Chapter 17 - A New Leader [A Battle Is Fought Better When Two Fight as One]
Li turned his attention back to them.
" This is about me finally taking my place and over ruling you. " Li spat, making the whole chamber gasp.
" W-wh-what?!!? " the Elders demanded in shock.
" And the first thing I'm going to do as your new leader is prosecute this conniving little whore of treason against my clan. " Li spat as he glared at Leiko who went white. " What did you give me? " Li demanded.
Leiko just glared at him.
" Damn you to hell Leiko, what did you give me?!!? "
" Only one of the best sleeping draughts from my clan. " Leiko said and gasped at her betraying tongue. Damn that Elf queen to hell!
" Xiao Lang, what is going on? " Yelan asked stepping forward.
Li glared at her. " Never question me. " Li stated, making Yelan narrow her gaze at him.
" I will question you when you storm in here like a madman and go crazy and not even tell us what's going on. "
Li stiffened and raised himself to his full height. " Very well, you want to know what's going on? Tonight not only does this madwoman, " Li looked at Leiko. " Go and give me a sleeping draught, she brings herself to my chamber and because of what she did there, Sakura, Syaoran and Meilin have left the clan. And further more on top of that, I find out that Syaoran is my son! "
The entire clan gasped.
" So as you can see, she has committed a crime against me by giving me unknown substances from her own clan, she has forced my son, my future wife and my cousin out of the clan. "
" I told you it was sleeping draught you bastard! " Leiko screeched.
" But god only knows what substances were in it. " Li stated coldly.
" Oh you are so full of yourself! " Leiko spat in defiance. " The only reason I ever wanted to marry you was so I could destroy you and your precious family and claim it as my own! "
" How dare you! " Yelan stated glaring at the girl before her.
Leiko smirked. " Oh please. It's not like you would have ever known. I had you wrapped so tight around my finger I could have asked anything of you and you would have done it. You are so committed to yourself, so blind by power and your own needs that you wouldn't see what hit you until it was too late.
" The only one that knew about what I was about was Meilin and no one ever listened to her. And now she's left with the prissy little whore that Li likes so much and I can only laugh in all of your faces as my plan has worked only too well. "
Li snarled at her. " I think perhaps you are only too mistaken. "
" Oh how so? " Leiko asked still smirking.
" Because from here forth you are banished from the Li Clan. You are not to step foot near it or come back for any reason. I am going to go after Sakura and my son and I'm going to bring them back here. "
Leiko burst out laughing. " Do you honestly think that she will come back here after she has seen you and I in your bed? I doubt it. I think she won't look sideways where you are concerned. "
Li gave her a death glare, his hands clenched. If only he could kill the conniving bitch.
" You are nothing but a whore willing to go to unmentionable lengths to secure your own ends. I see now that I was too generous with your sentence. " Li stated expressionless and looked at his guards.
" Take her to her room and look the door. Do not let her out and ignore any requests she makes. Disobey me and you will die with her at dawn. "
Leiko lost her smile and went white. " D-Di-die? " she stammered. " What do you mean die? " Leiko demanded.
Li looked down at her masking his expression." Exactly what I said. You will die at dawn for your treasonous actions. I ask for no argument. "
" To hell with you! " Leiko spat. " I will argue! "
" Take her away. " Li commanded to his guards who took the screaming girl away.
" Xiao Lang. " Yelan said softly. " Perhaps you were - "
" I ask for no objection. " Li stated firmly. " She has pushed me too far. "
Yelan lowered her head. " Very well. " she said defeated. " But is it true? " she asked looking at him.
" What? " Li demanded. " That Syaoran is my son or that I'm going to make Sakura my wife? "
" Both. " Yelan said.
" It's true. And I am going to go after them, now. "
" But you can't! " Yelan said.
Just then the doors burst open and guards filed in. " Riders coming my lady, master Li. " the commander said out of breath. " They'll be here before dawn. "
The chamber erupted into a mass of panic and fear.
Li barked out orders and gave directions that calmed them and got them going. He gave the order for Leiko to be executed as he had ordered and raced up to his room to get dressed and get ready to go after Sakura. He guessed that might have been half the reason she had left.
He remembered that she had been dressed in her riding gear when she had been standing in his doorway. She had known that Rulf's men were on there way and had decided to get Syaoran out of there as fast as possible and for that he thanked her because since finding out that Syaoran was his, he had become as protective of him as he was for Sakura and Meilin.
Li raced down to the stables and looked back at the Li Clan before galloping out of the courtyard praying that his family made it out of this in one piece. . . .
Later that night . . . . .
Sakura, Meilin and Syaoran arrived at Lycrae and fought the cold. Sakura pointed out the opening in a cave mouth where they were heading. It was barely visible, but because Sakura had been here so many times, she knew where to look. They were about to enter when something stepped in front of them making Sakura jump back startled.
" Aunty Sakura? " came Tristan's voice.
" Tristan? " Sakura asked fighting the blizzard that was starting to whip up.
" It is Tristan. " Syaoran stated smiling at his best friend, who returned the smile.
" Oh thank the gods! " Sakura cried as she fell to her knees and hugged Tristan tightly.
" We were so worried. " Sakura stated looking at him. " Your mother is here as well right? "
Tristan smiled as he knew how his mother and his aunt were connected. " Yeah she's in there. " Tristan replied making Sakura and Meilin sigh with relief.
Sakura was about to dash inside but Tristan smiled." You might want to keep it down. You don't want to disturb my new little sister. "
Sakura blinked a couple of times and then her jaw dropped. " You mean - Is Madison ok? - How is -? " Tristan smiled and stepped back as Sakura, questions forgotten, flew inside, Meilin and following, cape flowing about behind her.
