JustaFanGrell again, my Lovelies!
Did you miss me? (wink-wink)
Sooo… Chapter Three included a reference to…
RED DWARF! That wonderful British space comedy with the GREATEST CAT EVER!
There were references in Chapter Four to TWO different works…
Go back and look again if you missed them!
So, let me know if you find any in THIS chapter!
As always- feel free to SHARE and Review if you feel inclined to do so!
DEATH*

One Dark and Stormy Night

Ch. 5

Fai continued to watch for Kurogane's return while Syaoran tried to maintain Sakura's body temperature. The boy had her gingerly cradled in his arms, hugging her to his body for warmth. He tried his best to keep her off the soaked ground, and constantly had to readjust the cloaks to try and keep the rain from leaking in. The devilish gale however, seemed to have other plans for them. Several times the winds had tried to give flight to the cloaks, and only by luck was Mokona able to grab onto the edge in time to keep them from becoming kites and sailing away. Mokona sure was busy trying to keep things put, hopping back and forth as best she could while trying not to run into the pair she was working so hard to keep dry. Syaoran had focused all his attention on Sakura and had not noticed when Fai sighed with relief as he spied the samurai making his way towards them through the forest. The wet mage met Kurogane at the edge of the trees as he emerged from the undergrowth a slight bit away from the others.

His relief was palatable as he asked the question that they had all wondered since Kurogane had left earlier. "Well? Please tell me your search was successful! I need some good news about now!" His slight chuckle after speaking was lost on his companion who immediately picked up on the latter statement. "What the hell happened!" the samurai forcefully demanded. "Why do ya need good news?!"

Getting straight to the point instead of dancing around the subject as usual, Fai surprised him by stating quickly "It's Sakura. I fear that she might be ill… maybe she just became too chilled from the rain, but she isn't doing very well at the moment." His very serious tone caught Kurogane off guard. The wizard usually liked to play games when it came to telling someone something, as if he took some sick, perverted joy in making you guess what he wanted to tell you before he actually got around to finally telling you.

"Yea, I found something that'll work, and it's not too far. Should keep this damn rain off us for the night." He was relieved that he was able to find something so close by their arrival site. When he first took stock of the new world just after they arrived, he feared it may be uninhabited with nothing much of use for shelter against the storm.

Fai's shoulders sagged with relief as he heard the good news. That's good news! Now we just have to get Sakura there and warm… give her a fighting chance. "That's good to hear. Oh- One other thing, Kuro-scout."

Kurogane growled at Fai, thinking Damnit, I've just about had it with him and his damn nicknames already! I am NOT in the mood to deal with this shit!

Fai noted (and just as quickly dismissed) his annoyance. He just loved royally annoying the burly samurai with all manner of silly nicknames, and even in this situation, he couldn't help himself. "There is… something out there." He continued, "We could feel its eyes on us most of the time you were gone, watching us. I thought I saw something once, but it may have just been the storm. We couldn't really tell through the downpour. I think we should get to your shelter as soon as we can, for both our safety and Sakura's health." Kurogane gave him an annoyed side glance. "So basically, you have no idea what or if this 'something' is still out there." He paused and then muttered "Hmph… Could be anywhere then."

Kurogane gave a quick look around at the edge of the forest (as if whatever Fai had seen would just waltz out and say 'Hello'…) and then they set off to gather up their small group and head off to the promise of shelter. Fai attempted to lighten the mood by commenting "I assume we shall have to walk, since I forgot to bring my coconuts." Kurogane just rolled his eyes and grumbled "Crazy-ass mage…" Chuckling to himself, Fai delighted in his success at annoying his stern companion, yet again.

When the pair reached the others, Fai gently placed a hand on Syaoran's shoulder. "He's back…" he said. "And he found us shelter. Are you able to carry her a bit?" he asked. Syaoran's gaze shifted from the shivering girl in his arms to Fai's expectant face. "I'll carry her for forever if that is what she needs." he plainly stated. "You know I'd do anything for her."

Fai could read the concern in his voice as well as hear the love he felt for her. Fai's heart ached for them both. Sometimes their situation weighed heavily on him. He admired the boy for his dedication and conviction when it came to Sakura. After all that they had already been through... all the troubles, pain, and trials he was still always there for her. Fai knew of all the love that Syaoran felt for her and none could be reciprocated… for she was to never remember why he was always at her side. Such a terrible price Yuko had demanded for Syaoran's wish, but a price that Syaoran had been more than happy to pay for her memories. Well, most of them, anyway.