Hey Guys! Another chapter is up! In this chapter, we go back to Syaoran and Tomoyo in the Kou Empire. There, we will see how they survive at the palace and see new friends made. They will also uncover secrets. We'll even see some of Tomoyo's potential lovers...I did say there were two more besides Hakuryuu and Jafar. One is at the Kou Empire. Can you guess who? Also, as promised, this chapter will be as long, if not longer, than the previous chapter. If you can't wait for this story to update, I suggested you look at at least A New Life and To the Hunter's World. They explain the events that is happening back with the other people Sakura and the others know. The stories also shows the some of the occurrences that dragged the Cardcaptor gang into the Magi world.
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or Magi.
(P.S. I'm sorry if any of the characters seem OC.)
Enjoy!
Opening is eyes, Syaoran found himself in a small park. The sun was just setting, casting eerie shadows on the ground. Two small children were playing in the sand, a boy and girl. It must have been winter for they wore bulging jackets along with warm scarves and mittens. The blacked haired girl giggled and and looked at the boy with her brown eyes.
"Look Syaoran! I made a sandman!" She laughed, pointing to the misshapen piece of work she made. The boy laughed, moving his chestnut colored bangs away.
"Haha! Look at mine! It's a cat!" Looking at the giggling children, Syaoran realized that it was him and Meilin, when they were children. Before his mother started his training as a magician, before he ever left China. How happy he seemed back then, playfully laughing with his cousin.
"But, why am I remembering this right now?" He wondered. Suddenly, the children stopped laughing as they turned their heads to his right. Confused, Syaoran looked and saw someone slowly approaching the children. As their face became more visible, his heart dropped. "It can't be!" He yelled in his mind, sweat sliding down his pale face. The person was no other than Ren Gyouken. Still wearing the outfit when Syaoran first saw her, she had a wide and ominous smile on her face. Child Meilin backed away in fear, but child Syaoran sat there unmoving. His face betrayed no emotion, his eyes staring at the woman. When she reached him, Gyouken giggled.
"Ah~! I knew it was the right choice to come here! My little Makhi! You barely changed!" Child Meilin whined in fear as she began pulling child Syaoran's jacket.
"Syaoran...Aunty said we shouldn't be near strangers!" But he stayed there, and child Meilin could feel that he would not leave. "Ah! Aunty!" Letting him go, child Meilin ran away, leaving child Syaoran alone with Gyouken. Suddenly, child Syaoran spoke to the smiling woman.
"...Were you...my Mommy from before...?" He asked, his eyes dulling. Gyouken giggled once more.
"Yes Makhi! I'm still you're Mommy even now! Now, let's go home..." As she reached for him, a blast of energy caused her to pull her hand back.
"You will do no such thing. Not with my child." A voice spoke. Gyouken hissed in pain and turned to where the voice came from. A woman with ebony-black hair tied into a ponytail stood there, carrying a silver staff. A golden headpiece laid on her head, contrasting against her porcelain-white skin and scarlet colored lips. Her black eyes hardened at Gyouken as she comforted a crying Meilin from behind her. Raising her staff, she pointed it once more at the woman. "Leave demon. I will not say it again. Syaoran, come here." Child Syaoran's eyes cleared up and he looked back and forth between the two women before running towards his real mother.
"Ah! Mother!" Gyouken growled at the sorceress.
"How dare you! Makhi is my child!" The magician shook her head.
"You're child Makhi is no longer alive. Syaoran may be his reincarnation, but he is not him. And I, Yelan Li, will not let you take him away. Now, return to your world!" Gyouken laughed. Then, she waved her hand, and a golden staff appeared before her.
"Hah! Do you think you can defeat me?! I was one of Solomon's great Magi! What can a mere magician like you do?!" Yelan shook her head.
"I am the descendant of the Great Clow, and of the great goddess. I can and will banish you!" Just then, a young boy appeared.
"You are quite right, my descendant. But unfortunately, under these circumstances, only I can banish her." Syaoran gasped.
"E...Eriol! What is he doing here?! He...still looks ten..." Gyouken glared at Eriol, her grip on the staff tightening.
"You are but a mere child!" Eriol smiled.
"...Perhaps. But I am a child with all of Clow's powers. I am after all his reincarnation." With that, a staff appeared before him, and the two guardians, Ruby Moon and Spinel Sun, at his side. A moon and sun laid at the top of the staff, glowing. As he pointed his wand to Gyouken, a circle of light appeared under him.
"I, the reincarnation of the great magician Clow, and the descendant of the great goddess, banish you from this realm! No longer will you torment these people and no longer will you be able come here! Now, BEGONE!" As Gyouken disappeared, her eyes glared at Eriol, rage and hatred evident.