Syaoran smirked as he stood in front of Tristan and removed his furry hood from his head. " I knew you'd be alright. " Syaoran stated smugly as he and Tristan did their special hand shake.
" With my mother? Who wouldn't be? As soon as she realized that Aunt Sakura could be already here and waiting and possibly injured, you'd be surprised how fast she got us here, past Rulf's men and all. "
Syaoran chuckled as they walked inside away from the bitter cold. " Trust me I can believe it. Mother couldn't wait to leave the Li Clan to get here. "
Tristan stopped a frown of confusion on his face. " Li Clan? " he asked.
Syaoran stopped and looked sad for a moment. " Yeah. We got attacked and I managed to escape and somehow I ended up at this place and then the next day mom came and she was wounded. It's taken weeks for her to recover. I didn't think she would make it there for a while, but Li banished my doubt and in the end he was right, she did pull through. "
" Whose Li? I've heard his name mentioned before by my mom. "
" He's a friend of my mother's apparently. He was really cool, he taught me all these mad fighting techniques, so much more than my uncle Tori. But I think him and my mother must have had a fight before we left because I've never known my mom to totally snob anyone and pretend that she didn't here him calling out to us as we left. We didn't even say goodbye or thanks for letting us stay. "
Tristan raised his eyebrows.
" By the sounds of it something must have happened for Aunty Sakura to do that. "
Syaoran nodded as they came into the huge cavern that opened up in front of them. " This is so cool. " Syaoran breathed as he looked around.
" Hey come on. Come meet Ally. "
" Ally? "
" My little sister you idgit. " Tristan laughed as Syaoran swiped at him and together they ran up to Sakura, Meilin and Madison.
Madison smiled as her son and Syaoran ran up to them. " Look Ally, this is Syaoran. " Madison stated softly to the bundle she was holding in her arms.
Syaoran starred down as Vivid violet eyes blinked and opened wide to look up at him. Syaoran's' breath caught in his throat as he stared down at the tiny bundle. She had shiny deep ebony hair and she yawned widely and cuddled closer to Madison making Sakura and Meilin coo in delight.
Sakura snapped back to reality and looked at Syaoran and Tristan." Why don't you two go play? I'm sure you have lots to talk about and I wish to talk to Madison please. "
The two boys nodded and ran off to practice fighting. Sakura rolled her eyes and smiled before turning back to Madison.
" Listen Madison but we have some big issues to deal with. The first is that we can't stay here. Rulf is on his way. "
Madison gasped.
" Secondly, I think we should get Vala to take the children. "
" No way! " Madison cried hugging Ally closer to her.
" Madison. " Sakura started.
" No! " Madison cried starting to sob.
" Madison we have to do our best to keep them all safe and alive. It is our duty as parents. What would you do if we were caught and Ally or Tristan were taken away from you? "
Madison lowered her head in defeat. " I have no choice do I? "
" At this stage . . no. " Sakura replied sadly. Sakura went over to a to a small pool of water and stared down into it's depths. " Vala. " she called in her mind.
All most at once a crystal image appeared and Tristan and Syaoran whipped around.
" Cool. " Tristan breathed as he watched Vala's image focus.
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" It is possible. " Vala said as she thought about it. " But it will take a lot of my energy. "
Sakura nodded and Vala walked over to Madison and gently took Ally from her arms.
" Hey! What are you doing? " Syaoran demanded glaring at her.
" It has been decided that the three of you are to come to the Mar Island with me to live until the war is over and that it is safe. "
Syaoran glared at Sakura. " I'm not going. " he stated.
" Yes you are. " Sakura stated firmly.
" I'm not. "
" You are. "
" You are going and that's it. " Meilin intervened, glaring.
Syaoran glared back at her in defiance.
" Move it young man. " Meilin demanded.
" What about you? " Tristan asked wide eyed.
" We will stay here and try to help the best way we can. " Sakura said valiantly.
Vala went over to them and stood near them and Vala looked at them.
" They'll be safe so not worry Madison, Ally will remember you when she returns. "
" Goodbye Tristan, I love you. " Madison said fighting back her tears.
" Love you too mom. "
" Goodbye Syaoran. I love you. " Sakura said tears welling in her eyes.
Syaoran glared at her and turned away from her.
" Syaoran. " Sakura said trying not to cry.
Vala looked at her sadly. " I have to go. My energy is running out. " In a flash of light, they all disappeared. Sakura cried out as they left. Her shoulders shook as she started to cry.
" He didn't - he didn't - "
Meilin and Madison hugged her as she cried. " It'll be alright. " they soothed and took comfort from each other trying to fight their own personal grief's.
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Li galloped up the mountain and fought the raging wind as snow blinded his vision. He knew that they were somewhere nearby, but where?
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Madison wiped the remaining tears from her eyes and composed herself long enough for Sakura and Meilin to come up with a plan of some sort. They were going to get away from Lycrae as it was no longer safe for them. They decided that some how they had to get back to their families and try to help them. They needed to know that they were safe before they could plan anything further.
" I wish I knew of some way we could get back to Berth Seren Banon unseen. " Sakura sighed.
" I wish that Kero Beros, plushie, whatever you call him was around. " Meilin sighed and then kicked the wall in frustration.
Both Madison and Sakura looked up. " That's it! " they cried in union. " Kero and Suppi! Meilin you are brilliant! "
" Huh? " Meilin blinked stupidly.
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Sakura sat down and the cave mouth and waited for the blizzard to pass. It never lasted long, but today it was certainly taking it's time. Sakura shivered and pulled her cloak tighter around her. Madison had called for Suppi and Sakura had tried Kero. Now all they could do was wait. Sakura felt in her pocket and pulled out her pendant of the star. It glimmered in the late afternoon light that shone through the storm.
