The Guiding Star

Mysteries Deepen: Chapter Fourteen

By: Sakura

“This is becoming a bad habit, Princess,” San Kong commented cheerfully, as he plucked Sakura out of the crowd of guards and civilians and deposited her safely on a roof. “This is the third time we’ve had to ‘rescue’ you.”

“Thank you again, San Kong,” said Sakura with a slight bow. “But where’s Prince Xiao Lang and Shi Kuang?” San Kong gestured to where his friend and the Chinese Prince were fighting off the guards, swords drawn. They watched the other’s back and fended off the growing number of guards. Shi Kuang cursed under his breath as more guards appeared around the corner. Xiao Lang suddenly looked up and saw that Sakura was already out of harm’s way. He quickly leapt to the roof, with Shi Kuang following suit. But the moment the Prince reached Sakura’s side, he immediately shielded her from the two masked figures.

“Don’t worry,” laughed San Kong through his usual mask, “we don’t need the Princess just yet. So you better be more careful in taking care of her.”

“However,” interjected Shi Kuang in a curt voice. This was the first time Xiao Lang had heard him speak and just the tone of his voice made him feel a little warier than before. “When we come back for her, Prince,” with pointed emphasis on the word, “we’re going to take her from you.”

“You can try,” answered Xiao Lang coldly, “however, I can ensure you that you will never succeed.” Shi Kuang stood silently, facing the Prince as if he were glaring at him. But San Kong tugged lightly on the former’s sleeve and they both turned and left, hopping off the roof, down to the alleys below. “What could they possibly want with Sakura?” Xiao Lang wondered silently, as his right arm encircled around Sakura’s waist and he carried her down to the street level.

“Damn him,” muttered Shi Kuang, as he took off his mask and wiped the sweat from his brow. “That guy keeps getting in our way.” He pulled his hood off as well, and the cloak. It’d be easier to blend in with the crowd when they weren’t dressed in such a fashion.

“I told you not to worry,” San Kong reassured him. “We’ll definitely get her.” He took off his mask and stared at it. Painted on it was a face that was forever smiling, something San Kong just couldn’t do all the time, as much as he wanted to. Shi Kuang could see the sudden seriousness in his companion’s eyes and knew exactly what he was thinking about as he looked at his own mask. The face on the mask mirrored his own in expression, the serious atmosphere that constantly surrounded him. Their masks both hid and revealed the same answers. “We’ll get her for sure,” repeated San Kong, “and not even that Prince can stop us.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

In the fortnight since the wind spirit had been sealed and the pair had left Fengdu, Shui Ken’s guards had been hot on their trail. With Sakura’s ankle still healing, it made their chances to escape just that much more difficult. That was the fourth time they were nearly captured and three out of those four times they had been assisted by Shi Kuang and San Kong. And Xiao Lang still couldn’t figure out exactly why they were after Sakura.

“With my brother’s guards constantly interfering,” he grumbled as he punched the trunk of a tree in irritation, “we’re never going to have enough time to complete this mission.” Sakura placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and the Prince felt his frustration draining away. “Come on,” he said finally, half-heartedly. “We’ll try to find a place to stay for the night.”

Both of them were rather surprised to find an unguarded inn on the outskirts of the town. Wearily, they entered it together and were greeted by a lone boy, who was wiping the tables and putting the chairs on top of them. His long charcoal hair was braided like all other boys and his midnight blue eyes were both warm and friendly when he greeted them.

“You two look tired,” he said in a cheerful manner, “do you need a room for the night? We still have one left.” Before either could answer, the boy called to someone from the back. “Father, we have two guests!” Another friendly face appeared at the back doorway, the boy’s father. He looked to be in his mid-fifties, with dark greying hair and a short beard.

