Disclaimer:

Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles © CLAMP

OC © Author Sia Leysritt

Summary

Everything is going according to his plan. Or so he thought. Something unexpected happens when a lone girl decided to make a little twist to the cruel fate that awaits her companions.

Mana is a lone and mysterious girl who joined the group to search for Princess Sakura's feather. Nothing about her is known to the group. Not her wish. Not the price that she paid. Nothing. And she cannot give them any information either for she is unable to speak. Can the addition of this mute girl to the team change the twisted and cruel fate that will awaits them? And will this girl warmed the heart of a certain mage?

Sia Leysritt Present:

Thousand Words

Act 4

And Thus They Find The Feather

"For there is nothing lost, that may be found, if sought."

― Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene

"I guess that nobody has their Kudan out while simply walking." Fai commented. "And if they don't, we'll never see if anyone's Kudan is stronger or weaker."

Mana doesn't really pay attention to what her companions said. She rubbed her eyes while yawning quietly. She didn't sleep very well last night due to the nightmare she saw and she, unfortunately, couldn't go back to sleep once she awake. Mana then heard Kurogane let out another yawn, making her glanced at the ninja.

She couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

After all it was her fault in the first place that the ninja lose a good night sleep..

"So… Give me one good reason why you decided to sleep in the hallway."

Mana stared at the ninja blankly. Earlier, Kurogane caught her sleeping in the hallway. He woke her up later and told her to go to her bed, but the girl wouldn't listen. So here they are, sitting in the hallway, face to face with Mana only sat with blank stare and Kurogane who grunted nonstop and was a bit piss off that the girl looks like she wasn't going to answer soon.

He then saw the girl scribbled something on her little board and show him no long after that.

"Sleeping on futon is not really comfortable"

Kurogane grunted.

"And sleeping in the hallway is much more comfortable?" He asked.

Mana nodded. When she saw Kurogane looked at her in disbelief, she writes again.

"It's comfortable because I'm used to it."

As if that's explaining everything. Kurogane facepalmed.

"So what are you going to do now? Sleep in the hallway again?"

Mana shook her head.

"I can't go back to sleep once I've woken up."

And that's how Kurogane ended up staying up the whole night just because the girl couldn't go back to sleep.

She didn't even asked Kurogane to accompany her, but he still did anyway and that's very nice of him. But Mana wondered why he is being so nice to her. He looked pretty hostile since the first time they arrived in this world, so why the change of heart? But she didn't complain, besides, it was nice of him to care about her that much even though she is merely a stranger who doesn't benefit him in any way. Mana poke his hand nad he turned towards her, reading what she wrote on her little board.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you stay up the entire night."

Kurogane grunted. "Don't worry about it."

"Don't worry about what?" Fai asked as he leaned closer to the two.

"That's none of your concern." Kurogane grumbled. "Anyway, even if we do find out which Kudan has taken the feather, I doubt they'll be overly willing to give it up."

Seeing as Kurogane avoids the topic (whetever they were talking about earlier) Fai turned to Mana and gave her questioning look. She only shrugged, indicating that it was nothing important. Fai huffed and leave it at that.

Suddenly, a little boy with the same appearance as Masayoshi with chinese attire came out of a thick wall, startling both Kurogane and Syaoran while Mana just looked at the boy in interest. The boy bows to them and not long after, Masayoshi came running to them.

"Syaoran-kun!"

"Masayoshi-kun." Syaoran greeted back.

"Were you able to find what you were looking for after I left?" He asked as he catch his breath after all that running.

"Not yet…" Syaoran answered sadly.

"Okay, then how about I be your guide again today?" Masayoshi offered.

"Are you sure it's okay?" Syaoran asked as Mokona jumped to Masayoshi's shoulder.

"Sure! Today's Sunday, it's perfectly fine for today!" He assured. Then explained that it was his Kudan that helped him find them. Mana, who had been listening in the conversation, felt something was coming. She turned and looked up and saw something flying towards them and has its eyes on…

Following her instinct, Mana step forward and use her hand to get Masayoshi out of the way, catching the falling Mokona on the way but unfortunately the bird like creature grabbed her instead of Masayoshi. The creature fly away, taking the lavender-haired girl with it.

It took her to a big building, which Mana concluded to be some sort of castle. She then dropped on the highest floor. She fell flat on her stomach with a loud thud. She hissed and rubbed her stomach when suddenly she heard someone speaking. She looked up to find a cute girl with emerald green eyes and hair, dressed with fancy clothing. She looked upset with something and keep on talking with language she couldn't understand. All she can catch from the scene in front of her is that the cute girl was mad at the group of people next to her. Group of people with goggles, which Mana remembered to be Shougo's underlings.

