Chapter 5: What is that Orange Thing?

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It was like coming to the surface of a warm lake. Her senses were muddled but happy. Sound permeated her mind and she was aware of the kitchen maids scattering feed for the chickens below and throwing the dirty washing water into the courtyard. She heard the sound of the pump and the water gushing forth. The sound of young girls chattering and sharing gossip, (Can you believe the nerve of Matako? If he comes into my kitchen one more time -! I heard that she went to his room willing! As if a girl should do such a thing! My mother would be scandalized!) made her lips twitch as she slid further out of the slippery dream world.

Sakura finally woke and basked in the warmth around her. She shifted and snuggled deeper into that warmth. She was slipping back into the land of her dreams when she felt the warmth around her shift and clasp at her tighter. She tensed and her eyes snapped open as realization dawned with her now wide awake mind.

She was in Xiao Lang Li's arms. In a bed. Dear Kami-sama, her mother would be scandalized if she were still in the land of the living! She blushed seven shades of red. She sat up and maneuvered around him hoping that she wouldn't wake him and crept across the floor. She saw that Suppi was awake and watching her. She froze and bit her lip. How could she explain it? Concluding that she couldn't, she patted him on the head before she walked out the door and went downstairs.

The cold air cleared the remains of sleep clinging to her mind and made her shiver. The sun was already above the horizon so she knew that Li and Eriol would be awake soon. She wrapped her arms around her body still feeling the traces of warmth from the young man upstairs. She didn't understand him most of the time. He made sure that she knew that he had a cold persona and that he didn't like her at all at the best of times but why was it that he would comfort her when she hurt herself or was feeling sad over the loss of her family? Why stay with her all night and keep her warm?

She looked passed the modest courtyard of the inn that they were staying at and looked beyond to the scattering of trees near the river. Her brother and his entourage would be gone by now. He wouldn't look twice at a place like this. A nice walk would do her good and she would be back in time for breakfast.

Sakura made her way down to the bank and sat down. She watched as the river flowed, the light reflecting within the water shifting it and making it seem like a twisting ribbon and colour and smiled. For some reason she felt calm and better than she had been feeling since she had left Kinomoto. She guessed that this was the price for the taste of freedom felt like.

She rested her head on her knees and listened to the water as it gushed over the smooth pebbles at the bottom on the stream. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the play of sunlight on her eyes as it warmed her skin and gave the sensation of melting, but she heard someone humming to themselves and she looked up.

" Pudding, pudding, I love pudding! " it sang.

Sakura frowned and looked around her seeing no one. Feeling goose bumps race across her skin she swallowed and looked up and froze. Hovering above her was a queer little orange creature with wings. It spotted her and froze looking down at her, blinking little black beady eyes.

" He-Hello. " Sakura greeted cordially.

" . .. . "

" Aren't you going to say hello? " Sakura questioned curiously. The little creature shrugged.

" Busy. " it replied bluntly. Sakura stood up and the little winged creature paused and then started to sniff before it froze mid air.

" Wait a minute. I smell . . I smell . . " it continued to sniff the air.

" I smell that little upstart of the Moon!! " it cried looking around him frantically.

" Moon? " Sakura asked confused before her eyes widened as the pieces clicked into place. " Oh you mean Suppi! " The little creature looked down at her and glared.

" How dare you mention it's name in my presence! " he pointed angrily, flames dancing around him.

" You must be Kero! " Sakura cried delighted. The little creature looked at her warily.

" And if I am? "

" Then you just made our job a lot easier! " Sakura exclaimed, clapping her hands together happily. " We've been looking for you everywhere! "

" And who are you? " Kero asked his wings moving back and forth slowly.

" My name's Cora. " emerald eyes sparkled with delight.

" Hmmm. "

" I couldn't help but overhear. Do you happen to like pudding? " she asked. The little creature's eyes sparkled and it got a dreamy expression.

" Ahhh pudding! My one love! " Kero sang to himself with stars in his eyes. Sakura giggled.

