buried her face in her pillow. She could
hear the rhythmic pounding of the horses' hooves and urgent shouts of
men outside the open window.
Miaka suddenly sat up and faced the sky outside. She climbed out of bed
and ran toward it and looked down at the stables, where men were
getting on their steeds and rushing out the palace gates to Lea Field.
"Tasuki," she murmured to herself, stricken look on her face. "Did he
leave already? And not tell me?"
Miaka found herself rushing out of Tasuki's chambers and down the
long, creaky spiral staircase at the end of the wing. She pushed past
servants and other court royalty and stumbled down the grand staircase.
There were people darting around, blubbering about the knights'
leaving, getting reports on the Macabre troops in the meadows,
answering questions for the women and children who wanted know about
the war. The Empress had allowed villagers to stay in the protective
interiors of the castle just in case the battle happened to extend over
into the towns.
Miaka ran out the palace doors in her bare feet into the bright morning
sunlight and sprinted to her left. She saw in the near distance the
stables, with the knights preparing for their battle.
"Tasuki!" She yelled desperately. She took a quick look around her.
There was no sign of her beloved anywhere. Panic rose in her throat.
She cried out his name again. 'He can't be gone already,' Miaka said
silently to herself. 'He would never just disappear, would he?'
Just then, the Empress's advisor, Keisuke, hurried out into the stable
area with an urgent look on his face. "The enemy troops have started
invading Timbergrove! Everyone out here must either leave for battle or
go inside immediately! We all must take precautions!"
The knights went into a more frenzied hurry and galloped their horses
right past Miaka, who just stood there, her face and mind blank.
"Miaka?"
Miaka whirled around at the sound of her name and came face to face
with the one person she was looking for. He was fully dressed in his
dark green battle tunic with brown boots. He was standing next to his
horse, Cynder, and holding her reins. He had a surprised look on his
face.
"Tasuki!" She exclaimed joyously and gave him a great hug. "Oh,
Great Fortuna, I thought you left without saying good-bye to me!"
Tasuki stiffened in her hold. The maiden pulled away to look at him, an
unreadable look on her face. The knight looked remorsefully to the
floor.
"That was your intention, wasn't it?" she asked. Her eyes became glassy
as she added, "Why would you do that?"
Tasuki opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Why did
he just leave her without a farewell? Was it the pain of the last
good-bye before he would go out for an unpredictable battle? Was it the
fear of seeing his beloved's tears?
Suddenly, he felt Miaka's arms encircle him once again. "It doesn't
matter anyway," she replied blissfully, closing her eyes as she rested
her head against Tasuki's chest. "I just hope you fight a great battle
and come home a hero."
"Oh, Miaka," he whispered, stroking her back gently. He breathed in the
sweet flowery scent of her silky hair. Then, without warning, he heard
a cry. It was coming from Miaka. He looked down and saw that she was
sobbing. His maiden pushed herself away and quickly turned around to
wipe away her tears, trying to regain her composure. "I-I'm sorry," she
stammered. "I didn't mean to cry...it's just that I don't want to see
you leave me here..."
"Don't apologize," he said, touching her wet cheek lightly with the
back of his hand. "And don't cry. I hate seeing you so sad. It just
breaks my heart."
This made Miaka weep even more. Tears slid down her cheeks rapidly, one
right after another. Tasuki put his hands on her shoulders and kissed
the tears away. His usually laughing amber eyes were now solemn as they
bore into her green ones. "I swear to you, my love," he replied
softly, his voice serious and husky. His hands found their way to hers
and they entertwined, not wanting to let go. "I will return to you
after all this bloodshed is over and not one of the Macabre troops is
alive. And then," he added, seeing that Miaka was about to break down
once again. He leaned into her ear and whispered, "I will take you as
my beautiful bride."
Miaka let out a small laugh as a single tear managed to slide down her
face. She gave Tasuki's hands a squeeze. "You were never good at
keeping your promises," she answered him softly.
Tasuki felt a painful ache in his heart. He didn't want to admit to her
that it was true. Instead, he grabbed Miaka by the waist and gave her a
long, passionate kiss. Miaka responded by sliding her hands to the nape
of his neck.
That was when Tamahome came onto the scene, watching the two lovebirds.