Mana blinked, confused because she couldn't understand a thing that they just said and was relieved that none of them were speaking to her because she wouldn't be able to answer them. She then saw one of the goggle man stood up, bringing a rope in his hand. Mana blinked. Is she going to be tied up or something?

The man looked at her with apologetic look on his face and Mana blinked because she doesn't understand what he is saying. She only watched as the man tied her up with rope, doing is as gentle as possible. Sensing as this man do not have any bad intention she just leave it at that and try to think about what had just happened and why in the world that Kudan earlier wanted to catch Masayoshi.

And also try to think of a way for her to escape from this mess.

Everything was happening so fast. After the bird-like Kudan capture Mana, Mokona, Syaoran, Kurogane, Fai, and Masayoshi, found a piece of paper with a sentence written on it: "I'll be waiting at Hanshin Castle" Wasting no more times, all of them hurriedly went to the said place with Masayoshi as their guide.

"Why would that Kudan after Mana-san?" Syaoran wondered out loud.

"I think it's not her that the Kudan after. That creature was trying to get its hands on that little brat and the girl pushed him out of the way." Kurogane pointed out. It was quite surprising that Mana realizing the danger before any of them could be aware of it and act fast about it (though she ended up being captured), Kurogane had thought at first that Mana is just an ordinary mute girl, though he noticed that for a girl, Mana didn't express herself much and by that he means Mana never show any emotions and even if she does show any it would merely be a small fake smiles that didn't reach her eyes.

Now Kurogane can be sure that there's more to this girl than just meet the eyes.

"Oh no! T-Then it's my fault that Mana-san got captured!" Masayoshi exclaimed, feeling panic.

"No Masayoshi-kun, there must be a reason why that Kudan was after you and now we will find out who's behind this and save Mana-san." Syaoran said with determination.

"The letter told us to go to Hanshin castle, is it close now, Masayoshi-kun?" Fai asked as he turned over to the boy for confirmation.

"Y-Yes! Hanshin castle is this way!" Masayoshi said as he pointed towards the entrance of the castle. They arrived in front of a big castle with wide yards.

"She should be around here somewhe—" Syaoran and the others looked around, then the group's eyes were fixed towards the top of the castle. Mana was hanging at the roof. Aside from the uncomfortable position she was in, she looked pretty much fine.

"Mana-san!" Syaoran called out worriedly.

Mana, who had been waiting for her friends looked down towards the boy and waved her hands towards the group.

"Wow! Mana-chan is so high up!" Mokona said excitedly as she jumped up and down on Masayoshi's shoulder.

"I-Is she going to be okay!?" Masayoshi wondered out loud.

"How'd she get up there?" Fai chuckled in amusement as he waved his hand towards the girl. Deep down he was very worried when the girl was snatched away by that Kudan earlier and now feel a slightest bit relief because, though the girl is not completely safe, they at least are able to find her.

"For someone who is hanging at the top of a tall building, that girl is damn calm." Kurogane commented.

"Sh-shouldn't we go and save her?!" Masayoshi asked incredulously, not understanding how Fai, Kurogane and Mokona are able to remained calm. The group then run towards the bulding, as they reached the entrance, below the castle, they were greeted with a sight of the sea of humans, all male and wearing headband and sun glasses.

"What's with this people?!" Kurogane grunted.

"A lot of them, huh?"

Masayoshi looked at the sea of crowds nervously, seemingly know who they are while Syaoran went and asked who writes the letter.

"That would be me~" A sweet and melodic voice was heard from the top of the building, Syaoran turned around to find a cute girl with long green hair, wearing a sleeveless outfit with short skirt.

"Primera-chan~" The crowds swooned.

Mana who had been watching the scene raised an eyebrow towards the crowds of men. Judging at the girl's appearance and the crowds of men, she concluded that the girl is probably an Idol and the crowds of men are her fans. But what does an idol want with Masayoshi? Aren't idol supposed to be singing, dancing on stage, or doing promotions or some sorts? At least the idols in her world are like that.

"Who is this woman!?" Kurogane asked, seemingly annoyed with the loud cheers from the fanboys.

"You don't know Primera-chan?! You must live under a rock!" The fanboys screamed at Kurogane, startling him.

"Primera-chan is our idol! She sings, she dances, she models, she even has a morning talk show! More than that, she controls incredible kudan! Cute and strong! She's the best!"