“Please follow me,” gestured the older man with a gentle smile, the innkeeper. Before Xiao Lang had even taken a step, the boy swept Sakura off her feet and carried her in his arms. At this sudden action, Sakura’s face turned completely scarlet. Noticing the Prince staring at him, the boy said easily, “Your friend looks like she can’t walk very well and your arms are full of your own things.” He flashed him a disarming smile. “Don’t worry, I promise to take good care of her.” Xiao Lang bit his lip, not knowing how to counter the other boy’s words. So he was left to fume silently as he followed the boy, without even knowing fully why he was annoyed at what the boy had done. Reaching their room, the boy gently deposited Sakura in a chair.

“Thank you,” she said, granting him a soft smile. Xiao Lang clenched his fist tight, trying to will himself to ignore what was going on. The boy blushed a bit and bowed to her once, but cast an odd glance in the Prince’s direction that the latter hadn’t seen. Both he and his father bowed again and turned to leave when Sakura added, to the boy, “By the way, what is your name?”

The boy paused at the doorway and smiled to himself. “It’s Chen Chi Yuen,” he answered quietly.

“I’ll remember that,” Xiao Lang spoke suddenly, his voice strangely cold and aloof.

A smirk slipped onto Chi Yuen’s face. “You make sure of that,” was his only reply, before he turned and left with his father, Xiao Lang watching him leave. The Chinese Prince didn’t know why, but he felt he just couldn’t trust that other guy. There was a strange aura that surrounded him…

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Promise you’ll be careful?” asked Sakura as she clipped Wing Kuen’s braid to Xiao Lang’s short hair. “Maybe I shouldn’t stay here.”

“Don’t worry about me,” he replied, as he placed a farmer’s hat on his head. “I’m only checking out the area,” Xiao Lang said softly, gently cradling Sakura’s cheek in his hand, “and I just want you to stay here and rest your ankle.” He moved his hand to pat her head lightly and left out the window. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door that froze Sakura. Who could possibly want something from her? And with Xiao Lang gone…

“It’s only me,” said the voice from the other side of the door, “please let me in.” Sakura breathed a sigh of relief when she recognized the voice to be Chi Yuen’s. “Hello,” greeted Chi Yuen with a kind smile, when Sakura opened the door for him, directly settling down at the small table in the middle of the room. Sakura joined him at the table, as well. He looked around the room, slightly puzzled. “Where’s Xiao Lang?”

“Um…” mumbled Sakura, suddenly unsure of what to say. How was she to explain the Prince’s sudden absence? But before she could think of an answer, she immediately wondered how Chi Yuen could know Xiao Lang’s name!

“I’ve heard of him and he matched the description given,” Chi Yuen answered her unasked question. Sakura’s eyes went wide when she turned to face him. How had he known…what she was thinking? And for him to have heard of Xiao Lang, the “traitor” Prince… “If you’re thinking of the order for his capture,” said Chi Yuen quietly, “and the order for your own, Princess, that’s not where I heard about him.” He smiled disarmingly and added, “I would never turn you in.” The Sakura suddenly let go of the breath she didn’t know she was holding, her hand clutched tight on her clothes.

“Why would you do that for us?” she asked in a small voice. “You don’t even know us that well.”

“Because I like you, Princess,” he replied with a grin. At Sakura’s widened eyes, Chi Yuen chuckled slightly. “No, not that way,” he protested. “I just think you’re an incredibly strong person to have survived through so much, with the war and your way of living now.”

Chi Yuen’s kindness touched Sakura in a way she never felt before. But for some reason, it didn’t give her the same warmth she received from Xiao Lang’s gentleness. There was an odd coldness in his eyes. “Everything,” she thought to herself, “is all really thanks to Xiao Lang…” Sakura was suddenly brought back to reality when she realized Chi Yuen was still talking. Strangely, his face was suddenly serious.

“…really have to, Princess,” he said, in a rather urgent voice. “You must leave Xiao Lang!”

“B-but, why?” stuttered Sakura in her confusion. What on earth was he talking about?