" Oh mother. " Sakura sighed heavily. " Some legacy you left me. If I had known that all this would happen . . . "
She shook her head. She didn't know how she wanted to finish that sentence. She didn't trust herself enough to finish it. Would she have stayed hidden deep within the forest with Li and remain there? Or would her free spirit have urge her forward? Would she have saved Madison again if she had too knowing what would follow? She didn't know.
Sakura sighed again and put the pendant back in her pocket clumsily as her fingers were too numb with cold. She was about to get up and go back into the warmth of the cold when she saw a shadow on the floor of the cave. She looked up and almost yelled in fright when she saw Kero hovering above her looking cold and miserable, Suppi [Spinel Sun] behind him.
" You called? " Spinel sun asked.
" We sure did! " Sakura jumped up. "Come on we need you're help. "
Kero and Spinel followed her inside shaking their wet fur from the snow. None of them realized that Sakura's Star pendant was lying at the mouth of the cave where she had been sitting.
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Three Hours Later
Li was swearing very colourfully when he realized that finding Sakura and the others was a lot harder that what he had anticipated. He was frozen and stiff and he swore his fingers would drop off at any moment. His horse stopped and started grazing and Li started swearing again, but he stopped when he saw the opening of a cave hidden by shadow that he hadn't seen before. He dropped down heavily from the horse and started to walk towards it, pulling his horse behind him.
His horse stopped and started to graze again and Li turned around and glared down at the horse, but something sparkled and he bent and picked it up before the horse started to eat it. His eyes widened in recognition when he realized what it was. It was Sakura's Star Pendant.
" Sakura! " Li called out into the wind and ran into the cave. He stopped dead when he came into the mouth of the cave.
It was like a little home had been built into the cave. There was a fire, rugs, mats, chairs; it was like a part of a home put into a cave. He stared around and walked in further. The fire was slowly dying, but Li knew that people had been here recently. He walked briskly over to it and threw more wood onto it and it roared back to life. A twig snapped under his foot and he looked down moving his foot when he saw drawings and what not in the dirt.
Closer inspection showed a rough drawing that represented the mountains and other places surrounding them. There was Kingdom of Kinomoto, Berth Seren Banon and other places like the forest and Madison's kingdom. Li's eyes widened when he realized it was a map.
" Oh no. " he whispered going whiter. " Please god no. Don't tell me their going back. "
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Next day
Sakura climbed off Kero Beros's back along with Meilin. " We can't thank you enough. " Sakura said tiredly. " What should have taken us at least a week of hard riding maybe more with all of Rulf's sentries, we managed to get here in less than a day. "
Kero looked at Sakura worriedly and rubbed against her. " What do we do now? " Kero asked purring as Sakura stroked him.
" We have to find shelter. "
Meilin was looking around and Madison looked up. " Didn't you say that Li used to live in this forest Sakura? "
Sakura nodded. " Follow me. If it's still standing, we can shelter there for tonight. "
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Li had stayed in the cave all night along with his horse; had stocked up on water and had made sure his horse was well feed and watered before he had taken off, galloping as fast as possible, trying to get to get back to Berth Seren Banon as quickly as he could.
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" Get some rest. " Sakura commanded. " We can't do much more today. " She turned to Kero. " Will you watch over us Kero while we sleep? " Kero and Spinel nodded and transformed into the second forms, so they wouldn't be seen.
True to her word, Sakura, Meilin and Madison slept all the rest of the day, all night and well into the next day. Madison woke along with Meilin late in the afternoon, but Sakura continued to sleep well into the night.
Madison's violet eyes watched Sakura's sleeping form concerned. " Do you think she's alright? I mean she isn't waking and it's nearly time for us to sleep. "
Meilin shook her head. " She's just been through a lot. We need to give her time and plenty of rest to sort out everything. "
" What happened at the Li Clan? " Madison asked quietly, keeping and eye on Sakura.
Meilin's eyes saddened.
" Rulf's men were seen in the distance, we had to escape, I didn't get to say goodbye or anything and we couldn't warn anyone. I just hope they saw them in time and were able to fight. " She said thinking. " Sakura told Li though. " she mumbled and Madison frowned.
" Told him what? "
Meilin blinked and said nothing.
" She told him that Syaoran was his son?" Madison asked softly.
" Wha- How did you? " Meilin asked in shock.
Madison smiled. " I always wondered. You'd have to be a baka not to see the resemblance. I had my suspicions. But how did you know? "
Meilin looked at Sakura's sleeping form. " Sakura wrote to me and told me. "
For a moment raw anger burned in Madison's eyes, and Meilin shrank back afraid. Then it disappeared as quickly as it had come.
" I guess she had to. I mean I guess she wanted someone to know the truth, and you being part of the Li Clan, I guess she thought if anything happened, she would be glad to know that someone knew the truth. "
Meilin sighed and nodded. " I'm sure she wanted to tell you, but being married to Eriol. "
Madison smiled. " Knowing Eli and how he reacts when Li is around, he'd let it slip just to annoy him and it would have been a disaster. "
Meilin nodded relieved. " Exactly. " both girls burst into giggles.
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5 Days Later . .
Sakura stretched in the early morning light. She had found one of Li's old bows and some arrows and she had been using them to hunt over the last 4 days, keeping them alive. Kero and Suppi assured her that they were safe that most of Rulf's men were far away by now, but that didn't assure Sakura. She was just on guard as she would have been surrounded by the enemy.
Madison and Meilin were still asleep and that was how she preferred it. By being alone she could occupy herself and keep her thoughts from Syaoran and Li for both had broken her heart; Li with betraying her, and Syaoran not saying goodbye.
