Author's Note: A lot of people asked about when is there going to be Sakura and Syaoran action and I'm going to say definitely after The Ball.
)Zilver Wings( - See? Because Sakura's the main character people tend to automatically think everybody should treat her good and like she's perfect. But that never really happen does it… and I'm not one to write stories about someone who just rises above other in a way as to say nowadays "popularity". Sorry, but that's just not my type…
)the nadja( - Of course! Meiling's my favourite character! And the one thing I love the most about her is the fact she seems such a bitch, bad mouth back to people yet deep down inside she's so really so kind… :)
)black shinigami( - Yes, glad you pointed that out! :D Exactly… because technically Touya and Sakura are married aren't they? ;) Just a hint: rules are meant to be broken. :P
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Chapter Seven
The Grand Ball II
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Sakura stood side-by-side with Ryle as they preceded up the stairs, stepping on red, plush carpet with golden trimming. All the women who was trying to please the King lived together at the first floor of the castle, and took up one quarter of the right side of the castle, while King Li's personal room, libraries and studies took up the entire left side of the castle. The leftover three-quarter of the right side of the castle was a gigantic dining room.
To Sakura, those had all been quite exquisite and terrifyingly astonishing.
When Ryle had told her about this ball, she had imagined something rather close to this. A big room, lots of lights and lots of tables. Carpet covered grounds and walls glistening with gems.
Yet she was in a big surprise.
The castle really had 5 full floors plus two 8 stories tall towers on each side of the castle. The grand ball was to take place on the 5th floor, and the room took up the entire floor. This was larger than the town Sakura had known all her life!
As she reached the final floor, lights blinded her eyes. The exquisiteness that awaits her was momentarily ignored when the reflecting light from the diamonds and gold and silvers on the door flashed in Sakura's eyes.
When everything cleared, she blinked and few times and was able to see clearly. And she gasped.
The door in front of her was made out of solid marble and was as high as 10 times her height and 12 times her width per door. There were two soldiers on each side especially there to open the heavy doors. The handles were made to size of the door, which was really much too big to be held by any human. It was simply there to look nice. Yet the entire handle was made out of gold with a diamond carved swan swimming its neck gracefully against the entire handle. The edge of the door had a rim of ruby roses and silver leaves and emerald vines tangled tastefully together encircling the gigantic frame.
"Welcome." A well-dressed man said stepping forward, as the soldiers pulled open the door.
The light coming from the room was as bright as Sakura had ever imagined heaven to be, and she could feel her heart beat speeding up, and breathing was being forgotten if she did not remind herself to.
When everything was revealed, Sakura could see two perfect rows of royalties. Left side of gentlemen and right side beautiful ladies. They lined up neatly behind one and another, each with an adoring smile on their face greeting her. Their dresses shined under the intense light so that the dress Sakura had been so proud of before seemed to be rags compared to these royalties. There were at least 200 people lined after another, and they went on and on until they disappeared out of view.
Some had crowns, some had masks, some had long fancy gloves, some brought diamond decorated cute umbrellas, some brought white tiger furred purses, some had exaggerated make up on their face—in conclusion, every face was different, every person was unique, even if they all gave of a radiance of monarchs.
Sakura swallowed.
Ryle just smiled and nodded at them as he began to walk forward, pulling Sakura along.
"What are you doing?" She whispered through closed lips, face still pale from shock.
"We're going to walk through the crowd. You will smile and acknowledge them as you walk by, until we reach the very end, where we will be personally greeted by the King himself."
"I-I can't do this… I can't Lord Ryle… they're all staring at me!"
"Just act natural. They can't do anything but smile."
Sakura gulped with wide eyes as she took a step onto the thick and soft carpet laid in front of her.
Step by step, she walked past people with Ryle beside her, who was randomly waving at different people, whom nodded back. Sakura was too shock to do anything else but to command her legs to move.
The walk seemed to have lasted an eternity. The moment had brought such a wonderful choke to her throat. Not even in her daydreams had she ever dared to imagine walking through something such as this even on her wedding day. Yet here she is, on a normal day, walking through this fairytale with another man that was not her husband, to be presented at a ball thrown by the king she has taught to respect since birth.
Yet those things mattered not to her, because at that moment, her eyes shined though they were too frozen to blink. Her heart beats with excitement even though sometimes they accidentally skip a couple of beats, the lights around her surrounded her, the glow from every pair of eyes was on her and her companion. For this moment, everything seemed so perfect. She was the center of attention, and she was surrounded by friendliness.