"I WILL RETURN! I WILL TAKE BACK MY CHILD! AND I WILL CRUSH YOU, CLOW!" Then, everything became silent. Eriol stared at where Gyouken once stood before turning to Yelan. The woman was comforting the crying Meilin. The child Syaoran looked empty, his eyes staring at the ground. Yelan looked worriedly at Eriol.
"Clow...What shall we do? The connection between a mother and a child is hard to break...even if the mother took everything he loved. I was able to get through him this time, but what if it happens again and I am not there? What then?" Eriol looked thoughtfully at child Syaoran. Then, he placed his hand on him and spoke a foreign lanquage that Syaoran somehow understood.
"Oh great Aini, protect this child from the darkness of the Il Illah's rukh. Save him from evil's grasp and use your divine light to guide him." A glow appeared on his head and soon disappeared as Syaoran looked around sleepily.
"...Mommy? Can we go back now? I'm tired." Yelan smiled at her son.
"Yes, let's go back." The magician gave a grateful look to Eriol as he did the same to Meilin and turned to leave when the boy stopped her.
"Yelan, my descendant. Know that I there is nothing I can do to stop their fates. Syaoran will eventually come to terms with his past, and by doing so, will pay a great price to save the world. Meilin's price is not as steep, but it is still great. Train and watch them closely until the time comes." Yelan nodded sadly and walked the children back home. As Eriol watched them disappeared, he turned around and faced what appeared to be thin air.
"...You may come out now. Now, you know, Ayako." Suddenly, a woman with sky blue hair and cerulean colored eyes appeared, a pair of white wings on her back. She growled menacingly.
"She took away everything from me! My sister, my mother, everything! All for her 'precious god'! I will kill her!" Her eyes glowed neon blue, and a blue insignia of a bird taking flight appeared in both her eyes and where her heart was. Her wings became tinged with blue. Ruby moon giggled.
"Oh, but "Aki"! What will you do with you mortal family?" Ayako narrowed her eyes at the guardian.
"They aren't my real family! They can all die for all care!" Eriol looked sadly at her.
"...Be careful of what you say, Ayako. Words can sometimes come true..." Then, the scene disappeared, and Syaoran found himself drowning in the darkness.
...
Syaoran slowly opened his eyes and was met with the harsh morning light. Hissing, he sat up and looked around and saw himself in a chinese styled bedroom. Syaoran was confused for a moment when he saw Tomoyo soundly sleeping next to him. Then, he remembered.
"That's right. I remember yesterday..." Syaoran thought as his mind turned back the events from before.
...
"Watch carefully now. I won't show it again." Tomoyo announced with a smirk, her heterochromatic eyes of brown and pink sparkling. Syaoran watched nearby, worried. After the servants laid down the targets, one on the roof, one in a tree, and one in the center of the room, Tomoyo carefully took out an arrow from the quiver. Then, her necklace began to glow and the black haired girl pulled back the string. The arrow began to glow green when its outer layer broke to reveal pure energy. Tomoyo, still smirking, let the arrow fly. With pure speed and power, it went through the first target. Then, vines appeared from arrow and maneuvered the arrow to the second target. Without losing speed, it barged through the second one and gracefully landed on third. As everyone stood there with their mouths opened, Tomoyo opened her arms wide. "And that, my friends, is how you shoot an arrow. Of course, I used my metal vessel. But this can be achieved without doing so. Now, have I changed your minds?" Suffice to say, the Emperor consented and appointed her the trainer for the imperial archers. He even scheduled an appointment with her tomorrow to see if her boast in finances was as good as her archery. As night fell, Tomoyo returned back to her usual self, her eyes a grey again. However, she could not recall what happened which made Syaoran slightly worried. They were both given each a room, but because of the new surrounding, the two of them decided to sleep in one room. Though they were met with frowns, Syaoran and Tomoyo both agreed that is was far safer sleeping together than by themselves.
...
"I'll be going now. Be careful Syaoran." Tomoyo said as she left. Syaoran nodded.
"Yeah, you too." Smiling, the girl left to meet with the Emperor, and Syoaran was left alone. Sighing, Syaoran wondered what he should do when he noticed a woman peeking inside. Her long dark pink haired was pinned up with a golden pin with a glowing eight pointed star. Her pink eyes suddenly realized that Syaoran saw her. Yelping, her face disappeared. "He...Hey! Wait!" Syaoran said as he ran outside, just in time to see the girl's dress disappear around the corner. He sprinted and eventually cornered her. The woman hid her face behind her long sleeves, visibly trembling.
"I'...I'm s...sorry! I did...didn't mean to peek!" Syaoran sighed. Then, he held out his hand to her. Tears in her eyes, the girl saw his hand and hesitantly took it. Helping her up, Syaoran shook his head.
"...I'm not mad or anything. I just wanted to know why you looked. I'm Syaoran. What's your name?" He asked. The girl sniffled as she rubbed her eyes.
