Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Through A Looking Glass 平安京の櫻物語 ❯ A sneak attack, and a Revelation ( Chapter 11 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Aisaki Sumi 
Anime/Manga: Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.11.2009 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 295 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.11.2009 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 295 | Status: Completed
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<P><B>Through A Looking Glass<BR></B><I>By: Aisaki Sumi</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><B>Chapter Ten A sneak attack, a revelation of identity </B></P>
<P><I>Your shadow at morning striding behind you<BR>Or your shadow at evening
rising to meet you;<BR>I will show you fear in a handful of
dust.<BR></I><I><BR>o</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><I>Heian Jidai (Heian Period), 1179, mid-winter, Heian-Kyou</I></P>
<P>â淚â¦â Meiling stiffened, uncertainty underlying in her voice. Despite the fact
that her countenance worn a mingled expression of low perplexity and equanimity,
her heart, deep down in her chest, was thudding, and beating loudly against her
ribcage -- as if it was trying to break free from the constrain of her
chest.</P>
<P>Penetrating gaze pierced through Meilingâ檚 well-hidden anxiety like the
sharpest blade, a mischievous grin shaped itself on Sakuraâ檚 cadaverous visage
as she mused over the otherâ檚 rising fears. Breaking the intense atmosphere that
hung heavily between them, Sakura giggled almost melodiously, she slowly turned
the stiffened Meiling around to face her, letting their views intersect.</P>
<P>Meiling, twisting petrified body around, with the little help from Sakura,
and as the image of her captor came into view, Meiling was dumbfounded again.
The young woman held no resemblance to the image of her Meiling had created in
her fancies, for, she had imagined the woman to be cunning and stealthy, with an
aura that challenged the beholders to bow to her grace.</P>
<P>Lifting her gaze, Meiling immediately grew aghast, immensely shocked at what
her eyes had just beheld. A young woman of a ghastly pallid face, almost
artificial, yet of the rarest beauty, stood before her in an austere manner.</P>
<P>Even the white powder that masked her face entirely could not cover up the
beauty of her features, and if one were to miss it, they probably werenâ檛
probably perceptive enough.</P>
<P>And those green eyes, of the rarest shade of emerald, allured her soul,
captivating her entirely -- both body and mind. They bored so much resemblance
to the young man that captured her heart with just a single glimpse. Meiling
glanced once again at the woman in front of her hurriedly, and then closed her
eyes.</P>
<P>But while her lids remained thus shut, she ran over in her mind her reason
for shutting them.</P>
<P>It was almost an impulsive movement to gain time for thought -- to make sure
that her vision had not deceive her -- to calm and subdue her fancy for a more
sober and more certain gaze. In a very few moments, almost too brief to have
been noticed, she again looked fixedly at Sakura.</P>
<P>There she stood, with faint lights of the evening besprinkled over her face.
The bloody red petals -- their exceeding beauty spoke to the hearts of its
beholders in loud tones, of love and of the glory of God.</P>
<P>Here, and there, they fluttered in the atmosphere, like wilderness of dreams,
sprang all over the branches of the fantastic plum blossom trees, whose tall
stems stood not upright but slanted gracefully towards the fair woman, as if
bowing to her beauty, for it shamed all the celestial bodies in the vast expanse
of the universe.</P>
<P>â淒o not fear, young one, for I have no interest in knowing who you are and
where you came from. The past holds no importance, and a great one shall always
keep her eyes set upon the future. Tis the future that oneâ檚 fate lies in, not
the past.â Sakura said, her voice, like a lulling melody that had been softer
than the wind-sharp of Aeolus, more divine than all.</P>
<P>â淧ray, tell me, what is troubling your mind at this exact moment?â She drew
on, her eyes twinkling of mischievousness and an underlying danger.</P>
<P>It then became manifest to Meiling. This was a chance given by God, to
commence on a new journey where her past shall take hold of her no more. Holding
no more hesitation, Meiling aligned her vision with Sakuraâ檚, letting those
fierce, defiant crimson orbs, so full of ardour of passion, and challenged those
almost devious emerald ones.</P>
<P>Meiling threw herself hastily at the feet of Sakura, and offered up a vow, to
herself and to Heaven.</P>
<P>â淚 call the Mighty Ruler of the universe to witness the pious solemnity of my
vow, that I pledge full loyalty to my lady Sakuno, for her ladyshipâ檚 wish is my
command, and her ladyshipâ檚 deepest desires are mine deepest desires. And a
curse I invoke, if I am ever proven traitorous to that promise, a penalty of
exceedingly great terror shall be brought upon me, and take me to the hidden
chamber of hell where my soul shall be tortured for an eternity long.â</P>
<P>A smile of satisfactory was all that presented on Sakuraâ檚 face.</P>
<P>â¦â¦</P>
<P>That night, Sakura brought Meiling to the nearly disserted part of the Taira
household -- the place where she called a home, if it was ever one. Miyuki
scrutinized at Meiling silently, her eyes revealing distrust, have said nothing,
