A/N: Oookay, first things first, I really have no idea how this chess match works. All I know is that they seem to have rules that suggest there are no rules as long as they win. I'm just kidding it's just all confusing and I'm just gonna admit one of the enemies here would have a weird ability (aka magic) AND BEFORE YOU CAN THINK IT'S UNFAIR- he sucks at hand-to-hand combat and his magic is his only way of fighting. So there! (I just really need a plot hahaha and like I said, this is fanfiction bwahahaha)

ENJOY!

Chapter 3

It was tense as they prepare themselves for their next battle. The arena was loud with disgusted glee as the speaker roused them to cheer.

Syaoran turned to the others who were all focused on the empty arena before them. Ever since that day, their little group seemed to have reset back to them isolating each other.

Sakura had returned to locking herself in her room even more, and Fai wouldn't look at him. Kurogane would acknowledge him with small nods, but he could see the way those crimson eyes narrow at him as if he weren't sure if he should trust him or not.

He couldn't blame them as he himself started closing them off. He shouldn't have tried and got all chummy with them… not with the possibility of them leaving as he grows nearer to his inevitable battle with Fei Wong.

"The price money is pretty high this time." Fai suddenly spoke up, "Our opponents must be strong."

Kurogane snorted as he tightened his grip on his sword, "We'll see about that."

The cheers suddenly grew loud and Syaoran caught sight of their opponents who stepped up the arena. They looked like the typical rebels covered in leather and chains… except for the one behind them who had his eyes covered by dark bangs. The brunet couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off about that opponent. He carried nothing but a dagger and he could tell by the man's stance— that the man was not a fighter… and yet…

Their team was next called and he was forced out of his thoughts as Sakura took her place on the chair, her face as blank as the first battle they had. His grip tightened around the spiked blades he held in his hand before following Fai and Kurogane to the battle field.

Slowly the cheers died down almost to a deafening silence when a loud shrilling noise echoed throughout the arena and without a second to waste, Syaoran lunged to the nearest opponent—a guy with long braided locks and a sneer that seemed to be permanently etched on his face.

"A kid? You've got to be kidding me!"

The man dodged his attack and swung his spiked bat towards him. He ducked and swiped his legs underneath him, causing the man to stumble. He did not hesitate as he aimed for the other's face, however the guy merely blocked his weapon with his bat.

"You're a feisty one, aren't you?"

He kneed the other's gut in reply, earning him a surprised gasp. He took this opportunity to do a roundhouse kick aiming for the back of his opponent's head.

There was a pained grunt and the man was thrown far to the other side of the arena. He heard the crowd cheer and ignored it as he took his time to approach his opponent while keeping an ear out of the battle happening with his other companions.

Syaora couldn't help but think something wasn't adding up as he crouched in front of his unconscious opponent and sliced the chained collared around his neck—signifying the other's loss. The battle was too easy— he had faced far more difficult opponents than this.

"OI! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"

Syaoran spun around in alarm at hearing Kurogane's sudden shout. His eyes widened as he watched Fai attack Kurogane with his sword. Then his body suddenly felt heavy making him kneel as if a boulder had fell on his shoulders. He watched the same effect suddenly fall upon his companions and turned to see Sakura, her face torn and conflicted.

This wasn't good.

He watched as Fai pushed himself to try and attack Kurogane once more while the ninja tried to coordinate his heavy limbs to defend himself. A figure suddenly appeared behind the ninja and Syaoran pushed through against the heavy force as he lunged to protect Kurogane.

But someone blocked his path and the first thing he noticed were the piercing red eyes that were once covered with long dark bangs.

And suddenly, his limbs were numb. He tried not to think too much about it—he tried to push it at the back of his mind but the sensation was too familiar and terrifying. His surroundings were starting to blur between being in his prison, forced to slumber—then back to the arena with Kurogane struggling against two opponents.

'This man has magic.' Syaoran realized as he felt a trickle of sweat at the side of his face.

"The fear in your eyes…" The man gave him a sly smirk, "It's very refreshing."

His heart was pounding loudly as more of those memories started flashing in his mind. No he couldn't— not now…

He was forced to watch as his clone started appearing before him before blurring back to reality but this time—instead of seeing his clone, he was face-to-face with Fai's emotionless face. His blade inches from the other's neck.

He could hear Kurogane yelling his name only to be interrupted by his opponent who tried to attack him. Syaoran's arms were heavy and numb—he tried not to panic as he realized he was trapped once more in his own body. Unable to move… unable to do anything…

Nononononotagain—

"Do it…"

He let out a pained screamed as his own arms moved on their own accord— nonononoNO— and his blade cut the other's skin along with the collar. And Fai was suddenly jolted out of whatever trance he was and backed away. Eye wide in shock as he put a hand over the shallow cut on his neck.

"Hmpf… you're pretty strong to have been able to resist me like that." The man was suddenly next to him as people tried to drag Fai out of the arena, his collar now on the ground signifying his loss.