"...It's Kougyoku. I was just curious as to the two mysterious people my father took in." Syaoran nodded when it hit him.
"Wait...Father? Are you talking about the Emperor? Then, that makes you a princess!" Kougyoku nodded.
"Yes, I am the eighth imperial princess of the Kou Empire." Immediately, Syaoran began to bow but was stopped by the princess.
"Wah! You don't have to do that! It's fine, really! After all, I rudely peeked into your room. I think it's only fair." Sighing, Kougyoku looked at Syaoran. "...Tell me, do you have a metal vessel?" The brunette stared at her.
""Uh, pardon? Metal Vessel?" She stared at him before pulling out her pin.
"Yeah. Like, anything that has this symbol?" The princess asked as she pointed to the glowing star. Syaoran finally understood.
"You mean...this?" He asked as he should her his bracelet. Kougyoku eyes widened.
"Yes! Like that! Who's your magi?" Syaoran looked blankly at her.
"Magi?...I don't think I have one." Kougyoku puffed her cheeks out in annoyance.
"Liar! To get a Metal Vessel, you have to go through a dungeon! And every dungeon is specially raised by a Magi! If a Magi lets you through and you pass it, you're their King candidate!" She explained. Syaoran thought for a moment.
"...Well, I didn't have to go through a dungeon to get mine. But, I found this sword while I was helping a friend. Does that count?" Syaoran asked as he showed her his sword. Kougyoku stared at the blade.
"Huh?! That's a Metal Vessel?! That's doesn't make any sense! It should be a star, not a cherry blossom! Wait, Judar should know! Judar! Where are you?!" With that, the princess grabbed Syaoran arm and started to drag him away.
"Ah! Kougyoku! Slow down!"
...
"Man, that was tough. But I think I impressed him." Tomoyo thought to herself as she left the throne room. After given real-life financial problems, Tomoyo presented each one with their own solutions. Throughout the whole time she was explaining, she saw the Emperor smile and stroke his beard. After she was done, he actually clapped and praised her, saying how he never heard such a brilliant idea before. He even sent some of his officials to start on it right away and appointed her the head of the Empire's finances. Smiling, Tomoyo walked back to the room she was sharing with Syaoran when she saw the boy being dragged by a young girl. The girl kept yelling the name, "Judar", all over as she kept pulling poor Syaoran. Just then, the boy saw her.
"Tomoyo! You're done?" Tomoyo nodded as she walked over to them. By then, the girl stopped so she could look at Tomoyo. Tomoyo lookd questionably at Syaoran who laughed nervously.
"Haha...Tomoyo, this is Kougyoku. The eighth imperial princess of the Kou Empire." Tomoyo widened her eyes.
"I see...Forgive me your highness." She said as the girl bowed. Like before, Kougyoku stopped her.
"Really! It's fine! Ka Koubon says that people have to do it because I'm a princess, but I find it silly. Please, get up." Just then, she turned her head around.
"Ah! Judar!" Grabbing Syaoran's arm again, she ran towards the courtyard.
"Ah! Tomoyo! Help!" Syaoran yelled as he was once again dragged away. Sighing, Tomoyo followed them.
...
After a few minutes, they arrived in a square piece land where plant life thrived. A small lake was located on one corner of the yard, the grass beneath them lush. In the middle of the yard was a large peach tree, it's flowers slightly wilted against the dark bark. Sitting on the branches laid a man with long black hair tied in a large braid that matched his dark outfit. He had too much eyeliner on, making himself look feminine despite the fact he was a guy. The man hadd two golden wristbands and a golden collar to match. He seemed rather annoyed at something as he twirled a small wand with a red gem around in his palm. Kougyoku called out to him.
"Judar! I need you! Get down from there!" Scowling, he looked down at Kougyoku.
"Go away! Can't you see I'm annoyed right now?! There aren't any peaches to eat even though they're suppose to be in season!" Judar yelled. Then he began to mutter to himself. "I never had a good peach ever since she died...If Kami was still alive, she could have gotten me those golden pink peaches..." Sighing, he looked back down and noticed two other people next to the princess. "Yo! Who are these brats?! Wait, their Rukhs are weird...Huh? That girl's rukh..." Judar jumped and floated down to the ground. He then approached Tomoyo and stared at her. "Eh?! Kami?!" He yelled out. "You're not dead?! How are you still so young? No, never mind that. Can you get me those peaches? Pretty please?" Tomoyo stared at him blankly.
"Huh...?" Then, Tomoyo suddenly saw a scene where a woman was picking a peach from the tree and handing it to a much younger version of Judar. The image faded, but Tomoyo knew what to do. She walked up to the tree and placed her hand on the trunk of it. Suddenly, her necklace began to glow, and a silhouette of a woman with elf-like ears and long flowing hair smiling appeared. Then, the peach tree began to glow, and the once wilted flowers turned into golden glossy peaches tinged pink. Everyone stood there in awe as Tomoyo smiled. Then, the tree miraculously bent one of the branches in which Tomoyo carefully plucked a peach from. With it, she handed it to Judar. "Here. One sweet peach for a sweet boy. Enjoy!" Judar stared at the peach before breaking out into a wide grin. Grabbing it, he took a huge bite from it.
