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 4 — Understandings
By Mystic Dawn
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Kurogane felt as if the ground supporting his weight had suddenly given way. He felt light-headed and dizzy. A constricting pain in his chest prevented him from breathing properly. His eyes were wide in surprise, shock, and numb disbelief.
His very heart had stopped.
In his mind, he heard Tomoyo's last words over and over again. "...I am to be married in two days..." That was all he heard, and that was all he knew.
It couldn't possibly be true. It couldn't be. His mind couldn't—wouldn't—accept it. But there was no doubt that it was indeed the truth. He couldn't deny it, no matter how much he wanted to. However, Tomoyo was still talking, and he struggled to comprehend her next words.
Souma had asked her when this had happened, so Tomoyo proceeded to explain, also for the benefit of the others.
"Two weeks ago, just a few days after you left to patrol the Highway, Prince Dai visited me again, and this time he proposed. We started making preparations immediately..." and she continued to give Souma details about how the ceremony would take place.
Somewhere in Tomoyo's words, Kurogane caught the phrase 'the nation of Semba'. Semba was a country situated at the southern borders of Nihon, but it was also one of the countries that had had more than hostile intentions for Nihon in the past, as he recalled.
Semba? What did Semba have to do with Nihon? Kurogane felt very confused. He then recalled the name Dai... Dai was the name of one of the princes of Semba. Kurogane could not understand what had made Tomoyo accept the proposal of one of Semba's princes, not after what had happened years before...
So when Tomoyo turned to Kurogane and said, "I'd also like for you to attend, but not as one of my ninja; as one of my honored guests," he could not hold himself back any longer.
"But, Princess..." he began.
Fay laid his hand on Kurogane's shoulder and squeezed it lightly.
"When did this happen? And how?" Kurogane blurted.
"Oh..." she said. "I'm sorry. Of course you wouldn't know. You've been gone for over four years..." Her eyebrows creased in thought.
Kurogane exhaled as he frowned in anger. He didn't have to be reminded of the fact.
Tomoyo pursed her lips. "Shortly after your departure we made peace with Semba, and about a year ago, Prince Dai started visiting me frequently. Well... the outcome is fairly obvious, isn't it?" she smiled, but to Sakura, the smile seemed false and forced.
Sakura took in a slow deep breath, trying to calm her mind and use her senses. She had sensed more than loneliness emanating from Kurogane the other day, and she could sense something more from Tomoyo now. But how was it possible for her to be sensing other feelings as well? She thought it was only possible for her to feel loneliness; but now it was obvious she could sense other feelings as well, for she knew that Tomoyo felt a deep regret, and that she felt a peculiar longing and tender emotion when regarding Kurogane. But if Tomoyo felt so, then why was she marrying someone else? Sakura frowned as she pondered the matter.
Tomoyo clapped her hands together. "It is late, and you all must be hungry and tired. I will call someone to lead you to the guest rooms, where food will also be brought to you. I hope you will all join me tomorrow, for I would like to learn more about how your mission is getting along."
Syaoran's eyes widened. "How—?" he spluttered, then went red at this sudden outburst. He bowed low. "I'm sorry..." he mumbled.
"Ohohoho," Tomoyo chuckled. "It is quite all right. Yes... I know all about your mission. It is one of the reasons why I sent Kurogane away. I just needed the motive," she smiled mischievously at them and winked.
Fay howled with laughter as he slapped his knee with mirth. "Oh, you are devious!"
Tomoyo smiled back at him. "I suppose I am. I've often been told that I have a tricky sense of humor."
"Oh, I don't think I'd call it 'tricky'. I'd define it as 'unique'," Fay grinned.
Kurogane crossed his arms and scowled. So he had been some sort of pawn? In what? A life-size chess game? Then his bloodlust had only been an excuse? But why him? Why was he 'chosen' to take part in this journey? Why him, and not someone else? Was it all some sort of test? Had Tomoyo been so willing to get rid of him? Did his five years of faithful service since becoming a full-fledged ninja mean nothing to her? And her getting married... there was no hope for him whatsoever. He had dawdled too long, postponing the chance to speak to her while he was still in her service, and now it was too late. Kurogane's head seemed to swirl with these thoughts as he tried to sort them out.