“This Chinese Prince, Xiao Lang…I’ve heard about him,” said Chi Yuen, with conviction, “and I don’t want you to get hurt. This guy…he doesn’t care about you at all! He only wants your powers and your assistance. He’ll leave you the second he considers something more important than his mission comes up.” He had already stood up and had his hands clasped tight on Sakura’s arms, shaking her slightly. “Please, Princess, please leave him!”

Sakura was completely silent at his words, not sure of how to respond to them. Her hands were clenched into fists and she realized she was trembling slightly. He was wrong - he had to be! Xiao Lang…he wasn’t that kind of person! She relaxed and unclenched her fists, her mind clear. “I don’t know who told you this,” she said quietly, looking down, “but they’re evidently wrong. Xiao Lang isn’t like that at all. I’m sure of it…” When she brought her gaze up to face Chi Yuen, she could see the obvious disapproval in his eyes.

“Well,” he said, rather coldly, “when the time comes that proves me correct about him, I promise that I won’t say ‘I told you so’.” Without another word, he turned around and left the room abruptly. Sakura sank into her chair, shaking slightly. What was that all about? Just where had Chi Yuen heard all these things about Xiao Lang? He acted as if he had known him really well…

~*~*~*~*~*~

The prospect of not seeing a single one of Shui Ken’s guards made Xiao Lang feel a little suspicious. He didn’t expect to see the whole area crawling with guards or anything, but the fact that it was a little too quiet made him somewhat uneasy. He continued to walk along the edge of the forest when something suddenly caught his eye. The path…it was dotted with blood. The Prince bent down to take a closer look and tentatively reached out to touch the blood. He was surprised to see it hadn’t dried yet. By the looks of it, it seemed something had been killed and dragged along the path. Cautiously following the trail, Xiao Lang’s eyes widened when he found the blood’s source. It was from one of Shui Ken’s guards, lying sprawled on the grass. He hurried to the man’s side and turned him over. The guard was already dead. His body was riddled with many wounds and it was evident he was stabbed to death, for a small blade was fixed over the man’s heart.

But when Xiao Lang took in this entire sight, he realized that there was something else attached to the blade: a small piece of paper. Looking around and not seeing anyone around, he carefully took out the knife from the man’s body and unfolded the paper.

“Prince Li Xiao Lang,” began the letter. “How do you like this? It’s a comfort knowing you have one less man after your life, isn’t it?” Xiao Lang’s hand clenched angrily. Was this some kind of joke? Who was this person?

“If you don’t know who I am, then I’m rather disappointed with you. However, I can’t say I’m not surprised. But, I think this little hint will remind you immediately. Just think of two things: Shibaozhai by the Yangtze River on a warm day with the sun setting, and ‘Li Yao Liang’.” The Chinese Prince nearly dropped the letter. How had this person known the name of his master? And the place he had been murdered…? “That’s right, it’s me, Xiao Lang, the person that killed Li Yao Liang. It’s nice to recall the good old times, isn’t it? I’d just love to see the look on your face right now, but it’s too bad that I’m too far away now for you to do that. Then I’ll tell you that tomorrow’s your lucky day. How would you like this chance to finally defeat me? That is, if you’re strong enough. But somehow, I doubt that. Meet me in the same place and time you last saw Yao Liang alive, at the Shibaozhai, since it’s not very far from here. I’m sure you’ve never forgotten that place, since you’ve visited it so many times after your Master’s death.” A chance to avenge his deceased Master…he would finally be able to enact his revenge on this person? He had yearned for this for so many years…

“However, I have one little reminder for you,” the letter continued. “You mustn’t tell anyone where you’re going and why. Otherwise, you can say goodbye to your little Japanese friend. I assure you that giving her a death like this guard before you is quite easy for me to do, even if she is a girl. So if you want her alive, not a single word. This is your last chance, for I’ll never seek you out like this ever again. If you want to relieve those feelings of anger in your heart toward me, make sure you show up. And be quick about it, because I really hate to be kept waiting. Until then, don’t forget your hatred.”

