Dancing with the Dead

Chapter Eight

A/N: I own nothing except the things I buy off amazon

It had been nearly five centuries when I met her. To be honest, I had lost all count; the years seemed to blur into one giant spiral of endless nights after I was used to the idea of semi-immortality. Yue would tell me I had gotten quieter. Ruby complained I was colder. I only felt pure loneliness. From the moment on the beach when I had died to that very moment, I felt nothing but a large chasm of emptiness that time didn't erase. As the ruler of the dead, I was used to seeing bleak and hopeless wanderers, and so the loneliness I accepted like the air I breathed.

That was until I met her.

I never believed much in things like destiny or soul mates until I met the Fates, but when I look back on that day, it was as though my entire existence had led up to that moment. My love for Hime, my role as captain of the Black Wolf, my death in the shores of her land, my role as god of the Underworld; I realized all of it was woven together by a greater force than me leading me up to the moment of when I approached a small girl crying over a golden cat.

My first thought was of Hime. I was struck by how much she resembled her. From those green eyes to the pale skin, even to the way she cried, sniffling hard and blinking furiously, she was the exact image. Then I noticed the subtle differences. Hime did not like cats, and was less abrasive as this girl. Hime was certainly dead and gone, and maybe this girl was a distant relative or a reincarnated version, but she was not Hime.

"Are you alright?" I knew I surprised her. She stared back in my eyes, defiant but curious. Somewhere in her being, she felt that familiar pull to me that let her know I was to be trusted.

"Yes, but not the cat." She still had the creature cradled in her arms. He jumped to his death; I saw it. But in her care, he only looked as though he were in a sleep.

"Was he yours?" When she shook her head, I had to ask why she cried for the creature. Her answer was so simple and innocent.

"I don't want him to sleep forever like mama."

It was at that moment that I realized she was wearing a black dress that contrasted heavily with her pale skin and bright green eyes. I used to believe that I knew Hime's eyes better than the back of my hand, but this child's eyes belonged to a stranger. Impulsively, I picked her up and sat her atop the closest grave. We had a connection. Something in my body woke up, a small bubble of hope forming in the dark crevices of my heart. She noticed it too; her tears stopped instantly, and her eyes studied me with wonder, searching for answers.

"What's your name?" I asked almost desperately.

"Kinomoto Sakura. What's yours?"

I smiled at her, knowing what I had been searching for was right in front of me. "I am Li." I was joyous and inspired. I picked up the cat she mourned as her curiosity could not keep her silent.

"What are you doing?"

"Sakura, do you want me to make him wake up?" I felt my smile grow into a grin. I mused at the thought of Yue or Ruby seeing me; it had been a long time since I smiled.

"You can't make it wake up." There was heaviness to her statement, but she didn't know my power. She didn't know how I could overturn the world if I wished it. I almost wanted to for her.

"I can. If you wish me to do it."

"Is it only for the cat?" The heaviness was replaced by something more hopeful in her tone. "What about for people?"

My own excitement died. I could bring people back without much problem, but it was at a cost. Yue and Ruby Moon always told me that they were content with how their souls turned out, but the guilt never washed away. Had I known that they were bound to serve me until my own demise, would I still have revived them back at that beach so many years ago?

"Can you make my mama wake up?" Her voice was so small and quiet. There was pain in this child. The people at the funeral nearby and this child were all in black, mourning the loss of someone precious. I knew the feeling very well. Losing Hime and my father…not being able to see my mother or sisters after I died…being the one who managed the dead and thus becoming an enemy to so many people…these are feelings I knew too well.

"No, Sakura. I am sorry. I cannot make your mother wake up. People are different."

"If you could, would you?"

"Yes." I did not have to think about it. I did not have to lie. If there was anything within my power and morals that would allow me to bring her all the happiness this world had to offer, I would do it.

I like to think that she knew I was honest. I like to believe she felt the same connection I felt.

"Please make the cat wake up."