Sakura noticed Kurogane's reaction, and lifted her head slightly as she tried to pick off the emotions coming from him. She sensed a large disappointment, confusion, anger, and, worst of all, a deep feeling of self-loathing for ever daring to hope that there might have been a chance for him and Tomoyo. Not to mention the fact that he once thought that his transportation from Nihon had been for his killing-obsession, when in reality turned out that it was destiny lending a helping hand.
Sakura bit on her lower lip in worry, and put her hand to her cheek. She felt terribly sorry for him, and although wanted to do something to help him feel better, didn't know what or how.
Tomoyo turned to Kurogane. "I'm sorry if all of this seems sudden... and I'm sorry that I didn't tell you from the start that this was meant to happen. But it seems it actually turned out for the best." She smiled faintly, wistfully. "The fact that you are no longer bloodthirsty is a very good thing, and I'm so glad you could make it on time for the wedding. But the time is late." She rang a small silver bell.
A servant entered through the side doors and bowed low before Tomoyo, waiting for her orders. He wore a simple gray robe and his dark hair was cut short. He seemed worn with age, but his appearance showed that he had once been very well-built.
"Please, lead my guests to some rooms, and have food brought to them," Tomoyo told him kindly.
"Yes, Princess," he murmured as he bowed yet again, and led the foursome (five including Mokona) from the throne room toward the long hallway.
After about ten minutes, guiding them through the marble halls past many intricately carved doors, he stopped before a pair of doors which he opened, leading them into a spacious sitting room. Deep green velvet curtains hung about the windows, as the furniture was of the deepest mahogany. A beautiful chandelier hung above their heads, and they seated themselves in the comfortable armchairs, upholstered with a strange blue material Syaoran did not recognize. Four doors led from the room into others.
The man bowed. "This is where you can spend your waking hours, and these four doors lead into bedrooms for you to use. Just wait here a moment and I'll bring you some food. It won't be much," he apologized, "but at least it will be more satisfying compared to travel rations." He stood and regarded Kurogane with awe. "Welcome back, Kurogane-sama," he said solemnly.
Kurogane nodded absent-mindedly, not really paying attention to him.
The man bowed low and departed.
The five of them just sat there, not knowing what to say.
Fay suppressed a shiver. This stony silence coming from Kurogane was a million times worse than his shouting spells, and betrayed the fact that finding out so much had changed in his absence had unsettled him. Fay frowned. He grudgingly felt sorry for Kurogane. Who wouldn't upon looking at his expression; worn, resigned, and defeated? Not at all like the strong-willed ninja Fay used to know.
Syaoran regarded Kurogane curiously. He had noticed that Kurogane had been acting strangely ever since their arrival in Nihon. At first Syaoran had thought it was because of him not wanting them to find out about his past killing obsession, but somehow, Syaoran thought, it ran a little deeper than that. Kurogane had seemed positively flustered, and shocked when he learned that Tomoyo was to be married. Perhaps...? Syaoran suppressed a small smile. But then he frowned upon remembering that nothing could happen now that she was to wed. In some ways, Kurogane reminded Syaoran of himself, not wanting to say anything to the object of his desire about his true feelings, realizing that it was not in his place... Such a predicament had also plagued Kurogane. In that moment, Syaoran felt closer to the ninja than ever before, understanding the torn feeling inside of him, as it was in him as well.
Sakura regarded Kurogane anxiously as he sat across from her, brooding, his arms folded over his chest as he stared blankly into space. He seemed so unlike his usual self. Although he was usually quiet, he would carefully observe what was going on around him, even though it seemed as if he could care less. But this eerie passive state he had lapsed into, which had robbed him of all speech and had reduced him to a silent figure, tore at her heart. She felt so terribly sorry for his loss, and couldn't help but feel guilty, having tried to persuade him before reaching the Capital to confess his feelings to Tomoyo.