because she trusted Miss Sakuraâ檚 judgements.</P>
<P>Bending down to pour the herbal tea she had prepared earlier for Miss Sakura,
Miyuki allowed the scent to fill the air they breathed -- it was like the
perfume from the censers of the angels.</P>
<P>â淪ome tea, Miss Sakura?â Miyuki asked, handing the delicate tea cup to
Sakuraâ檚 frozen hands. A hint of concern flashed in Miyukiâ檚 eyes, but it
disappeared as quickly has it had surfaced. Keeping her head low, as a sign of
obedience, Miyuki then added. â滻t shall warm you up a little.â</P>
<P>â淭hank you, Miyuki.â Sakura sat down, or rather kneeling down. It was an
ancient Japanese tradition that one must kneel down into a sitting position, her
bottom resting on her feet, as a way of showing her elegancy. Before taking a
sip of the heart-warming tea, Sakura saw an awkward Meiling still standing in
near the door on the fringe of her vision, and gestured the other to take a seat
next to her.</P>
<P>â淢eiling, this is Miyuki, my lady-in-waiting, and the only lady-in-waiting in
this compound. You donâ檛 have to be so cautious around her. I entrust her with
my all, and you shall do the same.â Sakura introduced, her voice light and
tender, but her eyes remained capricious. â淐ome, come and take a seat.â She
hurried.</P>
<P>Finally sitting down, Meiling felt extremely uncomfortable. She didnâ檛 know
why, but she could feel a strong sense of unwelcoming from the timid auburn
haired girl. The air was once again, heavy of an unforgiving silence, but Sakura
didnâ檛 seem to have minded it.</P>
<P>She continued to take little sips of her tea, unaffected by the insolent
exchange of glares between the two girls.</P>
<P>â淪yaoran-sama and the troops are leaving early in the morning, immediately
after sunrise. We must be ready for the departure as well.â Sakura shot a glance
at Miyukiâ檚 way, the otherâ檚 slight tremulousness did not escape her sharp
perception. â淢iyuki, prepare two backpacks for tomorrow, just a few clean
clothes and some food and water will do the job.â</P>
<P>Biting her lower lip, Miyuki gnawed at the corner of her mouth, her worries
were now fully evident, almost twisting her beauty. â淢iss Sakura⦠are you,
absolutely certain of joining the army?â She asked, timidly. â淚f you are
discovered, you will beâ¦will beâ¦â Stammering, Miyuki tightened her fists, as if
the words she was about to speak were poisonous.</P>
<P>As if giving her all, Miyuki gathered up all the courage she had and
whispered. â淵ou will be put to death if you are ever to be discovered!â Though,
the words were rolled off her tongue with exceeding difficulty, she knew she had
to say it straight out, hoping in vain that the word of death shall bring some
fears into Miss Sakuraâ檚 strong, almost fearless mind.</P>
<P>A hiatus that seemed to have lasted for a century long, Sakura finally let
out her chuckled. â淢iyuki-dear, if I have to fear of everything I do, I might as
well not do them in the first place. Besides, my past actions all could bring me
the fate of being killed if I was ever discovered. If my fate is to be put to
death, then let it be. I fear do not fear death, for living is more
fearsome.â</P>
<P>Dark shadows were cast over Sakuraâ檚 pale face, adding lines and sketchy
shades over her features, making her hauntingly beautiful. Meiling, who remained
silent through the entire period, was even more impressed by the fearlessness of
Sakuraâ檚 nature.</P>
<P>Like a phoenix imprisoned in a cage made of the finest gold, she shall rise
and break through it one day. It was only a matter of time.</P>
<P>If she was a man, she could dominate the world with her bravery and
intellects. Meiling pondered upon the subject silently, a small smile, almost
too faint and trivial to be noticed played on her lips.</P>
<P>But Meiling was no weakling either.</P>
<P>Two women, embarking out on a journey that was thought to be marched by men
only, how fun could that be?</P>
<P>It is up for Fate to decide.</P>
<P>â¦â¦</P>
<P>The world was bathed in the ethereal lights of late dawn, as if dripped in a
pool of orange paint. There, in the afar, came the marching soldiers, in neat,
well-organized lines. It looked like a moving mass of black, with its leader at
the front, wearing armours that shined so brilliantly under the blinding rays of
the sun, as if it was to catch on fire.</P>
<P>Citizens of Heian-Kyo watched the troops march through the main streets of
the city, to the distant horizon where the rebels were currently at. Weeping
mothers tried so hard to peer through the black moving masses to find the
familiar face that occupied their most treasured memories.</P>
<P>Fathers, sons, or husbands were amongst the marching troops; their face stern
and full of solemnity. There were moments where doubts fleeted in their minds,
where the urge of giving their loved ones one last look rushed into their bosoms
-- but were all oppressed by these sense of honour and passion which had for
centuries distinguished their race.</P>
<P>It was a heart-aching moment for all. The ones to be sent to the battlefields
where they must fight to protect their emperor, their country, and their loved
ones, might never come back alive again. For some, this shall be the last chance
they have to take a glimpse at their loved ones, to remember them forever in
their hearts. For others, this was going a beginning of the glories that shall
dominate their futures.</P>
<P>Sakura stood on amongst the crowd with Meiling standing silently by her side.