She started to jog into the forest and as she got deeper she slowed down and started to let her quickly acquired hunting skills take over. What Madison and Meilin, Kero and Suppi didn't know was that everyday Sakura went a little further towards Berth Seren Banon.
She had gotten as far as the Seren temple, on the hill, but had to stop there because she didn't trust herself enough to be able to stay hidden and not get found. Sakura found her prey and slowly started to stalk it, watching it's every move. The deer looked around as if sensing danger, but went back to grazing.
Sakura loaded the arrow and drew careful aim. She relaxed and let the arrow go, streaking through the air where it embedded itself in its unsuspecting target. Sakura hated killing, but if it meant that they could live just a little bit longer in the darkened times, then she was grateful and dethatched her disgust and sadness of seeing the deer die, from her body and kept it at bay.
Knowing that today's catch was over and done with, she dragged the deer over into cover of a thicket and shouldered her bow and arrows and started towards the all-too-familiar path towards Berth Seren Banon. She had been away for too long and it was time for its princess to return.
Sakura crept out from the last remaining cover of the bushes for the next 100 yards and crouching peeked down the hill towards Berth Seren Banon where the castle stood tall and proud. She looked around, but their seemed to be no movement and started to bolt for the next available coverage.
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Sighing, she made her way closer and closer. It must have taken her 2 hours to get where she currently was, in front of the market square. The castle was directly behind it. She was about to move when she felt a sword point dig painfully into her back.
" I advise you not to move. We've been watching you, and we are keen to know what you are doing. "
Sakura gulped and turned around and came face to face with what appeared to be a village man.
" Who are you? " he demanded.
Sakura couldn't move, speak or swallow, let alone blink. She was paralyzed by fear. She watched as more and more village folk appeared and stared at her in wonder.
" I asked you a question. Speak! "
Sakura opened her huge emerald eyes and lifted her head and stared up at him, as he stood above her and she was still crouching. His eyes widened and he loosened his grip on the sword a little. Sakura felt for her pendant to show them who she was, but found it gone. An elderly woman in the crowd gasped and stepped forward.
" You baka! Drop your sword! Don't you recognize who you are addressing?! "
The man glared at her. " I don't care! We swore to protect this area, and by the gods, I will not let her get away. We want to know what she is doing here and why she is heading towards the castle. "
The crowd nodded and murmured among themselves.
The old woman stepped forward and slapped the man savagely, leaving a very red mark. She may be old, but she could still bite. " You will stop your insolence at once! And don't backchat your elders. " She turned and smiled warmly at Sakura and despite her aching bones, she knelt on the hard ground, surprising everyone.
Sakura tried to get her to stand to save her aching bones, but she bowed lower and then looked up at Sakura. " Allow me to apologize for his behavior your majesty. "
Everyone gasped.
" He did not recognize you. But I, who have known you since your birth, and despite old eyes, I know who you are. "
Everyone dropped to kneeling in front of her, despite Sakura's commands to not do it.
" Your majesty, we thought you had been destroyed. We fled as you commanded. Most of us made it, some didn't however. There was a huge fight in those fields over yonder your majesty. We have never seen such ferociousness. The king and the crown prince fought bravely. "
Sakura gasped." My father - the king and my brother. Are they alright? " Sakura asked hopefully.
The old woman's eyes softened." They were wounded, " Sakura let out a strangled moan and started to cry. " But, we managed to save them. They are hidden in some underground caverns we have found. That's where we've been hiding. "
Sakura wiped away her tears. " I never knew of underground caverns. "
The old woman shook her head. " Well they are there and they are very hard to find. We had to mark the entrance so we can see where we are supposed to enter. "
Sakura looked behind her at the castle. She turned to look at the woman in front of her.
" I must go back to the castle. "
The old woman nodded understanding. " Then do not let us stop you your majesty. But please be careful. Some of the villages will be waiting for you. Don't dally too long. "
Sakura nodded and stood up ignoring her cramping muscles.
" Your majesty. " Sakura turned around. " We buried his lordship's body, just like you would have wanted to. "
Sakura stood numb in shock. She had forgotten completely about Kisho, and she burst into tears and hugged the old woman, who stroked her back and offered soothing words.
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Madison frowned and walked back outside the small hut to look around. She knew Sakura had been taking off a lot these last 4 days to do hunting, but she had never been this long before. She looked up and spotted Kero.
" Kero are you sure Sakura's not in any immediate danger? "
Kero crossed his arms and legs and hovered in the air with a serious expression on his face. " I'm sure. But - "
" But what? " Madison demanded.
Kero looked up, ignoring her question, and starred as if looking straight through the trees and the mountains. " I'm not sure. " he mumbled.
Madison yelled in frustration and threw her hands up in the air and marched back inside.
Meilin was out taking a bath in the river when she heard the horse's hooves. She jumped out quickly and wrapped the cloth to some degree around her and bolted towards the hut. She stopped when she saw that the rider was Li. He stopped dead when he saw her and jumped off the horse and walked up to her and hugged her tightly, taking Meilin off guard.
" Thank the gods you're here. I chased you up that god forbidden mountain, froze everything only to find that little map of yours and realized that you had come back. I've been looking everywhere for you, and it was just sheer luck that I decided to come back here, thinking I could start searching again in the morning. "
" I- " Meilin was too speechless.
Li looked up at what was once his home and saw that everything was just like the old days. " How long have you been here for? " Li asked letting go of her shoulders.
" Four days. "
Li stared at her. " How? "
" By Kero Beros, the one we all love and adore. " came Kero's voice above them.
Li looked up and growled. " So the stuffed animal helped you. "
Kero glared at him. " Nice to see that your still the gaki we all love to hate. " Kero retorted with his tiny arms crossed.
