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 9 — Revelations
By Mystic Dawn
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Sakura smiled broadly. "I'm positive things will work out for Kurogane-san and Tomoyo-hime." She hugged a pillow close to her face and grinned blissfully. "I'm sure they'll be very happy together!"
"How can you be sure of that? Tomoyo-hime was going to marry someone else," Syaoran pointed out. "We know how Kurogane-san feels about her, but what if it's an unrequited love?"
Sakura giggled as she rubbed Mokona's ears ("That tickles!" it exclaimed happily) and said in a quiet voice, "It is not an unrequited love, for Tomoyo-hime is in love with Kurogane-san, as well."
Fay sat up suddenly, his blond hair somewhat messed up by lying among all the cushions strewn on the floor. "Really?" he asked Sakura curiously, the corners of his mouth twitching. "Then why was she going to marry Dai-ouji?" He eased his head upon his arms and arched his eyebrows expectantly.
Sakura leaned back and scratched at her chin in thought. "The way I understand it—from sensing Tomoyo-hime's feelings—is that she had given up on Kurogane-san. She had had no idea that he felt the same for her, and she believed that he would never be able to see her as something other than the Princess of Nihon. So, she had tried to forget about him these past four years and had consented to continue the wedding after our arrival for Dai-ouji's sake—because she thought that he loved her."
"Hmm... a noble and self-sacrificing act..." Fay muttered. "Probably also to keep the peace between the two countries."
Sakura nodded. "But now that Kurogane-san will confess his feelings, she'll be able to tell him, too, and everything will be all right!" She sighed happily as she buried her face in the pillow. "It's so romantic!"
Fay chuckled. "Gee whiz, isn't it funny? For two people to be in love with each other and to not know that the other feels the same? Even if they spend lots of time together and they talk together... it's right under their noses and they don't even see it!" He grinned at them. "That's actually the best kind of romance! Because they knew each other before, there'll be no problems afterward! The only problem is fessing up!" He yawned hugely as he stood to his feet. "Well, I'd better hit the sack or I'll be zoned out tomorrow. See you in our rooms. Oh! If you see Kuro-myuu afterward and he's victorious, tell him congrats from me. Coming, Mokona?"
Mokona hopped out of Sakura's lap and leapt onto Fay's head. "Good night!" it greeted Sakura and Syaoran.
Fay winked at the two of them before closing the door behind him. The sound of the door sliding closed was strangely final and smug.
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Kurogane took long strides through the empty hallways. His steps echoed hollowly against the light-blue floor-tiles, the rhythmic and repetitive movement allowing his mind to wander.
What on earth was he doing? Was he out of his mind?
Probably.
He sighed heavily as his footsteps continued to reverberate ominously in the vacant corridors. He passed by a number of doors and hallways, but he continued onward, his course sure and unwavering.
He was going to confess his feelings to Tomoyo.
To be completely honest with himself, he had never, ever, felt this nervous before in his entire life. Not even when he was thirteen, anxiously awaiting the King to choose the ten ninja-in-training for the Personal Guard. Not even when he had become twenty and he had to pass the Test that would qualify him as a full-fledged ninja. Not even when he was about to combat with his father to claim the rank of Lead Ninja.
No, this time topped them all. What he was feeling was unsettling, unnerving and unremitting. He felt completely lost and utterly confused; totally nonplussed. How could he tell her? Sure, the advice Syaoran gave him was good... but it excluded all the painful little details; like the fact that his insides were writhing and squirming about in anxiety and dread, and that he was feeling queasy and faint.
He couldn't tell Tomoyo that he loved her... he just couldn't! Even if he managed to tell her (supposing that the lump in his throat had passed by then) nothing would ever happen between them. He was a ninja, a simple warrior, and she was the Princess, the ruler of Nihon. She was his superior, and nothing would change that.