Therein the shower of pale yet still brilliant lights, her eyes found their ways
to a certain man, dressed in shining silver armours. For an instance there,
Sakura almost thought he outshined the Sun.</P>
<P>He was perfect in every single way, witty, handsome, rich and powerful, and
especially of the way he treated women, with such delicacy and respect. She
could see how easily one could fall in love with such a man. He was a hero to
his people, proud and kingly. She couldâ檝e fallen for him, if he wasnâ檛 Taira no
Syaoran, if she wasnâ檛 Kinomoto Sakura.</P>
<P>Sadly, he was who he was, and she was who she was. And if they werenâ檛 who
they were now, how could they even have met?</P>
<P>Pushing aside her own muses, Sakura eyed Meiling, muttering under her
breathe. â淟etâ檚 go. We must not lose track of them.â</P>
<P>â¦â¦</P>
<P>For days, Sakura and Meiling have had trailed behind the tramping troops in
vicinity. With the heat of the sun baking their backs, and exhaustion swelling
up in their limps, they carried on their great march with exceeding difficulty.
They roamed onto the vale, with a wide range of giant hills that hung beetling
around about it.</P>
<P>The foliage of many thousands of forest trees brushed harshly against their
clothes. Their feet, crushed to death the glories of many millions of fragrant
flowers. They were careful of keeping a close and careful distance with the
troops, thus choosing a more dangerous path which allowed them to keep their
sense of direction, but also keeping them out of the sights of Syaoranâ檚
sentinels.</P>
<P>Or so they thought they were careful of their actions.</P>
<P>â淩eports from the sentinels, general!â A young soldier in his late teens
kneeled down by Syaoranâ檚 horse, halting the tired advancing troops into a full
stop.</P>
<P>â淲hat news do you bring with you?â Syaoran frowned in displeasure, and urged.
â淪peak.â</P>
<P>â淵our lordship, we have captured two spies of the enemies.â The young solider
responded proudly, but was afraid to meet the eyes of the general of his
greatest admiration.</P>
<P>â淪pies?â Syaoran drawled, but the iciness that underlined his voice sent
shivers down everyoneâ檚 spine. His lips were pressed together into a thin line,
forming a beautiful curve, revealing danger and unsaid promises of a fate worse
than death for those who dared to oppose him.</P>
<P>â淏ring them to me.â Ordered he, with one of his hands tightening its grasp on
his sword.</P>
<P>â淵es, your lordship.â The young soldier answered, and eyed two other soldiers
to bring out the prisoners. Within instances, two young men, possibly of the age
of sixteen or seventeen were brought to Syaoranâ檚 feet. Their clothes were torn
and ripped, their hair had fell lose with a few strands hanging upon their
faces, masking their expressions.</P>
<P>One of them had familiar looking auburn hair. And this caused Syaoranâ檚 heart
to skip a beat. It couldnâ檛 possibly have been her. She might be a brave and
quick-witty woman, but coming to the battlefield? She couldnâ檛 be that brave.
Could she?</P>
<P>Irritated and disturbed by his own thoughts, Syaoran gave out another order,
hoping it could prove his instincts wrong.</P>
<P>â淭ilt their heads upward and reveal me their faces.â The words seemed to have
rumbled out of the cores of the earth.</P>
<P>Sakura felt someone pulling her hair upward, and there, she saw a man,
astonished and bewildered. Never in his wildest dream could he have imagined
their eyes aligning in a place such as this, and in a circumstance such as this.
Ignoring the pains from her body and head, she lifted the corners of her lips
upward, just ever so slightly.</P>
<P>â淵our possibly forgotten acquaintance; Sakuma Ryuichi, at your service, my
lord.â Sakura smirked, bowing politely to the speechless Syaoran. â淎nd this
young boy beside me is no spy of the enemy either, for he is my childhood
friend, a loyal servant to the Emperor and the people of Heian-Kyo---â</P>
<P>Before Sakura could finish her brief introduction of who Meiling was so she
could clear off Syaoranâ檚 suspicion of her, Taira no Atsumori cut in, exclaiming
vivaciously. â淚tâ檚 you! I recognize you! Brother and I met you in the---â</P>
<P>â淎tsumori, be quiet.â Syaoran growled at the overly-excited boy. Feeling a
horrible migraine coming at his way, Syaoran forced himself to remain calm so he
could have a clear mind to sort of the mess placed before him. â淭ell Yukito to
lead the troops to the river bank for a short recess. And take Sakuma-sanâ檚
childhood friend with you, for Iâ檇 like to have a private audience for the
conversation that I shall have with Sakuma-san.â</P>
<P>Sakura could almost hear the gritting sounds of his teeth as he forced the
words out of his mouth. Suppressing the urge to chuckle, she took her arms back
from the grips of the soldiers and watched them walk away in perplexity.