She closed her eyes and probed through his awareness. Using her senses she could actually feel his pain herself, which seemed to stab her very soul. She drew back in alarm. How was it possible for someone to be feeling such mental pain without having sustained any physical injuries? It hurt so much... Kurogane had truly been dealt a terrible blow. Perhaps several by the looks of it.
Out of the corner of her eyesight, she caught a glimpse of Fay staring at her, his mouth slightly agape, wearing a curious expression on his face. But she was sure that she had imagined it, for when she turned her head to get a better look she saw that he wasn't looking at her at all; like all of them, his eyes were fixed worriedly upon Kurogane.
Once Sakura's eyes had flitted back toward Kurogane, Fay shot another glance in her direction again. He had 'heard' her use of magic and was pondering whether that meant that Sakura was getting stronger, stronger than he had ever thought possible. Indeed, it was quite apparent to him that her strengths did not only derive from her kind heart; she was also gifted with the extraordinary powers of magic. Fay hid a small smile. That girl had remarkable potential, he had to give her that. Why, with the proper training, Sakura could become a great mage. Perhaps as strong as himself...
Fay shook his head. Old memories of past happenings and events he pushed aside. For with great power came great responsibility. And the desire for more power led to greedy thoughts and actions, as had only proved too true back in Celes...
But he was interrupted in reminiscing as the door opened once more, and the servant re-entered, weighed down, carrying a heavy platter with food. "The Princess would like for you to join her tomorrow morning for breakfast. I shall pass by tomorrow to show you to her quarters." He set it on the low table before them and bowed out.
The five of them settled themselves on fine satin cushions situated around the table, and started eating. No words passed between them as they ate their fill in silence. The food was neither elaborate, yet neither dissatisfying—it certainly beat the fare they had on the road. The servant returned shortly after they had finished and took away the empty platter, leaving them without words. Only then did they look up at each other.
During the meal Kurogane had been considering all that had happened, finally reaching the conclusion that he had to perform his duty and cast away all personal feelings until he had settled the matter. He had to find out what had made Semba accept peace when they were one of the most warlike nations around Nihon. He looked up to the others and was slightly surprised at the looks upon their faces. They regarded him with something akin to pity. So... they were all aware of his feelings for Tomoyo. Kurogane did not want their pity. There was more at stake here than his personal emotions. Semba could be plotting against Nihon for all he knew. It had proven so in the past. How could Tomoyo do this to Nihon? To herself? Had she so easily forgotten what had happened eleven years ago? Kurogane clenched his fist and started to tremble with rage.
"Kurogane-san..." Sakura started to say, but he held his hand up to stop her continuing.
"I know what you guys're thinking," he said, his voice shaking slightly, "but that's not the present problem." He stood and started to pace about the room restlessly. "How could Tomoyo-hime trust those bastards?!" he fumed. "It's obvious they want to sabotage her!"
When they looked at him uncomprehendingly he breathed in deeply a few times, trying to calm himself as he stopped pacing. He rubbed his hands together. "Okay... this'll take some explaining." He sat down upon his cushion again with a ploof. He pored himself some saké and drained his cup in one go. He surveyed the others while fingering his empty cup, as if judging how much he should tell them. He half-shrugged as if saying, "What the heck?" and filled his cup again.
"Semba's a country situated at Nihon's southern borders. The nation of Semba's very warlike, and always desires more land and slaves to harvest them. Countless times in the history of Nihon there've been border battles and clashes. All these attacks were, thankfully, badly organized, and were repelled easily by Nihon's border guards." He paused, a haunted look in his eyes, as he took a sip from his saké.
"But around eleven years ago, all of Semba's clans gathered together to meet. Previously, there'd be small clans with clan leaders, and each clan would do as it pleased. But for some reason, they gathered together, choosing a supreme Warleader to rule over all clans.
"They became extremely well-organized and launched an unexpected surprise-attack upon Nihon's borders, overrunning the border guards. Then the Sembians made their way to the closest village. They burned and plundered what they could, slaughtering all of the inhabitants... including the women, the children, and the aged. They left none alive... at least until they were finished toying with them," he said darkly.