Tomoyo was a just ruler and she was a powerful sorceress. She was sweet, charismatic, and beautiful. She was very intelligent and very wise. During the years that had passed—ever since he had been chosen as a trainee in the Personal Guard—Kurogane had felt a strange feeling when near her. He had felt somewhat drawn to her petite stature, and he had felt that she needed undivided attention for her protection. He soon saw, however, that she was not at all weak, and that she was more than capable of handling herself and others. He had then felt admiration on her behalf; ever since that fated day she had become the ruler of Nihon. She had put on a strong face and had accepted her duties without question, never shrinking back from any difficulties that had arisen. She had been as firm as adamant in her decisions and her resolve was unwavering. She was very perceptive and always seemed to know if there was a problem. She was one of a kind.
Kurogane was not exactly sure when his feelings for her had developed into love, but he knew that it didn't really matter in the outcome. He would be telling Tomoyo how he felt for her any minute now. The feelings that went past simple loyalty and devotion and bordered on complex passion and desire. The feelings that haunted him day and night, not leaving him in peace. Feelings that stirred a longing in him whenever his gaze fell upon her flawless face, her charming smile, and her mischievous, deep-violet eyes. Her quirky sense of humor also attracted him, as she was able to find something amusing in any serious situation—like when she had sent him away, or when she had reprimanded him for his previous bloodlust.
It was the job of all ninja to protect the Princess, but Kurogane had taken it to the limits—and past them. Ever since the war with Semba eleven years ago and when he had become a full ninja three years afterward, he had mercilessly slain anyone whom he had deemed a threat to her. There were various nobles and criminals who would attempt to use their underlings to try to assassinate or to spy on Tomoyo, but after thoroughly questioning and disposing of them, Kurogane would set off on solitary journeys to eliminate the masterminds. A well-placed sword-thrust usually did the trick.
Tomoyo had scolded him about his killing-obsession on a number of occasions, but he would pay no heed. He had made himself a promise, and he had no intention of breaking it. And by the deaths of others he also found that his strength and experience grew—something that greatly satisfied him. However, there were also dangerous fiends and mages that lurked in watchful wait, anticipating the least-expected moments to strike at Tomoyo. Instead of being petty plots to overthrow her, these demons thirsted for her magic power. Each ninja was capable of performing special techniques that could severely wound them and scare them off, but Kurogane had been determined to protect Tomoyo by destroying them, despite the dangers of these malevolent beings. He had mastered many special techniques, and, when performing them, was able to successfully vanquish the opposing fiends.
Tomoyo had admonished him once with a mysterious smile, whispering softly, "At the rate you're killing off my enemies, there will be no need for a Personal Guard," once again chiding him for slaughtering the helpless. Despite her light attitude whenever commenting on his battle-mania, he had been able to tell that she was displeased with his behavior, but he would not relent. Her safety was his number one priority, but he had never been able to bring himself to admit it to her, so he had always supported that he killed to become stronger.
"Kurogane-sama?"
Kurogane's eyes focused upon the speaker. He was surprised to find himself before the double doors leading to Tomoyo's rooms. The two ninja who guarded them surveyed Kurogane curiously, possibly because he wore no shirt to hide the obvious fact that he was still bandaged.
"Uh... I'd just like a word with the Princess... if she's here, that is," Kurogane said in a strained voice.
"Yes, she is," one of the ninja promptly replied. "She finished with her royal duties only a few minutes ago, and was about to retire for the evening. Would you like me to announce you?"
Kurogane pulled on the cords that tied his cape uneasily. What would be better? To announce himself or to surprise her? He dismissed the latter idea immediately. "You'd... better announce me," he said in the strained voice once again, which was quite unlike his own.
The ninja also noticed that Kurogane seemed a bit flustered and disorientated, but they made no comment. The one who had spoken opened the doors and announced him, then skirted to the side for him to pass.
What in the world—no, in the Universe—had possessed him to go and tell Tomoyo that he loved her? He couldn't! It was not in his place! What would Tomoyo ever see in him? Nothing! He was crazy, mad, out of his mind... he couldn't possibly think that Tomoyo would ever see him as something more than a ninja, no way!