Mana blinked. Fanboys can be really scary when they wanted to and it amazed her that they know her activities to that point, even the Kudan that she has. But really, this is not the time for her to be thinking of something as useless as this. She has to find a way to free herself.

Maybe if I use my Kudan… But how…? She wondered.

While she was wondering, Syaoran step forward as the girl, Primera, has told them that her target is actually Syaoran, not Mana but her fanboys got the wrong person.

"If you have any business, bring it to me! Let Mana-san down right now, please!" Syaoran said.

"Hmm… Nope~" Primera said as she jumped down and strike a pose, making her fanboys swoon over her.

"If you want her back you have to battle me for her!"

"She's so beautiful!" Her fanboys screamed.

"Ah! Shaddup!" Kurogane complained, covering his ears.

"We'll have to find a way up, Masayoshi-kun di you know where the staircase is?!" Syaoran asked. Masayoshi nodded and was about to lead them to the staircase when Fai stopped them.

"No need, it will be too long for us to get up there, anyway. I think I can go up there without using the staircase." Fai said calmly.

"Yeah? How?" Kurogane asked.

Fai smiled. "My Kudan may be willing to help." As he said that, a huge emerald green bird materialized behind him and went inside him and he floats, flying in the air.

"He's flying!" Syaoran said, amazed.

"These Kudan come in every type." Kurogane commented.

"Fai-san also has a high level kudan!" Masayoshi said in awe

"Man! He can fly? No fair! I can't, he shouldn't be allowed to!" Primera whined, then she called for her Kudan. "My Kudan come on!"

Her Kudan materialized in a form of microphone. Mana raised her eyebrow. So Kudan can materialized in any form… In that case… Mana close her eyes and concentrated, trying to connect herself with her Kudan.

She then, felt a cold sensation on her hand and she try to look at her tied hands to see a black blob materialized into a pocket knife on her hand.

So that's how it is.

While Mana busying herself trying to break free, Fai is busy dodging every attacks from Primera. Every words she shouted with her microphone and words and symbols began to materialized and were charging towards Fai.

"Fai-san be careful, Primera-chan's Kudan is also a special class!" Masayoshi warned.

That's what he said, but no matter how many times Primera attacked him, Fai can easily dodged them. Meanwhile, Mana who finally managed to free herself was paying attention to the fight and was relieved that Fai can take care of himself. She's not worried actually, she knows how capable Fai is in fighting but still, she felt that strange sensation on her chest. Her heart is beating fast and it feels like there is something that just made her unable to calm down.

But now that she saw that Fai is completely fine on his own, she began to look down, wondering on how earth she could get down. She doesn't know where the staircase is, so she has to figure out another way down.

Maybe I should use my kudan again—

"Mana-san! Look out!"

Huh?

Fai was dodging every attacks from Primera. This Kudan is very useful since he can't use magic at the moment so he doesn't really have any way to defend himself. Sure he has a staff but without magic, it's useless. It's not that his amgic is gone, he just can't use magic without his tatto.

Primera keep attacking him but he dodged them easily, making the young girl angry.

"Why?! Why can't I hit you!?" Primera whined.

"If I let you hit me, it might hurt."Fai said, stating the obvious. Fai glanced at Mana. Truthfully, he was worried about the girl even though he doesn't know why he is worried in the first place. He's a little bit relieved after seeing the girl is alright and now she is trying to break free – using her Kudan It seems – since he already sure Mana is alright, there is only one thing that he should do.

Down there however, Syaoran is still trying to go upstairs to help both Fai and Mana, unfortunately according to Masayoshi, the entrance towards the castle was blocked by the fans and it would be hard to breakthrough that many people so for now they can only rely on Masayoshi's Kudan to look for another entrance, if there is another entrance.

"Seriously kid, you can leave him alone. He is fine. And that it looks like the girl has already break free and just trying to find a way down." Kurogane stated calmly.

"A TUDOR WHO TOOTED A FRUIT TRIED TO TUTOR TWO DOODOOS TO TOOT!" Primera screamed through her microphone, attacking Fai again and of course, Fai dodged it easily.

"I've fought with Kudan so I know. Even if your Kudan is able to fly, your muscles is your body's normal muscles." Kurogane said.

"You mean the ability to float and dodge like he's as light as paper… Is Fai-san's own ability?" Syaoran asked.

"That's true Syaoran-kun, even if Kudan let you borrow their powers, but how you utilize it, is up to you. Kudan only give us power for us to use, not controlling us to use the power." Masayoshi explained.

"Look at that damn grin. That man is a combat veteran." Kurogane commented. He glanced towards the purple haired girl who is still trying to look for a way down. He must say that for a girl who is on a life and dead situation, she is very calm. It was as if she doesn't realize she was in danger, or more like she is used to that kind of situation. Something that makes him feels that this girl is really more than just meet the eyes.