They caught the meaning behind his words. It was out of respect for Sakura that he did not speak more bluntly.
Sakura shivered. How could they be so cruel?
Syaoran instinctively took her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly, feeling her at unease.
Sakura blushed slightly and smiled back in thanks.
Kurogane joined his hands, thinking. "When news of this had reached the King of Nihon, he couldn't sit back idly and watch his country being butchered. He gathered his army and marched southward, leaving his Queen and daughter behind to be safe in the company of a hundred ninja, fifty of which were still in training, Souma and myself included.
"While the king fought valiantly and drove Semba off, he was grievously wounded and died upon the battlefield. But none had known that Semba had only sent a portion of its army to meet with the king and had sent the bulk of it to Shirasagi Castle."
Sakura gave a small gasp. "And then?" she breathed.
Kurogane drained his cup and sighed heavily. "We were unprepared, and so few fully-qualified ninja had been left behind. Reinforcements would have been too late to arrive, so the ninja of the Personal Guard had no choice but to allow us ninja-in-training to battle as well." He paused as memories washed over him. "I remember a great mass of them swarming the castle gates, and our forces being greatly outnumbered. We were pushed back, and they swarmed into the castle..." He fell silent for several moments. He raised his head. "Confusion was everywhere. You didn't dare stay still for anyone to take a swipe at you. As I battled, I heard a scream. It was a girl's." He paused. "I thought it might've been Souma, so I followed the sound. I ran through the hallways and once I reached the throne room I walked in on a horrid sight."
Sakura clenched Syaoran's hand tightly, fearing the worst.
Syaoran and Mokona were listening intently, hanging upon Kurogane's every word.
Fay simply arched his eyebrows, politely curious.
Kurogane stared into space. "The Queen had been brutally murdered, and the Princess had been cornered by three thugs ready to have some more fun. One of them heard me enter and made a run for it. I let him go, but I saw that the others had paid no heed to me and were still advancing on the Princess. I don't know what came over me then. My mind seemed to cloud, and I charged at them and killed them with one blow."
Kurogane stood and walked toward the window. He gazed at the crescent moon, which had risen to form a graceful arc over the mountains. "From that moment on, I vowed to spare none. I would never forgive anyone for trying to have their way with the Princess.
"However, that was not the end of it. Battle still raged in the corridors. I took hold of the Princess's wrist and told her to stay close to me. I had every intention of handing her over to some senior ninja, but I saw none around me at all. All had been killed. I walked in on a corridor which was filled with those scumbags. Upon seeing the Princess, many tried to get at her, but I slaughtered them all." He gave a harsh, short laugh, which sounded more like a bark. "None could stop me as I continued onward. All fell before me.
"She barley flinched and I was somewhat surprised at that, for her mother had been killed before her very eyes. I didn't really pay attention though, as I supposed that the shock of one death was enough to numb the rest." He traced his mouth thoughtfully with one finger. "Now that I think about it, though, she's never really approved of my killing... but she had said nothing then... only afterward..." He shrugged.
"Anyway, Nihon's army returned shortly after the death of the Queen and beat off the rest of the Sembians. I handed over the Princess to the Lead Ninja, who had battled at the King's side." Kurogane bowed his head. "Normally, the Lead Ninja would've been proud that a trainee had successfully protected the Princess. But not my father. He thought that I should've tried more, that I should've somehow protected the Queen. I had never felt so humiliated in my life as he started telling me off right in front of the Princess..." Kurogane shook his head furiously. "But she explained that I couldn't have done anything, for she had screamed after it had happened. So my father let the issue drop.
"And from that moment on, she became the ruler of Nihon. A twelve year-old..." Kurogane turned to them. "So you see why I'm confused. How could Tomoyo-hime be marrying one of the princes of the nation that had taken her parents away from her?"
They didn't have an answer to that. From what Kurogane had just told them, he had every right to doubt this sudden change.
Syaoran fidgeted. "Didn't you say that Semba was composed of clans?"