"Mmmm! Delicious! It's like before Kami! Though, you could lose the catchphrase. It's embarrassing for someone my age!" With that, he continued munching on the peach in delight. Syaoran and Kougyoku stared at the scene before them.
"Tomoyo...? How did you do that?" Syaoran asked as she picked two more peaches. Tomoyo shrugged as she handed each one to him and Kougyoku.
"I, don't know...it's like, I've done this before." Judar laughed.
"Well of course you have! Who else can make and harvest the peaches this empire has ever eaten? Your fruit was such a delicacy, only royals were allowed to eat it!" He said as he eyed Kougyoku peach. With a swipe, he grabbed it.
"AH! Judar! That was mine!" The princess yelled. Syaoran handed her his.
"Here. You can have mine. By the way, didn't you want to ask him something?" Syaoran reminded gently as he handed her the peach. Kougyoku's face lit up.
"Oh that's right! Judar!" She turned to the black haired man. "Hey! I need you to see something! Is this considered a metal vessel?" Spitting out the pit of his second peach, Judar scowled as he went over to look. As he inspected Syaoran's sword, his eyes widen.
"What the hell?! What is this?! It's definitely a metal vessel, but the rukh is funny!" Then he looked at Syaoran. "Like yours and Kami's! Why is your rukh pink and so much stronger?!" Tomoyo frowned at him.
"What do you mean, Judar?" Tomoyo asked him. Judar thought for a moment.
"Most of the rukh I see and can control are either pure white or dark black. Only Magis can do this. But, then there are these pink ones. Not only can I not control them, but I've only seen it on three people and not metal vessels like these. One was you Kami, the other was Sinbad's girlfriend Hope, and the last was Scheherazade's son. I think his name was...Alexander or something. I wasn't there when they died, but from what I heard, Hope was killed when she sacrificed her life to get Sinbad and his gang away from the Kou Empire. Alexander was the same. He gave up his life for the Reim Empire and for his mom when a country of magicians threatened to overrun them. I heard she grieved for days. And you...well, Al Thamen said you died in the fire that happened years ago...the one that killed the last emperor and his two eldest sons. But, somehow you knew that would happen, and you told me this along with the rest of us, "If I disappear in that fire and am assumed dead, the peach tree will stop bearing fruit. But have no fear for I shall return. You will know when the scent of peaches return, and the news of a impossible archer reaches your ears. It is then that I have returned." That's what you said. I heard from the old guys about this powerful archer, and you brought the peaches back. You kept your promise even after all these years. But, enough about that. The pink Rukh are incredibly allusive. Even Al Thamen can't get there hands on them no matter what. After you supposedly died with the rest, they disappeared. But now, they're back." Judar explained. Kougyoku gasped.
"I remembered now! Kami! She was originally engaged with Hakuyuu, but Big Brother and Hakuryuu had a big crush on her. I still recall the time when Nii-chan proposed to her. He was only twelve! Kami turned him down though, but he never gave up. Not even after she got engaged to Hakuyuu. Hakuryuu was the same. Do you think they know yet?" Judar sighed.
"Well, if they haven't, they must know by now. The scent of peaches are everywhere in this stinkin' palace!" Tomoyo and Syaoran stared confusedly at the two.
"Um...Who are they?" Tomoyo asked. Judar stared at her.
"Wow. Being away that long really made you forget huh? Besides me and princess over there, you told all the children back then. Of course, you made us promise not to tell anyone, and we kept it. They were Kouen, Koumei, Kouha, Hakuei, and Hakuryuu. And just like she said, two of them are still in love with you. Course, Kouen has his fair share of women, but I think Hakuryuu hasn't even touched one! Talk about devotion. Kouha and Koumei also had crushes on you, but they gave up after seeing the other two so determined. By the way, if you got metal vessels, who is your Magi?" Syaoran shook his head.
"Uh, Kougyoku asked us that already. We don't have one." Judar stared at them.
"Ho...How?! It's practically impossible to get one without a Magi! Then again, you somehow got one Kami, before you supposedly died. You said something about an old friend..." As the four of them continued to discuss, the wind came by, bringing the scent of sweet peach along the whole palace. One young man with red hair and freckles was slowly falling asleep onto his mountain load of work when he smelled something sweet.
"Hmm...Kami? You're back?" His eyes opened to reveal a pink color. "...Should I tell the others? No, I'm sure they still remember." On the other side of the building, another young man with pink hair and pink eyes. He was kicking at three of his female servants who were moaning in delight when he smelled a familiar scent of peaches. He broke into a wide and childish smile.
