Chapter 1: On the Horizon
(by Hayama, added on 2005-10-15 09:32:17 AEST) [Discussion Topic]
Note: This story was previously posted by me on fanfiction.net (Hayama 4)
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Mokona spit the travelers out onto a calm but lonely plain. Huge, twisted rocks jutted up like ancient towers. Foot-tall grass swayed in the breeze. A small, clear river zigzagged though the grass and a dark distant forest faded into a green blur. The sun was just starting to rise but the air was already warm and somewhat humid. The one thing this country seemed to lack, however, was a people. No artificial structures could be seen across the entire plain.
Syaoran would have asked what this place was but he knew none of his companions would be able to answer him. “Do you think there is a feather here, Mokona?”
The pork-bun cocked its head, contemplating. “Mokona senses a strong power in THAT direction.” It indicated the forest with one chubby paw.
“Whuuuuuu! That’s a long long way… Two, three hours’ walk.” Fai sighed with a fake whistle.
“I thought I told you to stop DOing that!” Kurogane yelled.
“Wheet?” Fai teased. “This?”
Kurogane stomped the ground. “Yes, THAT! If you can’t whistle, you don’t have to say the sound!”
“Ahhh… but Kuro-bon, it’s so fun!”
“And THAT! Stop THAT!”
It was Syaoran who dared to break their argument. “Perhaps some of us should stay here and some of us should take Mokona to scout the forest.”
“That’s a good idea!” Sakura chimed in, throwing her hand up into the air. “I volunteer to go!”
Syaoran looked at her with a sad smile. “Hime… I don’t think you could make such a long walk and…”
“Oh no, Syaoran-kun! I’m genki genki… genki…” Although she started out enthusiastically, Sakura’s last ‘genki’ fell with a half-breathless sigh. She was still exhausted from the previous adventure.
Fai bent down and patted her on the head. “Maybe we could help by making a camp here in the shade of these rocks. Would that be alright?”
Sakura nodded, her enthusiasm back. “Hai!”
“I will go look for the feather,” Syaoran said.
“I’ll go too,” Kurogane muttered. “Maybe there’s something to kill in the forest.”
“Kuro-puu is so violent!” Fai wailed.
“TO EAT!” Kurogane explained.
Fai merely smiled teasingly.
Syaoran took his cloak off and set it on the ground with their other belongings. It seemed he wouldn’t need it in this warm place. Syaoran turned to Kurogane. “Let’s go.”
“Ah! So it’s settled! The kitties will stay here and make camp while the puppies take Mokona to scout the forest!” Fai laughed.
“How many times do I have to tell you that I’m no puppy?” Kurogane growled.
“But you growl and bark things just like a puppy does!”
“I can bite just like a puppy does too!” Kurogane unsheathed a small portion of his sword. The glint of cold metal was enough to shut Fai up.
As the ‘puppies’ began their trek towards the forest, Sakura waved farewell. “Come back safe, Syaoran-kun.”
Fai cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled. “Have fun!” He could see Kurogane glance back at him, annoyed. Fai grinned and turned to Sakura. “Now, Sakura-chan, let’s make camp!”
Sakura nodded enthusiastically again and began unpacking things from their bags.
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