Suddenly, she felt a strong grapple on her frail arm, the force was almost
enough to crush her bones.</P>
<P>â淲hat on earth do you think youâ檙e doing here?!â He hissed harshly into her
ears, his warm breathe tickling her neck.</P>
<P>â淚â檝e come to provide my services to your lordship.â Sakura answered calmly,
putting on her perfect act, utterly oblivious to the true reason behind his
fury. She thought that it came from her reckless actions of following the troops
without telling him so, but oh she was deeply wrong. Itâ檚 just she hadnâ檛
realized that yet.</P>
<P>Her words only angered him more. â淒rop the acts, Sakuma-san, or should I say,
Lady Sakuno?â Syaoran challenged, letting his words perish the pretence and
defence set up by Sakura, shattering them all with the ultimate truth of her
identity. He say her eyes widening, those beautiful emerald orbs that tugged at
his heart relentlessly.</P>
<P>For a moment, he almost thought it was worth the price, to see her tough acts
been torn off of her. It was almost thrilling in a sense, to know that he was
the one to crack her perfect mask.</P>
<P>â淗owâ¦how did you knowâ¦â Sakura demanded breathlessly, but she was able to
quickly hide away the franticness revealed in her eyes a moment ago. Within
seconds, her returned to her recollected state, as if the momentary chaos that
embraced her mind was only a trick on the eye.</P>
<P>â淏ecause--â Before Syaoran could finish his sentence, a loud sound of the
horn was heard. It was the sound of emergency situation, with the purpose to
alarm the soldiers of the attack of the enemies.</P>
<P>â淲e are under attack!! Regroup and change into defence mode! Quickly!â Cries
and curses resonated in the atmosphere embraced by chaos, followed by the
clangour of swords and the hisses of the bolting arrows. The scent of blood
saturated the air, stirring the fears and the beasts within every manâ檚 heart.
The beasts and thirst of blood-shed was awakened in their hearts.</P>
<P>â淔ind Atsumori and hide!â Syaoran bellowed at her, rising his voice in an
attempt to suppress the wails of men and the clashing sounds of metals. â淣OW!!!â
He gave her arm a rough push as he tried to distant her from the chaotic
battlefields.</P>
<P>Sakura nodded frantically, her cold, sweaty hands fumbled their way to the
sword she had prepared herself with earlier, in case of emergency. But she never
thought of herself using it this soon. She came to join the army, not to fight
in battles, but use her extensive knowledge of military sciences and war
strategies to gain herself a position in the army.</P>
<P>â淎h!â She cried out, feeling a barbaric and crushing grasp on her shoulder
that was so powerful that it knocked her off her feet. Shutting her eyes
impulsively, she felt her cheeks smash against the sandy ground. But she was
quickly lifted upward again. Hearing a low, husky voice that spoke of dalliance,
Sakura gulped with difficulty. â淪o youâ檙e the boy General Eriol wanted huhâ¦and
quite a beauty tooâ¦â</P>
<P>â淕et your dirty hands off her!â Syaoran snarled at a distance away, as he
skilfully killed his way through the chaos. He even forgot about hiding her true
identity. The sight of her capture stirred his heart and filled his mind with
franticness.</P>
<P>Blood and dirt stained his handsome face, giving him a fearful appearance, as
he thrust his sword into the chest of the enemy soldier that blocked his view of
Sakura. There was no way he would let that barbarian harm her, absolutely no
way, unless he was dead.</P>
<P>â淗er?â The tall masculine man looked down at Sakura in bewilderment, and let
out a loud almost barbaric laughter. No wonder General Eriol wanted the boy
captured unharmed. With a beauty like that, genders did not matter anymore. â淚f
you want her back, come and claim her!â With those taunting words left behind of
him, he threw Sakura and himself onto the horse and dashed away.</P>
<P>â淎tsumori, follow Yukitoâ檚 orders!â Handing the chaotic battlefield to his
younger brother and his best friend, Yukito, before jumping onto his horse,
Syaoran narrowed his fierce amber eyes, and chased after the macho-man and
cross-dressing wife.</P>
<P>.</P>
<P>.</P>
<P>.</P>
<P>.</P>
<P>.</P>
<P>.</P>
<P>.</P>
<P>A/N: Entirely unedited, as you might have noticed. I am totally oblivious to
my own mistakes, soooo, a devoted beta-reader is needed. Anyoneâ檚 up for the
job?</P>
<P>Oh and I just finished my short manic SS story â淏etrayalâ, had lotsa fun
writing that one. Buwahahaha. But holy crap I gotta say, the dialogues in these
two recently updated chapters are so friggng hard to write. I even pulled out my
high school English notes on how to speak eloquently in olden Englishâ¦cough,
since Iâ檓 an engineering-majored student, and I havenâ檛 had an English class
since my high school days, hence the awkwardness of these recent chapters.
Forgive me, math has invaded my mind and it is hard to squeeze out rooms for
English to slip in smoothly and unnoticeably again.</P>
<P>Well, Iâ檓 already working on the next chapter. So, expect it to be up
sometimes next week, and the latest as next weekend.</P>
<P>Drop me a nice little review and Iâ檒l post the next chapter up in three days.
Encouragements are my best inspirations and fuels to fasten up my typing speed.