The letter slipped from Xiao Lang’s fingers and landed next to the dead man. The note had thrown him completely off guard. His mission for the Elders had slipped to the back of his mind as he hurried back to the inn and the only thought in his mind was about Yao Liang and his murderer. “I’m sorry,” he murmured under his breath. It wasn’t that he felt sorry for a guard that was after him and Sakura, but it didn’t feel right to see another man’s life end in such a brutal manner for no particular reason. Swiftly climbing up the pole to the second floor and moving to the windowsill of his room, Xiao Lang was about to slip in when he found himself face to face with Sakura. She had chosen that particular moment to open the window and was as surprised as he was at seeing each other like that. His anger slipped away momentarily as they held each other’s gaze.

“Oh!” cried Sakura, as she suddenly remembered he was hanging off the windowsill. Xiao Lang smiled gratefully when she moved away from the window, blushing with embarrassment. She could feel her heart beating really quickly. “How is it outside?” she asked him, not turning around.

“Huh?” mumbled Xiao Lang, half-listening. “Oh, you mean the guards? There’s none around here at all…” his voice trailing off, remembering the murdered guard he found not so long ago. Sakura cast a sidelong glance at Xiao Lang. He seemed to be keeping something from her, as if he didn’t want her to know. Chi Yuen’s words from the earlier afternoon came to her mind again, but she brushed them aside. Xiao Lang was not like the former had said.

For some unknown reason, there was an odd silence between them. Neither said a word other than what was necessary. They weren’t exactly uncomfortable in each other’s presence, but neither knew how to say what was on their mind. Sakura was still trying to dispel Chi Yuen’s words in her mind. They were really begin to bother her and causing her to doubt her thoughts about Xiao Lang. Xiao Lang’s mind was occupied with his own thoughts of Yao Liang, and the times they spent together, before he died. He knew that he was not supposed to have witnessed his Master’s death and lived, but before he had passed away, Yao Liang still managed to save his student from suffering the same fate. However, when his last few memories of Yao Liang had disappeared, he realized that other thoughts still occupied his mind. The thoughts of the present…like the girl that sat before him… And Xiao Lang knew he couldn’t keep it from Sakura, the events from that afternoon.

“Sakura,” he started, facing her, at the same time Sakura said, “Xiao Lang…” They both looked at each other and suddenly laughed. The tension melted between the two of them and they both relaxed, talking normally again, though, neither of them ever mentioned what they were really thinking about to each other.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Quietly placing his own things into a small pack, Xiao Lang glanced around the room, looking to see if there was anything else he needed. His gaze landed on the still sleeping Sakura, and wondered how long it would be before he saw her again. He resolved at that moment to make sure not to take longer than a few days, since he promised her that he’d be with her. Still…one couldn’t be sure…

He really didn’t want to disappear like this without telling Sakura. But he made sure to leave behind enough money for Sakura to stay there for at least another fortnight. “I promise to return soon,” murmured Xiao Lang under his breath, as he lightly traced her cheek with his finger. He silently slipped out through the window and into the night.

~*~*~*~*~*~

With the first rays of the sun peeking through the window, the shadows created by them danced around Sakura as she slowly opened her eyes and stretched. She had a peaceful, dreamless sleep. Looking around, she wondered briefly where Xiao Lang had was when she remembered that he always chose to sleep on the ground when they stayed at an inn, despite Sakura’s objections. But, at the moment, Sakura didn’t mind. That time in the cave…it had been far too close. Her eyes clouded slightly, remembering Wing Kay, but she cleared her mind and decided to worry about the matters at hand, rather than the events of the past. Getting up from the bed, she said, “Ohayo…” The greeting died on her lips when she realized that Xiao Lang wasn’t there, that she was, in fact, alone in the room. Still, Sakura didn’t let this worry her. Xiao Lang often went out alone. It was nothing like Chi Yuen said. He wouldn’t leave her at all. But it was weird that she couldn’t see any of his belongings present in the room.

