Summary: After four years of travel, Kurogane and the others finally wind up in Nihon. To his horror, he finds that a lot has changed in his absence. From Tomoyo getting married, to a mysterious force infiltrating Nihon, getting Sakura's feather back isn't going to be easy. Especially when Kurogane is forced to come to grips with a startling revelation that will change his life forever...
Pairings: KuroganexTomoyo, SyaoranxSakura
Disclaimer: Do I even need to do this? You ought to know this already.
Note: This fan fic is based on the manga, with a few extra tidbits here and there from the anime. It was first published on July 28, 2005, therefore set before Chapitre 91. A lot of theories here will coincide with the actual events in TRC, either because I added them later (evident in latter chapters) or because of some good guessing (evident in the first chapters). I also decided to use the official spelling for Fay's name (and Fei Wang Reed's name).
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A/N: With the last chapter of the first part of this series, I decided to do a much-needed revamp concerning replacing a couple of phrases, some spelling mistakes, grammatical structures and misuses in punctuation, a phenomenon fairly evident in the first chapters, which are, in my honest opinion, horrible. They're short, crude, rough, and pretty boring. Thankfully, as time passed, my chapters became longer and much more elaborate in description. I still don't understand how the majority of my readers managed to stay interested enough to keep reading, but I'm grateful that they did. It was your encouragement that has made me what I am today!
It's been nearly two years since I started out as a fan fic writer and I can say without preamble that I've definitely matured. While writing my fan fic, I gained experience, so even though it was a laborious task rereading and editing it, I feel it was worth it so you could enjoy When Worlds Collide as it was meant to be. Constructive criticism is still greatly appreciated.
I hope you enjoy my fan fic!
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When Worlds Collide
Chapter 3 — Shock
By Mystic Dawn
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Although Kurogane was the last one to fall asleep, he was the first one to wake up. He was used to waking up early, and even though he lacked sleep, there were no exceptions in his case. When it was time to get up, it was time to get up.
He gingerly and quietly got to his feet, so as to not wake the others, and pulled his cloak about him. He pulled on his boots and exited the tent. He saw that no one else had woken yet, and he used that to his advantage to take a walk. But he had gone no more than a few feet when someone shouted at him. "Wait!"
Kurogane turned to face the ninja. It turned out to be Kazuo, who was acting sentry. "Kurogane-sama," he said bowing. "May I ask what you are doing up so early?"
Kurogane regarded him steadily. This guy was full of a lot of questions, he decided. "I just want to stretch my legs," he answered.
"That is logical, I suppose," Kazuo muttered.
Kurogane heard this and said, "Do you suspect me of something?"
"What? No!" Kazuo said distractedly. "Of course not... I... it just seemed odd..." he spluttered.
Kurogane arched his eyebrows. "You seem pretty young. Did you just become a ninja?"
Kazuo stood straighter. "Just last spring," he answered proudly.
"Well, you don't need to be so energetic. Save your energy for fights."
Kazuo smiled shakily. "I suppose I should follow your advice. You're the expert."
Kurogane nodded absent-mindedly. "Now get back to your post."
"Yes, sir," Kazuo saluted.
Kurogane snorted after he left. Kazuo was still inexperienced. But with time, he would probably become less so. Kurogane turned, and after making a round of the whole campsite (which was relatively small), turned toward a small hill nearby. He started to climb it, and when he had reached the top he stood there and marveled at the view.
Acres upon acres of meadows, forests, and valleys spread out before him. The highway stretched to infinity, but clashed somewhat with nature. It seemed like an unhealthy scar in the middle of pristine beauty. Almost beyond his eyesight, the large mountains loomed, their snow-capped tops seeming like clouds.
In the distance he could barely make out the Capital, but doubtless it was there; a mere speck in his range of vision at the moment, which would grow with each passing mile. He turned slightly and saw a sight that took his breath away.
The sun was rising.
He sat on the springy turf, disregarding the morning dew which would dampen his clothes, and gazed in awe at that huge sphere of splendor. The red orb slowly and gracefully rose into the sky, and all the while the sky was tinged with various hues of color—reds and oranges and purples and golds—all mingled together harmoniously to greet the sun's arrival. The clouds seemed ethereal, and perfectly formed as they stood out in the sea of color, strolling by smoothly.
The color of the ball of fire began to change; from crimson, it turned to a deep orange, and then to a lighter shade, and finally turned to its golden radiance. The peculiar shades of the sky had also faded, and the regular sky-blue slowly took its place.