Lol.</P>
<P>Flames are promptly ignored, but constructive criticisms are welcomed, and of
course reviews are ADORED.</P></BODY></HTML>
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<P><B>Through A Looking Glass<BR></B><I>By: Aisaki Sumi</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><B>Chapter Ten A sneak attack, a revelation of identity </B></P>
<P><I>Your shadow at morning striding behind you<BR>Or your shadow at evening
rising to meet you;<BR>I will show you fear in a handful of
dust.<BR></I><I><BR>o</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><I>o</I></P>
<P><I>Heian Jidai (Heian Period), 1179, mid-winter, Heian-Kyou</I></P>
<P>â淚â¦â Meiling stiffened, uncertainty underlying in her voice. Despite the fact
that her countenance worn a mingled expression of low perplexity and equanimity,
her heart, deep down in her chest, was thudding, and beating loudly against her
ribcage -- as if it was trying to break free from the constrain of her
chest.</P>
<P>Penetrating gaze pierced through Meilingâ檚 well-hidden anxiety like the
sharpest blade, a mischievous grin shaped itself on Sakuraâ檚 cadaverous visage
as she mused over the otherâ檚 rising fears. Breaking the intense atmosphere that
hung heavily between them, Sakura giggled almost melodiously, she slowly turned
the stiffened Meiling around to face her, letting their views intersect.</P>
<P>Meiling, twisting petrified body around, with the little help from Sakura,
and as the image of her captor came into view, Meiling was dumbfounded again.
The young woman held no resemblance to the image of her Meiling had created in
her fancies, for, she had imagined the woman to be cunning and stealthy, with an
aura that challenged the beholders to bow to her grace.</P>
<P>Lifting her gaze, Meiling immediately grew aghast, immensely shocked at what
her eyes had just beheld. A young woman of a ghastly pallid face, almost
artificial, yet of the rarest beauty, stood before her in an austere manner.</P>
<P>Even the white powder that masked her face entirely could not cover up the
beauty of her features, and if one were to miss it, they probably werenâ檛
probably perceptive enough.</P>
<P>And those green eyes, of the rarest shade of emerald, allured her soul,
captivating her entirely -- both body and mind. They bored so much resemblance
to the young man that captured her heart with just a single glimpse. Meiling
glanced once again at the woman in front of her hurriedly, and then closed her
eyes.</P>
<P>But while her lids remained thus shut, she ran over in her mind her reason
for shutting them.</P>
<P>It was almost an impulsive movement to gain time for thought -- to make sure
that her vision had not deceive her -- to calm and subdue her fancy for a more
sober and more certain gaze. In a very few moments, almost too brief to have
been noticed, she again looked fixedly at Sakura.</P>
<P>There she stood, with faint lights of the evening besprinkled over her face.
The bloody red petals -- their exceeding beauty spoke to the hearts of its
beholders in loud tones, of love and of the glory of God.</P>
<P>Here, and there, they fluttered in the atmosphere, like wilderness of dreams,
sprang all over the branches of the fantastic plum blossom trees, whose tall
stems stood not upright but slanted gracefully towards the fair woman, as if
bowing to her beauty, for it shamed all the celestial bodies in the vast expanse
of the universe.</P>
<P>â淒o not fear, young one, for I have no interest in knowing who you are and
where you came from. The past holds no importance, and a great one shall always
keep her eyes set upon the future. Tis the future that oneâ檚 fate lies in, not
the past.â Sakura said, her voice, like a lulling melody that had been softer
than the wind-sharp of Aeolus, more divine than all.</P>
<P>â淧ray, tell me, what is troubling your mind at this exact moment?â She drew
on, her eyes twinkling of mischievousness and an underlying danger.</P>
<P>It then became manifest to Meiling. This was a chance given by God, to
commence on a new journey where her past shall take hold of her no more. Holding
no more hesitation, Meiling aligned her vision with Sakuraâ檚, letting those
fierce, defiant crimson orbs, so full of ardour of passion, and challenged those
almost devious emerald ones.</P>
<P>Meiling threw herself hastily at the feet of Sakura, and offered up a vow, to
herself and to Heaven.</P>
<P>â淚 call the Mighty Ruler of the universe to witness the pious solemnity of my
vow, that I pledge full loyalty to my lady Sakuno, for her ladyshipâ檚 wish is my
command, and her ladyshipâ檚 deepest desires are mine deepest desires. And a
curse I invoke, if I am ever proven traitorous to that promise, a penalty of
exceedingly great terror shall be brought upon me, and take me to the hidden
chamber of hell where my soul shall be tortured for an eternity long.â</P>
<P>A smile of satisfactory was all that presented on Sakuraâ檚 face.</P>
<P>â¦â¦</P>
<P>That night, Sakura brought Meiling to the nearly disserted part of the Taira
household -- the place where she called a home, if it was ever one. Miyuki
scrutinized at Meiling silently, her eyes revealing distrust, have said nothing,
because she trusted Miss Sakuraâ檚 judgements.</P>
<P>Bending down to pour the herbal tea she had prepared earlier for Miss Sakura,