I obliged her. The small cat blinked and came to life as though he were only waking up. He was now bound to me, and he knew I was his master. Without prompting, he climbed on to my shoulder regally and silently.

"You should name him," I told her gently.

"But he is not mine." She sounded so panicked, that I had to fight to keep a grin from my face.

"I know. But I will take care of him." I really did not have a choice, but I did not mind. "So you should name him."

"Kero," she answered promptly. "His name is Kero."

Kero seemed to understand his new name and purred in agreement. When I petted him, his soft fur seemed to glow. I may have been his master, but this creature was fond of the girl who cried for him, and I knew he would help me protect her.

"Li, I like you," she declared in a loud voice. My eyes widened at her, wondering if I dreamed up her words.

"Do you?" It had been so long…the loneliness made me forget that not only was I capable of loving, but that someone was capable of loving me back.

"Yes."

I heard the Fates laugh, and I realized that this was moment the woman prepared me for. On the shores when I died, the woman with the long, jet black hair and the boy with the glasses presented me with a box.

"My penance, your reparations," the woman explained. She said I would hand it to the one I was looking her, that her soul was among this world and I would find her. I had to find her.

"Are you dressed for a funeral?" her voice snapped me out of my trance. I could not help but smile at her question.

"No, I always dress this way." I presented her with a gift. The long and silver heart shaped locket held her attention. She almost gasped when I opened it to reveal to bright pearl inside. I fastened it on her and saw the pearl glow pink. It happened the way the Fates described it.

"Is this magic?"

"Yes." I patted her head, affection overwhelming my senses. "It is now pink because it knows it belongs to you. It will change depending on who you meet. It will tell you if you are in danger."

"Why would I be in danger?" It was an obvious question for her. She was only a child, and children don't normally sense or are surrounded by danger. But if the Fates were right—and I rarely ever witnessed them be wrong—then by choosing her, she would attract all the ones who have tried to keep us apart. She would inherit my enemies. She would fall victim to their malice.

I could never let that happen. I shook my head to rid myself of these fears.

"You're not. But I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

"By why?"

I bent down to kiss the top of her head. It was time to say goodbye to her with the promise of seeing her again. This child could not possibly understand the endless love I posses, the desire for her that would grow stronger with time. This child could not understand how precious she was to me. She was the light of my life, my sun and stars after being in the darkness for far too long.

She could not understand. Not yet.

Because I like you, Sakura."

When I returned to the Underworld, I slept peacefully for the first time in centuries.

Syaoran grabbed me and it seemed like we ran in impossible speeds to the source of the scream. When we stopped, we were in front of a large door. It was beautifully carved; dark black with stars and planets detailed in. It reminded me very much of the Land of Night. The door seemed to understand Syaoran's worry and opened for us. We were at the docks, but no one was there save for one figure. Sobs echoed around us. Syaoran never dropped his sword, but he crouched down to the body crumpled on the ground. I recognized the dark rose hair and violet eyes that were once so bright.

"Ruby Moon," Syaoran called out to her. "Ruby?" He began to speak to her in a low voice in a language I didn't understand—likely a Chinese one.

"Come," a voice spoke behind me. I noticed that Yue was behind us, silently watching Syaoran and Ruby with a stoic expression. Despite that, I felt worry radiate from his form. Yue took my hand gently, and though he didn't move as swiftly or powerfully as Syaoran, he was more graceful and fluid that I couldn't help but be in awe.

He led me into Syaoran's room. It hadn't changed from the last time I was here. It was warm and inviting, and without Syaoran beside me, I felt a wave of exhaustion hit me.

"Sleep." Yue commanded, carrying me to the bed. "He will see you when he is done."

"What happened to Ruby-san?"

"I do not know, but only assume."

"Was it a Fury?"

"Please sleep, Ying Hua."

When I woke up, Syaoran was sitting beside me reading one of the old books he had in his room. He didn't seem worried anymore, but there were dark circles under his eyes from the all the stress I seemed to bring to him.