He had been so absorbed in watching the sunrise that he hadn't noticed that someone had crept up behind him and had watched the dance of dawn with him. But someone did, and had sat down beside him, also gazing enraptured as the last marks of the dawn brilliance faded.
"One of the most peaceful moments in nature is the sunrise," Sakura murmured. "Don't you think so?"
"I do now," Kurogane whispered, almost inaudibly. "I'd never actually seen the sun rise before today."
"You never cared to," she told him. "But you've changed, there's no doubt about that."
Kurogane turned to look at her. "How is it that you knew I was here?"
Sakura smiled. "By chance, actually." She stretched her legs. "Remember when we were in the world with all of those trees, and those fluffy creatures?"
"Yeah," Kurogane answered, raising his eyebrows in question. He was wondering where this discussion was heading.
"Do you remember the tornado? That I had heard its voice?"
"Uh-huh."
"One of the memories I found later on was when my older brother's friend, Yukito-san, explained to me that that was because I can hear lonely things. Because of my loving heart." She smiled at him. "I heard you."
Kurogane's eyes widened. "What...?"
"Yes... I hear all of you sometimes, but you've been calling out more, lately." She placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "You're really worried. About a lot of things."
"And what did you hear?"
"I heard your feelings. You're feeling very confused now. Not knowing what all of these assassination attempts on Tomoyo-hime mean, not knowing who is spying on us, and something you didn't actually tell the others yet... that you're reluctant to part with us. You feel as if you're being torn in two. You were also worried about how we would react if we found out you had killed people in the past—"
"How did you know that?! Were you awake last night?" He stared at her accusingly.
Sakura smiled. "No... but if some feelings are very strong, I can sense the source of them. What made those feelings be. You regret those past actions, and I forgive you..." She sweat-dropped. "You're feeling a lot of things... it wasn't exactly easy to sort them all out! And you keep them all inside... you may have been trained as a ninja, but you're still only human. You can't always be closed up to yourself. You need to let your feelings show."
"But I can't. What I'm feeling inside is something I can't let out," he said without realizing what he was implying.
But Sakura caught the implications. "You can't let your love show?"
Kurogane started and turned to look at her. "Stop it! You're freaking me out!"
Sakura giggled. "Actually, that was all you. Your previous statement was crystal-clear. So... what about Tomoyo-hime?"
"What about her?" Kurogane said quickly, his face getting warm.
"Well, whenever you talk about her your voice becomes stronger, and more passionate. You're clearly devoted to her, aren't you?"
Kurogane lowered his head. He ran his fingers through his hair. "I dunno... I feel confused. At times I hate her for sending me away. But at other times I miss her and I long to see her again."
"You have to tell her how you feel!" she said, clenching her fist determinedly.
"You don't understand..." Kurogane struggled to explain. "It's not in my place. Even if I told her how I felt, nothing would ever happen. She's a princess, and I'm a ninja. End of story."
Sakura stood up. "I'm a princess, too, and it wouldn't matter to me if I were in her place. Who cares if you're just a warrior? If you were earnest, and told her, something might actually happen!" She took on a determined expression. "If you really love her, you have to risk it!"
"But—"
"You have to be honest! Make a move!" She thrust an arm into the air, and had her other hand clenched in a fist. She giggled nervously as soon as she realized what a ridiculous pose she had taken. "I'm being silly..." She coughed. "But you'll forever be torn in two if you don't stop the war inside yourself."
Kurogane looked at her curiously.
She laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "And don't worry about us. If your wish is to stay in Nihon, we won't stop you. It is your home-world, after all." She smiled warmly at him. "I'll leave you to your thoughts." She made her way down the hill and back to the campsite.
Kurogane looked after her, and then glanced at the speck that was the Capital. He sighed and held his face in his hands, thinking hard... and gave in to the abyss of his memories...
He lunged, aiming the sword at his opponent. But she nimbly stepped out of the way and brought her blade down onto his. He raised his sword and they parried, their swords ringing against each other. If he didn't change his tactics, there was no way he would prevail; she was too quick. He continued to banter with her, then, in a sudden fluid and smooth movement, he knocked the blade out of her hand and had his sword at her throat in an instant.
Souma collapsed in helpless giggles. "All right! I give up!"
"What's so funny?" Kurogane asked her indignantly.
"Y-your face!" she laughed hysterically, while struggling to speak. "It looks... so ridiculous!"
And truly, Kurogane had been wearing a very serious and determined expression on his face. He smiled sheepishly. "I guess I did look a little like an idiot," he admitted.