" Then I guess we have something in common. I love pudding too. My dad makes the greatest pudding. But I haven't seen my dad in a while, so I haven't had pudding in a while now. " she replied her eyes dulling in sadness. Kero's mouth hit the ground in shock.

" You haven't had pudding in a long time?!! You poor deprived girl! Come with me. I know a great place for pudding. " Sakura smiled and followed the strange little creature named Kero.

Could this day get any better?

Many hours later

Sakura climbed the inn stairs wearily. " Kero if I get in trouble for being so late I'm blaming it all on you, you hear? " Kero just continued to hum happily.

" Couldn't you have just settled for one pudding instead of nine? " Sakura asked incredulously, as they continued to climb. " Do you know how embarrassing it was to keep asking for more. That maid was giving me weird looks well after you fifth. "

" When I told you earlier that I loved pudding you shouldn't have underestimated me. " the little creature bragged.

Sakura sighed as they reached the middle floor where the dinning area was.

" Kero get on my shoulder and stay there and don't move. I don't want any questioning glances ok? " Sakura whispered. Kero flapped his wings and landed on her shoulder and remained still.

" This ok? " he asked.

" Perfect. " Sakura muttered and walked up the remaining stairs and stepped out onto the dinning hall.

The fire was roaring in the hearth and men were sitting around on the benches laughing or talking. Some were telling stories and others were simply keeping to themselves. Already maids were running back and forth with ale and other drink and it was only after noon. Sakura sighed and scanned the crowd for Li and Eriol. They must be waiting for her in their room upstairs. She was already thinking of the story she would tell them when she turned to head to the stairs.

She was at the base of the stairs when she felt like someone was watching her. She had become accustom to this feeling since she had been out of the palace and had soon depended on it to keep her out of trouble. Eriol had said that he was glad that she had the survival instincts. Only then to have Li say that at least it would make his job easier from having to save her all the time. Tch.. like he had anything important to do anyway. She stopped with her foot on the stair and scanned the dinning room once again. Her eyes locked with Tori's and fear slammed into her gut like a mallet.

" Uh oh. " she whispered, when Tori frowned and half rose out of his chair, still looking at her hope alighting in his gaze. She looked around her frantically and bolted to the right behind the stairs and into the shadows. Spurred by the young woman's reaction, Tori scooted around the table and jogged across the room ignoring the looks from the other men.

" Hey kid what's wrong? " Kero asked sensing her panic.

" Just keep it down Kero and let me handle this. " She hissed and found the servants stairs and started to franticly climb them.

" Hey wait! " Tori called out.

Panic added speed to Sakura's flight as she bolted up them. She found their room and flew into the room, slamming it shut and leaning back on it breathing frantically. Eriol and Li looked up her startled.

" Where the hell have you - " Li stated angrily turning to her. " Shhhh!! " Sakura's panic reached across the room and engulfed them.

Eriol tensed and Li got up silently. With her back still to the door, Sakura leaned her ear against the door and silently put the lock into the bolt. She could here her brother's steps outside the door. She quietened her labored breathing and continued to listen. Li was standing beside her now watching her. She heard her brother's retreating steps and waited until she was certain he was gone. She half expected him to knock on the door but nothing happened and she melted into a puddle on the floor, gasping for breath.

" Ok kid what was that about? " Kero demanded popping out of her hair and flying up to her face, glaring at her angrily. Li stepped back in shock seeing the tiny creature.

" What the hell is that? " he asked. Sakura raised her head and looked at him her face flushed and pale. " This is Kero. " she replied using her hand to do the introductions. Suppi raised his head and studied his counterpart.

" Kero? "

" Ahhh! " Kero backed up against the door. " You! "

" Charmed I'm sure. " Suppi replied and continued to watch him.

" Stop looking at me like that. " Kero demanded.

" Make me. " Suppi replied.

" Ok cool it you guys we have more important things to discuss. " Eriol stated and looked at Sakura.

" What happened Cora? " he asked.

" I umm - I -" Sakura stumbled. She raised her head and met Li's expressionless gaze and looked away. " I was just avoiding someone I didn't feel like meeting. " she replied quietly.