But he had already passed through the doors that closed shut behind him and was being steered toward the balcony, as if some exterior force were egging him on... toward Tomoyo.
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Sakura looked up at Syaoran and bit her lower lip nervously. Now was the time to ask him that which she was yearning to know. Now that Fay and Mokona were gone. Before, she had assumed a cheery disposition, but now it was time to get things straight. "Syaoran-kun?"
Syaoran looked up from the book he was flipping through. "Yes, Princess?"
Sakura nervously got to her feet. "Why did you lie to me?"
"What?" Syaoran said, baffled.
Sakura took a deep breath. "I asked you once, days ago, if you were all right because I'd noticed that you had been acting strangely in the battle with Souma-san and the rest of the ninja. You told me that you were okay and that nothing was wrong." She regarded him steadily, calculatingly. "But you lied. Kurogane-san mentioned that you being controlled had also happened when we first arrived." Her eyes glistened. "Why? Why did you lie to me?"
"I... I didn't want to worry you, Princess," he told her sincerely, at a loss for words.
"But I asked you once not to hide your pain from me," she reminded him in a small voice. "And I want to worry about you. You're my friend, Syaoran-kun."
Syaoran bowed his head. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "I just don't—"
"I know," Sakura interrupted. "You don't like people worrying about you." She sighed heavily. "But we're your friends, Syaoran-kun. It's normal for us to worry about you."
"But this is my problem," he reminded her gently. "I don't want any of you to get involved."
"We're involved whether you like it or not!" she retorted hotly. "And as your friends we're going to help you, no matter what!"
"Even if I end up hurting one of you?" he asked her in barely a whisper, finally voicing his fear.
Sakura looked the other way, flushing slightly in embarrassment of her outburst. So that was what his problem was. She reached for his hand and squeezed him gently. "No matter what," she said firmly. "Together, we can face anything. We'll always be there for you."
Syaoran frowned. Sakura was right. As determined as he and the others were to help Kurogane, such was the determination his friends would show toward him with his own problem. He nodded and tried to smile. "You're right. I shouldn't have kept it from you. I'm sorry."
Sakura smiled back at him. "That's all right," she assured him. "Sometimes, we all feel that we want to protect our friends. But by remaining silent, we usually do more harm than good."
Syaoran privately agreed. Then he realized that Sakura was still holding his hand. "Er..." he said, blushing.
Sakura raised her eyebrows. "What?" Then she also realized that she was still holding his hand. "Oh! Sorry!"
They let go of each other quickly.
"I-It's okay," Syaoran stammered, his face still red.
Sakura continued to blush profusely as she nodded. "I-I'm sorry."
"There's no need to apologize," he said in a strained voice.
They sat for a few moments in silence, still rosy-cheeked.
"Um... Syaoran-kun?" Sakura said after a few moments.
"Y-yes, Princess?"
Sakura drew a deep breath. "Do you regard me as a very good friend?"
"One of the best," Syaoran blurted out before he could stop himself.
Sakura smiled slightly. "I think so, too. I think you're a very close friend of mine." She lowered her gaze. "I'd... I'd like for us to drop the formalities," she said quickly. "I mean, well, we've known each other for over four years, so can I just call you 'Syaoran'? And you can call me 'Sakura', with no 'princesses' or 'himes' attached, okay?"
Syaoran's eyes widened as he recalled a similar situation. When a little Sakura had asked a little Syaoran to drop conventions, as well. His heart seemed to almost skip a beat. Would it interfere with the price? "All right," he finally said in a small voice.
"Good!" Sakura grinned. "Then don't be so formal with me, okay?"
Syaoran smiled faintly. "Okay."
Nothing had happened. This change in addressing each other did not affect the price. Syaoran felt relieved, for he had been worrying that it would. Perhaps... they might actually remain friends when this was all over.
He certainly hoped so.