"I'll say," Souma chuckled. Then, regaining her composure, she said, "But that last move was good." She bent and picked up her sword. "It was sudden."
"Well, you were too quick for me, so I had to think of a way to immobilize you just as quick."
Souma smiled. "If we want to be chosen as ninja in the Personal Guard," she added.
Kurogane leaned on his sword. "I think we can handle that without any problems. We're the best students at the Academy."
"Yeah... but still, we're only thirteen. That means it'll take a lot of training if we're chosen tomorrow."
Kurogane frowned. "That doesn't scare me."
Souma snorted. "And what does scare you?"
Kurogane squared his shoulders. "Defeat," he finally said.
"So whenever I beat you in our little swordfights you were terrified of me?" she asked him slyly.
"Will you please stop regarding everything as a joke?" he sighed exasperatedly.
Souma grinned hugely in response. "It's something you do to me, my hot-headed cousin. I'm usually quiet, but when I'm with you, I always laugh." She winked. "You're funny without meaning to be."
Kurogane glared at her in response.
Souma laughed again. When she had calmed down she turned to him. "So... what rank to you want to get to if we're entered in the Personal Guard?"
"That's still a long way off," he protested. "First, we hold the sessions tomorrow in front of the Royal Family. Then, out the one hundred students gathered there, ten are chosen by the king himself. Those ten students are then taken to the capital, where they will undertake rigorous training by the ninja of the Personal Guard. Once they're twenty years old, the students are tested, and if worthy, are entered in the Personal Guard, becoming fully-qualified ninja."
"I mean if we are chosen, and if we pass those tests... as the years pass in the Personal Guard, judging by our strengths, we'll rise levels, won't we? I'm asking you what level you want to reach."
"I want to become the strongest," Kurogane responded. "So, naturally, I want to reach the rank of Lead Ninja."
Souma snorted again. "The Lead Ninja is the strongest ninja in Nihon. The only way you'll reach that level is if you battle with him and best him. Can you beat your own father?"
Kurogane fidgeted uncomfortably. "Not now, no. But by then, I'll have become strong enough."
Souma stretched. "But, as you said before, that day is a looooong way off."
"Yeah..." Kurogane sighed. "But no matter who or what gets in my way, I'll make it. I won't let the fact that he's my father stop me."
Souma smiled at him. "I know you can do it. It's just like you've always said. If you don't work to get to the top, then it's as if you haven't reached it at all. If we don't take risks, and do what we have to do according to our beliefs and goals, we'll always be left behind. But we mustn't be too hasty. And then again, if we wait too long, the opportunities will slip away. Nothing is forever." She paused. "So let's promise each other that we'll never turn back on anything. We'll always go forward, and never try to run or hide from a tough situation. Agreed?" She held out her hand.
Kurogane smiled. "Agreed." He took the offered hand.
They shook on it...
Kurogane looked up from reminiscing. He knew that Sakura was right. He would eventually have to tell Tomoyo how he felt for her. And remembering what he and Souma had promised each other also made it perfectly clear that he couldn't afford to wait too long, and that he was avoiding the problem if he refused to say anything.
He could hear noises from the campsite; everyone was waking up. He stood, brushed his cloak free from the grass that clung to it, and made his way down the hill.
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After about an hour, they broke camp and were ready to go. Two riders led their mounts toward Souma and the foursome. Then, bowing, they left and sat behind two other riders, so that for one horse it was two riders.
"We can't really spare more horses, so this will have to do," Souma apologized. "It's two riders to each horse. I hope you know how to ride. If not, Kurogane can guide you."
"There was a need for us to travel on mounts in some other worlds we were in," Syaoran told her politely as he helped Sakura mount one of the horses, and climbed up after her. "So we already know the basics."
Kurogane also climbed onto a horse and held out his left hand to Fay. Fay grasped the offered hand and clambered up behind him. "I can't see," he muttered. "You're too tall."
"Well, if I can be of assistance, please, make suggestions. I'm open to them," Kurogane said sarcastically.
"Maybe I should sit up front," Fay suggested humorously. "That way I'll be able to see, and since you're taller, you'll see too."
"Not likely," Kurogane growled.
"But you said that I could make suggestions," Fay said indignantly.
"I didn't plan to follow any of them."
"Suit yourself," Fay said, shrugging. He whispered something to Mokona, who was sitting on his shoulder, and they both stifled laughter.
Kurogane fell into a very sour mood indeed.