"I imagine so…" Syaoran agreed.

"That doesn't surprise you?"

"There's a clue in a casual way Fai-san carries himself, and… The look in his eyes just gives you that impression." Syaoran said.

Kurogane was silent. Maybe this boy is not as stupid as he thought he would be.

"Maybe you are not a complete fool…"

"But I'd still like to help him out if I can."

"But I'm right about you being a naïve kid." Kurogane commented with a smirk.

The fights on the air still going on. Primera landed on the rooftop again.

"You forced me into it! Change! My Kudan, change form!"

The microphone on her hands then transformed into a standee mic.

"When my Kudan-chan becomes a mike stand, there's no running away!" She said, full of confidence.

"ALL THE FANS LOVES ME! YEAH!"

The same thing happened, words materialized but this time it's bigger and it does not flying towards Fai, it floats in front of Primera and the girl then used her mike stand like a baseball bat and hit the words towards Fai. The words charged towards the magician at much higher speed and this time Fai is not able to dodge it.

"Fai-san!" Syaoran called worriedly.

Mana who witness that also looked at the scene with a slight worried expression which dissapear as soon as it came after seeing that Fai is alright and was only thrown into a nearby tree.

"I'm fine!" Fai said, assuring the boy that he is alright.

"I never expected it to change form." Fai said calmly. "Well then, Mokona do you feel anything from Primera-chan's Kudan?" Fai asked the white creature on top of Masayoshi's head.

"Hmm… Nope! Mokona doesn't feel a thing!" The creature said cheerfully.

"Seriously? You really are useless." Kurogane commented.

"Mokona is not useless!" Mokona said as she bounced towards Kurogane, annoying the ninja.

"Well, that means that girl doesn't have the feather. And since our Mana-chan seems to not know how she could get down, maybe we should finish this first." Fai said with a smile on his face.

"Hahaha! Well? Do you surrender?" Primera asked.

"If I did what would happen next?"

"Then I move on to the next one to defeat, this "Syaoran" Guy!"

"We can't have that, Syaoran-kun has some important business to see through and I'd rather it ends with me. Besides, our little Mana-chan seems to unable to get down so I'd rather we end this quickly." Fai said with a smile.

"If so, then I… JUST HAVE TO WIN!" Primera screamed through her mic and her voice echoed through the air. Not letting himself to get hit again, Fai jumped and run towards Primera by running on the materialized words, he then jumped and pin the idol down, smiling.

"I don't want to cause injury to a beautiful young woman, won't you stop?" He said in a much gentler tone, surprising Primera.

"Th-This is so not fair!" Primera yelled, unaware that the mic is still close to her mouth. The words took form and detonated near Mana.

"Mana-san! Look out!"

The girl reacted too late as the words explode, destroying part of the roof she was standing at. Fai wasted no more time and jumped, catching the girl in his arm, but unfortunately, some of the debris fall towards Kurogane, Syaoran, Masayoshi and Mokona. Masayoshi's kudan came out, trying to protect its master when suddenly, a blue stingray Kudan came and shield them from the debris.

"Seriously, what do you think you're doing, Primera?" Shogo asked.

"Shogo-kun!" Primera exclaimed happily.

"Well, well, it looks like we're no longer being the object of attention for that girl. What do you say we join Kuro-run and Syaoran-kun?" Fai asked. The mute girl nodded slowly and stared at Fai.

"Hmm? What's wrong?" Mana blinked. She want to ask if he is alright or if he is hurt or not, but with the position she is in, she cannot write on her board, besides her board was already destroyed because of the explosion from earlier. She still want to ask though, so she tried moving her mouth.

'Are you okay?' She tried. Fai blinked. She is not very good at reading lips, but it seems Mana was asking him something.

"Hmm? What is it?"

Mana tried again, slower this time. 'Are you okay?'

"Ah, are you asking me if I'm okay? Don't worry, I'm not hurt if that's what you're worrying about. How about you, though, Mana-chan? You're really making us worried." Fai said. It's true. He is worried about the girl safety. When the attack explode near her, he got so worried that he fly towards the girl without a second thought to save her. Luckily, it seems that she is not injured anywhere.

Mana nodded, indicating that she is fine and that she is not hurt anywhere.

"That's good then. Let's join the others now, shall we?"

Fai landed next to Kurogane and put Mana down. It seems that Primera and Shogo know each other, but none of them really understand what is actually happening between the two parties.