At last, after what seemed like hours passed, she saw the end of the line of people, and there in the middle, stood King Li with a wild but fiery and wolfish smile, and beside him stood Meiling, looking like a true queen.
Sakura bit her lips to stop herself from gasping out loud. Meiling looked like a Goddess in front of her.
Apparently King Li rejected the dress she had brought with her to wear, and he had picked out a much better one for her.
On her head lay a crown as shiny as a chandelier, its handiwork was amazing. Every single detail of the sand grain sized jewels was precise; they were put together to form various shapes and seductive shines.
Her glistening red dress showed off enough of her chest but not too much, it hugged her waist then blossomed out into layers. Large white blossoms around the bottom of her dress were strung together with heavy, black, thick laces where the extra pieces lay in perfect shape beside her feet. The back of the dress reaches at least 3 meters long along the smooth floor. Her sleeves began at her forearm, it puffs out then tight together again at her elbow, then in transparent white it opened up and covered her arms and hands elegantly.
"Queen Meiling…" Sakura found herself saying. In that moment, Sakura would've believed it if someone came along and just told her that Meiling is now the official queen of their country. She would've believed it if someone said this was the mother Goddess of all creatures. Meiling looked so beautiful and enchanting in that moment it was hard to believe she was anything less than carved delicately out of stone.
Meiling just smiled. The red gloss on her lips shined in a million different directions from that single tiny movement. "Welcome." She said, and then curtseyed so gracefully Sakura thought she was born to be a queen.
King Li smiled proudly beside her as he opened his arms. "Welcome, friends, to the grandest ball of the century, the talk for the next millennium, the place where all royalties around the world gather tonight. Thank you, for coming and accepting my invitation."
Lord Ryle threw back his cape and went on his knees.
Sakura did the same besides him but she picked up her simple dress.
"My King." Lord Ryle said. "It is a pleasure to be here, it is an enchantment to be personally invited by thee to this heaven. I am most grateful to be stepping on this very floor, drinking in your surrounding beauty and well-cared decorations. My King, this is truly a lifetime experience, you have nothing to thank me for."
Sakura kept her head low, not knowing what say.
"Rise."
Lord Ryle steps up as Sakura follows.
"The Grand ball shall begin in another twenty minutes, for now, please stand accordingly, and let's welcome our upcoming guests with our whole heart."
Lord Ryle stood behind the men on the line to the right, while Sakura, taking the cue, stood behind on the line to the left.
Couples passed as the grand door was opened repeatedly. Sometimes one couple would walk down, sometimes a few, and rarely, a group of people would come together, and there would be some noise, but overall everyone was behaving so well. They simply smiled as if they were servants. The only sound heard throughout the gigantic room was soft, calming music from violins. Because around the walls stood violinists side by side. They played in perfect synchronization though they could not see one and another but the one or two close to them. The music echoed from wall to wall, bouncing around to create a mysterious atmosphere that was ringing with baffling serenity.
When there was no more than one minute left before the grand doors were to be closed and all else who came late would be rejected, Eriol and Tomoyo walked through.
Tomoyo looked almost as horrified as Sakura had been, but because the man next to her was someone she actually knew, she was slightly more relaxed.
When she walked by Sakura, she smiled thinly as she had with everyone else, but her eyes danced with excitement and joy to see a familiar face among the crowd.
Sakura gave the smile back, though the two did not exchange words.
King Li greeted them the same way, except Eriol and Tomoyo did not have to go on their knees. Yet Sakura could almost feel the piercing glare he was sending towards the couple. It was demanding: how dare you take Tomoyo with you? Don't you understand she's my woman?
But because so many people were staring at them, King Li simply gave a malicious smiled. "Let the door be closed. Those who cannot make it on time, let them by the door and have them wait. The doors are made out of marble and the room shall soon be ringing with music. Their pleading pounding will not be heard therefore not disturb us. Lock the doors."
Clanking was heard as a huge piece of long wood was put in place to stop the door from being opened. Yet Sakura didn't think it was necessary seeing as no one would be able to open a door as heavy as this. Surely, it could battle down an army of tanks.
"Let me introduce to you," King Li roared. "My most trusted advisor for years. He was sent to be my companion since 5, and as he grew and so did I, I felt I could consult in him and he was wise and gave clever responses. He helped me for all those years and he shall be recognized tonight. Everybody, my Advisor, Hiiragizawa Eriol and his companion, Daidouji Tomoyo!"
A deafening applause rang throughout the room that drowned out the music and was almost powerful enough to shatter the stain glass and chandeliers hanging above.
