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Chapter 1 - "Inciting Incidents"

"Get up."

The prisoner groans, still somewhat asleep, and impartial to speech of any kind. A hand drew closer to the chest, brushing across the damp straw on the cold stone floor.

"Get up, I say."

The soldier's voice sounds impatient, and a booted foot jabs the young man's side. The fine leather contrasts greatly against the ripped, thin grey shirt, and the man takes care not to soil it.

Jerked into reality, two hazel eyes flicker open at last.

Blinking in the torchlight, still barely casting any glow to the dank dungeons, the figure distinctly hears keys rattling and turns just in time to see the door swing in his direction, rolling away quickly to avoid collision.

"Get up."

Gee, don't you ever get tired of repeating yourself?

This time he sees the soldier's open look of disgust clearly.

Ah, so you have also noticed your redundancy.

Standing, the teenager faces the soldier, waiting to discover just what was to ensue.

"Well? Are you just going to stand there all day?"

"Stand where?"

"In that prison cell, you dolt."

"Oh."

He walks out slowly, dragging the rusted chains, vigorously shaking a head topped in messy brown locks and crowned in straw.

Hm. That water must have been drugged with a sleeping draught or something.

The iron cell door clangs shut behind him, echoing down the hall.

"Follow me."

After taking a torch from a holder in the wall, the soldier takes two steps, then turns back around.

"Don't try anything."

"In this condition? Why would I?"

I may have been stupid enough to get caught by your people, but I am not an idiot.

The soldier gives no reply aside from continuing the march forward, torch in one hand. The movements ring loudly, with a strange, hollow sound.

Hands and feet both still in chains, undernurished and sore, with dirt and dust all over his clothes, the young man stumbles over the small rocks beneath his feet and falls behind. Fatigue keeps his head down, and his eyelids droop as his feet threaten to trip and spill out from under him.

Throughout the passage, the soldier never turns back around, often leaving the prisoner to the shadows and darkness that swallow their footsteps.

"Wait here."

The one pushes past the cloth separating the chamber from the hall, as the other lingers, taking the opportunity to rest awhile.

Looking to where the soldier enters, the young man discerns a grand chamber, with counselors lined up on either side of a wide, snow-white, velvet rug. This must be the throne room.

"Your highness, the prisoner."

"Send him in."

The voice comes from the raised section at the rear, where thicker falls of white fabric form a canopy over two figures, shielding them from view.

While the soldier walks back, the young man strains to see through the layers of gauze, where the speaker, who he can tell is female, must be.

"You are permitted to enter now."

What? Am I not good enough for "You may come in now"? Why am I here anyway? It's not like I did anything wrong. Yet.

The comments are held back though, and no complaint is uttered as the soldier leads him into the chamber.

"Enough. Cerberes, please." The sound is sweet, entreating, but it is the name that catches the young man's attention.

Cerberes? Isn't that one of those legendary guardians? But it can't be! They aren't real!

"Let him up, Cerberes. You know how I feel about this matter, and I had thought you of all people would be the last to resort to such actions."

Huh? What is going on here? Is she - is she actually defending me?

"Really now, you treat him as if he had a death sentence upon his head. I must say, you usually are not nearly so rude to guests."

The gasps that had appeared with the knife change into startled whispers, and there is little doubt that whatever rumors had begun would only recieve further backing.

The origin of the chaotic atmosphere frowns as well. Though ignoring the whispers, he is forced to admit to himself that he is as confused as any other in the room.

"Your highness, I must say I share the same sentiments as Cerberes. This 'plan' of yours is simply too risky."

Heads turn to the winged man, still perched on the steps leading into the curtains, slightly bowed in respect.

"As your guardians, we simply cannot allow you to continue."

"Yue, I trust your judgement. You know I do. Yet, as the only princess of this kingdom and the inheriter of this position, it is my duty to protect my people."

Yue? That's the second guardian! But that simply isn't possible! The guardians are myths! Fairytales! Fictional!

There is a pause, and the princess' voice softens slightly, though more determination backs it.

"Even though this is dangerous, I will carry through with it nonetheless. It is not today that I made my decision, and so much has already been put into action. You cannot possibly expect me to back down now."

"She's right, Yue." Giving him one last angry glance, the winged beast retreats from Li enough to allow him to stand.

"Though I am as upset as you over these circumstances, there's been too much put into this to stop. The only direction we may go with this is onwards. Still..."

The frown deepens, and the golden eyes return to their prey, the fire threatening to leap out and devour him.

The young man of their concern, however, is too confused to take it in. What are they talking about? What plan? What do I have to do with any of this?

Hearing steps, Li looks up, just as the princess turns from him to speak to a servant, her tiara and its trailing sheets of sheer fabric blocking his view of her face. A small, amused smile is barely visible.

She seems amused at my actions. Is she purposely hiding her face from me? What's there to hide?

Curious, the young man shifts position, only to hear a low growl at his side. The gold-eyed beast is there, tail flicking, eyes focusing on his every move.

"Try anything and you will die a cruel and terrible death, no matter what the princess has said."

Feeling another pair of eyes resting on him, his hazel ones drift away from the threat, meeting an emerald gaze instead, along with a smile, but the princess turns again, giving him but a glance.

What... beautiful eyes. I feel like I could lose myself in them. And that smile, it's- Wait! What's happening? I can't be thinking things like that about her!

Confused and shaken by the sudden emotion, Li barely hears the next command.

"Escort him into the prepared room."

"May I ask which one, your Highness?"

"The one we set aside three weeks ago."

"You mean-"

"Yes, that's exactly the one I mean."

"As you wish, your Highness."