"What are these two squabbling about?" Kurogane asked, annoyed. Syaoran also seemed confuse with what happens.

Mana also doesn't understand what happen, she doesn't really care anyway, but then she heard the fans sobbing.

"Hmm? What are you all crying over?" Fai asked them.

The fans then become a sobbing mess and explain to them that Primera is in love with Shogo, but since Shogo doesn't see her often anymore, she got lonely. They even give the group thei magazine for them to read, and Kurogane seemed interested in it.

Mana blinked.

So all of this mess is because something as petty as this?

The couple continue to bicker. Mana sighed and turn to see that Mokona's eyes open wide.

Which means that Princess Sakura's feather is close by. She tugged onto Syaoran's sleeve, making the boy look at her.

"What is it Mana-san?" Mana pointed at Mokona who jumped up and down on top of Masayoshi's head.

"Syaoran! Mokona can feel it! The feather is here!" She said.

"Where!? Who has it!?" Syaoran asked urgently.

"Mokona doesn't know! Mokona just felt a huge wave!" The white creature said.

"Eh? Feather? What?" Masayoshi who is completely confused by this look back and forth between Syaoran and Mokona.

"We will explain later Masayoshi-kun." Fai said with a smile. "So, some Kudan has taken it inside itself?" Fai suggested.

"But it gets stronger then gets weaker. What is that supposed to mean?" Kurogane wondered out loud.

"Sorata-san said that Kudan protect its owners. So probably, the time that it puts out its greatest strength is when it's protecting its owner." Syaoran concluded.

"So that means, the way to find the feather is through battle."

"I'm sorry that my words caused you an unexpected trouble for you, Syaoran." Shogo said. Syaoran turned to face the leader.

"But I meant it. I do like your style.." He added on. "You're strong, and by that I don't mean your muscles. Right here." He said, pointing at his chest. Giving the younger boy a smig smirk.

"So I wanted to try to take you on. With our Kudan."

Syaoran stepped forward from where he was standing. Fire swirling around him and his Kudan materialized beside him.

"I understand. Then I accept your challenge." Syaoran said, eyes full of determination.

"You guys, stay outta this, you hear me?" Shogo said to his underlings, wearing his goggle on while his underlings busying themselves betting over who will win the duel.

And so the duel begin. A clash of fire and water. The impact destroy some of the rocky parts of the place as rocks started to fall from high places, crushing the grounds. Syaoran managed to avoide being hit by kicking one of the falling rocks.

"He's pretty cool, Syaoran-kun." Fai commented as they watched the duel between the two.

"So he's more than just a pliable fool." Kurogane commented.

"You three have faces that say, 'Ignore me, I'm a fool' but I see it through" Kurogane said as he looked at both Fai and Mana. The girl doesn't seem to be listening to their conversation as she was busy watching Syaoran's and Shogo's duel. Even if she did listen, she cannot respond much.

"Yeah. It seems he is more than just a guy with archeology hobby. He's still very young, but young people can overcome their pain and I believe he has. I don't know about Mana-chan, though. She's still a mystery to me." Fai answered simply, looking at the girl.

"All I know for sure that she is more than just a simple mute girl." Kurogane said.

Though the ninja had to agree, they know almost nothing about the girl and the girl in question cannot give them much information because of her condition even though she did answer when asked but never willingly giving information about herself. The ninja wondered if it's really okay to be traveling with companions he almost know nothing about, but if this journey can get him home, he is willing to take the risk.

"Mokona! Can you feel the feather's wave!?" Syaoran asked.

"The wave is there but Mokona doesn't know who has it!"

Mana blinked. She can also feel the power of the feather. It is very faint and just as Mokona said, it's not clear who has it, she just know that it's there. But both Kudans have been going all out for a couple of minutes, if Shogo's kudan really has the feather then Mokona should have known, unless…

"Really, you're a tough one." Shogo commented after he was blasted by Syaoran's attack, luckily his Kudan is there to save him.

"Kudans are controlled by heart. What is it that makes yours so strong?" Shogo asked the younger boy.

"I have something that I must see through." Syaoran answered with conviction.

"That makes sense." Shogo smirked. "Everyone get outta here!" Shogo ordered.

"Going for a big scale attack, huh?" Kurogane commented.

"Seems so, maybe we should take our distance as well~" Fai said cheerfully.

Shogo's Kudan then blasted out a a huge wave of water towards Syaoran on Shogo's command. Soon the whole area was flooded with water.

"Syaoran-kun!" Masayoshi exclaimed then started to look for Syaoran, afraid that he is being washed away.