When it was quiet again, King Li announced, "There are tables set before us. The middle, and grandest one is reserved for only my date, my advisor and his date, my family members and me. As most of you should be quite clear on your degree, I would like you all to find the appropriate table and be seated. The lowest class shall sit in corners and along the back, while higher class shall sit closer to the attention. The tables are arranged perfectly so that not one person should be missing a seat. If you cannot find an empty seat among your class, then you must've thought yourself too be much to royal and try for a lower class seat." King Li spun around powerfully and walked towards the center of the light, where two thrones were set before a radiant glass table with designs inside the glass. He walked to the tallest seat and sat down as he held out his hand.
Meiling then made her way there. She put her hand in his and sat on the seat next to him.
Minutes later, after watching and acknowledging his high position, people scattered to their own seat.
"Come, we're in the very back." Ryle told her leading her away.
"Thank goodness for that…" She muttered.
She settled down in a seat in the very back in a dark corner, with a musician standing behind her creating his music along with the rest. The room was unimaginably large yet this was only the dining room, the dance floors and food tables were elsewhere, even larger than this.
A few couples settled down at the same table as Sakura.
"Sakura, let me introduce to you, my friends. Kalira Jelensta," a woman with reddish brown hair put up in a bun with loose strands falling and a dark red mask hiding her face nodded. "Yansrai Sensui," a man in his mid twenties smiled tightly. "and their companions. Jelensta, Sensui, meet my date, whom I have so fortunately run into while I raged through the castle in panic, Kinomoto Sakura."
The lady named Kalira who held the mask in her hand and over her face (the mask was connected with a silver rod) removed it and looked at Sakura lazily. "You don't look to belong in our group. Are you like my date?"
Sakura blinked looking at the man who sat beside her. He seemed frightened and was frowning and quivering. He appeared to be in the same class as Sakura. "No… I mean, yes, I believe I am like him… I mean, I'm no royalty, if that's what you're referring to…"
She tilted her head lazily and chewed on the end of the silver rod of her mask. "Figures."
Yansrai simply looked at her and said nothing.
Sakura shivered. Well, this really is going to be one, comforting party.
"Don't look so nervous Sakura, it's no big deal really. It's just a normal everyday get together."
"I'm sorry Kalira, but for people at my level who lives in cabins this is like a new dimension for us."
"Jelensta is fine." She said cockily, with the same superior attitude.
"Yes, Jelensta." Sakura said politely. "It amazes me really at how wealthy everyone is dressed… they must be really rich…"
"No. You're wrong there."
Sakura blinked. "Why? They're covered in the most expensive gems and the softest cloth with the dress designed in the latest fashion… how does this prove them not to be rich?"
"Because, this ball is so grand everyone has to look this way. I bet a quarter of the people here is broke after their dress is designed."
Sakura gasped. "Is that really worth it?"
Jelensta waved her hand carelessly. "They're all royalties! What do they have to worry about? Taxes come in daily, they'll become a millionaire before they could understand the definition of 'poor'."
"Oh… this doesn't sound to good… as if our taxes go to personal uses…"
"Do they not?" Jelensta challenged.
Sakura bit her lips.
Jelensta gave a lazy and cruel laugh. "Learn to live with it." And she turned away to chat with Yansrai and Ryle.
—
The night went on. King Li introduced his family whom now lives far away in a different kingdom. The mom was radiating an ice-cold aura with thin eyes that just made her more reason to shudder about. She looked like a queen whom the evilest criminal would quiver at sight.
Then the four sisters who each had a bored expression and looked down at the guests as if they were a better species. No father was being introduced but nobody asked why.
King Li waved his arm and yet another grand door off to their right opened up revealing a room as big as the one they're in and there were row after row of delicious appetizers, main dishes, soup, deserts, ice creams, fruits and drinks.
He held up his left arm and another door to their right opens up, revealing a room twice the size of the dining room. The floor was empty and it was dark with rainbow colours flashing without a pattern. "Whenever you are done, please present yourself in that room. Once everyone is present, then it's time for fun." The King laughed. "You're free!"
The sound of chairs scraping by the floor was heard as people stood up and went to gather their meal.
Sakura excused herself to meet with Tomoyo and Eriol. Unfortunately because everyone must have a companion Ryle came along with her.
"This is my friend, Tomoyo, and her date, Eriol."
Ryle gasped. "You're the king's Advisor."
Eriol bows politely. "Yes, I am."
Ryle continues to stare in astonishment.