Li ignored him and turned to Meilin. " Is Sakura here? "
Meilin bit her lower lip, looking at him. " Umm, yeah. " she said slowly. " But she went out hunting ages ago, and she hasn't come back yet. "
Li's eyes widened. " Hunting? Sakura's hunting? "
There was a startled squeal and they looked up to see Madison standing with her hand clamped over her mouth as she stared at Li and then bolted out from the door way and hugged Li tightly. " Oh thank the gods you are well and safe. " Madison cried as she looked up at Li. " I had no idea what had become of you. "
Li smiled down at Madison. " Sorry to keep your wondering. But you have to admit, things have gotten out of hand. "
Madison nodded. " Why don't you come in. I hope you don't mind us using it. But Sakura said you wouldn't mind. "
Li raised his eyebrow and saw the girls exchange looks. Yes he hadn't been himself for the last several years and he was finding it a challenge to change, but he was feeling the ice melt inside him and the constant shadow that had been whispering to him all these years, he was choosing now to ignore.
He would deal with his past with Sakura and their son, (gods above, he was a father) when the time came. But for now he needed to establish the situation here.
" I don't. " he replied and smiled – a little.
Madison and Meilin giggled, as the tension of the impending doom they were all facing was lifted just a little.
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Sakura flew into what once had been her and Kisho's room. She could still smell him and she breathed deeply remembering the few precious memories she had left of their time together. Don't get me wrong, Sakura loved Li, but Kisho had held her heart for all his kindness. She went to her jewelry box and found all it's contents still there. The castle hadn't been raided yet, and she knew she had to get what she wanted fast before Rulf grew tired of trying to find her and came back to loot.
She grabbed a pillow case from her bed and started scooping everything valuable in it from her jewelry box. Most of it was her mother's and she would never part with any of it. She found her crown and placed that in the pillow case as well.
The door opened and she gasped but smiled relieved when she saw one of the young village boys. He blushed and lowered his eyes when he spoke to her.
" Excuse me your majesty. We were wondering what was keeping you. There have been sightings of armed men in the forests these last weeks. We don't want to take too many risks. "
" Listen, please I need your help. I need you to go get some of the other villages to get the horse and cart out of the stable. I'm taking everything valuable to me and other supplies we might need, and no arguing. " she demanded when he went to open his mouth.
" Here take this. " she threw the pillow case at him and he caught it. " Be careful of that. It has my crown and my mother's things in it. Guard them with your life. Take it out and load it on the cart. Hurry. " she urged as he ran out the door.
Sakura went through all her possessions and stashed anything of use in pillow cases she came across. She grabbed some of Kisho's clothes and knew that someone would be able to wear them. She grabbed supplies from the bathrooms and sent the young boy, when he came back, to the kitchens, to grab anything that was of importance.
Sakura visited any room that she knew that held anything important. By the time they had finished, they had a cart full. Sakura fetched another horse and she jumped up on the cart and flicked the reins and followed after the villages as they lead the way towards the hide-out.
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Sakura pulled the horses to a stand still when the village boys bade her to do so.
" Wait here your majesty. We're just going to see if the coast is clear. " Sakura nodded and looked up at the darkening sky.
' I really have to get back to Madison and Meilin.' she thought. ' But I know Kero will know I'm not in any danger, so that should ease them a little. '
The bushes rustled and Sakura stiffened, but relaxed when the boys came back. " It's safe, but hurry. " Sakura nodded and flicked the reins and let the boys guide her.
She didn't see it, for it was virtually impossible to see, but she gasped when she thought that she would collide with the wall, but instead passed it and went between them. Shadow was what hid it, and she breathed a sigh of relief to see that people were still in front of her and coming to greet them as she made her way further and further inside the high caverns.
The villagers stepped back and stared at her as if she were a ghost as she passed them, and despite her nerves, Sakura smiled at them and flicked the reins and made the horses move forward into the light.
Sakura pulled the horses to a stop and jumped down onto the hard earth. Little dust clouds rose around her feet as she landed and she shifted to look around and get a better view. People gathered closely around her awing and ahhing and talking amongst themselves. Sakura looked around but she didn't see them anywhere. Growing agitated to be gawked at like that Sakura raised her hand impatiently and the talking ceased.
" My people I prayed that you were safe and it looks as if my prayers have been answered. I am glad that you are safe and well, despite the circumstances. I have brought many things for all of you that should help out for a time. " Sakura indicated the cart and horses.
" But what is my main concern at this time is the where bout's of my father, the king and my brother. Where are they please. " Sakura's voice rang loud and clear into the caverns.
A man stepped forward. " Your majesty, I am Warrick, a village dweller from your northern borders. I have been acting as a healer the best that I can as there are no others. The healers from all villages have disappeared. There's been no sign of them. The King and the Crown Prince were severely injured during the last fight. They are recovering somewhat, but we need herbs and - "
" I figured as much Warrick. " Sakura cut in. " But where are they? "
" Allow me to take you there your highness. " Warrick bowed and lead the way.
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Madison lifted the lantern high into the air as she stared out into the darkness of the forest as she looked desperately for Sakura. She prayed that any second Sakura would come bounding into the small clearing and smile sheepishly and apologies for having wondered off and losing track of time. But as she watched and waited, Sakura didn't come.
A noise beside her startled her and she whipped around as figure appeared beside her all wet from having a bath in the river. Madison's eyes widened as she thought it was Eriol and then lowered her eyes with sadness and blushed a little at her foolishness.