"Syaoran is right there!" Mokona pointed out. Syaoran emerged from a fiery mass. His Kudan has protected him.

"Amazing…" Masayoshi said, amazed by what he had seen.

Meanwhile Mana, was now sure that Shogo doesn't have the feather. If his Kudan has letting out that big scale attack and Mokona still not sure who has it, then the possibility is that his Kudan doesn't have that feather. She tugged on Fai's sleeve, wanting to tell him her thoughts.

"Hmm? What is it Mana-chan?"

Mana began to move her mouth, but then stopped. Can Fai even understand what she is trying to say? How can she even explaine what's on her mind now? Her way to communicate is gone now, and judging from earlier incident, Fai is not that good in reading lips movement. What should she do now?

"What is it? Is there something you want to say?" Fai asked, seeing how troubled the girl is.

Their communication was cut short when a sudden attack hits the castle with Primera still up there.

"Watch out!" Syaoran's warning come to let as the debris of the building began to fall not only to Primera who is still up there but also towards the people below. None of them reacted quick enough as the debris started to fall on them, Fai instantly pulled the girl close to him, intending to take most of the blow.

"I have to defend!" Masayoshi yelled as he tried to protect Mokona on his arm and try to also protect the fans who are with them, his Kudan appeared and try to protect him.

I have to be strong! Strong enough to protect everyone!" He yelled and all of the sudden, his Kudan grew huge, much more taller than the ancient castle. It used its hands to protect Masayoshi below and also Primera who is still up there, looking at the Kudan in shock.

"Mokona found it! The feather is in that Kudan!" Mokona said as she pointed at Masayoshi's Kudan.

I knew it… Mana thought

"Did I hear right?! The feather is in that Kudan?!" Kurogane asked incredulously as Fai let go of the girl in his embrace.

"Are you okay, Mana-chan? You're not hurt anywhere?" The magician asked with a smile. Mana nodded then stared a long at Fai.

"Ah me? I'm fine don't worry. Masayoshi-kun's Kudan grew massive at the right time, haha." He said jokingly. "But I think I understand. Even when he used his Kudan to find us, Mokona didn't detect it. But when it protects its master, the time when it needs the most power is when it is protecting somene it cares about in a death or life situation." Fai concluded.

"The last time Mokona detected it was also when Masayoshi-kun in a dangerous situation. Even know it's still trying to protect him from the falling debris."

Masayoshi's Kudan then took its master, brought him towards his chest still having him between his cupped hands and then open its mouth wide, collecting energy. Mana, realizing what that Kudan is about to do, quickly have her Kudan to enveloped her and the others to protect them from the blast that Kudan is about to send. Just as she thought, the Kudan releasing a blast of energy, destroying half of the castle building.

Primera fell from the castle roof but Shogo quickly caught her before she could hit the ground.

"Wow~ This thing is squishy. Is this your Kudan Mana-chan?" Fai asked as the blob things that enveloped them earlier dematerialized and disappear. Mana nodded and pats her Kudan when it materialized beside her in a form of black blobs with cute round eyes.

"H-Hey, I'm alright! I'm just fine! Go back to normal already!" Masayoshi begged as his Kudan keep on sending blasts everywhere.

"What's wrong with that Kudan?" Kurogane asked.

"The feather had too much power for it. That's more Kudan than Masayoshi can control." Fai said.

"What'll you do now?" The ninja asked the boy.

"I'm going to get Sakura's feather back." Syaoran said, determination laced in his voice.

"How do you intend to fight something that big?" Kurogane asked. "One slip up and you'll die."

"I won't die." Syaoran said with determination. "I still have something to see through, I can't die yet."

Mana had to say that she is amazed with Syaoran. He is still so young but Mana can feel that he has a strong will. But still, fighting something so big could be very dangerous, especially with the feather's power inside that Kudan.

She wants to help.

Can you help him? Mana asked her Kudan through her mind.

Yes. You can count on me. She heard her Kudan answered on her mind. Her Kudan, who is hiding in her shadow, moved to follow the younger boy, trying to help him in everyway it can because it is what its master wants.

Meanwhile, Syaoran charged towards Masayoshi's Kudan in attempt to stop it so that he can get the feather.

"Syaoran-kun!" Masayoshi cried out as he saw Syaoran come towards him.

"I told you there was something I was looking for. Now, I've found it inside your Kudan." He said.

"You mean this?" Masayoshi asked as he pointed at the sparkly thing on his Kudan's chest.

I need to get it back." Syaoran said with determination etched on his voice.