"Yeah," Kurogane answered.
"So how is it possible to have princes?"
Kurogane turned. "Didn't I say that they elected a leader?"
Syaoran nodded.
"Well, they kept that leader. He became the first King of Semba. And since he ascended to royal status, so did his sons." Kurogane started pacing about the room again, his hands clasped behind his back.
Fay frowned. "And your bloodlust must've started then, didn't it?"
Kurogane froze. "Yes," he muttered, then continued pacing.
"And they've always wanted Nihon?" Sakura asked him.
"Yeah..."
"So maybe Semba decided to take Nihon without spilling blood. Maybe with this marriage, Nihon and Semba will automatically merge."
Kurogane came to an abrupt stop. "That can't be possible. Tomoyo-hime wouldn't give up her country to slavery just because of one prince." He continued his repetitive steps as he muttered, "How could she have forgotten such an event? Why did she accept? What could Semba be up to? They can't have changed their motives, I mean, come on, even after the war they sent assassins to try and get rid of her. Typical of Sembians to think that they could kill her, even though she's got magic. And Tomoyo-hime's magic protects Nihon... But Souma said it's not working properly anymore... So maybe Semba has something to do with this? But they've got no mages... And how could they have gotten close enough to disable her...? But still, that doesn't change the fact that she said yes..." Kurogane fell upon the couch like a sack of potatoes and buried his face in his hands. "I don't know what to make of this," he croaked, and by the sound of his voice he seemed to be on the verge of collapsing with exhaustion.
Sakura got up and sat beside him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Kurogane-san. You're tired, and it's only natural for you to feel helpless now. So much has changed in your absence that you feel unable to do a thing."
He looked up at her, a surprised expression on his face. Then he frowned. "Are you sensing me again?" he accused her.
Sakura giggled. "Not this time. This time it was all you."
"Is it that obvious?" he asked, dumbfounded.
Fay burst out laughing. "Of course it is! You poured out your whole heart there before us, letting out some things you probably shouldn't have let slip." He winked.
"Like what?" he asked angrily.
"The fact that you were terribly disappointed that your father didn't appreciate your tries, for one," Fay answered. "And anyway, the five of us have been together for over four years. You'd think that we'd know each other by now. What each facial expression means, what one meant to say... you know, by little things."
"So... what? You can read me like an open book?" Kurogane asked them weakly. He was not at all used to people being able to predetermine his actions and words.
"It's because we've been together for such a long time," Syaoran told him. "We've developed a special bond between ourselves. Even if we only exchange glances we can understand what the other is thinking. We have what is called a close friendship."
Mokona hopped up onto Kurogane's shoulder. "And since we're friends, we'll help ya! Judging all that you told us, this whole Sembian thing is smelling really, really fishy!"
"Maybe Sakura-chan's feather has something to do with the strange changes in Nihon," mused Fay. "Remember those assassins? Perhaps she..." He faltered.
"What?" Kurogane asked him. He stood up abruptly. "If whatever you were going to say has anything to do with Tomoyo-hime, you've got to tell me!" He wore a determined and anxious expression that spoke volumes.
Fay was taken aback somewhat. Kurogane seemed greatly troubled about Princess Tomoyo... But Fay had to keep his suspicions from him; he did not want to worry him even more. Fay averted Kurogane's penetrating gaze.
"It is something about her, isn't it?" Kurogane accused him. "Tell me!"
Fay scratched the back of his head, thinking quickly. "No," he said evenly and carefully, "I wasn't going to say anything about Princess Tomoyo. What I wanted to comment on were your suspicions on Semba having mages. You said that they don't. And if they had mages..." He shrugged exaggeratedly. "Well, if they had actually used active magic, I would've sensed them. But I've sensed nothing so far. So, maybe if the Sembians really are up to something and they're using magic, they may have the feather."
Kurogane crossed his arms and glared at Fay. "You said 'perhaps she' before." His eyes became narrow slits as he growled, "Who were you referring to?"