Changing quickly, Sakura quietly slipped out of her room and went downstairs. Sometimes she hid in a dark corner and listened to see if any news from the palace arrived. Strangely, no guards ever appeared there, and deep down, it made her feel a little uneasy, even if she told herself it was a good thing. But customers of the restaurant and the inn always seemed to be buzzing with news about the palace and the hunt for the traitor Prince. And it gave Sakura something to do while Xiao Lang was away.

However, it was oddly silent as Sakura crept unnoticed down the stairs. The tables for the restaurant were empty, sans the usual customers that came. Instead, the only people down there, aside from Sakura, were Chi Yuen and his father. Moving a little closer to where they were standing behind the counter, but hidden behind the wall, she was slightly startled to realize they were talking about her and Xiao Lang.

“…why did he leave, father?” Chi Yuen was asking him, as he wiped the tables clean. His father was also working on his daily duties, wiping the teacups dry.

“Didn’t say what was the reason,” shrugged the innkeeper. “Only that he said he would pay two weeks in advance for the room, so that girl could stay here. Personally, I think it’s terrible that he’s leaving a girl here all alone. It isn’t safe like this for her.” Sakura moved her hands up to cover her mouth in horror. Xiao Lang…he really left her? Without even a word to say where he was going? Sure, she knew he always went places, but then again, he always used to tell her before he left. This time, he had gone without saying anything, but because he wanted to leave her? There…there was no way… Xiao Lang couldn’t possibly… Sakura quickly fled up the stairs toward her room.

“…but you’ll take care of her, right, Chi Yuen?” continued the innkeeper. His son nodded vigorously.

“Of course, father,” Chi Yuen answered enthusiastically, with a bright smile. “Of course,” he repeated quietly to himself, an odd glint in his eyes.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sakura slowly sank into a chair. So Xiao Lang really had left… All of his things were gone. Every little thing that belonged to him… The only thing he had left behind was money, probably to pay the innkeeper for her food and stay just for a little while. Chi Yuen’s words came to her mind again, and played over and over… “He doesn’t care about you at all! He only wants your powers and your assistance. He’ll leave you the second he considers something more important than his mission comes up.” How could such a thing be true?

“Xiao Lang…” she whispered softly to herself, “you have a good reason, right? Then…” A tear slowly rolled down her cheek. “Then why couldn’t you tell me?” Sakura wiped it away with her sleeve and willed herself not to cry, but she couldn’t erase the hurt she felt in her heart. She felt rather betrayed by him, the one she trusted the most in this world. As she was about to get up from her seat, she found a dagger pointed at her throat.

“Make one wrong move and you’re dead,” the voice told her. Sakura instantly froze. She thought she had been alone in the room, but realized, that in her haste to find Xiao Lang, she had left the door open. The man roughly pushed her to her feet, but knocked her over instead. Looking up, the Japanese Princess found herself surrounding by three men, all guards for the Chinese Prince, Li Shui Ken. The first guard, that had spoken, grinned rather threateningly.

“We’ve finally caught up with this little runaway Princess, haven’t we?” he said, casting the rhetorical question to his fellow comrades. “Let me tell you,” he said to Sakura, squatting down to her level, “you were a pain to chase. Know how we found you?” Sakura decided not to answer him and didn’t even look at him when he spoke. But the guard roughly used his hand and, holding the side of her face, forced her to look at him. “We knew you wouldn’t voluntarily choose a place that obviously had guards around, so we rented rooms in various inns around the town, in case you were to show up.” The other guards were chuckling at the cleverness of their idea. He released her and Sakura obstinately turned away from him again, rubbing her cheek.

A second guard laughed, grinning wildly. “It’s a good thing we chose this place,” he chortled, “the Prince is sure to give us a high reward for this one.” But the third looked more doubtful.