He slowed Shapeshifter down, closely eyeing Miaka and Tasuki. The
knight and the maiden didn't seem to notice the onlooker behind them in
the background. Tamahome felt that familiar pang in his chest as he
always did when he accidently found himself seeing his beloved Miaka
with the fiery-haired knight.
"God bless, Tasuki," Miaka replied in a quiet voice as she gave him one
final hug. "May the Moon guide you through the war."
"Lady Miaka!"
Tasuki, Miaka, and even Tamahome turned to see Keisuke running up to
them. The advisor grabbed Miaka's arm gently, pulling her away from
Tasuki's arms. "You must stay inside, madam. You won't know when danger
will come this way."
Miaka looked from Keisuke to Tasuki. The knight backed away slowly,
mouthing an "I love you" to the court princess. Tamahome trotted
Shapeshifter up to Keisuke and Miaka just as Tasuki mounted his horse
and left to get suited into his armor.
"Tamahome," Miaka said as she saw him. "You're still here?"
"I was waiting for you to get up," he replied.
Miaka's eyes widened for a moment. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize..."
"No," he answered softly, cutting her off. "Don't apologize. We are
both here now, that's all that matters."
The Empress's advisor watched them carefully and figured they would
want some privacy. "Madam," he said. "Come inside immediately as soon
you are finished with your business." He spun on his heel and headed
inside the palace.
"What is it that you want, Tamahome?" Miaka asked as soon as Keisuke
left.
"I just..." he started. He got off his horse and faced his lifelong
friend and former lover with discomfort. "I just wanted to say good-bye
to you before I leave."
Miaka giggled. "You sound like you're never going to come back."
"You never know," he answered, a small smile playing on his face.
"Don't say things like that," said the maiden, her voice breaking. "I
know you much better than that. You're such a good person."
"We've been best friends since we were little," she continued, "And I
have always loved you."
"Really?"
"Not in the way that I love Tasuki," she responded, "but we've gone
through a lot together. I don't want to lose you."
"Miaka..."
Suddenly, a bright white light blinded their vision. Miaka backed away
in fright. "What was that?!" she cried fearfully.
Tamahome narrowed his eyes. "It's coming from the meadows. Macabre is
using magic to cause some sort of trouble." He turned to the maiden.
"Don't worry," he added. "I'll make sure we won't lose." He hopped on
Shapeshifter and proceeded to head into battle.
"You're leaving now?" Miaka asked.
The knight stopped. "I must," he responded, not turning his head.
"Farewell, Miaka."
Miaka didn't want to speak, for fear that the words that would come out
of her mouth would beg her friend to stay. Tamahome stayed a second
longer and then left, his horse breaking into a run.
Tamahome looked back at her once again as he was slowly getting further
and further away from his home. "I love you, Miaka," he whispered as
he rode off.
Miaka closed the great doors behind her and leaned against them. She
was now alone. Her boyfriend and her best friend are gone and might
never be seen again. Tears started streaming down her cheeks for what
seemed like the millionth time. Best friends? Tamahome was her only
other real friend besides Tasuki.
* * *
After he had heard the news about Timbergrove's invasion, Zachary was
the first to report there. He glanced behind him and saw only a few
fellow knights doing the same. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted
a strange white light coming from Lea. "Macabre," he muttered angrily.
"Them and their damn magic." He proceeded his horse to move faster, but
suddenly pulled on them hard, causing his steed, Avalanche, to rear up.
"Whoa, boy!" he exclaimed, trying to comfort him. He looked down at the
familiar figure in front of him. The person backed against a nearby
tree, afraid of the fussy horse. After the sixteen-year-old knight
had managed to calm his horse down, he dismounted and squinted at the
young individual who caused him to stop. It was a teenage girl, and she
looked awfully familiar to him.
The girl, who was dressed in a thin brown cloak, removed her arms from
above her head and looked up at the knight who stared down at her.
She indeed looked familiar to Zachary. She was the young woman he had
saved from a thief that had snuck over into her hometown in Wildwood.
He had seen and talked to her several times. She was always alone and
often talked to forest animals as if they had their own language.
Zachary always came around to protect her in case something might
happen since the sixteen-year-old girl was by herself all the time.
"Sir Zachary?" the girl, Chelsea, asked. She slowly pulled herself away
from the tree. Since the forest was dark and little light shone
through, neither Zachary or Chelsea didn't know if those were truly
each other's identities. The knight stepped closer. The other knights
heading to Timbergrove sped by, oblivious to the other warrior who
stopped in the middle of the path.