"How are you enjoying yourself so far, hmm?" Sakura asked Tomoyo softly.
Tomoyo moved closer to Sakura and said even more quietly, "I do love this night, it's so beautiful and I'm with the world's most perfect man… I do thank the Gods for making this night possible…"
"That's wonderful… I'm happy for you… but did King Li not give you a hard time?"
"He would not stop glaring at Eriol and I… that is true… but for the worth of this night, I think it's endurable."
Sakura smiled happily. "I'm just glad you're so contented…"
They ate quietly savoring the tender food that they'll probably never taste again especially for Sakura and Tomoyo.
"How are y'all?" A sudden slurred voice said joining them without permission.
It was Jelensta and her date. "Kalira Jelensta." She quickly introduced, then held up her glass filled with red wine. "Cheers." She said.
"To what?" Tomoyo asked.
Jelensta gave her a sharp glance. Obviously she was not used to being questioned and prefers Sakura's timid behavior. "To eternity." She replied.
Tomoyo muttered something under her breath but held up her glass like the rest anyways.
Jelensta drank all hers in one gulp. "You're looking quite well today, Advisor." She said to Eriol.
"Thank you, miss Kalira, same compliments to you."
"Wonders why you could not find a higher class date."
Tomoyo scowled.
"She is the highest class in my opinion." Eriol replied sharply.
"Well said, well said!" She said bursting into hilarious laughter, though Sakura could clearly see the visible hatred Tomoyo has for her. "You're all quite dead boring, perhaps we shall approach the dark room now?"
Tomoyo glared at her with annoyance. "Apparently you're the only one to feel that way."
"I agreed, we should all leave." Ryle said. "Not to disagreed or anything," he said with a guilty smile. "But most of people in the room are already gone…"
"Okay, we'll go." Sakura gave a sigh of defeat.
Eriol looked at Tomoyo. "You guys go ahead, we'll join you later."
"It's quite okay, Eriol…" She said putting her hand on his arm. "We shall go."
"If that's what you so desire, I'll be glad to do the same." Eriol smiled, walking behind Jelensta with Tomoyo by his side.
—
When everyone had finally gathered, King Syaoran turned off the lights so that it was completely pitch black, and spoke loudly; his voice boomed throughout the room and echoed back.
"WELCOME! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!"
"WOO!" Hooting came from various people.
"THIS IS WHERE WE WILL SPEND THE REST OF THE NIGHT IN FUN AND EXCITEMENT!"
The door to the room closes and they were surrounded by complete darkness. Sakura could not see Ryle even though he was right beside her.
"AS FIRST PART OF THE RULES BEFORE WE ALL BEGIN, WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS ROOM WILL NOT LEAVE THIS ROOM, AND WILL NOT BE EVER TALKED ABOUT TO THOSE WHO HAS NOT ATTENDED! IS THAT AGREED!"
"YES!"
"GOOD! NOW TO START OFF THE NIGHT! EVERY ONE OF YOUR NAMES IS WRITTEN ON A SLIP OF PAPER, INSIDE A HAT THAT A SERVANT OF MINE IS CURRENTLY HOLDING RIGHT NOW! HE WILL RANDOMLY DRAW A NAME! BEFORE I EXPLAIN FURTHER, CAN I HAVE ALL THE MAN COME TO MY SIDE AND ALL THE LADIES STAY ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE?"
Movements were heard as people bumped into one another yelping in surprise and pain.
King Li just laughed at this crazy frenzy he has created. "NOW! TO ADD TO THE DARKNESS, WE WILL ALL CLOSE OUR EYES! THE PERSON WHO'S NAME IS DRAWN WILL BE TAPPED ON THE SHOULDER, AND THEN THAT PERSON SHALL THEN WALK FORWARD TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE, AND RANDOMLY GRAB A PERSON OF THE DIFFERENT GENDER. THEN THEY WILL RANDOMLY DRAW ANOTHER CARD OUT OF ANOTHER HAT. THE CARD WILL HAVE A WORD ON IT, AND THE TWO OF THEM MUST ACT IT OUT, AND HAVE THE CROWD SCREAM THAT WORD WHILE THEIR ACT MUST ALSO GIVE THE AUDIENCE AMUSEMENT!"
There was unsure muttering, especially from the women. Those who were married would not touch anyone else but their husband. Those who were not married feared to never be wanted again if they had to be uncomfortably close to a man.