" Whoever it was upset you pretty badly. " Li stated matter-of-factly. He wasn't go to let her go without some answers.

" Forget it, it's not important. What is, however, is that I found Kero. What do we do now? " she asked getting up from the floor.

" Suppi? " Eriol asked, deciding to let Cora have her way for the moment. Suppi rolled his eyes and sighed heavily.

" Kero and I have to stay together for a night and a day until our transformation takes place. "

" I am not hanging around that -that -! " Kero snapped angrily.

" Feeling's mutual. " Suppi replied dryly.

" Kero. " Sakura said and the little beast looked at her. He met pleading emerald eyes.

" Come on Kero. Is it really as bad as all that? Think of all the wonderful things you'll both be able to do when your transformation takes place. " Kero looked at her and she reached out her hand towards him. " Kero? " she pushed.

" Oh all right Cora. " Kero said in defeat, his little wings drooping before he sat on her outstretched hand. " Only for you. "

" Thanks Kero. " she smiled and looked up at the others in the room.

" We have one volunteer. What about you Suppi? " Suppi growled in annoyance and came and sat on her other hand. " What do you say? "

" I am the guardian beast of the Moon. " Suppi said wearily.

" I am the guardian beast of the Sun. "

" Let us be reunited and reveal our true forms. " they both chanted.

They both glowed and Sakura felt tingly all over as their power went through her. It ended as quickly as it had begun. Sakura shook her head to clear it. Eriol still feeling edgy sat down on his bed.

" What now? " he asked. " We've found Kero and their transformation is taking place. What do we do now? " Kero and Suppi flew off Sakura's hands and she shook them trying to get rid of the tingly feeling.

" I have no idea. Li? " she asked looking at him. Li shrugged his expression masked.

" We have no reason to stay here. So I suggest we get out of here. It might be hard to explain these two when they transform. I'm not sure what they will turn into or how it will happen, but I'm sure it will draw attention that we don't want or need. " Sakura shook her head agreeing.

" Coincidently I saw a cave when I was down near the river today while following Kero to his pudding store. We can go there. I only saw it because I was staring at nothing. We should be safe enough. "

" Then it's settled. Let's go. "

" Umm. " Sakura interrupted. " I don't think I should - " They looked at her. Li growled and glared at her angrily.

" This is becoming annoying Cora. No more running and hiding, tell us what is going on or I swear to Kami-sama I will force it out of you. Why must we sneak around dodging your demons? " Sakura gulped. " I'm sorry. " she replied lowering her head.

" Look let's not worry about it now. Cora I'll get you a cloak so we can hide you if it's that important. " Sakura looked at him gratefully. " Thank you Eriol. " Li snarled and turned his back on them both and got his things ready.

Li threw more wood on the fire as the darkness grew that night. They had just come from the inn and where getting used to being out in the open again. Sakura huddled against the fire for warmth and held out her hands against the chill. If she concentrated really hard she could hear the sound of the river running.

" Why is it so cold? It's spring! " she cried.

" Yeah, but it's still early spring. Winter hasn't been forgotten yet. " Li replied. Sakura groaned and shuffled closer to the fire.

" Here this should help. " Eriol spoke coming in with their blankets. Sakura took hers gratefully and snuggled deep into it's warmth. She stared into the fire watching the flames rise and fall. She started to see pictures and she frowned still staring.

Sakura

Sakura continued to stare.

Madison

She breathed in surprise in her mind. She couldn't move her mouth. Madison giggled and smiled innocently.

Hey Sakura

How am I seeing you?

Madison just continued to giggle. Sakura frowned. She looked younger. Madison started to hum one of her songs and she started dancing and twirling around her long black hair twirling out around her as cherry blossom petals danced around her.

Oh how I miss you and your songs

Madison reached out her hand and Sakura found that she was reaching out her hand to the fire.

Li looked up when he heard her start humming. He watched her curiously as to what she was doing. He had never her sing at all and was surprised by the strong tenor of her voice. When she reached out her hand unseeing to the fire, the hairs on the back of his neck rose and he moved over to her.

" Cora? " he asked gently. She didn't hear him she just continued to hum.