Li wiped the dripping bangs from his eyes and looked at Madison. He'd seen what had happened. " What's wrong? "
Madison looked up at him and smiled sadly. " For a moment there I thought you were Eriol. "
Li snarled and Madison gave a little giggle. " I know, I know. But the way you were just standing, I could have sworn it was him. " She sighed. " I miss him so much, it sometimes hurts to breath. "
Li tightened his belt around his waist and clenched his shirt in his hand as he stared at her. " Everything is going to be ok Madison. If Eriol's anything like me, he won't go down too easily. Determined bastard could sweet talk his way out of dying if he wanted to. "
Despite what his words could mean, Madison smiled sadly and looked once more out into the darkness. " That's one thing I was worried about, but where' is she? "
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Sakura knelt down by her father as he laid asleep in the make shift bed. His head was bandaged and he had cuts and bruises all over his body. " Papa? " Sakura breathed as she looked at him. She couldn't believe that this had happened.
Aiden shifted a little and groaned as he opened his eyes and starred up at her.
" Papa? "
" Sa- Sakura? "
" That's right papa. I'm here, I'm here. "
Aiden shakily lifted his arm and let his bruised fingers trace an awkward line down her face. Sakura lent down and gently placed a kiss on his cheek.
" Rest papa. I'll be here when you wake. "
Aiden's hand dropped to the blanket as he drifted back off to sleep.
" Sakura? " Sakura lifted her head and looked at the body lying beside her father.
" Tori? "
Tori's eyes were open and he was starring up at the ceiling.
Sakura moved next to him and looked down at him as he studied her face. He wasn't as badly cut up as her father, but he hadn't been sparred at all either.
" You have a terribly black eye brother did you know? " Sakura smiled sadly.
Tori shifted and groaned. " Trust you to make fun of me when I'm down Kaijuu. "
Sakura glared at him. " You mustn't be too bad if you can make fun of me brother. "
Tori half smiled. " I'm so damn tired. I want to get up but I can't. "
" And so you shouldn't. " Sakura said firmly. " You've fought long and hard and you now have to rest. "
" What so now you're a doctor as well a kaijuu? "
Sakura mocked glared at him and tweaked him on the nose making him yelp.
" That hurt! "
Sakura smiled and giggled at his discomfort. " Serves you right baka. While you're down and out for the count, I'm in charge. "
" Like hell you are. " Tori spat glaring at her.
" Tori, you can't even stand on your two feet without falling over or fainting. Your indisposed for the time being and quiet frankly, your useless to anyone here. So do me a favor, stay where you are, shut up, sleep and get some rest ok? " Tori clamped his mouth shut and simply glared at her.
Sakura smile at him and leant down and kissed him on the forehead. " Get well brother. There will come a time when I will need you. "
Tori's glare softened and he watched a she got up and left.
Sakura stopped on her way out and frowned. There was something very familiar about that midnight black hair. She made her way over and gasped seeing Eriol's form laying unconscious in the make shift bed. Sakura blinked wide eyed and clamped her hand over her mouth to stop herself from crying out as she knelt down beside him.
" Oh Eriol what happened to you? " she whispered as she brushed his bangs back from his forehead. " What will Madison say when she finds out? " At the thought of Madison and Meilin left alone, she jumped up, but not before whispering to Eriol that she would be back with Madison.
She ran out of the ' healing ' cavern and made straight for the horses and cart. She unhitched one of the horses and jumped up on its back. She looked around her and made eye contact with one of the village girls. The girl, knowing that was wanted, came over and curtsied.
" Your highness? "
Sakura urged her horse to the back of the cart and extracted 3 of the sacks. She turned back to the girl. " In these 3 you will find some of the things from the kitchens, some flour and other usable items. It's not much, but in the short time I was there, it was all I could get. Hand them out to those that can use them. "
The girl nodded. " Thank you, your highness. "
Sakura shot her a quick smile before she grabbed another small bag and galloped out of the cave, caring not that anyone could have seen her.
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A shadowed figured sat on a chair in his tent as one of his men came in with the report.
The man saluted and bowed. " Sir there's no sign of them. We've searched Lycrae, there were traces left behind, but as to whom they belonged we are not sure as there were other traces of others being there. It was a useless search sir. They've managed to escape us. "
The shadowed figure shifted position and Rulf grunted as he aggravated his right arm that was bandaged and up in a sling.
" Damn Pixies. " he muttered.
" Sir? " the man before him asked questioningly.
Rulf's sharp eyes riveted to him. " She knew we were coming and has fled. No doubt she's called on her little friends for help. Have you searched beyond Lycrae? " Rulf demanded favoring his arm.
" Yes sir! " the man stated stiffening at the glare he received.
Rulf thumped his hand on the edge of his chair and shifted back so he was once again in shadow.
Rulf's mind went through every possibility as to the whereabouts of his little princess. Who could be helping her? Was it the hunter that had been on the ship with her? But reports had proven that he was not with her . . . yet. Maybe it could be either of the black haired girls? That servant girl with the violet eyes was certainly bound to the princess, so she would definitely be with her. But Rulf knew that together they could not keep up hiding from him and his men, so he knew that there was more than one helping her.
" Sir? Have you any orders? "
Rulf jolted out of his revere and looked at the man before him. Rulf chucked him a small leather pouch of gold.
" What's this for Sir? " the bewilded man asked.
" For your efforts so far. Find her and you will have much more. "
The young man bowed, his arm across his chest as he did so, the sign of respect.
" And one more thing. " Rulf began. " Try heading back towards Berth Seren Banon. If I know our Princess, she'll try to get back there for her father and brother. "
The young man nodded. " Right away Sir. "
Rulf watched the young man depart and leant back into his chair and started to think once again. His gaze fell on his arm once again and he snarled. " Damn those freaking pixies and their arrows. "
A deep chuckle came out of the darkness and a shiver went up Rulf's back. " I believe my lord that they aren't Pixies as you say, but Elvin folk. "
Rulf glared at the darkness behind his chair, towards where his makeshift bed was.