"What are you doing out here?" Zachary asked sternly. "You shouldn't
be outside alone, especially since there are Macabre troops just up
north."
"Sir, I was just going to the meadows--"
"Aren't you aware of the battle?" Zachary interrupted. "If you step
foot out there, you could get killed, either by sword or by sorcery."
"I know, sir," Chelsea answered, growing in fear of the knight's strict
tone. "But my younger brother, Chiriko, had just left for Massif. We
tried to make him stay, but that boy is so stubborn..." she started
break into tears. She tried to stop, since she didn't want to cry in
front of him, but she couldn't help it.
Zachary moved to put his arms around her, even with his hard armor on.
"I'm sure he will be all right," Zachary replied gently. "You just
make sure you keep yourself safe. Go back into town."
They parted from their hug. Chelsea looked up at the knight shyly.
"Thank you, sir, for everything," she replied, starting to head back
home.
"Don't call me sir," Zachary answered her. "Zachary is just fine."
"As you wish, Zachary."
He grinned at her and finally moved toward his impatient horse. "I will
see you when this is all over," he said. He mounted Avalanche.
"Zachary?" Chelsea suddenly asked. She looked longingly at his
departing figure. She wanted to confess, right there, that she loved
him. That she had fallen for him since the day he saved her from being
killed by that thief. She wanted to tell him before it was too late.
"Yes?" he asked, turning toward her.
Chelsea was brave enough to cross Lea Field during a war, face the
most dangerous animals in the land, fight a thief although she would
most likely lose, and sacrifice anything to save a life, but
unfortunately, she didn't have enough courage to say "I love you."
"Good luck in the battle," she muttered slowly.
* * *
"Your Highness, we must go NOW," cried out Suboshi, the head of the
order of the knights of the Summit Kingdom. The rest of the knights
were already leaving for the battlefield.
Julian turned his attention him. "Of course, of course," he murmured.
He looked back in the direction of Sanctuary, hoping his beloved
princess was safe.
"Your Highness," Suboshi pressed impatiently. "Timbergrove has already
been invaded by Macabre. If we don't get to battle now, we won't have
enough land to defend."
A bright light suddenly crossed everyone's vision. "What in Fortuna's
name is that?" Julian questioned cautiously.
Suboshi stared hard at where the flash came from. "I don't know, Your
Highness." His grey horse, Crescent, shifted uncomfortably beneath him.
Hotohori just then rode up to the two of them. "Suboshi, Your
Highness," he started urgently, nodding at each of them. "There has
been word about the knights and other warriors coming from the Crag
Alps."
Julian looked at him skeptically. "Go on," he urged.
"We are short on troops," he reported. "The knights from the Alps have
sided with Macabre, along with most of its residents."
Suboshi's eyes widened. "This is not good," he murmured. "This is
definitely not good..."
"The best we can do is rely on Enigma to give their all, as well as the
rest of us here," replied Hotohori.
"I'm leaving," Suboshi scoffed heatedly. "Many of our troops came from
Crag Alps.Macabre is FULL of soldiers, plus mages and our traitors.
They must be stopped immediately." He turned toward the direction of
the field, the morning sun casting him as a silhouette. He rode off
quickly, leaving Prince Julian and Hotohori staring after him in
silence.
"Tell me something, Hotohori," Julian said finally.
"Of course, Sire," replied the knight.
"How did we get knights from the Alps? I thought they had refused."
"We bribed them, Sire."
Julian looked alarmed. "But that's horrible! This is not how getting
knights into training works. You can't force people to work for you!
That clearly shows poorness in ruling a kingdom! This is my father's
doing, isn't it? I mean, we never had Alps knights here before..."
"Yes, Sire."
Tetsuya trotted up beside him. "We better get a move on. As far as we
know, Macabre knights could be heading down toward Sanctuary right
now."
Julian was scared to think of Sakura being captured by those evil
Macabre knights. "We must leave now, then!" He galloped quickly into
the mountain paths, with Hotohori and Tetsuya following closely behind.
* * *
Li didn't know how the master blacksmith and artisan got him into this.
He didn't want to fight in the war, he didn't want to see any blood...
he would rather sit in front of the hot fire in the forge all day.