"To Sakura-chan, of course," Fay said quickly. "We're talking about gathering her feathers, aren't we?" He turned to Mokona, who had just leapt onto Kurogane's head. "So? Do you feel the vibes?"
Mokona cocked its ears. "I do... but something is interfering..." it said seriously.
"Interfering?" Syaoran asked in alarm. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I'm picking up tons of magical signals here!" Mokona said indignantly. "This place is full of loads of magic! It's hard to sort through it all!" it squeaked as it energetically slapped its paws on Kurogane's head (Kurogane winced while he tried to deliver a punch to it). "But I'll try my very best to sort through them as quick as I can!"
Mokona then leaned forward to survey Kurogane upside-down. "You need help with your problem, right?"
Kurogane waved his hand irritably to swat Mokona away (the creature drew up with an excited giggle). "I don't. This is my problem. Your problem is finding the feather." He regarded them warily, curious to see their reactions. So... it's finally come down to this, he thought.
Silence fell as the fact that Kurogane was, indeed, not going to help them in this adventure began to sink in. His journey was over, of course, and they couldn't force him to help them any longer. He had said it himself. He had only been helping them so he could get to Nihon sooner. Now that this had come to pass...
"You're right," Syaoran said seriously. "Now that you've finally made it back to Nihon, we can't compel you to help us any longer. And anyway, you have problems of your own." He then got a determined expression on his face. "But please, allow us to help you. Think of it as a repayment for all the times you've helped us out."
"Yeah!" Mokona piped up. "Besides, we're friends! Friends help each other!" It paused and put his paw to its chin, as if considering something. "I'll stop bugging you, just this once, so I can help you! Though it'll be difficult..." it admitted.
Kurogane stared at each of them in turn. Syaoran with his serious gaze, Sakura with her sunny smile, and Fay with his ever-present mocking expression. He pried Mokona off of his head and regarded him as well. Mokona grinned at him. They all looked at him expectantly and warmly. They were smiling at him.
A deep sense of gratitude and compassion for them overwhelmed him. He had never felt so cared for. Despite his abrupt manner, his awful attitude, his violent appearance, and basically the bad image he displayed for the world, these companions of his, these friends of his, had seen past all that, into his very soul. He felt more close to them now than ever before. He would dearly miss them when it was time for them to leave.
His emotions were threatening to overwhelm him, something that had never happened to him before. He bowed his head. "Thanks, guys," he said hoarsely.
He grinned at them broadly in thanks, something that shocked Mokona, Fay, Sakura, and Syaoran even more than his words. They had never seen him smile in such a way. A genuine smile, quite unlike the usual grimaces he wore in the heat of battle, or when he amused himself by provoking others. He looked years younger to Syaoran. It suited him, he believed.
With Kurogane's feelings now very strong, he patted Mokona on the head and handed him to Sakura wordlessly. He reached out and smoothed her hair, and still wearing his smile, shook Syaoran's hand warmly, and then clapped Fay's shoulder. Then he retired to one of the bedrooms.
Fay arched one of his eyebrows. "Now there's a side to him I've never seen before." he chuckled good-naturedly. "It looks like we've really changed him for the better."
"Yeah..." Syaoran agreed. He looked up at Fay. "But what were you trying to hide from him before?"
Fay looked at them curiously. "Was it so evident?"
"Yes," Sakura confirmed with a grin.
Fay leaned back. "Well," he said, "it was in fact something to do with Tomoyo-hime. But since it's only a theory, I didn't want to worry him unnecessarily." He lifted his head in thought. "Tomoyo-hime might be under some sort of spell. A mind-controlling one. But those kind of spells are cleverly concocted, which means it'll take some time for me to find out if this is the case."
Sakura gasped. "Can it be true?" she asked him anxiously.
Fay shrugged. "It's possible."
"Well, we'll have to look into this. At least it's something to do before Mokona pins down the feather's vibes," Syaoran said as he stood up. "And anyway, I want to help Kurogane-san find out the truth about the Sembians."
"Yeah, me too," Sakura said. She formed fists as she said in a strong voice, "He's our friend, and he deserves it! He's helped us out so much already!"