Yet King Li laughed as if he were insane. "DO NOT BE AFRAID, MY FRIENDS! AS I SAID, WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS ROOM SHALL ONLY BE SHARED AMONG US! I HAVE EVEN SENT MY SISTERS IN THIS GAME, I SENT MY DATE AS WELL, MY MOTHER, AUNTS, AND INCLUDING MYSELF! WHAT HAVE YOU ALL GOT TO LOSE?"
There was uncertainty still, yet they knew King Li would have his way sooner or later, and King Li knew the same thing.
Sakura closed her eyes and wondered what kind of absurdity is going on today. Sure, a great way to party things up, but isn't this a bit too far? His mother and sisters too? What is he thinking? Doesn't he even respect his family? Does he not care? He is an excitement thirsting King… a powerful one at that…
A cold hand touched Sakura's shoulder, and then a whisper. "Your name was picked."
Sakura gulped. Great. What were the chances of that?
"The person picked was on the woman's side! Men, get ready! Scatter around and do not stay in one spot!" And there were footsteps.
Sakura was shaking from head to toe as she walked forward, bumping into other women on the way. When she felt empty space she knew she was in the boundary line of men and woman, and she wanted to stay there, but knew she could not.
What have I to lose? I have already disgraced my husband by being in this stupid competition… what else have I to lose?
She kept walking, and walking until she felt someone's arm.
"The gentleman has been picked!"
King Li opened his eyes, as did everyone else. He let out a howl of laughter. "Coincidence! It has been me!"
Sakura could've fainted right then. She did not recognize him when she opened her eyes, but this voice was undeniable.
"LET THERE BE LIGHT!"
A red hue shone from the ceiling down to the center. It was very dim but enough for people to see.
"So it's me and you, huh. You have disobeyed me rudely the first time we met, and the second, but now, you will obey me, and I will have fun!" He growled then laughed. He walked towards a hat with a gentle sway and pulled out a card gracefully.
"Do not worry what the card says!" King Li laughed. "You just keep that frightened and bewildered expression on your face and we'll be just fine!"
Without even knowing how, or why, or what, but Sakura found herself in the center of the red light. Though she could not see a face on either side she knew they were all watching from the darkness.
"As soon as you know the answer, scream it!" King Li turned to Sakura. "My dear, you just keep standing there, pale and frozen and keep looking scared, I'll do the rest."
Sakura could not understand how is it possible for her to do something else.
Suddenly, the King's expression dimmed, as his smiled turned evil. He retreated into the darkness, leaving Sakura standing in the center, though she could feel him encircling her.
Step by step, gradually, he circled her closer, and closer, that maddening grin on his lips and his eye dark with danger and mystery.
Soon, he was so close to her that she could hear his breathing, and she began to shake visibly so that everyone in the audience could see. But they had all thought this was only part of the act.
The king held out his hand and touched her cheek, her arms, then suddenly pulled on her hair so that her head fell backwards exposing her throat.
She let out a strangled cry though she tried not to be scared.
Using his other hand, he touched her throat, bent down and smelt it slowly.
"FIEND!" Someone from the audience cried.
"DEMON!" Another called.
But King Li kept going, and Sakura told herself over and over again this was only an act. Just say the damn word! She prayed. Someone! Just say it so it'll all be over with!
A musician from the far side having seen the scene got the idea and began to play a simple, but a devilish song that wavered with pain at each note.
King Li crushed Sakura to his crest abruptly with his hand still pulling on her hair.
Then, picking her up off her feet, he began swinging and turning as if to dance with her though she was like a ragged doll in his arms. They spun around and around, then coming to a quick stop, he dropped her on the ground. Sakura could not stand properly from the dizziness and dropped to her knees and arms then her body. Yet she quickly pushed herself on her knees again hastily. What is he doing? She screamed inside. Is this all really necessary? Just get to the point you damned thing!
As she swayed on her feet, he suddenly came again and with one hand, pushed her to the ground again.
"DEVIL!"
"BEAST!"
Sakura got up to her feet again with determination, but before she could steady herself, she was once again being crushed by King Li's embrace. He kissed her hair and was all of a sudden gentle and loving towards her in a twisted way.
"ACTOR!"
"WITCH!"
"MADMAN!"
Sakura wanted to cry. Even though they were merely acting King Li seemed crazy for this night, and he was taking as much sick pleasure as he could in acting this out with her. She could feel herself weakening, tired of fighting with him, as he repeatedly kissed her, caressed her, then throwing her to the ground.
"SATAN!"
Over and over again he did that, weakening her, breaking her, each time she got up, her will dimmed.
"FREAK!"
"FANATIC!"