“But where has that traitor Prince gone?” he asked. “I think we’d get a better reward if we had both of them.”

“Did you forget?” interjected the second. “We purposely waited until he left. We retrieve her first, then use her to lure him back. He’s sure to return if this Princess is captured.”

“If you’re finished talking,” interrupted the first guard, a touch of impatience in his tone, “it’s time we brought this girl back with us.” He reached toward Sakura, but she slapped his hand away. He laughed, but grabbed her arm, more firmly this time. Sakura knew that attempting to shake the hand away would have no effect and desperately wished she wasn’t in such a helpless position. But there was nothing that she could actually do. “Let’s get going,” he ordered the other two guards, holding onto his captive tight with one arm, trapping her between his arm and him, as he dragged the girl along. Sakura closed her eyes, almost willing for this to be nothing but a bad dream when the guards suddenly paused. Opening her eyelids, she saw Chi Yuen standing at the doorway, right arm outstretched, as if to block the guards’ way.

“If you want her,” he said coldly, “you’ll have to go through me first.” The first guard raised a disinterested eyebrow and motioned for one of the other guards to take care of him. The second one smiled callously, drawing his sword, and slashing at him. Chi Yuen immediately crumpled to the ground, unmoving. Sakura’s hand flew to her mouth in shock. Chi Yuen had just been…

“That was too easy,” muttered the third as the second guard sheathed his sword and they both turned back to the first and the Princess. “I didn’t even have a chance to do anything.” He suddenly paused as he found a dagger pointed at his chest. Looking up, he found himself face to face with Chi Yuen, who was smirking at him.

“You’re right,” he said coolly into his ear, lightly tracing the dagger on the lining of the guard’s clothes. The guard froze in place as he watched the other boy, a sinking feeling that he was only playing with him, “it is too easy…and you’ll never have a chance to do anything.” His grip tightened suddenly on the blade handle and he forced it into the other man, killing him instantly.

Withdrawing his dagger from the guard, blood lightly splattered on Chi Yuen as the body fell forward. Sakura’s hand flew to her mouth in horror and saw, with wide eyes, that Chi Yuen was shaking.

“I…I just killed someone…” he mumbled in complete shock. He took a shaky step back, but tripped and hit the ground instead, still staring at the body of the man he had just killed. The second guard was also shaking. But while Chi Yuen’s had been from shock, the guard’s was in anger.

“You bastard!” he cried, lunging at the younger boy, his sword in hand still. He had aimed for his heart, but in his blind rage of fury, the blade plunged into Chi Yuen’s shoulder instead and he recoiled from the pain as it cut his skin, reeling back. But in self-defense, he slashed out with his own dagger and accidentally struck the guard across the chest, killing him as well. The latter fell against him, which Chi Yuen pushed away with his legs, at the same time, wrenching the sword from his left shoulder. Blood spurted from his wound, running down his arm and drenching his sleeve.

The first guard stared at his fallen comrades in shock. With him distracted, Chi Yuen painfully stood up, his right hand pressing against his shoulder wound, trying to make it stop, and ambled to Sakura’s side. He pulled her from the other’s grasp and was out of reach when the guard, coming to, made a grab at her. He moved back to the guard and cuffed him hard, knocking him into the wall, watching as the man somersaulted backwards.

“Let’s go,” Chi Yuen murmured through gritted teeth, looking pretty faint from the blood he lost. “We’ll get my father…he can take care of him.” Sakura nodded and moved to help him out when he pushed her forward, urging her to go first. She hurried down the stairs quickly to find his father. Chi Yuen settled down on the top step of the stairs and was waiting when the first guard appeared at his shoulder.

“There you are,” said the guard, wiping the blood from his lip. “You’re going to pay for what you did to them, and to me.”