"But my kudan won't even listen to me! If you get to close, it'll—!" Masayoshi's words were cut short as Syaoran jumped towards the huge Kudan, attempting to get the feather. The Kudan move, trying to blast another energy towards the younger boy when suddenly, black chains appeared from the ground and chained down the huge Kudan, keeping him in place.

"Wha—but who—"

Syaoran turned to look at Mana who looked at him with a meaningful look. Realizing it was Mana who helped him, the amber eyes boy gave her a thankful smile. Mana nodded, as a gesture that it was no problem. Syaoran then reach out for the feather but the Kudan managed to break free from the chains and spouting out fire at Syaoran.

"Stop it! You'll kill Syaoran-kun! You'll kill him!" Masayoshi cried desperately.

Syaoran, however, didn't give up. He charged forward and try to reach the shining object on the Kudan's chest.

"Ah! It's hot!" Masayoshi cried out in pain as he felt a burning sensation on his chest. Realizing that his action might hurting Masayoshi, Syaoran looked at him in concern.

"Masayoshi-kun!" Syaoran called out in worry.

"T-Take it! If the thing inside my Kudan is the thing that you are looking for, then I want you to have it." Masayoshi said, clenching his chest in pain. "So if it burns me, let it burn! So please take it!" Masayoshi said with determination.

Syaoran nodded and once again tried to reach for the feather, putting a full force on his hand until his hand managed to get the feather. As soon as he pulled the feather out, Masayoshi's Kudan turned to normal. Syaoran landed safely on the ground while his Kudan caught both masayoshi and his Kudan before they hit the ground.

Shogo's Kudan then flew above them, and brought down rain to stop the place from burning.

"The least I could do…" He said "…Is keeping this place from catching fire."

Syaoran was still crounching on the ground, holding the feather tight in his hand. He looked at the feather with a happy look on his face.

"Sakura's feather… Sakura's memory…" He smiled.

"I was able to get one back for her…"

The group hurried back home, Syaoran is practically running like a mad man, even Sorata was surprised as why he is in such a hurry and why he is all dirty, but turn happy when the couple found that the group managed to find Sakura's feather.

Syaoran hurried to Sakura's room and kneel beside the princess. The feather in his hand flew and entered Sakura's chest.

'With this feather please wake up… Sakura!' Syaoran begged desperately.

Syaoran held the princess' hand tightly, praying to every God and every being that is so that his princess can wake up. Not long after that, as if someone heard his wish, the princess slowly opened her eyes.

"Sakura!" Syaoran exclaimed happily, but the next words the Princess said broke his heart completely.

"Who… Are you…?" The Princess asked.

Fai, Kurogane, and Mana watched the scene from the door. Even though the circumstances are not quite the same, but Mana understand how Syaoran is currently feeling… It's hurt when someone who is really important to you forget all about you and it's hurt even more when you know your relationship will never be the same as before.

Syaoran looked shock and heartbroken, but quickly compose himself so that he won't confuse the young girl, he faked a smile towards the young princess.

"I'm called Syaoran… And you… Are her highness, Princess Sakura," He begin to explain to the girl and the other three just watched. Mana felt a pang of sadness in her heart, which is a little bit weird for her as she never felt something like this before.

"This journey could probably help you in some way."

"To understand what it means to be a normal human."

Up until now she still can't understand what that person mean. She knows that she is different from normal human to begin with, after all she was created not to be a human in the first place but she is also wondering how this journey can change her. She doesn't know what it means to be normal because she was raised this way and to her, the her now is normal though she does realize there are some difference between her and normal people.

And even though she is not sure, maybe now she is starting to learn. It is still the first world but she can already feels some changes in her… Like when she suddenly feel a sudden tug in her chest like earlier.

'Maybe this is what people called… emotion?' She thought.

"Mana-chan~ Don't just stand there, come here and introduce yourself to Sakura-chan~" Fai's voice snapped her out of her mind and she realized she is the only one who is still standing at the door. She nodded and went inside and sit beside Fai, looking at the young princess who's just woken up.

"This girl is Mana-chan, our other companion. She can't talk, unfortunately, but she's a really nice girl~" Fai introduced her with his usual cheery tone. Mana nodded and held out her hand for Sakura to shake. Sakura slowly shook her hand, after that Mana made some gestures with her hand as she is now no longer have the small board for her to use to communicate.

"Mana-chan said it's nice to meet you and hope to get along well with you~" Mokona said, jumping up and down on Sakura's lap while the men went out of the room.

"Ah… Yes… Nice to meet you Mana-san and I hope we get along well too…"

"Mana-chan, are you already asleep?" Mana looked up to see Fai entered her room. She raised an eyebrow when Fai brought his futon and pillow with him. Seeing as the girl is still wide awake, the magician came in and set his futon and pillow beside the girl's futon. Mana looked at the magician in confusion.

