VI. Fiery-Orange Hair

What had occurred…was it…it felt like a dream, a vision of sorts.

But…it did feel real…oh so real…

Reminding him of the bonds that he had so easily turned away from – there were many that he broke away from willingly, other things taking its place without much difficulty.

This bond was no exception.

He could see himself in this illusion – he was standing in front of a pupil of his, the one known as Syaoran.

Skilled, a determined look always on his face whenever he was set in combat.

They were the only ones in the copper landscape, slowly morphing into the redness of blood, sand and mountains as far as the eye could see.

He had taught him well. What moves to use, which ones would be more effective when…

It had been a long time since they last crossed paths, back in Outo Country.

Syaoran had been so surprised just seeing him, someone he had thought gone away forever.

It was about time he taught him something else.

"We meet again at last…my old friend."

He could see the surprised expression return to his former student's face, his knuckles tightening as he held onto his sword.

Under his breath, Syaoran had said to himself, "It's Seishiro…"

How interesting – he still held him in such high regard. With that, Seishiro could only chuckle lowly. He reached behind him, and plucked one of Sakura's feathers out of thin air, materializing in his hand. This was the award that Syaoran sought – the memory of his beloved.

"You've been searching for these feathers, haven't you Syaoran? So now…what would you say towards fighting me for this feather as a prize?"

There was a pause. A beat. So it was correct…

Syaoran had no idea of what to do. He had not changed at all.

Seishiro put his arm out, his palm facing outward, and at once a black lance formed around it, cloaking the appendage until it was completely devoured, leaving the weapon in his wake.

A small smile graced his features. There was no stopping him now.

It was then Syaoran spoke, with a calm, unprecedented gusto in his voice. "Don't think I'll be tricked by it."

This took Seishiro by surprise. Tricked?

"You're just a fake. I would know if the real Seishiro stood in front of me."

It was around this time that Seishiro awoke with a start, utter confusion wracking his mind.

What was this dream? Was it trying to tell him something?

Was the dream…even over?