"You're awake," he said with a smile. I pushed myself up so that I was sitting as well. "You didn't sleep long. Just under an hour or so."

I nodded, but the questions I had were swirling in my mind like a tornado. "Is Ruby-san alright?"

Syaoran nodded a bit gravely. "She's with Yue now. She's awake and speaking, but understandably shaken."

"What happened?"

His amber eyes darkened instantly. "She was attacked by three Furies. They were using departed souls as vessels, which should be forbidden. This complicates matters."

He sighed and then to my surprise, wrapped his arms around me. He was so much bigger than me, but in the moment, he seemed like a young boy, scared and vulnerable. I ran my fingers through his hair gently, and I heard him sigh again, but this time without heaviness.

"Tell me, what can I do?" I asked him. He pulled away from me and his eyes widened in shock and trepidation.

"Nothing. I just want you safe."

I smiled at him warmly. "You know that I cannot be here and do nothing. We know that I am capable of killing a Fury." The memory of the day shook me, but I pressed on. "I can help, and there will be nothing Mars or anyone else can do to you."

"All that matters to me is that you're safe." He repeated with anguish. "I don't like this. I don't like that you see this side of me. I am this selfish with you, Sakura. Nothing else can completes me like you. Nothing else will matter to me if you are dead. I would rather suffer a million deaths than to see you taken from me once more."

I didn't have a chance to respond to his passionate declaration. "Forgive the boss; he's got a flair for the dramatic."

Ruby Moon, accompanied by Yue, came in wearing a weak smile but a strong stare. Syaoran stood up; he was their boss after all, and he would not be seen as weak when his team needed him and his strength.

"Pardon our intrusion. We would never come in without a good reason," Yue bowed. "Ruby and I have contacted the Fates."

"And certain things have come into place," Ruby added uncomfortably. The pair shared a look, disturbed at the knowledge they have uncovered. "And boss, you're not going to like it."

"What is it? Just tell me," Syaoran ordered, his voice returning the thunderous tone that gave me confidence.

"The Fates confirmed that Mars is waging war and the Furies are on his side. They have seen this and prepared the locket in preparation for that moment." Yue was the first to speak.

"The locket allows Sakura-chan to locate a Fury's heart, just as she did earlier. However, in her current state, she can only do it one Fury at a time. She's a baby deity, nothing like you or Eriol-san." Ruby studied my locket with her eyes before nodding. "But she can get stronger very quickly."

I was about to ask, but one look from Syaoran made my words stop. This did not go unnoticed by Ruby.

"The Fates have also said that this is the final cycle. They promised that this time will be the last time your souls will be sacrificed," Yue continued, looking more perturbed.

"What does that mean?" "What is a final cycle?" both Syaoran and I asked. He briefly looked at me with amusement before turning back to Yue and Ruby.

"Bear with us; it's a lot to take in," Ruby warned. "According to the Fates, your soul and Sakura-chan's have spent many cycles, worlds, regenerations, looking for each other, and then losing each other. This time, the Fates have tipped the scales to your favor, boss, by giving you reign over souls and semi-immortality in order to find Sakura-chan."

"The Fates said this time, your souls will be together, but there is a price," Yue explained.

"There's always a price," Syaoran muttered. "What is it?"

"We don't know," Ruby winced. "The woman was not willing to share."

"The boy did mention that they would be redirecting the dead to the other Underworlds. If the Furies are not keeping the balance, then they will also be bending the rules."

"But this will not last very long; a week at most is what they can allow," Ruby finished.

Syaoran smirked, the fight back in his eyes. "That means I have a week to find Mars, win this war, and defeat the Furies. Fine, I accept that challenge."

"Are you sure?" I asked. Not just a few moments ago did he express weary panic at the thought of the Furies. I was also not pleased with him fighting them after seeing the scar they gave him when I left the Underworld the first time.

"Yes. If I don't need to manage the dead, I have more time and energy to look for Mars. He is the source of this problem. I will make sure to use this chance to end things." Syaoran looked so determined, it was hard to doubt him.