"She's back! Kami's back!" With that, he began running towards the scent with the three servants hurriedly following him. In a dark bedroom, a tall, well built man laid in bed with another woman, his short red hair strewn on his pillow. As the scent of peaches reached him, he breathed in deeply.
"...Finally. She has some nerves, making me wait like that." He said opening his red eyes and got ready. In another courtyard, a young man, with short dark blue hair and two different shades of blue for his eyes, was practicing with his weapon of choice when the scent of peaches reached him, reminding the prince of old times. Eyes watering, he dropped his weapon and ran towards the scent.
"I knew you survived! Kami! I swear, I'll protect you!" The wind kept carrying the scent until the reached into the plains where a woman with long, dark hair and blue eyes, was breathing in the fresh air when she smelled peaches.
"Can it be? After all this time...? I'm sorry Kami, I guess I won't be there for your grand homecoming..." She whispered to herself. A young child with sky blue hair and cerulean blue eyes was standing next to her when he heard the woman speak.
"Hakuei-chan? What did you say?" Hakuei smiled at the boy.
"...Nothing, Aladdin. I'm just bittersweet that I won't be there when a dear friend of my returns after so long..."
"Hey, since they know you're here, last make them find you!"
"Judar! Must you be so cruel?!"
"...I feel like you're going to make me whether I want to or not."
"Wasn't it obvious?"
"...Do I have to hide with you?"
"You did what?!" Kouha yelled at the top of his lungs, forcing everyone in the immediate area to cover their ears. Once he was done, Judar took his hands off of his ears and smirked.
"Well, how else to show how much we appreciate her by playing this game? Whoever finds her gets to spend the time with her!" Koumei frowned at the Magi.
"...You do realize we all have important things to do, right?" Judar kept his smirk as he shook his head disapprovingly at him.
"Why, Koumei! Are you saying that there are more important things that dear Kami? Wait until she hears that!" That shut Koumei up. Then, Judar pulled out a small piece of paper from his white collar. "All right, this a map of the Kou Palace. The rooms X'ed off means she isn't there. Kami is currently at the place that means the most to her and to the one she cares about the most. Whoever finds her is the winner. Also, Kougyoku playing with you too. Don't worry! She didn't see them hide! Ah, word of warning before we start. She has a guy with her, so be nice to him." Kouen stared at him, his eyes twitching slightly in irritation.
"...A man?" Judar snickered.
"Yep! And they seem really close too so you better hurry!~ Oh, and no Metal Vessels. That's cheating~...Ready? GO!" They all, minus Kougyoku who seemed nervous, glared at him before running off. Judar watched as they disappeared before looking up in the tree. "How long do you think it's going to take them?"
Kouha
"Now where could she be?" Kouha thought to himself. After running some distance, the pink haired prince stopped to think of his choices. "...There's so many to choose from! We practically made memories with her everywhere!" As he began walking around, he came across a familiar room. A simple desk and bed laid in there, but on the desk laid a wedding ring. Then, his mind began to drift back to when the children learned that Kami was engaged...
"Kami~! Let's play!" A younger version of Kouha yelled as he hugged her leg. Kami smiled as she gently patted his head affectionately.
"Kouha. You know I must I have to speak with the Emperor. But, once I am done, then we'll play, OK?" She said with a loving smile, her long black hair shining in the sunlight. Kouha pouted for a moment before smiling.
"...OK. But you promised!" Then, the child let go and ran off to play with his siblings. He eventually found them talking with Hakuryuu and Hakuei.
"Ah! Guys!" The children stopped their discussion as the child ran to them.
"Let me guess. Kami sent you away because you were annoying her again?" Koumei guessed as he examined the bouquet of flowers little Kougyoku picked. Kouha stuck his tongue out at his older brother.
"No! She said she had a meeting with Uncle! I wonder what she needed to speak with him though? Do you know Hakuei?" Hakuei thought for a moment.
"...Well, I overheard Father talking with Big Brother Hakuyuu about potential wives, but nothing about Kami. What do you think Hakuryuu?" The girl asked her brother. Hakuryuu giggled as he threw the flowers he had up into the air.
"Kami's so nice! When I grow up, I want to marry her!" Kouen scoffed.
"If anyone's going to marry her, it's me." He said nonchalantly. Hakuryuu began to tear up.
"N,No! I want to marry Kami!" He cried out. Hakuei quietly hushed him and rocked her baby brother back and forth. Suddenly, a obnoxious voice was heard.
"Ha! Well, I'm sorry to break the news, but Kami's getting married and it isn't to you two!" Everyone turned and saw a young Judar floating down, a huge smirk on is face. Kougyoku, who was no more than six or so, looked curiously at the Magi.
"Judar, what do you mean?" She asked innocently. Judar smirk somehow widened.