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Kurogane nervously pulled back the gossamer curtains leading to the balcony. He saw that Tomoyo was leaning against the railing, her plain, deep-blue robes nearly camouflaging her against the night sky. The moonlight bathed her form in a pale light, its beams shining against her raven hair and bringing out her alabaster face. A silver necklace hung from her neck, nearly reaching her slender waist, a silver crescent moon fastened at the end.
Kurogane caught his breath. "Tomoyo..."
She looked like a forlorn marble statue. Her long ebony hair flowed down her back, curling elegantly at the end, and her violet eyes regarded him seriously. Tomoyo's robes clung to her body, revealing the fact that the slim girl of four years ago had rounded out into symmetry. He had left a girl and had found a young woman who had maintained her previous grace and charm. But she now seemed overly exquisite and ethereal, her serious and petite face like the finest porcelain. His heart ached with her beauty. He was lower than dirt compared to the likes of her.
Tomoyo in turn was awed by Kurogane; his long black cloak covered him wholly, shrouding him in darkness, obscuring his features save for his crimson eyes, which burned like brightly-lit coals. His eyes had always intrigued Tomoyo, for they were an unusual color and always surveyed her with a somewhat penetrating gaze—as if Kurogane's eyes bored into her very soul. But this time his look seemed more hesitant and questioning, but his deep and resonant voice still managed to make her heart leap.
She lowered her eyes and said in barely a whisper, "You haven't called me 'Tomoyo' since..."
"Since before you sent me away," he supplied in a steady voice. "You told me once, long ago, to call you so whenever we were alone." He tentatively took a step toward her.
"Yes... I did," she said quietly.
She recalled the specific memory. It was when he had first claimed the position of Lead Ninja. The Lead Ninja was considered the personal bodyguard of the royal person—even more important than her handmaidens. When not occupied with other duties, the Lead Ninja was obliged to accompany the royal person almost everywhere, and because Tomoyo could not stand being called 'Princess' all the time (and seeing that Kurogane was uneasy with flowery words), she had asked him to forgo the niceties when alone with her. It was better for the both of them, for Tomoyo escaped from conventions and Kurogane could speak as he wished without worrying about the consequences. And a somewhat peculiar friendship had bloomed between them. At least, Tomoyo regarded Kurogane as a friend of hers. She wasn't sure if he was of the same opinion.
"But you're still being formal with me," she pointed out.
Kurogane drew a deep breath. "I have the feeling that a lot has changed between us since we were last together... alone, that is." He took another tentative step toward her.
Tomoyo closed her eyes, trying to calm herself as she gripped at the railing. She knew that he was coming closer, but she was fearful to face him. She had tried her very best to avoid him since he had regained consciousness, for she did not think she could suppress her feelings any longer. There were no more restrictions, and ever since his return, her feelings for him were becoming harder and harder to control. "And what exactly has changed between us?" she asked him in a soft voice.
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Fay yawned hugely as he lazily made his way through the corridors. He was just nodding off, ready for a good night's sleep. Mokona had already dozed off on his shoulder, and it twitched slightly as it giggled in its sleep.
Fay smiled slowly. Between the hectic events occurring, there were peaceful moments that made the entire journey worthwhile. But Fay could never afford truly calming moments like the others. The fear of being caught was ever-fresh in his awareness. At times, he almost felt safe... but it was only a clever illusion concocted by spending time with his friends.
But Fay was worried, more worried than he thought possible. This whole adventure was turning out very odd. In other worlds, he had never felt the sense that they were being watched. But ever since the mysterious stranger had first controlled Syaoran, Fay had been feeling someone subtly probe the each of them in turn. And he had also sensed Tomoyo being subtly probed by the same force at times, as well, which made him wonder what role she played in this story.
It was odd, for the peculiar force was the same force he had sensed when they were questioning Dai. Then, the force was certainly the One Without Destiny, Fay concluded with a nod. He could now recognize the power-flows, and he would know if it was him when he struck again.
Fay wondered if Syaoran was actually fit for travel. They'd probably have to set off for Semba tomorrow, and Syaoran being controlled again was something that just couldn't be risked. He'd have to keep a watchful eye out for...