Sakura could feel herself getting dizzy, sick to her stomach, praying for it to end… praying for him to stop touching her and stop being treated like dirt in middle of hundreds of people.
"TORTURE!"
"HELL!"
Yet there were amused murmurs from the room. Though they were shocked at the scene before them, they were enjoying this little play.
"INHUMAN!"
"CURSED!"
Finally, for the last time she was thrown to the floor, Sakura could not get up. She felt so ashamed, so degraded in front of the "audience" and the how close another man was to her. She stayed down.
King Li walked over to her, an evil shadow on his face, as he smiled and picked her up with one arm, and left her forehead leaning on his shoulder. Then he laughed.
Sakura really didn't know what was going to happen now. If only he had at least shown the card to her in the beginning so she would know what to expect. But this was all part of the hilarity to him isn't it?
She could feel his breath getting closer, and closer, and closer. Then, with the other hand, he took all her hair and put it all on one shoulder leaving the other side of her neck exposed.
The musician began to play in a quick, anxious pace as the audience was silent, waiting to see what would happen next.
And suddenly, Sakura felt his mouth and his tongue on her neck.
"Ah!" She squealed.
Then he began to bend down slowly with her still pressed to him until they were both on the ground and him sucking on her as if he were trying to swallow her.
"VAMPIRE!" A lone voice suddenly cried from the audience.
Immediately, King Li stopped and he burst out laughing. "Correct!"
Sakura lay unmoving on the ground still, shocked, but just so glad that it was over.
A hand came in front of her face. It was King Li with a natural smile on his face. "Up." He said.
Sakura could feel the anger boiling in her. She looked at the hand and had the strongest urge to spit in it. But it was still the King, and she could not go that far. Instead, she looked at him with hatred and then stood up shakingly on her own. "I don't need your help." She said in a dark, threatening voice.
"Suit yourself." He said with a shrug.
"Was that so necessary?" She hissed. "WAS THAT SO NECESSARY? IF IT WAS A DAMN VAMPIRE YOU COULD'VE JUST PRETENDED TO BE DRINKING MY BLOOD! YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO DO ALL THAT! YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO TORTURE ME SLOWLY TO THE GROUND LIKE THAT! YOU DEVIL!"
He only shrugged. "A real play isn't like that. That's like writing words on a movie screen and not showing pictures. When there's a vampire, a powerful immortal, do you think he would simply just drink his victim? Of course he's like to have some fun with them first, especially when they're so cocky, he just have to find a way to slow crush her, because that's the most enjoyable way."
"You horrible demon…"
King Li laughed. "Me? It's only a game, you mustn't take it so seriously. Besides, you are here to please me aren't you? If you can't stand my mouth on your then I suggest you pack your bags and leave."
Sakura had the strongest urge to storm out right now, take her bags and really just leave and prove it to his face. But she thought about her unfinished mission and swallowed her hate with ever last ounce of strength.
He continued with his insane laugh. "And look at it this way, now the rest of them won't be so shy to act anymore!"
"YEAH!" The audience cried.
Sakura could not find her voice, she was shaking and she wanted to cry, but she would not show weakness in front of this insensible bastard.
Instead, she turned and ran into the darkness. She ran and ran, and crashed into someone. "Sorry." She quickly muttered turning to move out of the way. But the person held her.
"Sakura, it's me, Tomoyo."
"Hi." She said as best as she could. "Let me go. I'm leaving."
"Where? It's so dark in this room I can't even see you right now." Tomoyo comforted.
"I don't care! I'm leaving! Let me go!"
"Stop it!" Another voice came.
"Jelensta get away from me, I'm not in the mood!"
"Don't be so moody and damn sensitive. Calm yourself."
"LEAVE ME ALONE! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE! HE JUST RUINED ME IN FRONT OF ALL ROYALTIES IN THIS WORLD!"
"I say you're still too damn sensitive."
Sakura looked up with blazing eyes, she aimed her laser at where Jelensta sounds like she was coming from and showed her every ounce of hatred. "I say you've just been degraded too many times to be degraded anymore you insensitive bitch." She shoved Jelensta aside and kept running and running.
Jelensta sighed as Tomoyo glared at her. "I say the King's taste for excitement has gone too far this time…" She commented.
"Well, you could've said that when she was here!" Tomoyo growled.
"I always show my worst side to a person so they'll know this is as bad as I can get, and if they can stand it they'll become my friend."
Tomoyo rolled her eyes and stormed away from the woman.