" Snap out of it! " Li took her shoulder in his hands and shook her. She cried out startled and fell back from the fire as reality came back to her foggy brain.

" Are you ok? " Li asked looking down at her.

" Madison. " she whispered sadly sitting back up and wrapping the blanket around her.

" Who's Madison? " Eriol asked coming up to them when he had heard them shout. He had been watering their mounts at the river and getting them ready for the night.

" She's my best friend and my - " she stopped and swallowed painfully. She had been about to say hand maid. " She's like my sister. " Eriol nodded sitting down next to her. Li was still watching her the firelight dancing within his eyes.

" She has the most beautiful voice anyone has ever heard. She's always singing. She has raven black hair that gleams past her waist and the most deep violet eyes anyone has ever known. Her skin is white like porcelain and she's such an angel. " Sakura replied remembering her friend with fondness. Eriol looked startled, but he managed a smile.

" I think I would like to meet this Madison. If she's anything like you, then I think I would like her very much. " Sakura blushed and looked down.

" She's an angel. It's the only way I can describe her. Even I am envious of her at times. I wish I could be as beautiful as that. "

" What are you talking about Cora? " Kero asked coming up to them. " You're beautiful as well. " Sakura blushed even more. " Kero. " she chided. " I know you're just saying that, but thanks. " Li frowned at her.

" What was the tune I heard you humming? " Eriol asked suddenly.

" Oh! " Sakura looked up startled. " I was humming? " Li nodded getting her attention.

" It was like you were off somewhere distant. But you were. "Sakura frowned and tried to recall what it was that Madison had been humming.

" I remember! " Sakura said, her emerald eyes widening to reflect the firelight.

" It's a song that Madison used to sing to me. She likes telling me stories. It was when we were younger, I asked her if he knew any songs about princess's. She did and she sang it to me. I can't be believed I had forgotten it. " she said, a twinge of fear creeping up her back. Had she been away that long?

The next morning everything returned back to normal. They waited patiently for the transformation to occur. Sakura was down near the river with Li. They were washing some of their things that had collected dust from the long miles of riding and hanging them out in the cave.

They heard music being played and they looked up and saw a wedding procession going past. The couple were richly dressed and Sakura figured that grandmothers from both sides of the family had pooled all their talents together to make such beauty for them. Young girls of the family helped carry the trailing veil behind the bride to keep it from getting dirty. They looked like they were heading to the grove outside of the village for the ceremony. She watched the girl as she and her new husband to be walked past. She didn't look too happy. She was no older than Sakura.

" The guy doesn't look too happy. I wouldn't be either knowing that I was being chained to someone else like that. " Li stated. Sakura snapped out of her thoughts.

" Neither does the girl and I doubt that she would be happy about chaining herself to the likes of him. " Li smirked evilly at her retort.

" Poor guy having to put up with an unhappy bride. What he must be going through... " Sakura glared at him.

" What about the poor girl? " she demanded hotly. " She's no older than me and she's obviously being forced into a marriage that she obviously doesn't want. And by the looks of it she doesn't love him either. "

Li dropped what he was busy with and glared at her." What does love have to with it? There is no such thing in this world. She's obviously richer than most around these parts and their family's have made a business arrangement. That's how it is and that's how it goes. At least she isn't ugly. That has to be something. Poor guy."

" That's all woman are to the male society aren't they? " Sakura retorted angrily, her cheeks going red. " Something that's supposed to be frail and helpless like a flower. Something that has no feelings and is to be bartered away for the best offer. We are like dolls, we dress up nice but we must be placed on the shelf to looked at and admired, only to be taken down when our husband says so. "

" I didn't say that. " Li said angrily. They glared daggers at each other.

" But you implied it. It's the same thing. " Sakura shot back. Kero, Suppi and Eriol came out of the cave to watch and listen.

" I did not! "

" You did. You're no different from the other egotistical, pig headed and selfish males I've had the curtsey of meeting! " Sakura spat. " You think just because a woman looks grown she's ready to be given away! And that you can expect a family as soon as you get home! You don't care what the hell she may think or how she's feeling! And when anyone sees that both parties are unhappy, they instantly blame the girl because she should know that it's her duty to be devoted wife. It's ridiculous! " she spat.