"I'm sleeping with you tonight~ I figured that sleeping alone must be lonely, nee~?" The magician said. Mana blinked and shook her head. She didn't really feel lonely though.

Fai chuckled. "Mana-chan is really a mysterious companion, huh?" The magician said as he took a sleeping postion beside the girl.

"So tell me, is the person you are looking for is here in this country? We were so focused on looking for Sakura-chan's feather that we forgot you're also looking for someone." Fai said. He actually had no idea what made him decided to sleep with the girl tonight. He didn't even know what drawn him to the girl in the first place, but ever since he met the girl there is a strange tug in his heart that just made him want to be close to the girl no matter how many times his brain told him not to get her involve with him.

Mana was silent for a moment before she shake her head, indicating that the person she's looking for is not here in this country.

"Hmm… It's really hard to communicate like this, huh? Especially since Mokona is the only one who know sign languange." Fai chuckled. Mana nodded. Fai looked at the girl. She is not smiling as much as yesterday anymore, he doesn't know whether it is a good or bad thing, but he is relief not seeing the fake smile she always wear like yesterday.

Mana looked at the magician. Why is he here? Not that Mana doesn't like it, but it's hard. It's hard because she keep feeling a weird tug on her chest and she's not sure if she like it. Maybe this is what people describe as feeling sad and disappointed. She does feel a little bit down that Fai doesn't remember her at all, even though she know that's part of the consequences and she had accepted. In fact she doesn't even understand why she is feeling sad in the first place when she know that this would happen.

"…Nee, Mana-chan?" Mana snapped out of her thoughts when she felt a hand touch her hand gently. Fai was looking at her gently.

"I think I can help you a little with your communicating problem." Fai said, smiling. Mana blinked.

"I can cast a little magic on you so that you can communicate telepathically with the others, that way it will be a little easier for us to communicate with you, right?"

Fai doesn't even know why he suggested this. Even though he swore not to use magic without his tattoo, something inside him just scream at him to help this girl even just a little. Honestly, what had this girl done to him? They just met and suddenly he cared about her this much.

Mana looked at him long. Didn't Fai said he can't do magic without his tattoo? What would happen if he used magic? Mana doesn't want Fai doing something that could danger himself just to help her.

"Don't worry, it's just a little magic. It won't affect me even though I do it without my tattoo." Fai assured as if he is reading Mana's mind. "Now, here…"

Fai took her hand in his, he moved his hand, chanting a spell and suddenly, words of spells materialized and circling around Mana's arm. When it disappear there's a tattoo in a shape of snowflake.

"Done~" Fai said, seemingly quite satisfied. Yes, he just broke his own code not to use magic without his tattoo, but strangely he felt a little bit satisfied, probably because in some way he is helping the girl.

"Try to say something through your mind, Mana-chan." Fai said.

Mana was quite for a moment, then…

'Fai-san…'

Fai frowned. It did work in some way, but not how he thought it would be. Yes he can read her mind, but somehow there is no voice, it feels like he is just merely reading her mind without hearing her voicing her mind

'Fai-san…? What's wrong?'

Fai blinked. Mana was touching his hand. He must have been spacing out for a short while there. He smiled.

"I'm okay Mana-chan. Well then problem solved, now you can communicate with us no problems~" Fai said cheerfully.

'But how will you explain this to the others?'

"Let's deal with it tomorrow, I'm rather sleepy now so let's go to sleep~" Fai said as he pulled the girl to sleep beside him, surprising the girl.

"Good night Mana-chan," Fai said as he patted the girl's head.

'Good night Fai-san…'

"Is it okay like this?"

"What is?"

"This."

"Oh. Yes, it's fine. No rules have been violated. You're good."

"…Alright…"

"Just remember you have time limit. And you are still bound by some rules."

"…"

"Good luck on your mission."

To be Continued

A/N: So Fai use his magic so that Mana can communicate easily but it didn't turn out exactly like he wanted to because it's not like Mana is speaking through her mind but it's like he is just reading the words of what Mana wanted to say in his mind and there's a reason for this but for sure, this going to bother Fai so much hehe. So if anyone follow the previous version of this story, then yes, Mana is still a wandering spirit and now she is bound by some rules, you probably already know one of it after reading this chapter and she also has some sort of guardian angel like how Kobato has Iorogi-san with her. Next chapter will be in Koryo country. Thank you for reading this story and sorry for any typos or grammatical error.