The Masked Knight
Disclaimer: Mostly the main characters all belong to Clamp, and the detailed ideas too.
(A/N: Now that I finished school, I can update the latest chapter a lot faster. Bonus chapter! Next chapter will probably going to take a while since I am still figuring out the storyline, and of course write it ^^')
Chapter Six: King of Moon Gates
It was thunder storming heavily outside as Sakura ran towards an abandoned small hut a few meters from where she stood.
She made her way into the hut and it had no sign of any living person. The lightning in the night sky was the only light source she had.
"Hello? Anyone there?" Sakura asked just in case. She looked into the dark hut and heard water dripping down from the leaking rooftop. The roof could be a problem considering she was already soaked from top to bottom.
She looked around inside the hut and decided that making a fire would be a terrible idea considering there was no chimney. She took out her Clow Cards from her bag and looked through the deck. She found a card named, 'Wood'.
She thought of using the wood card to secure the roof for the night, and created a small area outside the hut where she could build a fire to dry off her clothes. No one was around her she thought using her magic would not jeopardize her true identity to the world.
Sakura used fiery card to help start the fire. She felt the heat against her body knowing how difficult it would be to survive without the Clow Cards by her side. She was very thankful, and yet, she felt distant from the cards.
She may be able to summon the cards, but she could not feel the connection of the magic within her. If only her granny had taught her how to use the cards because it felt unnatural. She was quite unsure about if she was using the cards properly.
Then Sakura heard noises coming from a distant and quickly put away her cards. The noise became louder and louder until she saw that it was someone on a horse riding towards her.
The figure in the shadow got off the horse and walked up to Sakura.
"Hi there, I was wondering… it's you!" Madison opened her eyes wide went to give Sakura a hug, "I can't believe I am seeing you again."
"Madison? What are you doing here?" Sakura hugged her back happily.
"I could be asking you the same thing. My father has recovered from his injury and returned to the camp. My days of serving in the military are over, so I'm on my way home. It's difficult to travel in this weather, I thought I find a place to stay for the night," Madison scrunched her wet hair.
"This is your lucky day. I found this abandoned hut, there is enough space for the both of us," Sakura smiled.
"Thanks Sakura. I'm so glad to see you again," Madison brought her horse up to the hut.
"Yeah me too."
"Sakura, there is something I wanted to ask you. But I hope that you trust me and be honest with me," Madison walked near the fire to dry off her clothing.
"What is it?"
"You blew up half the city in Valkyrie all by yourself. You have the Clow cards am I right?" Madison sat beside Sakura.
Sakura looked into the fire for a brief moment before turning to Madison, "Yes. I'm not sure if I am using this magic correctly. My granny never taught me how to use them."
"Is that why you insist on going home?" Madison asked.
"Yes and… no. I heard stories about the famous Prince of Northern Star since I was little. He and King of Moon Gates are the saviors to end this war between the two kingdoms. In order to end this war, one of them has to be alive. Then, there I am. I want to be more than a small village girl. Being the descendent of Clow Reed, I want to play my part to help end this chaos and suffering. How can I? When I don't even know the proper way of using the cards," Sakura put her cold hands out to get some warmth from the fire.
"You know, Syaoran's trustee advisor, Kero. He studied Clow Reed's magic all his life. He might be able to help you. One thing I don't want to do is give you reasons from going back home," Madison looked at Sakura.
"I'm not even sure if going home is the right choice. I miss my granny, but… I can't sit passively knowing that I have the Clow Cards and not putting them to good use," Sakura got up and reached for the cards in her bag.
"My advice is always following what is right for the benefit of the greater good. Just like I joined the military leaving my family including my fiancé because my father needed to recover from his injury. I had the knowledge and the skill to take my father's place in the military temporarily," Madison told Sakura, "Life itself is a battle. You have to make sacrifices."
"You are right Madison. Thank you," Sakura handed Madison the Clow Book, "Truthfully, I want to stay by Syaoran's side to help him. One thing that I'm afraid of is when people find out what I can do. My granny once told me that Syaoran's death is brought upon by his own bloodline's hatred and jealousy."
"You mean he is meant to die by the hands of his younger brother?" Madison handed the cards back to Sakura, "How do you know this?"
"My granny knows how to use magic to predict the future. So far every single of her predictions came true. I just can't let Syaoran die," Sakura put away her cards.
"His life is constantly hanging between life and death," Madison turned to Sakura.
"I know. That's why I'm conflicted," Sakura turned to Madison, "But I also know for a fact that his wife is someone with the last name Reed. I am Sakura Avalon… so I don't know where I stand in any of this. I can't protect him."
"You are in love with him aren't you?" Madison bluntly asked. Sakura blushed shyly and nodded.
"Sakura, if your granny said the Clow Cards belong to someone who knows how to use Clow Reed's magic, does that stop you from learning how to use them the right way?" Madison questioned her.