"You really don't know? There's a reason the Emperor called Kami to the throne. I overheard the old guys talking about. Kami's getting married to Hakuyuu, the first prince!" Everyone stared at him. Hakuryuu looked as though he was ready to burst into tears again. Kouen glared at the boy, preparing to murder Judar. Koumei seemed skeptical.
"...Are you sure, Judar? Maybe you misheard? Didn't Emperor prepare an arranged marriage between Hakuyuu and the princess of the warring nation?" Judar shook his head.
"Nope! Apparently it was just a farce the foreign nation made up to make us lower our guard and give them time to retaliate. At any rate, Hakuyuu really does seem to like Kami. I even heard him confess to her in front of the Emperor!" That sent the children into a full on argument. Hakuei tried to comfort both Hakuryuu and Kougyoku who were both bawling while Koumei used all the strength he could muster to hold back Kouen from strangling Judar. Kouha stood there, watching what was happening when he saw Kami walk to them.
"Kami! Is it true?!" Kouha flung himself at the woman and buried his face into her clothes. "Are you engaged with cousin Hakuyuu?" Kami patted the child's head softly.
"...Yes, Kouha. Hakuyuu asked for my hand, and I agreed." Then, she looked up to see the others fighting. "Children!" Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at her. Kouen's hands were still wrapped around Judar's neck and Kougyoku was sniffling as she tried to stop crying. Kami sighed and looked at them with a frown on her face. "I expected better from all of you. Kouen, let Judar go. Kougyoku and Hakuryuu, wipe away your tears...Children, you should not be in distress, but you should be happy that I am engaged to Hakuyuu." Smiling sadly, she walked over, with Kouha clutching her dress, and gently picked up Kougyoku. "...I will always have time for you, my dear sweet children. But, I must do my duty as wife as well. I hope you understand..."
The scene faded from his mind as the prince was brought back to reality. He looked up at the sky and smiled sadly. "Yeah, but to us, it was the end of the world. I guess we were being selfish, but we didn't want to share you. Now, after these years...I guess we're still the same. I missed you Kami." With that, the prince continued his search for the one he wished to see again.
Koumei
Koumei sighed as he exited out of the records room, not seeing Kami in there. "Hm...Kami would always be in there. Where else could she be?" He thought to himself. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. Quickly, he walked to the palace library and threw open the door. Groaning, the doors revealed thousand of books lined on tall bookshelves, but no one was inside. After seeing not a single person, Koumei prepared to leave the room when he spotted a small desk nearby. Although dusty, melted wax still laid on it, and a memory from long ago reappeared in the prince's mind...
"Koumei? What are you still doing this late? You should be in bed by now!" Koumei tried to stifle a yawn as he continued writing.
"I...will soon, Kami. After...*Yawn* I'm done..." The woman shook her head.
"It is near midnight! I highly doubt that anything is as important as a good night's sleep." Koumei took a moment to rub his eyes. The young prince had been awake for the past few days trying to finish the finance report the officials gave to him. He had hoped to do it without Kami noticing, but alas, her watchful gaze proved too great. The woman had seen the dark bags that Koumei tried desperately to hide, and saw through his tiring demeanor. "Koumei, go to bed now. No excuses." She said firmly. Koumei turned around and started to beg.
"Please Kami! If I don't finish it, everyone will look down on me! I can't swing a sword like Kouen or Kouha can, I only have my mind!" The prince begged, tears threatening to spill. Kami stared at the child. Suddenly, she gently caressed his head.
"...Koumei. No one will look down for such a small matter. At least, I won't. At of all the children, you are perhaps the one who works the hardest. Sleep now, I will finish the report for you. Koumei, I value your health far more than to see you struggle so much." Koumei looked at her. Then, he grabbed her into a long hug.
"Thank you, Kami."
Koumei sighed again as he left the room. "...Kami. I guess I fell in love with you right then and there. But, I gave it all up for Kouen, because he loved you far more than I did. But, it wouldn't hurt to see you again, and spend sometime with you...Kami. I will find you." He whispered as he resumed his search.
Kougyoku
"Ugh...Why did Judar make me join the others to find them? It's so stupid!" Kougyoku whined as she looked around the palace. After announcing his grand scheme, Judar covered Kougyoku's eyes. When she could see again, Tomoyo and Syaoran had disappeared. Sighing, Kougyoku continued walking when she felt something squishy. Looking down, she saw that she had stepped on an old rag doll. As she bent over to pick it up, memories of happier times flooded in, making her remember when Kami made her a doll...
"Kami, when will it be down?" Six year old Kougyoku asked. Ka Koubon began scolding her.
"Princess! You mustn't address Lady Kami like that! You are a princess! Besides, you shouldn't even be playing with dolls in the first place!" Kami laughed.