Fay froze in his tracks and cursed his stupidity. It was not in his nature to curse, but it was wholly justified in his current situation. Why hadn't he seen it before?! It was obvious that the perfect moment to strike again would be when Syaoran was alone with Sakura!
Fay turned abruptly on his heel and began to dash down the corridors back to Kurogane's room.
Mokona was jolted awake and it asked in a worried voice, "What's wrong?"
Fay did not answer as he continued his mad sprint, but he exclaimed in surprise when something suddenly collided with stunning force into his stomach, winding him. He sank to his knees in pain, drawing ragged breaths.
"Fay!" Mokona exclaimed in fear as it toppled from his shoulder onto the floor with a squeak.
Fay saw a pair of feet stop in front of him, and he felt his head pulled back abruptly as the person gripped his hair, forcing him to look at them.
Fay's eyes widened in shock. Nothing could have prepared him for this.
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Kurogane drew another deep breath. He felt so nervous and lost. He couldn't find the words to express what he felt. The task seemed so simple, and yet, so difficult... but he had to tell her the truth about how he felt for her.
He took another nervous step toward her and said, "A lot has happened ever since we last saw each other. I guess I should've said something sooner, but..." He sighed heavily. Why was it so hard for him to say three measly little words? Separately, they had no meaning, but when stringed together they conveyed a number of meanings, all depending on the way they were spoken.
Kurogane nervously cleared his throat. "Tomoyo..." This was the hardest thing he had ever faced in his life. But he had to. He just had to say it. He remembered Syaoran's advice, and Sakura's advice, as well. "I've had this feeling for a long time now, and it's only become stronger with the years that have passed." He swallowed and drew a deep breath. "I... I care about you a lot." Damn it! Why couldn't he just say 'I love you'?! "Even... even though nothing can happen between us, I just had to tell you," he added in a rush. Why was he feeling like he was being cut in two? Why?!
Tomoyo wanted to speak, but she could not find the words. Happiness was breaking over her like a wave that it almost frightened her. Her heart was fluttering in her chest and her eyes were misting over. Kurogane felt for her! He cared about her! "And... why can't anything happen between us?" she asked him quietly after a few moments of silence.
Kurogane started slightly. He had not been expecting such a response. "You... you're the Princess. And I'm just a ninja. It's not possible," he said heavily.
Tomoyo's heart began to beat swifter than she thought possible. "That doesn't matter," she whispered.
Kurogane's heart also started to beat rapidly in his chest. It was beating so fast that it was almost painful. Could it be? But...
"But you were going to get married," he mumbled in a voice void of emotions. "That means that you must've felt something for him... or else you wouldn't have accepted his proposal..."
Tomoyo bowed her head. "I thought I did," she said softly. "And I hurt when I found out that it was all a lie. I hurt because he had toyed with me and had used me as a pawn in his plans. I hurt because I had been willing to give up my true happiness for him. Because I thought he loved me, and that it would hurt him if I put a stop to the wedding." Tears began to spill from her eyes, and she drew a shuddering breath. "I hurt terribly... because I had believed him. I hurt because I had been too weak to realize what he truly was and remember what had happened eleven years ago. But," she said suddenly in a strong voice as she looked up at him, "the pain I felt was nothing compared to the pain I felt at the thought of losing you." Her tears trickled down her cheeks. "You... you almost died! Because of me! Because I was too stupid to realize that I was being tricked!" she sobbed. "I'm so sorry, Kurogane!"
Kurogane's heart beat feverishly. "Tomoyo... there's no need to apologize. I'd place myself in danger for you no matter what," he said in a deep voice. "I'd go through it again and again and again. As many times necessary, just to keep you safe." He did not know what came over him as he said these words, but he knew that he meant what he said. He couldn't stand to see her in pain. He narrowed the space between them quickly to stand before her. Subconsciously, he raised his hands to her face and wiped away her tears. He cradled her face in his hands. "Don't cry anymore, Tomoyo. I don't care what happens to me, as long as you're safe."