“Really?” Chi Yuen asked. There was a trace of amusement in his tone and no one would ever have guessed he had been injured. He sounded as strong and arrogant as ever. “Would you like to avenge your fourth comrade as well? The one who went missing just yesterday? I can tell you now that I made sure he never returned.” The guard’s eyes practically bulged in anger.

“That was you?” he demanded, chest swelling in anger. “Just who are you??”

“It was me,” Chi Yuen answered, still smiling. He got up and turned around, an odd glint in his eye. “And my name is Chen Chi Yuen. Remember it before you leave this world.” Without a blink of an eye, the guard was lying motionless on the ground, impaled by his own sword, and Chi Yuen was calmly walking away.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sakura was getting frantic, for she couldn’t find Chi Yuen’s father anywhere at all. It was also rather strange that the entire dining area was devoid of any customers still, even though it was approaching early afternoon. She went outside to take a look and found Chi Yuen next to a well, trying to draw water, but clutching his wound at the same time. Not even wondering how he got down there without her noticing, Sakura hurried to his side to help him.

“Are you okay?” he managed to gasp out.

“I’m perfectly fine,” Sakura answered hurriedly, “but I wasn’t able to find your father at all, Chi Yuen, and-” She paused when Chi Yuen held up a hand, gesturing her to stop.

“Don’t worry about the guards anymore,” he told her quietly. “They’ve been taken care of. The last one fell on his own sword before he could kill me… But…” Chi Yuen suddenly released the pail of water and turned to Sakura, his appearance very pale and his countenance one of fright. “I…I killed someone…” he muttered, his bloodstained hands clutching her shoulders. “Not just one person either…” He seemed close to the breaking point. Sakura had no idea what to say to him. Often, when she and Xiao Lang crossed paths with guards, he had never really killed any of them. San Kong and Shi Kuang were the same. Their hands were never stained with blood the same way Chi Yuen’s was… An urgent tug on her sleeve brought Sakura back to reality. “Where’s Xiao Lang, Sakura?” he asked. “Why wasn’t he here to protect you?”

The Princess didn’t answer him - couldn’t. After all he told her about Xiao Lang and all she said to defend him, Chi Yuen had been right after all. Xiao Lang had left her. Chi Yuen seemed to understand what had happened and when Sakura opened her mouth to tell him, he simply placed a finger near her lips, stopping her from saying it. He wrapped his arms around her small form, staining her clothes with blood.

“Why don’t you come with me?” he whispered quietly into her ear. “I promise to protect you from those guards. I won’t let any of them get you. You’ll be far safer by my side than Xiao Lang’s.” Sakura didn’t answer again. Instead, she pulled herself away from Chi Yuen, forced him to sit down on the ground, and was drawing up a pail of water. Silently, she tore off strips from the sleeves of her shirt and carefully cleaned Chi Yuen’s shoulder wound, bandaging it at once. Chi Yuen also remained silent and completely still. When she finished, neither said anything. He believed he had said enough. Finally, Sakura nodded mutely. Maybe it was best to just leave. Xiao Lang had just left her, without any explanation, without any reason. And without turning back, Sakura agreed to go with Chi Yuen, a person who had managed to secure her trust in a very short time.

Chi Yuen couldn’t believe how easy it was. It wasn’t at all difficult to take advantage of her naïveté for her kindness made her far too soft. Everything was beginning to fall into place for him…

Author’s Note: This was another “longer than usual” chapter. What do I mean by that? You see, most of my “chapter” fics have a set number of lines. TNC is 375 – 400 and TGS is 200 – 225 (in times new roman, size ten font). However, this chapter has already exceeded four hundred lines, double than usual. o_O Not to mention that this chapter was actually supposed to include more than it did. -_-* But that stuff will be pushed to the next chapter…

I’m so happy my ideas are coming back. However, in my spare time, I’ve only been spinning Yuugiou and Shaman King fics in my head, so I have to push that out and get back to CCS. =Þ But I still love Yuugiou and Shaman King so much~~ I’ve been having so much making scanslations of Yuugiou for my site and making plans for my next Shaman King cosplay. ^_^