"Oh it's alright Ka Koubon! Kougyoku is still at a young age. And I don't mind making this for her. After all, she is one of my dear children!" Kami said as she stitched on te last button eye. "Here you go Kougyoku." Awe stricken, Kougyoku gently took the doll and held it up.
"Wah Kami~! It's perfect! Thank you!" With that said, she hugged Kami. "I love you! You're the best Big Sister ever!" Ka Koubon looked as if he was having a stroke.
"P,Princess Kougyoku! What are you saying?! Lady Kami will soon be married to Prince Hakuyuu! You must show your respects!" Kougyoku turned to her attendee and stuck her tongue out.
"No! Brother Kouen said he was going to marry Big Sister Kami!" As Ka Koubon started stuttering incoherently, Kami gently caressed Kougyoku's head.
"...Kougyoku. I can not marry Kouen." The princess stared at her, wide eyed.
"Why? Don't you love Big Brother?" Kami sighed.
"Darling, love and care are two separate matters. For one, Kouen is but a child. His feelings have not yet been sorted out. I care deeply for him, but I do not love him the way I love Hakuyuu." Kougyoku nodded.
"...I understand. But, Big Brother seems really determined. And so does Hakuryuu." Kami smiled sadly.
"Yes, I know child. I know. But. let's not focus on that now. Do you want me to make a dress for your doll?" The princess smiled widely.
"Yes Kami!" Ka Koubon fainted right then and there.
"...How many years have passed since then, Kami? Big Brother and Hakuryuu still have not wavered in their feelings towards you. What will you do now? Could it be, that you love this Syaoran? Although, he looks awfully familiar. Could he be that child from the Reim Empire you're friends with?...Ah! It's too confusing! Oh well, I guess I should focus on trying to find them...Oh Kami! Where are you?!" Kougyoku yelled as she ran around, clutching the doll.
Kouen
Two young maids were gossiping with each other, telling rumors and secrets when a certain red haired prince passed them.
"Ah! Prince Kouen!" Immediately, the bowed down, but the prince paid no attention to them. His mind was on a certain person.
"Kami. Where is it that you have hidden? When I get back, Judar will pay..." Kouen thought to himself as he looked around. Growling in frustration after not seeing the person he desired, he wondered whether or not he should return and strangle the answer out of Judar when the prince saw something. On the other side of him, a young soldier was proposing to a maid who immediately said yes. As the two embraced, they sensed a dangerous presence and turned to see an annoyed Kouen. Yelping in fear and hurriedly apologized, they fled away to avoid any punishment. The prince closed his eyes and gripped his hands tightly, wishing he hadn't seen it. The moment, thought fleeting, brought back hurting and sad memories...
"Ah, Kouen. What are you doing here? It's late you know." Kami asked a child Kouen. Kouen nodded.
"...I know. But, there's something I need to ask you." Worried, Kami put down the papers she was reading and positioned her body to him.
"Is something the matter? You seem...distressed." Kami said as she tried to make eye contact with him. However, he kept darting his eyes away. Finally. Kouen looked at her in the eyes.
"Kami, I...I love you!" He cried out. Kami stared at him before smiling.
"Yes, Kouen. I love you too." Kouen shook his head in distress, his face blushing.
"N,No! that's not the love I meant! I mean actual love. Like how a husband shows to his wife!" Then he knelt down. "Please! Will you marry me?" Kami face fell as she realized what he meant.
"Oh my. Kouen. No, that's impossible. I am engaged to Hakuyuu already!" Kami reasoned. The prince tightened his hands into fists and nodded.
"I, I know. But, I love you Kami! You can always break the engagement, right? I'm not saying you have to marry me right now, but, when I'm older. Will you?" He asked in almost a begging matter. Kami shook her head, tears falling from her eyes.
"Kouen...I will never love you the way you do to me. You are like a son to me. I'm sorry...I think you should go now." With that, she turned around. Kouen stared at her before walking out dejectedly. When he reached near his bedroom, he broke down.
"WAH!" He sobbed out. Lights came on and his two brothers came out.
"En-chan! Are you hurt?!" Kouha cried out as he hugged his brother. Koumei shook his head as he comforted hi older brother.
"Kouen...I told you didn't I? It was foolish to even attempt it!" Kouen growled as he pushed them away.
"I won't give up! No matter what it takes, I will make her mine!" He vowed. Hi siblings could only look at each other with worry.
As the memory came to a close, Kouen opened his eyes and stared at the changing sky. "When you died Kami, I was heartbroken. I tried to fill the gaping hole in my heart with other women, but it would never go away. Now that you're back, will you erase the pain that's buried deep within my shattered soul?" Then, he resumed his search for the one he still loves.
Hakuryuu
"Ngh...Kami? Where are you?" Hakuryuu cried out. After hearing no response, he sighed and continued walking. The prince had already searched all the areas where Judar said she might be, and even in the rooms that were X'ed off. Feeling as though he might cry in frustration, Hakuryuu saw a butterfly land on a small daisy that laid in the middle of the courtyard. That triggered his memories of that one time when he fell in love with Kami...