"Uh-huh!" Mokona piped up. "We can call it a farewell present!"
Fay grinned. "That's a good idea, Mokona." Then he sighed, finally voicing the words he had been thinking about for quite some time. "I'll sure miss him."
Syaoran lowered his head. "I will, too. Although he gave off a stern appearance at first, I honestly think that he's changed with us."
Sakura remained silent. "I'm not sure if I'm right to say this," she began, "but Kurogane-san reminds me of my brother. Deep down, my brother has my best interests at heart, even though it hardly seems like it since he picks on me all the time. It's the same with Kurogane-san. He has our best interests at heart, too, even though he might think of us as a nuisance at times."
Mokona smiled hugely. "That's actually a good way of describing Kurogane!"
Fay then stood and stretched lazily. "But I think we should sort of give him some room now. You know, some time alone. It seems to me he needs it."
"But not too much, so he knows we support him," Syaoran stated firmly.
"I think he already realizes it," Sakura said quietly. "He probably feels about us the same way we feel about him. But because of his training, he doesn't really know how to show it."
There was silence for a few moments.
"Well, now that that's all said and done, I'm gonna get some shut-eye." Fay yawned hugely. "G'night," he said as he entered one of the bedrooms, Mokona hopping in after him.
Syaoran stretched his arms high above his head. "We should probably get to bed, too."
"Yeah..." Sakura said distractedly. She looked up at Syaoran. "Are you okay?" she asked him seriously.
Syaoran regarded her with curiosity. "Sure..." he started to say.
"I wanted to ask you about that fight," Sakura said, cutting down to the chase. "You were acting very strangely." She looked at him worriedly. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong?"
As Syaoran gazed deeply into her eyes, he had half a mind to actually tell her what had really happened, but after a moment he thought better of it, coming back to his senses. "Really, I'm fine," he assured her.
Sakura did not seem to believe him, but she did not press the issue. "All right... well, good night."
"Good night, Princess."
Sakura went to open one of the bedroom doors. Before entering, she turned to smile at Syaoran, causing him to blush furiously. Then she closed the door behind her with a soft click.
Syaoran sighed heavily. His mind seemed fit to burst with the past events. And he knew that the only way to actually get down to some good-quality thinking was to get a good night's sleep. And with that, he retired to the last bedroom.
———————————————
Tomoyo sighed as she regarded the moon's pale glow. Things had taken an abrupt turn. Too abrupt for her liking. Just when she had thought she had put all of her past feelings behind her, he had showed up again. Her feelings, which she had believed quenched, had been kindled and relit again, as a dying fire which had once more been given fuel to burn.
But why? And at such a time? She was to marry in less than forty-eight hours, and instead of thinking about Dai, her future husband, her thoughts were constantly on Kurogane...
She was thinking foolishly. What did the ninja see in her? Nothing, except his sovereign. As if he could ever regard her as something more...
Tomoyo left her balcony and entered the safety of her chambers. She surveyed herself critically in the mirror, taking in the petite silhouette and the white nightgown. Even plainly dressed, she unwillingly preserved an air of authority.
He would never come to regard her as something more or less than a princess.
Tomoyo furiously shook her head. No, she mustn't be thinking about him anymore. What about Dai? What about him? a part of her mind asked her. I'm to marry him! answered another part. But you don't really love him, replied the first. Would you prefer to be married and heart-broken, or single and able to have a chance to win Kurogane over?
Tomoyo hung her head sadly. She had already made a choice. She couldn't back out now. She had dived in too deep, and she could no longer resurface. And besides, Dai loved her. She could tell. Although her magic failed to sense him, by his actions and by the way he gazed at her adoringly, she could tell that Dai was deeply in love with her.
Kurogane...? His face was always a mask. She could never tell what he was feeling.
But her heart throbbed painfully. She yearned to be with him. She had never really wanted to send him away, but the Witch of the East had insisted... and Tomoyo's own scrying had proved that it was a necessity for Kurogane to take part in retrieving Sakura's feathers, or the Fellowship would be doomed to failure.