Miyuki allowed the scent to fill the air they breathed -- it was like the
perfume from the censers of the angels.</P>
<P>â淪ome tea, Miss Sakura?â Miyuki asked, handing the delicate tea cup to
Sakuraâ檚 frozen hands. A hint of concern flashed in Miyukiâ檚 eyes, but it
disappeared as quickly has it had surfaced. Keeping her head low, as a sign of
obedience, Miyuki then added. â滻t shall warm you up a little.â</P>
<P>â淭hank you, Miyuki.â Sakura sat down, or rather kneeling down. It was an
ancient Japanese tradition that one must kneel down into a sitting position, her
bottom resting on her feet, as a way of showing her elegancy. Before taking a
sip of the heart-warming tea, Sakura saw an awkward Meiling still standing in
near the door on the fringe of her vision, and gestured the other to take a seat
next to her.</P>
<P>â淢eiling, this is Miyuki, my lady-in-waiting, and the only lady-in-waiting in
this compound. You donâ檛 have to be so cautious around her. I entrust her with
my all, and you shall do the same.â Sakura introduced, her voice light and
tender, but her eyes remained capricious. â淐ome, come and take a seat.â She
hurried.</P>
<P>Finally sitting down, Meiling felt extremely uncomfortable. She didnâ檛 know
why, but she could feel a strong sense of unwelcoming from the timid auburn
haired girl. The air was once again, heavy of an unforgiving silence, but Sakura
didnâ檛 seem to have minded it.</P>
<P>She continued to take little sips of her tea, unaffected by the insolent
exchange of glares between the two girls.</P>
<P>â淪yaoran-sama and the troops are leaving early in the morning, immediately
after sunrise. We must be ready for the departure as well.â Sakura shot a glance
at Miyukiâ檚 way, the otherâ檚 slight tremulousness did not escape her sharp
perception. â淢iyuki, prepare two backpacks for tomorrow, just a few clean
clothes and some food and water will do the job.â</P>
<P>Biting her lower lip, Miyuki gnawed at the corner of her mouth, her worries
were now fully evident, almost twisting her beauty. â淢iss Sakura⦠are you,
absolutely certain of joining the army?â She asked, timidly. â淚f you are
discovered, you will beâ¦will beâ¦â Stammering, Miyuki tightened her fists, as if
the words she was about to speak were poisonous.</P>
<P>As if giving her all, Miyuki gathered up all the courage she had and
whispered. â淵ou will be put to death if you are ever to be discovered!â Though,
the words were rolled off her tongue with exceeding difficulty, she knew she had
to say it straight out, hoping in vain that the word of death shall bring some
fears into Miss Sakuraâ檚 strong, almost fearless mind.</P>
<P>A hiatus that seemed to have lasted for a century long, Sakura finally let
out her chuckled. â淢iyuki-dear, if I have to fear of everything I do, I might as
well not do them in the first place. Besides, my past actions all could bring me
the fate of being killed if I was ever discovered. If my fate is to be put to
death, then let it be. I fear do not fear death, for living is more
fearsome.â</P>
<P>Dark shadows were cast over Sakuraâ檚 pale face, adding lines and sketchy
shades over her features, making her hauntingly beautiful. Meiling, who remained
silent through the entire period, was even more impressed by the fearlessness of
Sakuraâ檚 nature.</P>
<P>Like a phoenix imprisoned in a cage made of the finest gold, she shall rise
and break through it one day. It was only a matter of time.</P>
<P>If she was a man, she could dominate the world with her bravery and
intellects. Meiling pondered upon the subject silently, a small smile, almost
too faint and trivial to be noticed played on her lips.</P>
<P>But Meiling was no weakling either.</P>
<P>Two women, embarking out on a journey that was thought to be marched by men
only, how fun could that be?</P>
<P>It is up for Fate to decide.</P>
<P>â¦â¦</P>
<P>The world was bathed in the ethereal lights of late dawn, as if dripped in a
pool of orange paint. There, in the afar, came the marching soldiers, in neat,
well-organized lines. It looked like a moving mass of black, with its leader at
the front, wearing armours that shined so brilliantly under the blinding rays of
the sun, as if it was to catch on fire.</P>
<P>Citizens of Heian-Kyo watched the troops march through the main streets of
the city, to the distant horizon where the rebels were currently at. Weeping
mothers tried so hard to peer through the black moving masses to find the
familiar face that occupied their most treasured memories.</P>
<P>Fathers, sons, or husbands were amongst the marching troops; their face stern
and full of solemnity. There were moments where doubts fleeted in their minds,
where the urge of giving their loved ones one last look rushed into their bosoms
-- but were all oppressed by these sense of honour and passion which had for
centuries distinguished their race.</P>
<P>It was a heart-aching moment for all. The ones to be sent to the battlefields
where they must fight to protect their emperor, their country, and their loved
ones, might never come back alive again. For some, this shall be the last chance
they have to take a glimpse at their loved ones, to remember them forever in
their hearts. For others, this was going a beginning of the glories that shall
dominate their futures.</P>
<P>Sakura stood on amongst the crowd with Meiling standing silently by her side.