My new “fic updates” page has been moved to I found it was making my author profile a little too long. ^_^*

Author’s Note to Shirahana: When I learned how to read Furigana, I realized the proper pronounciation/romaji for Syaoran no okaasama was “Ieran”. Since I had translated “Ye Lan” from Chinese, I had always stuck to that when I referred to her. Kaasan said “Yelan” means “blue night”. ^_^ Well, I don’t think you have to be Chinese to know about the dynasties, but yes, I am Chinese. =) And, actually, “Chen Chi Yuen” is my own name. XD Yes, I realize I gave my name to a male character (in both fics of mine), but I never thought it sounded like a girl’s name, which is why I made the character a guy. ^_~ To write it as “Yuan” doesn’t sound/look right to me. =/ About the K thing…well, you see, I got these Chinese names from real people *isn’t good at making up names* so… *shrugs* I don’t know. ^_^ Well, Chi Yuen’s role was more or less introduced in this chapter, ne? Un, both he and the two mysterious guys are essential to most of the plot, even if their role isn’t as big as Syaoran’s and Sakura’s. ^_^

Author’s Note to Jemusuto-n: *glomps* Hallo!! ^_^ I haven’t checked yet, but did you join the ML? Did you, did you? I’m not sure if you got the message before the MB went down, but I was saying that if you know anyone else that supports them to ask them to join the ML, too. ^_^ I’ve been very busy, so I haven’t updated this fic as much as I should (I began writing in May of 2001, I think). Oh, I started an E/K fic, too. Care to read? It’s called “Travelling New Paths” *shameless plug* =Þ. To be honest, I live off of reviews, so I’ll be looking forward to your comments! =)

Author’s Note to hannagrace: Hanna-chan~ *hugs* I miss you a lot! No school means no see. =( Eto… *cries* I have the most screwed up schedule next year and I’m still really, really POed about it!! -_-* *pokes* I’m slow? What about you? More fics, more sequels, more sequels to your sequels, more, more, more!! XD

Author’s Note to Gen: Well, I suppose because not many like Shui Ken’s character and they like Xiao Lang? I’m glad you liked it, though. =)

Author’s Note to chunsa1004: Wing Kay has one of the biggest parts in this entire fic. =) But I can’t say any more than that because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. ^_~

Author’s Note to Raine: No, Shui Ken isn’t based on Eriol’s character. Actually, there’s no Eriol-based character to begin with. If I were to use CCS characters, they’d still retain their own names (for people like Syaoran and Meiling, I’d use their Chinese names). =)

Author’s Note to amora: “This is the most original characters I've EVER seen in something besides an original.” Gomen ne, amora-san, but I’m not quite sure who you’re referring to. ^_^* However, once I get those profiles done, they should clear up a few things, ne? =) I wish I could draw well…then I could include pics, too. XD

Author’s Note to Jurei: Wow, that was quite long, Jurei-san. And arigato. I know how annoying FF.N can be when they cut off an extremely long review. ^_^* It was probably just due to this: “

Author’s Note to Mel: About the bound feet, I know they did that in China, but I don’t think it was done in Japan… As for the year, uh…don’t know. ^_^* *sweatdrops* But it’d definitely be before the western civilization entered and changed the countries.

Author’s Note to Animefreak242: Aside from the fourth and twelfth sons, all of Xiao Lang’s half-brothers are still alive. I mentioned briefly what they were all doing in the second chapter. But, of course, that was months ago (in the TGS timeline). ^_^*

And thank you Satine, Final Fantasy Princess, Azure Rosas: Angel of the Moon, Azi, shimi-mouse, Nanali, LiL DreameR, Marquis Elmdor, Peacewish, KawaiiLunaKitty, Sakura Rain, and bootyful_lil'sakura for your reviews!

*Sakura
~The Animé Archives Team