" Kartiako when I ask for your damn opinion I'll ask for it. Therefore keep your treacherous mouth shut until I say otherwise. " Rulf spat.
The feminine chuckle sounded once again and two amber/yellow eyes glistened in the darkness as a young woman stepped out of the darkness behind Rulf's chair. Her long Black hair unnaturally lifted and swirled around her as she ran her long hands down along Rulf's shoulders and traced his jaw line with her long nails. Red lips smirked as Rulf shivered at her touch. She clasped his chin and turned his face so he could see her. Her golden eyes gleamed as she looked at him seductively.
" My lord, " she began in a soft voice that betrayed the venom and the malice in her being. " You know that if I did that we wouldn't be where we are today. "
Rulf pushed her away and stood up his back to her. " Which is where exactly?!! " Rulf spat glaring at her over his shoulder. " In the freaking cold, with no sign of Sakura! A freaking arrow wound that's crippled me and patience that's wearing thin and still trying to figure who and what is helping her and where the hell she is!! "
Kartiako eyes gleamed cat-like and she swiftly advanced towards him. " My lord. " she soothed as she stroked his face softly. She made her eyes dim and she looked at him her eyes pleading with his. " Please relax. Everything is under control. Do you remember why you chose me? " she asked running her hands down his chest.
Rulf knocked her hands away and stepped out of her grasp. " I chose you because you showed great promise Kartiako. Compared to your village runts, you were only one with the malice and venom I need to fund my cause. "
Kartiako smirked and her eyes gleamed brightly under his praise.
" But that was then and this is now, and I am seriously reconsidering returning you. "
Kartiako's fury leapt to the surface and she went to strike him, but he caught her wrist easily in his left hand and gripped it tightly making her cringe.
" Remember Kartiako I can easily break you. " Rulf said continuing to hold his ground against the struggling Kartiako.
" You truly are the bastard they say you are. " Kartiako spat glaring at him.
Rulf smirked. " Of course. " he replied and released her wrist and she rubbed it as she watched him walk away from her towards the flap on his tent, her eyes glaring daggers at his back." Get ready. We're leaving. " he commanded as he walked out of the tent.
Kartiako curtsied, her eyes sparkling as she slowly closed them, thinking of all the wonderful things she was going to do to him when she got her chance.
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Sakura struggled under the weight of the deer that she had killed earlier as she tried to lift it up and over her saddle of the horse she had ridden out of the caverns. Sweat poured down her face and she cursed with every word that she knew as she managed to get the deer up. The horse nickered under the weight and Sakura wiped her forehead and sighed. The light was fading fast and she didn't like being out here all on her own. A dead deer and a horse were not her idea of companions.
She jumped up and kicked the horse into a trot, hoping against all hope that the retched deer wouldn't fall off.
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Meilin stiffened and looked up from the sewing that Madison had her doing. " Did you hear that? " she asked.
Madison stopped doing what she was doing and Li looked up from the fire and they too listened. " It sounds like talking. "
They jumped up and went to the door cautiously and Li held his knife ready as Madison opened the door and the firelight flooded out into dark and they watched as not 2 meters away Sakura was cursing as she tried to get something off the back of the horse that she had picked up from somewhere.
" Sakura? " Meilin asked staring out into the darkness.
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" Stop twitching! " Sakura threw at the damn horse as it kept trying to get rid of whatever was on the back of it. " I swear if you don't stop moving I'm going to - "
" Sakura?!! "
Sakura stopped glaring at the horse and looked over towards the door that she hadn't noticed had opened.
Madison came out holding a lantern that she had just lit and held it high into the air.
" Where have you been? " she asked.
" I've been - " Sakura stopped when she saw the third figure in the doorway.
She turned away angrily and shifted the dead deer and cursed as the horse danced sideways. " What is HE doing here? " she threw at Madison who looked back at Li.
" Sakura. " Li began but stopped when she threw him a dirty look.
" Li's been here since you left. " Madison replied stepping closer towards Sakura.
" I see. " was all that Sakura said.
She moved to the saddle and fiddled with the ropes that were holding the sack she had taken earlier and threw it over at Meilin, who had come to stand next to Madison, wondering what on earth Sakura was up to.
" What's this? " Meilin asked as she caught it.
" I'll tell you in a minute. Just wait till I get this damn deer off. "
Sakura wiped the sweat from her forehead and moved around to grab the horses reins tightly." You might want to stand back. " Sakura stated and Madison, Li and Meilin did so.
Sakura gripped the reins tightly and glared at the horse. " Do this right the first time and you will spare both of us. " she stated firmly and stood to the side of the horse and gave it a hard whack on it's rump.
The horse not understanding what had hit, reared up and thrashed it's hooves around. Madison cried out and nearly dropped the lamp and Meilin stared at the stupidity of doing such a thing.
Sakura fought the pull of the reins and then using what was left of her strength, she gave a sharp tug and the horse feeling the pull of the bit, settled and danced around as Sakura muttered soothing words.
Sakura ignoring all the comments and tongue lashings she was getting from the three of them about her stupidity, walked over to a tree and tied the reins to a low hanging branch of a tree and patting the horse, she walked back wearily towards the little hut where Li and the others were waiting.
" What in the world were you thinking?!! " Li nearly shouted as she came in hearing distance.
Sakura glared at him angrily and then noticed the knife he was holding. She adapted the haughty air that was accustomed to being a queen and sometimes required and stared at Li like a servant.
" As you can see, " Sakura indicated the deer that was now on the ground at her feet.
" I was unloading my hunt. " she said, and then walking over to Li and lifted his hand that held the knife.
" And since you already have the necessary equipment, you can do the honors while Madison, Meilin and I go bathe. "
" Wha - ? " Li looked at her as if she was mad.
Madison and Meilin looked at each other.