It was as the Prophecy Yuuko had showed her stated. The Four Companions; the Beloved One, the Devoted One, the Lost One, and the Reluctant One. Each represented a member of the group; Sakura, Syaoran, Fay... and Kurogane. Four very different people uniting under a single cause; retrieving the Beloved One's memories from the ultimate evil. Fei Wang Reed...
Even Tomoyo herself had heard of the man who sought the ability to travel through dimensions at will. It was clear that he must be stopped at all costs, for no one could be allowed such power with plans as devilish as his.
But now that Kurogane had returned... Tomoyo recalled the Prophecy's words as clearly as if she had the old scroll in her hands.
"And one of the universes the Fellowship wilt fall unto shalt be the home-world of the Reluctant One. Faced with a difficult choice he wilt be, for the unanswered question shalt be voiced. Henceforth wilt the Fellowship be stripped by the parting of the Reluctant One, or shalt it be the Reluctant One's desire to journey onward along with his companions? For—"
However, at that point, the old writing had been smeared, and neither she nor Yuuko had been able to decipher it. If they had tried to use their powers, the Prophecy would have become unbalanced, ensuring Fei Wang's immediate success. After the smeared lines the prophecy read: "And they wilt be faced with a world giving unto Darkness, and the path..." And it continued so, describing the next world the Fellowship would be transported to. If it could be called so, for it gave no hint whatsoever which world it actually was. That was the case when the Prophecy described each world they fell into—they were too general to fully be relied on.
Tomoyo believed the words of the Prophecy, but she found it infuriating that it was full of gibberish and nonsense at times, making it incomprehensible for pages on end. But Yuuko had insisted that the prophecy had meant Kurogane when it referred to the Reluctant One. Kurogane had been the only ninja fitting the description, for the Prophecy had also referred to him as the Dragon Lord.
Kurogane did in fact use dragon-based special techniques, and there were rumors that he associated with dragons whenever away on long journeys... it all fit.
So, with a heavy heart, Tomoyo had used the pretence of his bloodlust to exile him. She actually did find his habit of butchering repulsive, but she could bear it, since he only killed those with evil intentions. But to fit the reason for transporting him, she had had to curse him as well.
Tomoyo smiled smugly. It had actually turned out for the best. Kurogane was now more attractive than ever, especially without the bloodstains donning his cloak. And he was certainly more rugged-looking, adding to his charm...
Tomoyo blushed sheepishly at these thoughts. Then she furiously reprimanded herself. How could she be marrying someone when she was having such thoughts about another man?
But there was nothing she could do to stop herself. She was in love. And not with Dai... with Kurogane... there was no denying it...
She couldn't hide the fact forever, but she couldn't bring herself to say anything to Dai... could she? Could she stop the wedding? She imagined the shocked look on Dai's face. The sadness in his eyes... no, she couldn't bear to cause him such pain.
Tomoyo shivered and wrapped her arms about her shoulders. She couldn't call off the wedding. No, she was going to have to go through with it. She had an obligation to her people to fulfill. She couldn't back out now. What would that make her? A coward?
And if she did call off the wedding and it turned out that Kurogane didn't feel the same way...?
Tomoyo entered her chambers and nestled under the covers of her bed. No matter what she truly wished, she owed Nihon. It was her duty as the Princess. Personal emotions she had to cast away. They no longer mattered. She would have to forget about the way she felt for Kurogane. She would have to forget him, force him out of her mind and heart.
"At least there will be peace between our nations," she murmured to the soft breeze tickling her cheeks. And, with that, she was gently lulled to sleep by the whispering wind.
She dreamed. And she hoped.
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To Be Continued
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A/N: Dai is a character I created, and Semba is an imaginary country situated at the southern borders of Nihon. Imagine the large island, as it is now, only separated in half, with Nihon to the north and Semba to the south. Yeah, I know I'm manipulating history and geography, but whatever. It's just a fan fic! XP
Tell me if you like it or tell me if you hate it. Please review!