"But I would die without you," she said in a voice throbbing with emotion. She placed her hands over his own. They were calloused and rough against her soft skin, but she did not mind. She felt a firm sense of protection emanating from him, strengthening her. She had to tell him. She gripped his hands tightly. "You nearly died. And you would have died. But I couldn't let that happen. Not while I had the power to save you."
"What do you mean...?" he asked her slowly.
"I... I used my powers to sustain you for as long as was necessary," she said in a small voice. "Your wounds were fatal... and you had lost a lot of blood." She sniffled as tears poured down her face again, showering their hands. "But I just couldn't let you die..."
Kurogane's eyes widened. So Tomoyo had saved him. She had used her powers to save his life. "But... but I'm not worthy enough for you," he said heavily as his hands dropped down to his sides. He looked away from her. "How can you care so much about a... a murderer?" he asked her bitterly as he clenched his fists. "How can you care for someone who has severed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of lives? To care so much to save me?"
"Because I've seen past all that," Tomoyo told him gravely. "You're not just a murderer. You've killed villains, but that does not make you a villain yourself. You're a brave and loyal person, and you've risked your life for others. Do you think these qualities fit the description of a murderer?"
He gazed deeply into her perfect, deep-violet eyes. He felt as if he were losing himself in them, wrapped up in some sort of sweet fantasy. But this was sweeter, for it was reality. He was deeply in love with her. She was all that he could think about and all that he dreamed about.
"Do you really think so?" he asked her, desperation ringing in his voice. "Am I a good person?"
"You are not evil," Tomoyo stated firmly. "If you were, I would have realized it by now, don't you think so?" She smiled mischievously at him.
Kurogane could not suppress a small smile. Almost shyly, he took her hands in his and held them tenderly. He sighed. "But do I deserve you?" he asked her quietly.
"I think you do," Tomoyo said sincerely as she raised her head expectantly, adoration and longing shining in her eyes.
What Kurogane now wished was to prove to Tomoyo how he truly felt about her. He could not express something so beautiful and so exquisite by using plain speech, so his only way to do this was to show her. But he was inexperienced, as he had never cared for another, and had never dared to make a move before now.
There was no need, however, to feel so, for the way was before him. He bent his head and their lips merged.
It was beyond anything he had ever felt before. He had felt the savage pleasure of battle, and felt the harsh joy of severing lives. But this was entirely different. He felt uplifted and whole; pure. His heart seemed to be bursting with emotion. It was out of his experience, and he wished that it would never end.
He was no longer a heartless ninja with a battle-lust. During his journey, he had been changed by his companions, whom he finally regarded as friends; the very best. But even so, compared to what he was feeling now, all had been meaningless, for this was the ultimate change in his life—the crossroad that had presented him with the choice—and he had chosen well, following the right path. The path that led to his heart's innermost desire. He had been empty, and now he was filled.
He acted, moved, thought, breathed, and lived for Tomoyo. He now understood that his unwavering devotion for her, and all that he had done for her, had been leading up to this moment.
Tomoyo in turn felt as if she had been filled with a flaming desire. She had always secretly longed and yearned for this moment. And now that it had come, she felt her soul surge with vast and barely uncontrollable emotions; joy, happiness, longing, desire, lust, passion... her whole being rejoiced in the feelings that beheld her.
She had been ensnared by him from the very first moment they had met eleven years ago. It had been under peculiar circumstances, but she had been amazed at his willingness to protect her. She had tried to mimic his determinedness upon receiving the throne, and she had been overjoyed to find a friend in him when he became Lead Ninja.
And now, no longer friends, but lovers in the night they had become, for they both felt the same for the other, and it was an emotion that no one could fully explain. One of the mysteries of the Universe was the feeling of love. It appeared in many shapes and forms, and was peculiarly shaped by each human being differently, but together, they had managed to fashion it into a common emotion felt acutely by the both of them.
Their lips parted, and Tomoyo clung to him, wrapping her arms around his muscular torso. She looked up into his face and whispered, "I love you."