Li shot her the death glare. " You obviously haven't opened your eyes fully to the way things are Cora. Because if you had, you wouldn't be saying those things. Women are just a means to an end. What can they offer but their looks, their manners, and child bearing?" Li ground out.

" Oh yeah? You truly believe that do you? Then why aren't you married and settled down with a family? " Sakura challenged.

" We are not talking about me! " Li snapped. Sakura's eyes flashed, knowing she had got him.

" I know why. It's because like me you rebelled and know that there is more to life don't you? " she asked smirking coldly. " You know that there's something better out there, but you're still waiting for it to find you. Am I right? "

Li stepped back dropping his guard. " This has got nothing to do with me! You don't know me and you never will! So stop trying to tell me what I think and feel! " Sakura raised her head haughtily and summoned up all her princess arrogance.

" You can stand there and openly accuse me of not knowing how things are when I think you had better look good and hard at yourself Li Showron, because when one doesn't know one's heart, it means that they are just as ignorant of themselves as they are of the world around them. "

Li glared fire at her and drew himself up to his full height glaring down at her. " What the hell would you know? You don't even know simple daily things like using mits in the kitchen, to washing clothes and buying provisions. Where have you been hiding? You stand there and tell me I'm ignorant. "

Sakura met his glare for glare but as the seconds ticked passed the anger slowly drained from her and Li watched confused as she seemed to wilt in front of him. She looked away sadly her pride seriously hurt.

" You accuse me of not knowing you and making harsh judgments. But what did you just do? " she whispered not looking at him, but the river. Li stared at her in surprise and stepped back. " You don't know what I have been through! " Sakura cried and turned around and stormed off.

" Where the hell are you going? " Li called after her.

" Away from you! "

" Cora!" Li yelled angrily. " Get back here! " Sakura stuck her nose in the air and sauntered off towards the small swimming pool around the bend of the river ignoring him.

Eriol was leaning against the trunk of one of the trees with both creatures on his shoulders, arms crossed studying him as Cora disappeared out of sight. Li met his gaze reluctantly and snarled.

" What is it? "

" Nothing really. I was just wondering that perhaps I should go and steal that bride's veil and make you and Cora stand in the grove and swear vows to one another. "

Li felt the red creep up his neck and face. " Why would you come up with a stupid idea like that? I don't want to marry her. "

" Because the two of you are acting like passionate lovers scorned. Perhaps if we married the two of you and be done with it the pair of you could get along better. "

"Tch.. " Li snorted and went back to his washing.

Sakura stared angrily at the water and threw a rock into it. She watched the ripples form and spread out across the water. Her reflection warped and shifted and refrained from showing her how upset she truly was.

" Stupid Li. " she muttered and blinked back tears. Now that the sun was out she could bathe.

She stripped off and waded into the cool water. She scrubbed her skin using the sandy sediment off the bottom of the pool till it gleamed, devoid of dirt. She didn't have any soap but it was the best she was going to get. She was about to get out when she froze. Her ears strained and she heard it again. Horse's hooves.

" Not again. " she hissed and dashed over to her clothes and started to hurriedly put them on.

Li threw the blanket into the river angrily.

" Now what did that poor blanket do to you to receive such harsh treatment? "

" Go to hell Hiiragizawa. " Li bit out.

" That was a really interesting little lover's spat that you just had. " Eriol smirked bringing up the subject once again. He enjoyed teasing his cousin mercilessly. Li whipped around his glare flashing hotly.

" Bring it up again Hiiragizawa and I swear I'll enjoy giving you bruises?!! " Eriol smiled which incensed his further.

" Like an old married couple the two of you were. Very interesting. " Li grabbed Eriol's collar an glared fire at him.

" I would shut it if I were you. Unless - " he stopped anger forgotten.

" Unless what? " Eriol asked challenging.

" Shut up. Do you hear that? " Li asked listening.