"I suppose not," Sakura was not the kind of person who gives up a challenge.
"Then don't let a mere prediction stop you from protecting the people you care about," Madison grabbed Sakura's cold hands and smile. Sakura smiled back agreeing with Madison's every word.
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"Touya is slowly recovering," Captain Avalon notified Syaoran.
"That is good news. Kero, Jake, and I have some business to attend to. I will leave you in charge of the base. This time without my command do not let anyone leave the base," Syaoran instructed.
"Yes my lord," Captain Avalon agreed and walked out of the tent.
"What's our next move?" Syaoran asked.
"According to Kero's investigation about what Touya told us, he found this floating in the river coming from a village 10 miles east from here. It is highly possible that the King of Moon Gates might hid himself there," Jake handed Syaoran a piece of the black clothe.
"It's the symbol of the Valkyrie army," Syaoran observed and looked back at Jake.
"From an intelligence report. I believe that King of Moon Gates is sending a signal to inform his army. Within a few days they might arrive in Mikaysium," Kero explained.
"That means we have less than a week to find him and end him," Syaoran concluded. Syaoran sent out an order to search from village to village for a newcomer or a suspicious person roaming around the villages near the river.
"What is your plan my lord?" Jake asked.
"I want to speak with the Valkyrie spy that we captured, bring him to me," Syaoran ordered his soldiers.
From the Valkyrie spy that Syaoran and Kero interrogated, they retrieved an instrument that sends out a special type of bird calling sound. Syaoran believed when the King of Moon Gates hear this sound, he will fall for this trap believing it's his own people.
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"What have you decided?" Madison put on her dried clothing the next morning.
"I've decided… that I want to travel and somehow learn how to use the cards," Sakura swung her bag over her shoulder.
"Would you mind a companion?" Madison hinted Sakura.
"You mean you want to join me? Really?" Sakura got excited.
"I'm not in a rush to go home. Besides, I always wanted to travel," Madison smiled.
"What about your fiancé?" Sakura asked.
"It was an arranged marriage. I had no desire to marry him what so ever. Right now, home is the last place I want to go," Madison looked at Sakura, "What do you have in mind?"
"I am thinking of going to the next village to get some food. I have my last meal in my bag," Sakura didn't anticipate that she had stop because of a thunderstorm.
"That sounds like a good idea," Madison smiled. Sakura and Madison rode on the horse together and they made their way to the nearest village.
On their way to the next nearest village, a male in his early 20s fell down on the ground in front of them. Madison halted her horse. Sakura quickly jumped down and ran to him.
"Are you okay?" Sakura tried to help him up. She noticed that the man was shivering, his lips were chapped from dehydration, and his body temperature felt hot to touch.
"What's wrong with him?" Madison walked up to them.
"He has a fever and needs medicine… fast," Sakura felt the pulse on his wrist.
"We are almost at the village," Madison bent down.
"Are you able to walk?" Sakura asked. The man nodded and tried to stand up. He was able to, but his gait was unstable.
"Let's help him to get on the horse," Madison grabbed one of his arms along with Sakura as they helped the man. Together they headed towards the village.
When they arrived at the village to their surprise, the people of the village were rebuilding their rooftops from the damaged caused by the thunderstorm.
Madison asked around the village for a place to stay stating that her friend was very sick. The villagers were concerned about if the illness was contagious because many of the villagers died from a strange illness. They advised both ladies to bury the man in the forest because he exhibited the same symptoms.
Sakura spoke with the chief of the village and discussed a strategy to get rid of the illness. It was under the condition that villagers agree to let them stay.
Sakura inspected around the village to look for the potential cause of the illness. She concluded that drinking dirty water and unsanitary living space were the main cause. She proposed a plan with the chief: The plan was to use the village's alcohol supply to clean each house, including all kitchen utensils and furniture.
Then Sakura used a wooden bucket with a cotton cloth, sand, and small rocks to create a filter for the dirty water. She instructed that the clear filtered water was to be boiled before drinking.
A week later…
Everyone who was sick with the illness was recovering back to full health. The chief decided to celebrate the success. In the midst of the happiness, Mikaysium army arrived at the village.
Jake asked the villagers to indicate any newcomers arrived within the last month. Jake instructed the newcomers to stand in a row. Sakura, Madison and five other people stood before the Mikaysium army.
"Syaoran!" Sakura exclaimed in happiness.
"Sakura…" Syaoran opened his eyes wide. Syaoran got off of his horse and inspected each person until he walked to a man with black hair and navy blue eyes. The man did not make any eye contact with Syaoran. Syaoran put one of his hands on the man's shoulder and slammed him to the ground.
"Syaoran, what are you doing?" Sakura bent down to help him up.
"You know him?" Syaoran asked.
"He was sick. Madison and I took care of him," Sakura admitted.
"Just like that, you are going to trust him?" Syaoran felt anger boiling inside him.
