"You're the princess's mother?" Syaoran asked, lowering his sword; Kurogane did the same, "Then why don't you live at the castle?"

"It's a long story really. Please join me inside, and I'll explain." Shuuko then turned and walked into the cave. The group followed, Kurogane and Syaoran leading the way, Fai in the middle, carrying Mokona, and Keroberos and Spinel Sun bringing up the rear.

They followed a single path for a while and then watched as it opened up into a huge underground city. They traversed a bridge above the city, and had they looked down, they would have noticed that it was inhabited by dragons. The dragons were in all shapes and sizes, some flying through the air, others walking along the ground like lizards, going through what must have been daily life for the dragons.

Soon enough they entered an intimate room with a small table and several chairs. The room seemed to be furnished with mostly deep colors, such as red and brown.

"Please sit." Shuuko said, taking a seat herself. The guardians sat on the floor, and the rest sat in chairs. They all looked expectantly towards Shuuko. Once everyone was settled in, Shuuko began to tell her story.

"It was about seven years ago when I left Misaki at the castle. Our village had been destroyed by dragons, and I knew that she would be safe under King Toya's care. I would have taken her with me, but the place I was going was far too dangerous for one so young. I was going to the dragon territory, to learn more about the creatures and enhance my own magical skill in the process.

"The dragons accepted me in, and I learned everything about them. They eventually even allowed me to enter their mind, that's the magic I specialize in. While traveling with the dragons I came upon a magical object that enhanced my power greatly. With my new found strength, and trust from the dragons, I decided it would be a good time to get my daughter back. However, I was not allowed out of dragon territory. The people of Kurdra had learned about me, and told tales saying that I was one of the most fearsome women in the country because I associated with dragons.

"It was at this point that the dragons suggested that we amass an army, and retrieve my daughter. I agreed, it was the only option left. The dragons said that they would only attack those that attacked them first, destroy very little, and refrain from killing; which they have done, correct?"

Kurogane, Syaoran and Fai reviewed these facts in their minds, it was true. The dragons were attacked by the people first and the only thing they destroyed was the castle roof. As for deaths, they were currently unaware. Her facts checked out, and they nodded.

"I just wanted my daughter returned to me, and now that she has been, all this nonsense can stop. I have already called off my armies, and they're on their way back as we speak." Shuuko finished.

"Yeah, but how are you going to explain this to the King?" Kurogane asked raising an eyebrow. King Toya was still back at the battle field, probably planning a way to get back the princesses and find out where one archer and two knights disappeared to.

"Oh...Oh my, I hadn't thought of that." Shuuko laughed nervously, "I suppose I'll worry about that when the princesses wake up."

"Shuuko-san," Syaoran said, "You mentioned that you came upon a magical item of sorts that increased your own abilities. Did this happen to be a feather?"

Shuuko blinked in surprise, "Why yes." She said, getting to her feet and walking to a closet. She then pulled out a glowing orb, at which Mokona's eyes widened and a "Mekyou!" escaped from his lips.

Shuuko brought the feather over to the group, and handed it to Syaoran. "It belongs to your princess, right?" Shuuko smiled brightly.

"Yes! Thank you very much!" Syaoran said, bowing his head, before he took the feather and held it close to him.

Once they were done with the business about the feather, Spinel Sun spoke up. "I think I have a way to sort out your problem with the king."