"But the Furies…" I began before he shook his head.

"Do not worry about them."

"But I can help!" I cried out desperately. "I can help! You saw what I did earlier!" I turned to Ruby who looked bemused at our interactions. "You said I can get stronger quickly. How?"

Yue and Ruby shared another look, this time more amused than grim.

"You will definitely not like it." Ruby grinned.

"You would have to fully accept and tap in to the power of Proserpina," Yue said lightly. "Proserpina, while she was still just daughter of Ceres, was a tiny and wispy, naïve thing that was cared for by an overbearing mother, and followers that spoiled her. Then everything changed when Hades fell in love with her."

"Proserpina was a powerful goddess, the Iron Queen of the Underworld. She drew her strengths from her bond and power from being Hades' wife.," Ruby continued, the grin never leaving her face.

"She bloomed beside him. Her strengths were encouraged, and she was even feared by mortals while she was queen. You, as Proserpina, can obtain that same power, and cultivate it to your liking."

"I understand," I told them, somewhat comprehending the situation. Syaoran's hand found mine and squeezed it gently. "But how can I do all that?"

They were silent for some time before Ruby could not help herself.

"How quickly can you plan a wedding?"

I don't believe I had ever seen Syaoran so pleased.

When Ruby and Yue explained that a marriage would solidify our bond, I was speechless. I couldn't picture marrying at only fifteen, but I also couldn't picture fighting monsters and coming back to life after dying, so there was that. Syaoran, meanwhile, was elated. It was as though we hadn't heard heavy news about our lives at all. Even though he was so happy, I told him I needed to take a day to decide.

"Sakura, are you still awake?" I heard him call out. I was in his bed under the covers. I rolled over so that I was facing him.

Though he respected my decision to have the day to think about it, I suspected he was doing everything he could to sway me. That had to be the reason he went to bed beside me shirtless. It was amazing that no matter how chaotic the world was, I still managed to highly appreciate his strong physique. There was hunger waking inside me that had nothing to do with food.

"I'm awake," I told him. "Is something bothering you?"

"No," he said softly. He shifted so that I was curled into him. "I know you're thinking about the decision, but I don't want you to feel like you have to agree. Marrying you would be a dream, but I want you to agree because you want me for eternity—not because it will help you fight Furies. I will find another way if necessary."

His heart was beating quickly, and I placed my hand on his chest to feel it. His breath seemed to stop at my touch. Being with him here, so close, felt more right than anything else. I felt powerful with him beside me. I felt loved with every touch he gave me. This person was precious to me, and something in me, whether it was all my affection or that hunger that cried out for him, seemed to click. Maybe he was not the only one searching me this whole time. Maybe I was looking for him too, and I only just noticed. Syaoran mentioned this to me before. It was like returning home without realizing I was lost.

I knew what I needed now.

Gingerly, I kissed his chest where the scar was and then the skin above his heart. Syaoran let me go and sat up, his amber eyes seemingly glowing. He looked as though he wanted to say something, but no words came out from his lips. I sat up as well, and with some hesitation, I gave him a gentle kiss.

"You're warm, Syaoran." My hand found his while my other one was on his knee. My face flushed, but I never felt surer of anything.

"Sakura…are you…?"

"Yes," I replied, giving him one more kiss. This time he responded with vigor. There was a heat surrounding us, and I laid back down as he began to cover my skin with his kisses and caresses.

When he revealed himself to me and I to him, I knew that there was no going back.

Ultra Special Blah Blah Blah: Sorry for the delay. Anyway, I know I make you guys wait a long time, but life and school kick my butt on the daily, but I do write and rewrite chapters consistently. At the very least, an ending has been written, but I may change my mind. Regardless, thank you all so much for the reviews, the follows and the favs, and your excitement. I have no beta, so please mind the mistakes. Let me know if you have any questions or anything!

Please review and happy reading!