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The next day, toward nightfall, they finally made it to the Capital. They followed the highway past the large gates leading into the city. Two ninja stood guard there, and nodded politely to Souma when she passed, but couldn't suppress their surprised expressions upon seeing the group.
"Boy, we sure stand out," Fay commented.
"Well, especially you, Fay-san," Souma told him, smiling. "You're blond, and everyone around here is dark-haired. You stick out like a sore thumb!"
"Ahaha!" Fay turned to Kurogane. "I like her! She has a sense of humor!"
"Aaaah... but you must know, that's because of Kurogane," Souma told him, winking. "He sort of rubs off of me like that. I take one look at him and try not to laugh."
"You too?!" Fay gasped. "That's just what happens to me, too! He's funny without meaning to, you know?"
"I know exactly what you mean," Souma smiled.
Fay also smiled.
Kurogane was shaking with undisguised fury. "When you've quite finished!" he shouted at them, a vein in his forehead popping.
Souma, Fay and Mokona exchanged looks, then were overcome by peals of laughter.
Kurogane resembled something between a thunderstorm and a monsoon as he seethed with anger. Sakura and Syaoran exchanged looks, but said nothing. It was best to leave Kurogane in peace when he looked livid.
They continued along the road and through the city, passing homes and shops. Although the time was late, people were still out, finishing some last-minute shopping. Some looked up at the riders passing, while others continued along their businesses, taking no heed. One girl, however, who had looked up when she heard the hooves approaching widened her eyes so much that they were in danger of popping out. "Kurogane!" she shrieked as she ran toward the riders.
Kurogane's eyes widened. "Suzue?!" he exclaimed as he jumped off of the horse and rushed to greet her. He held her in a fierce embrace.
"I missed you so much!" she sobbed.
"Who's that?" Sakura asked Souma curiously.
Souma smiled. "That's Suzue, Kurogane's little sister."
They reached the pair, where they reined up.
Suzue glared at Souma. "Why didn't you tell me he had returned?!" she demanded angrily.
Souma sweat-dropped. "I only found out myself two days ago," she giggled nervously.
Suzue was undoubtedly Kurogane's sister, for her glares were very much like his, and even rivaled a few of them. She turned to Kurogane and started jabbing him in the chest with every word she said. "Where have you been these last four years?! Princess Tomoyo told Father that she had sent you on a mission. But why didn't you even tell us before you got up and left?!" She glared at him.
"Erm..." It seemed Kurogane also had a problem with her stares, for he shrank back slightly. "It couldn't be postponed," he feebly said.
"Right, and you expect me to believe you?" She crossed her arms.
"Can we talk about this some other time? We're sort of in public, you know," Kurogane tried to reason with her.
Suzue stared hard at him. "You're probably on your way to Shirasagi Castle, aren't you?"
"Well... yeah."
She tapped her foot irritably. "You had better get your ass home sometime soon and explain yourself, you know. Mother nearly had a fit!"
"Hyu! She definitely is your sister! She even talks like you!" Fay grinned at Kurogane.
Kurogane grunted in response.
Suzue smiled mischievously. "Well... who do you think he learned from?" she asked Fay.
"AHAHAHA! She sure put you down, didn't she?" Fay laughed at Kurogane.
Kurogane looked very pissed off, but he said nothing.
Suzue turned on Kurogane again. "So... as soon as you're finished with whatever you're going to do, you'd better get home. We'll be waiting," she said, and her voice sounded deadly.
"Er..." went Kurogane.
Suzue bowed. "I'm sorry for holding you up," she apologized to the others. "See you," she winked at Fay. Then she took off.
Kurogane muttered something incoherent as he climbed up onto the horse.
"Let's go," Souma called to the other ninja.
As they continued their route along the road toward the castle compound, Fay whispered to Kurogane, "Honestly now... are you angry with me?"
"Whatever gave you that idea?" Kurogane said sarcastically. "Of course I am!"
Fay smiled, "But your sister sure is cute. She's like you, only that she's a girl. Is she a ninja, too?"
Kurogane frowned. Fay thought his sister was 'cute'? He had better look out. "She's not a ninja. She's a weaver."
"But she's real spunky. She should've become a ninja, too."
Kurogane sniffed at Fay's choice word 'spunky'. If he said anything else, there was no way he would get away from being decapitated, curse or no curse. "She may be spunky," he said, emphasizing the word, "but she can't stomach a real battle."
"Aaah..." Fay said. "I see."
Thankfully, the rest of the trek was uneventful.