" Yes you heard me. " Sakura stated haughtily. " I am tired and since you came here uninvited, you will keep out of my way and do as I bid you because there is much that is happening as we speak and I have to make plans, that don't, I may add - " Sakura stopped Li as he went to open his mouth. " Include you. "
Sakura totally ignored him as he protested and took the sack off Meilin and bid them to follow her, which they had to do when Sakura glared at them daring them to contradict her. Meilin shrugged when Li looked at her.
Li watched them go and yelled in anger as he dragged the deer over the outside table and set to work on it having nothing else to do.
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" What's gotten into you?!! " Meilin demanded as Sakura sat down on a rock and started peeling of her sweaty clothes.
" Look I'll explain in a minute, but I really want to get into this water right about now. "
Madison shared a look with Meilin and shrugged.
A few minutes later
Sakura dunked her head under the cold water and shivered as she came up into the hot night air. Sakura went over to one of the lower rocks and jumped up onto it and pulled the sack closer to her.
" Ok are you going to explain it to us now? " Meilin asked swimming a little way away from her.
" Yep, but firstly I have presents for the both of you. Here. " Sakura threw them to them.
Madison and Meilin swam over to her and their eyes lit up when they opened their hands and saw the little bottles of shampoo and the little bars of soap.
" How did you get all this? " Meilin asked rubbing the shampoo into her hair.
Sakura slipped back into the water and applied her own shampoo to her hair and rubbed it through her long hair furiously.
" I went back to Berth Seren Banon today and raided it. I got out everything that was valuable and worth anything to me. "
Madison gasped and stared at her in shock. " But how? I mean Rulf's men - ? "
" Are no where to be seen or heard for the moment. The villagers told me that they are too busy trying to find us up near Lycrae. " Madison and Meilin listened as Sakura told them everything that had happened.
" So… these caverns is where everyone is hiding and no one knows about it apart from us? "
Sakura nodded. " But the thing is, I still don't think it's safe. That's why we need to go there and start organizing everything. From what I saw today, those caverns are a lot bigger than what were are giving credit for. I think they go back in to the mountains. If we can get them back as far as we can, so no noise will penetrate out into the outside where Rulf's men may hear, then it might be safer. But we still have to post sentries to keep a look out. "
Madison finished washing her long black hair, and started putting in conditioner. " But how are we to do it? I mean the villagers no nothing of warfare. Neither do we come to think of it. "
Sakura sighed and reached for the soap. " We know enough to survive. When my father and Tori get better they can help. "
Meilin sat deep in thought.
" Oh and Madison, " Sakura started looking att her best friend.
" Yeah? "
" I . . ummm . . I found Eriol. "
Madison sat bolt right up and swam towards her. " Where? Is he ok? "
Sakura's eyes saddened. " He's injured. He was unconscious when I found him. "
Tears welled up in Madison's violet eyes. " Oh god no. " she muttered and burst into tears.
" Madison I'm sure he's fine. I promised him I would bring you to him and he made a noise to let me know he understood. " It was a lie, but she didn't want to upset Madison any more.
" Really? "Sakura nodded and met Meilin's knowing eyes and she nodded in understanding.
Madison pulled herself together and sat deep in thought in the cold water as it flowed past them." I guess we've got no choice then. " she started. " We have to prepare them to fight. "
Sakura looked down at the water and watched her reflection. " There's no other way. "
Silence descended upon them like a thick cloud as they thought about their future to come. It was bleak.
Meilin sighed and met their eyes. " Well it's better to fight all together as one, then as one on your own isn't it? "
Sakura and Madison nodded and then they were distracted as a movement caught there attention and they looked up as Li walked towards the river bank. He was covered in blood and he met their threatening glances.
" Do you mind? " he inquired, indicating that he wanted to use the water. Madison and Meilin smiled and nodded that they didn't mind, and sank lower in the water. Li looked at Sakura but she just turned her naked back on him and started rubbing conditioner into her long hair.
Li sighed angrily and knelt down at the edge of the water and scrubbed furiously at this hands and arms washing away the deer's blood.
" Here Xiao Lang. " Meilin yelled chucking the soap that Sakura had given her to him.
He stared at it and she smirked.
" Cool huh? Sakura raided Berth Seren Banon today and brought us some pressies. "
" What?!! " Li looked up looking at her startled. " You did what? " he said looking at Sakura's back.
Sakura didn't turn around and look at him. But she addressed him over her shoulder.
" It was no big deal. That's only one of the many cart load of sacks we got from the castle. "
" We? " Li asked, no longer bothered with cleaning. He wanted to hear what she had been up too.
" Yes. " Sakura dunked her head under the water and then continued to wash out her hair. " The villagers and I. "
Madison swam over to the large cluster of rocks and ducked behind them so Li couldn't see her getting dressed. She was clean and there was no longer any use for her to continue swimming around in the cold water. There were things to do and by the looks of it, Sakura wasn't going to tell Li what she had told them, so it would be left up to her.
Li finished washing and threw Meilin's soap back towards her. She caught it easily.
" Come Li. " he heard Madison's voice behind him. " I'll help you cook dinner. " she stated and together they walked back up towards the hut. Meilin joined then shortly afterwards.
Sakura just stayed in the pool and tried to relax. She couldn't believe Li had the nerve to follow her here. What did he want? She swam around some more and then decided to wash her clothes. She laid on the rock in the heat of the night and watched the stars up above her as she let her clothes soak and then dry.
All too soon it was time to go in and eat dinner and she threw on her nicely washed clothes and followed after Meilin who lead the way back to the hut with the lantern.
TBC
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Please review…. And I want to thank all those that have reviewed and I am glad that you all like this story and will continue to give me the motivation to keep this story alive.. Thank you x x