" It sounds likes Horses. " Eriol replied meeting Li's gaze. Both coming to the same conclusion.

" Cora! " Li hissed and looked around frantically.

Being wet was making it impossible for Sakura to get her dress back on properly, but she managed and looked around frantically. Where were they coming from?? The sound of horses' hooves echoed all around her and she knew they were on this side of the river, but where?!!

" Come on captain. She's not here anywhere. We're just wasting our time. " Rulf stated.

" We have orders Rulf. " Julian bit back. " Unless of course you would rather deal with his highness? " Julian asked looking at the man beside him. Rulf glared and moved his horse forward.

" Hey who's that? " Rulf asked indicating the girl standing on the river bank looking panicked. Julian frowned watching her. She seemed vaguely familiar.

" I don't know. " he said and continued to watched her as they rode up.

Sakura saw them in the corner of her eye and froze, whipping around to face them. They were coming up behind her. Too far away to make out who they were, but close enough for them to see her and acknowledge he presence.

Julian's eyes narrowed sharply.

" She looks familiar. "

Sakura was frozen like a rabbit looking up at a hunter's arrow. She couldn't breathe and couldn't move. Her feet were rooted to the ground beneath her. She was trembling from head to toe.

" Cora! " Li whispered coming out from the bushes beside her. Sakura continued to stare at them coming up to her. She was helpless to move. The features of their faces were becoming alarming closer and clearer.

" Cora get out of sight! Come on we can still get you out of here. "Li hissed.

" I- can't move - " Sakura replied staring horrified as they got closer to her. Li swore.

Julian's eyes widened as they locked with emerald green. Rulf looked highly suspicious as well.

" Is that her? "

Li dove out of the bushes and stepped in front of her, his back to Julian and Rulf, hiding her effectively He knew that those men could not see her face. He did recognize the soldier that she had called 'Julian' and that made his heart race and his mind scramble for a plan. He growled at her frightened expression.

" Look at me Cora. " Li bit out. She raised her head slowly, like she was barely here or there just in a trance of nowhere. Her frightened expression did him in as it always did and he knew he had no other choice. " Kami-sama help me. " Li swore as he lifted her chin and leant down and placed his mouth firmly upon hers.

" Hello. " Rulf said smirking watching the 'couple' kiss. Julian reined in his horse and watched his eyes narrowing.

" Is it her? " Rulf asked smirking shooting a quick glance to side. Julian was silent for a moment before he sighed and turned his horse around.

" Come on Rulf. It's not her. Leave them be. It's their business, not ours. " he galloped off, Rulf following reluctantly behind him.

Li pulled away the instant he heard them gallop off. He looked behind him scowling and watched them go. Sakura blinked and snapped out of her terror. She stared up him and felt her face go red, burning with embarrassment. " You just - We - " she stuttered, her blush deepening. That had been her first kiss!

Li looked back at her, his expression hidden. The only hint of what he was feeling was the slight pink tinge to his cheeks.

" Well luckily it worked. It was better than you standing there in full view. You try so hard to avoid them, but yet you stand there frozen like a mouse. Are you so willing to give up so easily? " Sakura shook her head trying to clear it. Li snorted.

" You act as if you've never been kissed before. " he said gruffly looking away. Sakura met his gaze and blushed again. " I haven't, not really. You were my first. " she replied meekly. Li stared at her in shock. She stepped back and bowed to him before she walked off back towards the cave.

" About time you came back. I see they didn't get you. " Eriol stated as they came back inside. They shook their heads not saying anything. " Good. Because guess who's about to transform? " Sakura looked up. " Already? " she asked surprised as a glow engulfed the cave.

When the light abated, they looked up and gasped. A black wolf with blue butterfly wings and a golden lion with white wings stood staring back at them.

" It's so good to be back! " Kero growled happily in a deeper tone.

" Kero? " asked Sakura kneeling in front of him and running her hands through his silky fur. " You're look amazing. You too Suppi. "

" We go the names of Spinel Sun and Kero Beros in these forms. " Kero Beros dipped his head in a regal bow as Li frowned.