Sakura…
Sakura felt as if her insides were going to burst, she wanted to scream but she was still in the room and it would echo. The room was so big that even as she ran and ran and ran there was nothing but dark space. Far away she could see another show was its way. Then it finished and another one came on, and still Sakura ran.
"Ah!" Finally, after so much running and so much holding inside she crashed into a wall. It was the furthest end.
Then she began to run to her right, which she crashed into another wall within seconds. She stood hugging herself at the corner and wanted to release her sorrow and anger, and then suddenly, she felt a doorknob on her back.
She turned around and didn't even care where it led; she yanked it open, ran inside and closed the door behind her.
It led to the balcony.
Alone outside, where no one could hear her, she held onto the railing as she stretched her body outside as much as possible. "!" She screamed long and terribly, letting out everything she had bottled inside, then fell down the ground and limp against the railing bars and cried. So much things to cry about, especially tonight. "Touya…" She muttered through her tears. "You said you'd always be with me! You promised! Oh God… where are you now…?"
Inside…
The show continued for two hours. Obviously he had been right when he said that it'd loosen people more. Each show was better, longer, more twisted than last, as if it were a competition. People laughed at what they saw and enjoyed it immensely.
King Li laughed ferociously inside knowing this will be definitely be the talk for the next millennium.
When all the cards had been drawn and no more words were left, the lights were turned on, and it was time for more partying.
He smiled broadly at them. "It's time, ladies gentlemen, for my next installment. But before we begin, have a drink." A line of servant came in carrying drinks and cups and ice cubes with them, and then began serving the royalties.
Outside…
Sakura watched the light turn on, but she did not move. She had stopped crying but was much too scared to go back inside and see what's coming up next.
Yet she watched them.
People began scattering around with blindfolds, as one person ran around, and then grabbing a random person she kissed them on the lips, and then that person starts running and kissing the next, and then that person ran and so on. Sakura was openly disgusted. What kind of twisted games are these? But those royalties seemed to enjoy themselves so much!
Is it really that bad? Are they really that bored out of their mind? Sakura looked away in disgust them Jelensta kissed another girl on the lips.
30 minutes passed before King Li called it to a stop, and then in order, they found out who kissed who as they each stared in disbelief at the people they kissed and almost gagged. But then everybody started laughing after they were done being sickened, and this King Li was openly thrilled with.
Inside…
The game continued on and on, each more warped than the last. After at least 4 different games have been played and at least 5 hours passed and it was near midnight while everybody was drinking and wiping their sweat off as gentlemen took off their capes and ties and jackets as ladies tied their long dressed up around their waist and loosened their bodice, when something terrible happened.
As King Li stood there by the set up tables drinking and talking rapidly with his guests, as if out of nowhere, an arrow came down.
It was as if it were a warning or something, because it landed right in the cup held in his hand.
The King gasped as he dropped the cup on the ground in shock.
Silence covered the room with tension, everyone praying the next arrow weren't aimed to them.
King Li looked in all direction, getting ready to dodge, while trying to find the assassin.
Nothing happened for five minutes, then suddenly, from his right, an arrow came, and that arrow's tip was on fire!
Almost too late, King Li bent his head just in time to have that arrow whip by his head and light his hair on fire but he was alive. To his surprise, seconds after the arrow grazed him it exploded!
"My King!" Someone cried, as a bowl of ice and fruit punch was dumped on his head putting out the fire and soaking him from head to toe.
King Li was shaking violently. Never, in his life had he been reduced like this! He will not appear in public with fruit punch dumped on his head! This is unacceptable!
"Brother!"
"Son!"
Five women came running towards him but he pushed them away. A panic started in the room as people screamed running around, trying to open the solid marbled grand doors to escape.
His plan has been ruined! The greatest night of the century has ended in disaster! HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? IT'S NOT POSSIBLE!
"RYLE! LORD RILEAS RYLE!"
King Li spun around and saw a man writhing on the floor.
The explosion from the arrow was not enough to kill anyone, and it seemed to be timed to explode as soon as the arrow touches something. It was probably suppose to explode after the arrow was planted deep in his head. An explosion that little would not kill anyone, but an explosion like that directly to the brain would bring him to his death.
Unfortunately when the arrow grazed by his head the bomb was activated, then as Rileas Ryle was standing behind him, it literally exploded in his face.
Somebody dumped a bowl of ice water on his face. But his skin has already been burnt and his lips were bleeding and his ear had a piece missing, and one of his eyes seemed to have been damaged severely.