Therein the shower of pale yet still brilliant lights, her eyes found their ways
to a certain man, dressed in shining silver armours. For an instance there,
Sakura almost thought he outshined the Sun.</P>
<P>He was perfect in every single way, witty, handsome, rich and powerful, and
especially of the way he treated women, with such delicacy and respect. She
could see how easily one could fall in love with such a man. He was a hero to
his people, proud and kingly. She couldâ檝e fallen for him, if he wasnâ檛 Taira no
Syaoran, if she wasnâ檛 Kinomoto Sakura.</P>
<P>Sadly, he was who he was, and she was who she was. And if they werenâ檛 who
they were now, how could they even have met?</P>
<P>Pushing aside her own muses, Sakura eyed Meiling, muttering under her
breathe. â淟etâ檚 go. We must not lose track of them.â</P>
<P>â¦â¦</P>
<P>For days, Sakura and Meiling have had trailed behind the tramping troops in
vicinity. With the heat of the sun baking their backs, and exhaustion swelling
up in their limps, they carried on their great march with exceeding difficulty.
They roamed onto the vale, with a wide range of giant hills that hung beetling
around about it.</P>
<P>The foliage of many thousands of forest trees brushed harshly against their
clothes. Their feet, crushed to death the glories of many millions of fragrant
flowers. They were careful of keeping a close and careful distance with the
troops, thus choosing a more dangerous path which allowed them to keep their
sense of direction, but also keeping them out of the sights of Syaoranâ檚
sentinels.</P>
<P>Or so they thought they were careful of their actions.</P>
<P>â淩eports from the sentinels, general!â A young soldier in his late teens
kneeled down by Syaoranâ檚 horse, halting the tired advancing troops into a full
stop.</P>
<P>â淲hat news do you bring with you?â Syaoran frowned in displeasure, and urged.
â淪peak.â</P>
<P>â淵our lordship, we have captured two spies of the enemies.â The young solider
responded proudly, but was afraid to meet the eyes of the general of his
greatest admiration.</P>
<P>â淪pies?â Syaoran drawled, but the iciness that underlined his voice sent
shivers down everyoneâ檚 spine. His lips were pressed together into a thin line,
forming a beautiful curve, revealing danger and unsaid promises of a fate worse
than death for those who dared to oppose him.</P>
<P>â淏ring them to me.â Ordered he, with one of his hands tightening its grasp on
his sword.</P>
<P>â淵es, your lordship.â The young soldier answered, and eyed two other soldiers
to bring out the prisoners. Within instances, two young men, possibly of the age
of sixteen or seventeen were brought to Syaoranâ檚 feet. Their clothes were torn
and ripped, their hair had fell lose with a few strands hanging upon their
faces, masking their expressions.</P>
<P>One of them had familiar looking auburn hair. And this caused Syaoranâ檚 heart
to skip a beat. It couldnâ檛 possibly have been her. She might be a brave and
quick-witty woman, but coming to the battlefield? She couldnâ檛 be that brave.
Could she?</P>
<P>Irritated and disturbed by his own thoughts, Syaoran gave out another order,
hoping it could prove his instincts wrong.</P>
<P>â淭ilt their heads upward and reveal me their faces.â The words seemed to have
rumbled out of the cores of the earth.</P>
<P>Sakura felt someone pulling her hair upward, and there, she saw a man,
astonished and bewildered. Never in his wildest dream could he have imagined
their eyes aligning in a place such as this, and in a circumstance such as this.
Ignoring the pains from her body and head, she lifted the corners of her lips
upward, just ever so slightly.</P>
<P>â淵our possibly forgotten acquaintance; Sakuma Ryuichi, at your service, my
lord.â Sakura smirked, bowing politely to the speechless Syaoran. â淎nd this
young boy beside me is no spy of the enemy either, for he is my childhood
friend, a loyal servant to the Emperor and the people of Heian-Kyo---â</P>
<P>Before Sakura could finish her brief introduction of who Meiling was so she
could clear off Syaoranâ檚 suspicion of her, Taira no Atsumori cut in, exclaiming
vivaciously. â淚tâ檚 you! I recognize you! Brother and I met you in the---â</P>
<P>â淎tsumori, be quiet.â Syaoran growled at the overly-excited boy. Feeling a
horrible migraine coming at his way, Syaoran forced himself to remain calm so he
could have a clear mind to sort of the mess placed before him. â淭ell Yukito to
lead the troops to the river bank for a short recess. And take Sakuma-sanâ檚
childhood friend with you, for Iâ檇 like to have a private audience for the
conversation that I shall have with Sakuma-san.â</P>
<P>Sakura could almost hear the gritting sounds of his teeth as he forced the
words out of his mouth. Suppressing the urge to chuckle, she took her arms back
from the grips of the soldiers and watched them walk away in perplexity.