"He is a mute who was really sick for the past seven days. He hasn't done anything to harm me or anyone else in this village. In fact he was helping the villagers rebuilding the roofs. You can't just jump into conclusion like that! Syaoran, I thought you are better than this!" Sakura argued.
"Silence!" Jake pulled out his sword at Sakura.
"Don't hurt her!" the man yelled and put himself in front of the sword protecting Sakura.
"You can talk?" Sakura was surprised.
"Take him," Syaoran ordered as his soldiers to grab the man as they exited the village.
"Syaoran wait!" Sakura was going to follow but Jake stopped her.
"How dare you talk against the Prince of Mikaysium! This will be your first and last time," Jake warned her and walked off.
That same night Syaoran stood before the King of Valkyrie, Eriol Hiiragizawa, who was tied up against the pillar.
"Finding you was easier than I thought," Syaoran walked up to him and look at him coldly.
"Are you certain that I'm the one you are looking for?" Eriol smirked looking back at Syaoran.
"Why did you expose yourself back in the village?" Syaoran returned the question.
"Sakura saved my life. She was there when I needed someone the most. She spent every single day and night with me, taking care of me until I got better. I like her, is that so hard to believe?" Eriol knew where to hit Syaoran to mess with his head.
Syaoran angrily grabbed Eriol's clothes as Sakura's ribbon fell out of his shirt.
"Where did you get this?" Syaoran grabbed the ribbon from the ground. It was the same ribbon that wrapped around Snowbeard's injury site. It was the same ribbon that Syaoran made adjustments for Sakura. It was also the same ribbon that Sakura tied around him. It was special and sentimental.
"Where do you think?" He smiled at Syaoran.
"Your highness, Sakura is here to see you," one solider came in and reported.
Syaoran ordered his soldier to watch for Eriol, and he went to greet Sakura.
"Is he okay? You didn't harm him right?" Sakura ran up to Syaoran worriedly.
"What is wrong with you?" Syaoran said angrily looking at Sakura, "You still trust that liar?"
"I know, but what if he is innocent? I don't want the Prince of Northern Star to hurt anyone who is innocent," Sakura was persuading Syaoran to release Eriol.
"You don't know who he is do you?" Syaoran was not furious at the stupidity of the innocent Sakura. He tried his best to keep calm thinking to himself that it was not Sakura's fault. He reminded himself that she didn't know better. All he knew was that he has to stand between Sakura and Eriol. He had to protect Sakura from Eriol.
"No, who is he?" Sakura took a step backward as Syaoran took a step forward.
"He is Eriol Hiiragizawa, King of Moon Gates, crowned King of Valkyrie," Syaoran answered.
"That's… that's impossible…" Sakura stared into his hazel coloured eyes.
"He is not who you think he is. Whether you believe me or not, his execution is tomorrow and my decision is finale," Syaoran said coldly and walked off leaving Sakura by herself.
Sakura didn't know what to think. Syaoran will take Eriol's life, and she has to make a decision whether to save him or go along with Syaoran. If only she was with her granny, her granny will know the right thing to do.
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While Syaoran went to speak with Sakura, Madison took this opportunity to talk with Eriol. Madison asked the guards to step outside for a minute and give her some privacy.
"Why would you risk coming to see me?" Eriol asked looking at Madison.
"Because you knew I'd come," Madison walked up to Eriol crossing her arms, "How did you know?"
"Know what?"
"Who I really am? What gave it away?" Madison looked into his eyes coldly.
Eriol chuckled, "I recognize the royal family's symbol of Tyson anywhere."
"You didn't answer my question," Madison needed to know the truth.
"Because right before my parents' death, they were the ones who ordered a group of highly trained spies to save, Sonomi Daidouji, Queen of Tyson and her daughter Tomoyo Daidouji," Eriol said quietly, "Now how does Madison Taylor has Sonomi's royal amulet? Am I right? Princess Tomoyo Daidouji."
"I want to know who was the monster that ordered the Valkyrie army to invade my kingdom," Madison said quietly.
"The same person who staged my parents' death," Eriol replied quietly looking into Madison's eyes.
(A/N: So what do you guys think? Cliffhanger enough? Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Read and review! Let me know what you think!)
Next time on The Masked Knight:
Eriol Hiiragizawa was to be burned alive in front of the village. Sakura was contemplating on using her Clow Cards to save him. What happens when Valkyrie army arrived on the scene? Madison had to make the decision whether to help Syaoran or leave with Eriol. What happens when Sakura is losing control of the magic of her cards?
(A/N: Upcoming chapters are definitely going to take some time to write. This chapter set off a base for the upcoming chapters. Madison's past and her connection with the death of Eriol's parents. Sakura's real past of those memories that has been erased. Sakura's connection with the cards is going to turn into a mess soon. Syaoran's fate to die by the hands of his younger brother. Lastly, the mysterious Reed person who is supposedly be Syaoran's one and only wife. Lots to come!)