"Hakuryuu! Where are you?!" Hakuei yelled out giggling. Hakuryuu, a mere toddler at the time, snickered as he hid behind a rock. Suddenly, he was lifted up by Kami.
"Hakuei! He's here!" Kami called to his sister. The prince frowned.
"No fair! Rematch!" Laughing, Kami set him down.
"Alright, but how about later? There something I want to show you with Hakuei." Curious, Hakuryuu waited for his sister to come and for Kami to tell them. Once Hakuei arrived, Kami took out a small ocarina. "Listen and watch carefully at those flowers nearby." She said as the woman pointed to the patch of wildflowers. Then, she began to play a charming melody on the instrument. Immediately, the flowers began to sway despite that there was no wind, almost as if they were dancing. Then, a swarm of butterflies appeared out of nowhere, and began to dance around them, following the sweet melody of Kami's song. Hakuei closed her eyes and swayed her head to the beat, but Hakuryuu stared at Kami in a trance. The bright sun reflected off of Kami, making her glow. The woman smelled slightly of peaches, and Hakuryuu breathed it in deeply. When played the last note and opened her eyes, Hakuryuu stared into her sparkling grey eyes. It was then that he fell for her. Soon, the flowers stopped swaying and the butterflies went away, but Hakuryuu made a promise that he would win her heart, no matter how long it took.
As the butterfly flew off, Hakuryuu returned back to reality. "...After the death of those I loved to that witch, I thought that nothing would make me happy again. But, now that I know you back, I'm happy again Kami. But, I know Kouen wants you to, and I can't let him get you. Kami...wait for me." And with that, he ran off once more in his search for his beloved.
...
Judar was sitting underneath the peach tree eating yet another juicy peach when he saw the Kougyoku and the rest return. Smirking, he ate the last of the sweet fruit and threw the pit onto the pile next to him and stood up. "So, I guess you didn't find them. Pity." He said as he wiped the juice from his mouth. Kouhyoku frowned at the Magi.
"That was mean Judar! You knew how much the rest of them wanted to talk with her! Now it's sundown and we still haven't found them yet!" Judar laughed.
"Haha! You guys were so stupid! You didn't realize when-Hey what's with those faces? And why do you have your metal vessels out?" He asked slightly worried. Everyone, minus Hakuryuu, each took out and item that had a glowing star on it. Hakuryuu took out his spear that he was practicing with earlier.
"Judar. We will give you until the count of three to tell us where she is. If you don't, there will be hell to pay!" Kouen growled out. Judar laughed nervously.
"N, Now guys! Let's be reasonable here!"
"ONE" Everyone raised up their Metal Vessels. Judar started to sweat.
"Um, Guys?"
"TWO" Their vessels started to glow. The Magi backed up to the tree.
"Please?"
"THREE!" Everyone, minus Hakuryuu, partially equipped their weapon. Suddenly, a voice from above them was heard.
"Um, can we get down now? My legs hurt." Another voice chimed in.
"No kidding. Judar! Get us down!" Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked up to see Tomoyo and Syaoran sitting on top of a tree branch. The girl waved nervously while the boy stared at them.
"Um, hi?"
In this small game, past woes and memories have been revealed. Is Tomoyo really Kami? And if so, what does these mysterious and allusive pink rukh mean? What exactly is a Magi and how are they not able of control the pink rukh? What will happen to Tomoyo and Syaoran now that the Kou royals have found them? Until Next Time...
Wow. That was a really long one. So, there will be some explaining.
Metal Vessels: As you can tell, the ones that have the cherry blossoms on them were not granted via the usual way. There may or may not be more of them in the future.
Kami: Incredibly important to the storyline, Kami was pretty much a mother figure to the Kou children. They viewed her as a sister and a friend, and to some, a women to love...Now, you may be asking whether she actually died or not and she did. She's something like Hope, but that's all I'll say for now.
Alexander: It's the same thing with Kami. I'll explain later on, but he was really loved by Scheherzade and the people of Reim.
Unrequited Love: ...It's bad for me to make such young people fall in love with someone way older than them? Well, they can try their luck on Tomoyo now.
Pink Rukh: I'm not sure if I said this before, but this rukh isn't Solomon's nor is it Il Illah's. They are the goddess's...
michelous: I'm glad you liked it!
tomoyo0000001: I sent you a PM about that, but there is something I want to mention. All Syaoran saw was something fluttering nervously around Tomoyo, so you could say that it could be the pink rukh...Also, I want to mention that Sheba isn't pure either. Yes, she isn't fallen, but you could say there a special place in her heart for that one person that betrayed her...If it still confuses you, don't hesitate to PM me or put it into a review.
Until Next Time! R&R!