"WHO THE HELL IS IT? SHOW YOUR FACE!" But obviously he received no response. "Call a doctor! Guards, take him to a private room and immediately call all the best doctors there are out there plus my personal private doctor! HEAL HIM! I DON'T CARE WHAT IT COSTS OR WHETHER IT'S POSSIBLE! CURE HIM!"
"Yes sir!"
Guards came and carried the screaming Ryle away.
The room was still in chaos and King Li could feel his anger being let lose. HOW DARE SOMEONE RUIN THIS NIGHT! HOW DARE THIS! THEY DISGRACED HIM TO THE HIGHEST POINT! THAT PERSON IS GOING TO PAY DEARLY! NO ONE DOES THIS TO HIM!
Outside…
Sakura turned around wondering what was going on inside right now.
People running around, people screaming, people going berserk.
Great. What twisted game is this now? Sakura leaned back against the railing. Then something clicked in her mind. Their faces were of pure horror! Something has happened! And it's not a game anymore!
"Oh no!" She cried. Yanking open the door, she joined the group, trying to ask what was happening but people only pushed her away screaming and crying. "Someone tell me what's going on! What happened?"
But only insane screaming replied to her.
"SILENCE!" King Syaoran roared in his loudest voice yet.
The room immediately quieted down. "EVERYONE REPORT TO THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF ME RIGHT NOW! I WILL FIND THE MURDERER TONIGHT NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES!" King Li was mad, he was angry, in fact he was furious! He didn't care who had to pay, as long as someone did! He needed to get the stress out on someone! Anyone!
People crowded together in front of him obediently as he walked through. "If I point at you, go stand against the wall and far away from this crowd, understand?"
"Yes, sir."
First he escorted his parents, sisters, relatives, Eriol, servants and guards. Then from the rest of the people, he pointed at people ranking from the highest class and lower, and lower, and lower, until there were three people left of the lowest class.
Tomoyo, Sakura and Meiling.
They were three ladies there to please the King, therefore considered lowest.
King Li walked through them. Then he saw Meiling, who was kneeling there on the verge of tears, so betrayed that she were to be considered a murder when it was he who had personally invited her to be his companion to this grand ball.
King Li held out his hand to her. "I'm sorry Meiling, I'm so sorry. I'm losing my mind right now. Of course it's not you, it's not! I'm so sorry! I should've let you go first, will you forgive me?"
Meiling took his hand and looked up with a smile as a tear slipped down her cheek. "I'm just glad you recognized me. Of course I forgive you…"
He kissed her on the cheek and the send her away.
King Li stared at the two remaining women. "So, who is the real murderer? ANSWER ME!" He bit out scathingly.
"My king, please!" Eriol pleaded stepping up. "Tomoyo was with me the whole while! I assure you, she has not done anything!"
King Li saw his most trusted advisor and finally nodded. "Very well, she is with you, then."
The room became hauntingly silent and Sakura wondered why. Slowly and carefully, she peeked around and saw that everyone was standing far away and staring at her. She looked at the King and saw that his enraged accusing eyes were spitting venom at her.
Realization dawn upon her, and she finally understood what was happening.
Where's Ryle? Where's Ryle? Why isn't he here to defend me? She looked in the crowd but could not find his face.
She looked back at the King with huge eyes. "I SWEAR KING LI—"
"SILENCE!" He walked up to her and slapped her across the face.
Second time in a day, she's been so degraded. She wanted to cry again, even though she has already shed all her tears for the day. "My King, it was not me! It really was not!"
"Then who is it then? ANSWER ME!"
"I don't even know what happened! I just came in and saw people—"
"CAME IN! SO YOU WERE OUTSIDE AND HIDDEN THE WHOLE TIME?"
"Yes, but—"
He slapped her again the other way. "GUARDS! TAKE HER TO THE LOWEST DUNGEON TILL THE LOWEST CELL!"
"No! King—"
But he turned away with fury and stormed away and ignored her. "ALL DISMISSED!"
"No, Sakura, no!" Tomoyo cried weeping on the floor.
Eriol wrapped his arm around her and shook his head in pity. "He's making rash decisions… I know Kinomoto could not have done something like this…"
Jelensta stopped by them and looked down at Tomoyo. Then, she looked up and at King Li in the distance. Biting again on the rod of her mask, she muttered under her breath: "He's gone too far this time…"
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Author's Note: Sorry if that part with the scene of Sakura and Syaoran was disturbing… I've been reading vampire books lately and especially the one called The Vampire Lestat, of a fiend who craves excitement. If you read about some of the stuff he does it's way more gruesome than this.
Finally, I'm back on track with long chapters!
8161 words! :)