Before he can react, two servants are leading him down the hall. Too tired to resist, and considerably more calm, the young man glances back one last time, but the Princess and her attendents were gone, along with the two mysterious winged figures.

I wonder if life in this kingdom is always like this. No matter, I still have my duty. And I will not fail. If she is so ignorant as to leave an assassin in her palace, then she will by all means have an assassin in her palace.

"Here you are." The words are indifferent and placid, but the contempt and distrust is obvious in the cold manner, and the frown that keeps emerging.

Casting the behavior aside - I suppose I might as well get used to it. It doesn't seem like anyone cares much for me. Well, except...

The slamming of the door shakes him out of his ponderings again, and a yawn quickly reimmerses him in reality. Glancing around the spacious chamber, he locates the bed, and - after examining it for hidden traps - falls asleep.

"How is he?"

The new arrival raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. Remaining stationary in the middle of the bedroom chamber, his light violet gaze follows the veiled figure's steps to the window ledge, unflickering as a voice rises in anger.

"You were just nearly killed, and you're questioning the wellfare of your assassin?" The winged beast snorts, barely containing the disdain from his voice.

"Kero, please." A soft sigh follows the plea, as a pale hand delicately touching a creased forehead, the other delicately resting against the window pane, troubled eyes .

"I have not the spirit for this now."

Nor do I have the spirit to tell you all the worries and conflicts my heart holds.

"The plan?" The voice is equally soft, though with understanding, not anger nor frustration.

"Is that what is bothering you?" Brushing away a loose strand of silver, the winged man glances away momentarily.

She says nothing, simply continuing to look out over the palace grounds, then past the village gates, before reaching the ominous forest. A shiver winds its way along her spine, as the inky leaves shift without a breeze, shadows dancing as though marking intricate spells.

A light silence falls in the room, and a cloud crosses the sun, casting the white bedspread into an infinite gray. The pale blue fringes of the silk curtains framing the window darken, before the heavyness melts and the golden rays pass in again, as though it had never been otherwise.

"Yue, how is he?" A worried frown drifts over her placid features, eyes turning to look at the Guardian.

"Asleep." His meet hers easily, though with an indifference she could not place, and a depth she could not probe.

"Good riddance," Kero mutters, tail twitching, mouth set in a firm line.

"Why?" All control of her emotions evaporate, and the calm mask lifts, revealing the true turmoil within.

"What is so wrong about him? Why must everyone feel like this?"

"He tried to kill you, Sakura! That's why!" Teeth bared in anger, the winged beast growls, angrily grounding a paw into the soft, lush, lavender rug, emitting only a muffled silence.

"If you hadn't stopped me, I would have killed him earlier today and disposed us of this mess!"

"Be reasonable, Kero! You know he's only like this because he was brought up to be that way! You can't blame him for what his family did!" Eyes bright with emotion, mouth set firmly, hands gripping the window ledge tightly, she faces him head on, upset and frustrated.

"Stop living in the past! I don't blame him for his family! I blame him for himself! Do you really think he's the same Li Syaoran you once knew?"

"Cerberes is right, Sakura. Li has changed a great deal. You must admit to that."

Looking at him helplessly, she can only turn away again, nodding numbly, not sure how to respond.

"I do realize that, Yue. But- And yet-" Breaking off, the girl sighs, walking over to the wooden vanity beside the bed.

"Do you - do you really think it's impossible?"

"Hah! With that kid?" Cerberes snorts again, walking over to the wide window.

"The plan was doomed from the start."

Silent - or, more accurately, mute and empty from emotional stress - the princess runs a hand along the bejeweled combs displayed on the glossy surface, settling her dress while sitting down daintily on the cushioned chair, avoiding the reflection before her.

I know it's hopeless, but I still want to try.

"Sakura, you're the princess of this kingdom."

Blinking, she looks down at Yue, who had walked over through her thoughts.

Holding her hands in his, he kneels there, looking into the princess' eyes.

"You have a duty to your people."

Yes, but what about my duty to my heart?

Closing her eyes, trying to ignore her feelings, torn between loyalties, one to her country and people, the other to her dreams and heart, the teen ruler turns to the wall.

"I understand."

A tear falls silently, slipping down the ivory cheek, face turning away from the image of a princess to a blank wall.

Will I ever be seen as more than just the heir to the thrown?

"If it truly comes to it, then I won't fight. What will be, will be. But," a pause enters, and she stands, gently retrieving her hands from the guardian's grasp, turning from both of them completely.

"But, until that time, I will continue with what we have planned."

With a dashed movement, the tear is erased, and Sakura returns to look at her companions. Determination is written firmly across her features, and her tone bears the same sense of authority.

"This has already been put to motion. It's too late to stop it."

And I have not the heart to...

"Yes, Your highness," echoes two voices, each bowing.

"You may go now." The command is hollow, and the voice sounds tense, but the words hold in the air, and do not waver.

"For, I feel rather tired."

Bowing again, both figures retreat from the chamber, but before the second one leaves, a hesitant thank you is issued:

"Yue, I-I just want you to know that I am grateful for today. You and Kero have likely heard me voice opinions rather rashly, but I do understand my place, and I do wish to do what is right."

A small smile returns to her in reply,

"No thanks necessary, princess. It is my duty," his eyes soften, "and my pleasure. Sweet dreams to you, and a well-deserved rest." With that, a quiet click announces their departures, and silence gently creeps in the stead.

Sighing softly, the princess simply falls onto the bedspread, not bothering to go between the covers. Curling slightly in the middle of the bed, knees bent, a hand brushing the pillow, she soon becomes a victim of sleep.