He sighed dejectedly. He didn't have any fancy armor like those of the
knights of the Sanctuary Palace. All he had was a chocolate-brown tunic
to match the chocolate-brown of his unruly hair and piercing eyes.
"Li," called Mitsukake, the blacksmith of Enigma. "It's time."
The apprentice slowly got up from the small stool he was sitting in.
"Yes, sir," he answered. He took his sword from the table and put it
on his belt. He walked outside and found his master standing in between
two horses, one black and one a light apricot color.
"Take Echo," Mitsukake replied, pointing to the smaller black horse.
"Follow me and then we'll get going."
That was Mitsukake. Always succinct, always right to the point. Do what
he says and you'll be fine. No confusion, no difficulties. Li had
enough of simplicity. He wanted something more. He hopped on Echo as
Mitsukake hopped on the other horse, Demeter. They started riding out
of their home in Wildwood.
"You may only be sixteen--"
"I turn seventeen in two days," Li interrupted.
"Yes," Mitsukake said, "but I feel as though you are more ready to face
anything in this world than I had ever hoped."
"Hn," Li grunted.
"Now this is your biggest challenge, my apprentice," Mitsukake droned
on, "War. This is the most dangerous one as well. One of us may not be
able to survive this one. But it's a good thing I have taught you most
of the things you need to know to become a smith. If you're stuck, then
ask one of the neighbors. They have watched me long enough to know
what's going on." A tear that escaped his eye went unnoticed.
Li smirked at him.
"But that's assuming I won't come back," the blacksmith added. "Now if
it were you, however..."
The orphaned boy turned white at the thought of dying in a battle he
didn't want to participate in. He let Mitsukake go on about whatever he
felt like talking about, trying to bring Li's spirits up about
fighting. So far it wasn't working for the pessimistic apprentice.
"It's the princess, boy," replied Mitsukake.
Li's head snapped up. "Princess Sakura? What is she doing out here?"
Mitsukake shrugged. "You never know with those nobles."
Sure enough, right ahead of them, at the border of Wildwood was
Princess Sakura herself, flanked by two stone-faced guards. The smith
and his apprentice dismounted their horses and bowed before her.
Li for some reason couldn't keep his eyes away from her. She was so
beautiful. Although she had a petite frame, he got the impression that
she was hugely powerful.
"Mastersmith Mitsukake," she muttered politely. She turned to the boy
next to him. She locked eyes with him and started feeling somehow
mesmerized. "Who's this?" she asked.
"My apprentice, Li," Mitsukake answered in his deep voice as he and the
boy stood up. Mitsukake pushed him forward so that Li was inches away
from Sakura. "Uh," Li started. He suddenly grew bashful. He looked down
at her gorgeous emerald green eyes and felt like he was going to melt
away. What is he supposed to do? Needless to say, Sakura somehow felt
the same way he did. She couldn't move. She was so hypnotized by the
depths of his coffee-colored eyes. She and the apprentice were standing
silently before each other, unaware of the time passing by.
"What are you doing in town, Your Highness?" Mitsukake broke in. Li and
Sakura jumped at the sudden sound of his voice.
"I-I wanted to see the villagers off," She stuttered.
"That so?" the blacksmith questioned. "Well, you better be careful. The
Macabre knights already have gotten a hold of the townspeople up in
Timbergrove."
"I am aware of that," she replied, looking down at the ground.
"We have to get going," Mitsukake muttered cautiously, staring off into
the distance. Li looked at the shocked look on his master's face and
followed his gaze. There was a blinding light shining from Lea. Sakura
too, was staring at it. "It's Macabre," she murmured. "They were
performing some kind of spell." It then suddenly disappeared, leaving
them all in wonder.
"Your Majesty, we must head back to the palace now," one of the guards
said, untying his horse's reins from a nearby post. He help the
princess up the horse climbed on himself. His partner did the same.
Sakura looked back at Li, who was staring intently at her. "Fight a
good battle," she said quickly, and they were off.
"Come on, boy," called out Mitsukake enthusiastically, climbing upon
Demeter. "We have a war to win."
Li shook himself out of his trance and mounted Echo. He was strangely
moved by meeting Princess Sakura. There was this feeling of yearning
he could not explain. It felt so new to him, and he liked it.
"I'll fight for you, my princess," he whispered at her distant figure.
"And I will make you mine."
*********************************