Finally, they approached the gates which led to the castle compound. They dismounted and gave up their horses to grooms who came to stable the horses.
Souma inspected the ninja carefully, then dismissed them. She turned to the others. "Follow me. I'll take you to Tomoyo-hime." She led them through the large ornamental gates, toward the castle. They passed the massive marble doors, which were guarded by four ninja wearing ceremonial armor, and crossed the threshold.
Their steps echoed hollowly against the marble walls as they continued along the hallway. Souma led them to a pair of ornately decorated doors which she pushed aside, striding into a large room with a throne situated at the end; undoubtedly, the throne room.
There was only one other person in the room, who had her back to them. She had long, dark hair which was intricately styled, and she wore elegantly-woven robes. She turned at the sound of the door opening, and regarded Souma with a pleased expression.
Now that they could see her face, they could see that she was neither old, nor young. Her deep purple eyes shone with wisdom, and her smile touched them all. Her skin was like flawless alabaster in smoothness and whiteness, and although she seemed petite, power radiated about her.
Souma bowed low in respect. The others followed suit.
"I'm so glad you came, Souma. Your timing couldn't have been better," Tomoyo said warmly. Her voice was melodious, and carried a hint of mischief. "But please, introduce me first to your guests, so that they can become my guests, as well."
Kurogane had edged little by little to stand behind Fay, not anxious for Tomoyo to spot him at the moment; he had no idea how she would react when she saw him. (Although Fay didn't hide him that much—Kurogane was the tallest, after all.)
"I present to you her Imperial Highness, Princess Tomoyo, Ruler of Nihon and High Priestess of the Shinto Order," Souma formerly introduced Tomoyo to the others.
"Please, introduce yourselves," Tomoyo said graciously.
Sakura took a step forward. "I am Princess Sakura of Clow Country, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance," she said as she curtsied.
"Please, the pleasure is all mine," Tomoyo replied as she also curtsied to Sakura. Her eyes had gone bright at the sight of her, and she smiled kindly.
"I am Syaoran," Syaoran said as he took a step forward and bowed, "an archaeologist."
Tomoyo bowed her head to him in response. "A fine profession," she smiled.
"I am Fay D. Flourite," Fay said as he bowed (not too low, yet not disrespectfully—he was well-aware that Kurogane was behind him), "a former wizard of my former country, Celes."
"I am pleased to meet you, mage," she smiled mysteriously.
Mokona hopped down from Fay's shoulder, and bowed somewhat (it really didn't have a waist to do it properly), as it squeaked, "And I'm Mokona Modoki!" It jumped up to her. "Here's a pleased-to-meet-you handshake!"
Tomoyo laughed gaily as she shook Mokona's outstretched paw. "Why, aren't you a little one?"
Sakura smiled faintly. She could see why Kurogane had fallen for Tomoyo. She was practically perfect in every way.
Fay then stepped to one side, revealing Kurogane.
Kurogane took a few steps toward Tomoyo, then fell to his right knee, his left arm supporting his weight. He bowed low and murmured, "I have returned, Tomoyo-hime." He raised his head.
Tomoyo's eyes widened, but her expression was unfathomable. She remained like that for about ten seconds, then shook her head slightly as she smiled at him. "Please stand, my good friend."
Kurogane rose to his feet, and looked at Tomoyo. She was just as he remembered her. Elegant, polite, and royal, her beauty surpassing all other times.
Tomoyo's eyes still had a strange look about them, but it passed when she smiled mischievously at Kurogane. "Was your journey educational?"
Kurogane considered what to respond. "Very," he said truthfully.
"Good," she smiled. "That was the point. It seems that you have changed for the better, Kurogane..." She looked up at them. "Your timing couldn't have been more perfect. I have important news." She looked at each of them in turn, finally ending at Kurogane. She frowned slightly, but smiled at them. "You are undoubtedly Kurogane's traveling companions. So you will be my honored guests, and I would like for all of you to witness the ceremony."
Kurogane arched his eyebrows. "Ceremony?"
"Yes," Tomoyo smiled. "In two days I am to be married. And I would like for you all to attend."
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To Be Continued
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A/N: Kazuo and Suzue are characters I created, and all of the tests I mentioned and the Academy are of my fashioning, as the Personal Guard. I'd initially used some Japanese phrases to refer to titles and namesakes, but I finally decided to forgo them and just use the proper English phrases. They sounded too awkward to maintain in an English text.
Tell me if you like it or tell me if you hate it. Please review!