He gazed deeply into her starry eyes. All barriers had fallen, and he found that he could now speak with ease. There were no more secrets between them, as all had been revealed. His arms about her shoulders tightened, and they just stood there upon the balcony in a locked embrace, savoring each other's presence as the chill, yet light, breeze caressed them.
"I love you, too," he said in a voice full of emotion as they held onto each other.
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It was impossible. Fay's mind couldn't comprehend it, but he knew that he was not hallucinating.
Above him loomed Kazuo, brandishing a huge club, wearing an expression of utter malice and evil.
Fay was, however, still stunned. Kazuo? Alive? There was definitely foul work at play. Dark magic, he suddenly realized with a small frown.
"I see you are somewhat surprised to see me," Kazuo commented in a dry, rasping voice; quite unlike his original voice. "Alive, that is," he sneered as he stepped back from Fay, releasing him.
Fay stood shakily to his feet. "It can't be you," he said in a low voice. "You're just a copy. You're not really Kazuo-san."
Kazuo grinned maliciously. "If only it were so," he said wryly. "But it is me. And just to ease your mind, I'm not alive."
Fay's eyebrows furrowed. "Not alive?" he repeated. "Then you're not dead? Fascinating..."
Kazuo cackled mirthlessly. "Oh, you never lose your sense of humor, Fay." He looked at him queerly. "Or should I say, Lost One?"
Fay's eyes widened slightly before he could stop himself.
"I see you recognized the term," Kazuo said with mock-approval. "But I'm not alive. But then again, I'm not dead either." He grinned evilly. "Confusing, isn't it?"
"Indeed," Fay muttered. "So, what do you want from me?" he asked, raising his voice.
Kazuo arched his eyebrows, as if considering an important matter. "Nothing much," he said as he shrugged indifferently. "Just you dead." He smiled slowly. "And the good news is that you can't kill me because I'm neither alive, nor dead." He smacked his forehead. "Oh, of course, those are good news for me, and bad news for you." He took a step forward, advancing on him.
Fay took a nervous step backward. He was definitely dealing with something supernatural here, and if his senses were not mistaken, the force that had made this possible was the same force behind all of the other magical barriers they had come across. Fay narrowed his eyes. It was indeed Kazuo before him, but he sensed that there was something else, as well. It was the same force—the One Without Destiny.
Fay moistened his lips, speculating. If what Kazuo said was true, then there was no way to stop him. No normal way to stop him. Fay would not use his powers, no matter what. There had to be some way to stop Kazuo without magic. What Fay needed was to find out more—some sort of weakness.
As Kazuo neared, a putrid stench reached Fay's nostrils; that of a decaying corpse. So, Kazuo was indeed dead. But there was no way that the dead could walk again, unless a divinity intervened. But Kazuo wasn't alive either. So how was Fay to defeat something alive and dead at the same time? What was he going to do?
"Any last words?" Kazuo asked him mockingly as he came closer.
In Fay's mind, something seemed to click, but he knew that if he voiced it aloud, it would probably make his situation worse and give the upper hand to the other side. "Mokona," he called the white creature who had nervously watched the exchange between the two, "there's someone with Big Doggy who'll know what to do! Warn them!"
Kazuo screamed with rage as he made for the terrified Mokona, but Fay lunged at him, managing to knock him down.
"Hurry!" was the last word Mokona heard Fay utter before it made a run for it, not daring to look back behind it.
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To Be Continued
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A/N: Hmmm... this chapter turned out really mushy, didn't it? Oh, well, it was about time they finally got together! Tee hee! I'm justified to a little squeeing, aren't I? I wanted it to be perfect. I was so determined to make the confessions as natural as possible that I nearly banged my head against the wall in frustration when it wouldn't turn out the way I fantasized it. You won't believe how many different kinds I wrote! About five different situations! (Gasp! Talk about addicted!) But, finally, I settled on this situation, and I'm very proud of how it turned out. ;)
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