" I thought you said that you were of the Moon? Why is your name Spinel Sun? "

" I am governed by the power of the Moon as Kero Beros is governed by the sun. It goes

back to the principle of us being equal and of one entity. "

" And I too am also ruled by the Moon but not the extent of Spinel. My abilities lie in the power of the Sun as Spinel's lie in the moon. " Kero Beros stated. " It is a very confusing concept. It is very hard for us to explain. "

" No kidding. " Eriol laughed shaking his head.

" So it is basically the principle of Ying and Yang theory? " Li spoke up from the shadows; his arms crossed studying the two. " One cannot exist without the other but to be able to be one you must both have parts of the other residing inside of you. During the day the moon is present, just invisible and at night when the moon is high, the stars are smaller replicas of the sun. "

" Sugoi.. " Sakura breathed in total fascination. Who knew Li-kun was so smart?

" So can you change back into your other forms now too? " Sakura asked eventually. In answer, light brightened as Spinel Sun and Kero Beros changed back into their original forms.

" Guess so. " Sakura muttered.

" So what now? " Li asked looking at Eriol.

" You're actually asking me? " Eriol smirked.

" Well you're the one with all the brilliant plans. " Li shot back.

" All right then. Let's stay here for the night and then head out in the morning. By then I should have thought of something. "

Sakura sat outside that night watching the sky and the stars. The moon rose high above the trees and she stared at it thinking deeply. She could hear Eriol and Li having another one of their heated battles of wills and insults. Knowing if she didn't go in and break it shortly then it was going to get bloody. Sighing she got up and walked back to the cave. Two faces looked at her expectantly.

" Sakura who out of the two of us do you think has the qualities of the moon and the sun? " Eriol asked expectantly. He shot Li a haughty gaze. Take that Li, he thought, Cora will settle this once and for all.

" You are the sun Eriol because you're always bright and cheery and are always willing to give a helping hand to help people grow and solve their problems. Li on the other hand is the moon because he's always dark and silent like the night. Beautiful to look at but cold and brooding. " Sakura answered walking past them to the back of the cave where the fire was lit. She could feel Eriol's smirk all the way back to fire.

" But… " she continued as she sat down and put her hands out to the fire. " Do not be deceived but the shadows of the night for the moon has many faces. Compared to the sun who is so blindingly bright that you can never guess what it is thinking, the moon appears distant and cold, but is a guardian to those that are lost and in need of comfort and guidance. "

" Well that put them in their place. " Kero stated as the cave went quiet. Both young men stuck in their own thoughts." Hmm. " Sakura replied enjoying the warmth of the fire.

" And what are you do you think? " Suppi asked.

" Huh? " Sakura asked looking up.

" Which are you? The sun or the moon? " Li and Eriol looked over waiting her reply. She felt her necklace rub against her skin and she smiled. She recalled what her mother had said a long time ago.

" I am neither the sun or the moon. Both have strong personalities and great responsibilities that do not meet my own. I am gentle and caring, nothing more but a star that shines brightly to give comfort to those that cannot see the sun nor the moon.. "

" In the night sky. " Li repeated. " That makes you of the moon. " he said triumphantly. He shot Eriol a satisfied smirk. Sakura shook her head at him.

" No it doesn't. It's a known fact that a star shines both at night and during the day. The suns rays block the light from the stars. It's only at night when it's dark enough to be seen that stars are viewed. " Sakura smiled. " I bow down to no one. I am not allied to any, but I will support any who rightly deserve it. I am companion to both day and night, sun and moon. "

" Well that was well thought of. " Suppi commented with approval.

" No, my mother once told me that before she died. "

" You really haven't told us anything about yourself Cora. " Eriol said. " You're a bit of an enigma. A mystery."

Sakura met their curious faces. " I ran away and I am not going back. End of story. "

They both sighed frustrated, but had to accept her answer.

BW2 So what do you think? Have I made an improvement for those that had read this before? I am sticking to the original story line but adding parts that I forgot or left out. This is the last one that I have fixed so far. I am working as fast as I can on the others so please be patient. Don't forget to review! Cheers x x