Suddenly, she felt a strong grapple on her frail arm, the force was almost
enough to crush her bones.</P>
<P>â淲hat on earth do you think youâ檙e doing here?!â He hissed harshly into her
ears, his warm breathe tickling her neck.</P>
<P>â淚â檝e come to provide my services to your lordship.â Sakura answered calmly,
putting on her perfect act, utterly oblivious to the true reason behind his
fury. She thought that it came from her reckless actions of following the troops
without telling him so, but oh she was deeply wrong. Itâ檚 just she hadnâ檛
realized that yet.</P>
<P>Her words only angered him more. â淒rop the acts, Sakuma-san, or should I say,
Lady Sakuno?â Syaoran challenged, letting his words perish the pretence and
defence set up by Sakura, shattering them all with the ultimate truth of her
identity. He say her eyes widening, those beautiful emerald orbs that tugged at
his heart relentlessly.</P>
<P>For a moment, he almost thought it was worth the price, to see her tough acts
been torn off of her. It was almost thrilling in a sense, to know that he was
the one to crack her perfect mask.</P>
<P>â淗owâ¦how did you knowâ¦â Sakura demanded breathlessly, but she was able to
quickly hide away the franticness revealed in her eyes a moment ago. Within
seconds, her returned to her recollected state, as if the momentary chaos that
embraced her mind was only a trick on the eye.</P>
<P>â淏ecause--â Before Syaoran could finish his sentence, a loud sound of the
horn was heard. It was the sound of emergency situation, with the purpose to
alarm the soldiers of the attack of the enemies.</P>
<P>â淲e are under attack!! Regroup and change into defence mode! Quickly!â Cries
and curses resonated in the atmosphere embraced by chaos, followed by the
clangour of swords and the hisses of the bolting arrows. The scent of blood
saturated the air, stirring the fears and the beasts within every manâ檚 heart.
The beasts and thirst of blood-shed was awakened in their hearts.</P>
<P>â淔ind Atsumori and hide!â Syaoran bellowed at her, rising his voice in an
attempt to suppress the wails of men and the clashing sounds of metals. â淣OW!!!â
He gave her arm a rough push as he tried to distant her from the chaotic
battlefields.</P>
<P>Sakura nodded frantically, her cold, sweaty hands fumbled their way to the
sword she had prepared herself with earlier, in case of emergency. But she never
thought of herself using it this soon. She came to join the army, not to fight
in battles, but use her extensive knowledge of military sciences and war
strategies to gain herself a position in the army.</P>
<P>â淎h!â She cried out, feeling a barbaric and crushing grasp on her shoulder
that was so powerful that it knocked her off her feet. Shutting her eyes
impulsively, she felt her cheeks smash against the sandy ground. But she was
quickly lifted upward again. Hearing a low, husky voice that spoke of dalliance,
Sakura gulped with difficulty. â淪o youâ檙e the boy General Eriol wanted huhâ¦and
quite a beauty tooâ¦â</P>
<P>â淕et your dirty hands off her!â Syaoran snarled at a distance away, as he
skilfully killed his way through the chaos. He even forgot about hiding her true
identity. The sight of her capture stirred his heart and filled his mind with
franticness.</P>
<P>Blood and dirt stained his handsome face, giving him a fearful appearance, as
he thrust his sword into the chest of the enemy soldier that blocked his view of
Sakura. There was no way he would let that barbarian harm her, absolutely no
way, unless he was dead.</P>
<P>â淗er?â The tall masculine man looked down at Sakura in bewilderment, and let
out a loud almost barbaric laughter. No wonder General Eriol wanted the boy
captured unharmed. With a beauty like that, genders did not matter anymore. â淚f
you want her back, come and claim her!â With those taunting words left behind of
him, he threw Sakura and himself onto the horse and dashed away.</P>
<P>â淎tsumori, follow Yukitoâ檚 orders!â Handing the chaotic battlefield to his
younger brother and his best friend, Yukito, before jumping onto his horse,
Syaoran narrowed his fierce amber eyes, and chased after the macho-man and
cross-dressing wife.</P>
<P>.</P>
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<P>.</P>
<P>A/N: Entirely unedited, as you might have noticed. I am totally oblivious to
my own mistakes, soooo, a devoted beta-reader is needed. Anyoneâ檚 up for the
job?</P>
<P>Oh and I just finished my short manic SS story â淏etrayalâ, had lotsa fun
writing that one. Buwahahaha. But holy crap I gotta say, the dialogues in these
two recently updated chapters are so friggng hard to write. I even pulled out my
high school English notes on how to speak eloquently in olden Englishâ¦cough,
since Iâ檓 an engineering-majored student, and I havenâ檛 had an English class
since my high school days, hence the awkwardness of these recent chapters.
Forgive me, math has invaded my mind and it is hard to squeeze out rooms for
English to slip in smoothly and unnoticeably again.</P>
<P>Well, Iâ檓 already working on the next chapter. So, expect it to be up
sometimes next week, and the latest as next weekend.</P>
<P>Drop me a nice little review and Iâ檒l post the next chapter up in three days.
Encouragements are my best inspirations and fuels to fasten up my typing speed.
Lol.</P>
<P>Flames are promptly ignored, but constructive criticisms are welcomed, and of
course reviews are ADORED.</P></BODY></HTML>