He felt the other tilt his chin towards his direction and those scarlet eyes only seemed to glow, "Nevertheless, at least there's still one more."

The face was replaced with his clone's blank one, staring back at him. And suddenly his arms burned with bright red symbols just as his prison started forming around him. He tried to make a sound but couldn't find it in him to do so.

He'll be imprisoned for who knows how long.

"You must pay the price for your wish."

He'll be forced to watched the others suffer and he'll—

"KID!"

He was back in reality and he realized he was pinning Kurogane on the ground and his own blade poised high above his head. It seemed like it was only him, Kurogane and the mysterious mage. Kurogane's opponent now being dragged out of the arena.

The crowd's cheers were deafening and he looked up to see the horror on Sakura's face. She looked disheveled as if she had been struggling against her own restraints. This must be the reason why Kurogane couldn't push him off. Sakura's will was to restrain him as well, however the magician's control on him was too strong as he felt his hands slowly descend, ready to strike the ninja's heart—

NO!

The blade stopped in time. The tip just hovering above the other's clothes. Kurogane's eyes widened just as his vision blurred. And for a moment he thought he was going back to those horrid memories to reminisce once more, when he felt something trickle down his face and drop on the other's face.

"Oi oi~ What are you waiting for?"

He felt the hand of the man on his shoulder and he tensed as another memory of Fei Wong -putting a heavy hand over his shoulder before declaring his lost freedom with a sickening glee- flashed before his eyes. No… not anymore… NOT AGAIN!

The strangled scream escaped him this time as he felt his limbs once more, heavier like they were made of lead, but he didn't mind this as he twisted around to face his surprised opponent, his muscles screaming at the strain before driving his blade to the other's side. Just enough to incapacitate him but not kill him.

The man screamed, obviously not used to the kind of pain he was feeling, and collapsed back on the ground writhing in pain.

The heavy feeling was finally gone, but after separating himself from Kurogane, Syaoran finds himself on all fours as if the whole world was weighing him down. The tears wouldn't seem to stop as they continued dropping on the ground, his ragged breathing seemed to be too loud despite the deafening cheers of the crowd around him and the announcer declaring their victory.

Everything was too much—too much—

"Syaoran-kun! Syaoran-kun… it's ok, it's ok!" Warm big hands were suddenly on his shoulders giving him a reassuring grip.

He couldn't look up, he was too ashamed of his tears and his trembling limbs.

It was too soon… everything was—

"Kid—say something." Another presence was suddenly next to him and just as he was about to raise a hand to wipe his face, everything around him blurred and before he knew it, he was falling sideways.

There was a surprised exclamation and a worried shout just as he was about to hit the ground hard, only to feel someone catch him with a grunt. It was probably just his imagination but he was sure he heard Sakura calling out to him in worry.

No… it can't be.

He doesn't deserve her worry at all… not after everything he had done…

Not when he wasn't her Syaoran.

He dreamt of the warmth of his parents…

The kindness of the people in Clow…

The generosity of the ones ruling the country…

The bright smile of Sakura as she held out a flower crown for him…

This was how it should've been… and how it should've always been. But then that fateful day happened during one of Sakura's rituals. He wasn't able to grab her hand. His hesitation had cost a huge ripple that reached the never-ending future.

He broke a forbidden taboo…

Just to be able to grab that hand one more time.

Now he couldn't help but wonder if it was all worth it…?

Brown eyes snapped open and darkness was the first thing he noticed. For a moment he panicked that he was back in his prison, but the irrational thought was immediately squashed when a white fluffy being suddenly jumped on his blanketed chest and hugged the side of his face.

"Syaoran! You're finally awake!" Mokona cried out happily, "Mokona had been worried!"

"Mokona…" He tried lifting his limb, which felt too heavy, to cradle the other while looking around, realizing he was in his room, "What happened?"

"Mokona was surprised when Kuro-pyon and the others came back with Syaoran unconscious, yesterday!" Mokona cried as it rubbed its face against his cheek, "Fai told me not to worry but Syaoran was barely moving at all!"

"I'm sorry…" He winced as he pushed himself into a sitting position, his joints groaning in protest. He couldn't believe he had been unconscious for that long, "I didn't mean to worry you."

The white bun was silent for a moment and carefully hopped down on his lap before looking up, "Everyone was worried for Syaoran."

He blinked and tried not to show the guilt he felt for hearing those words, "Is that so… I guess I should go and—" He yelped when his legs buckled as he tried to stand up from his bed while Mokona cried out in worry as he landed on the ground with a rather loud thump.

Feeling a little light-headed, he didn't hear the rushed footsteps from outside his room. He winced as the door slammed open and looked up to see Kurogane and Fai by the door, both surprised to see him on the ground.

Talk about déjà vu.

"Syaoran-kun, are you alright?" Fai frowned as he rushed to help the brunet back to bed, while Kurogane stood by the door frame looking annoyed.

"What the hell were you thinking? Trying to get up when you've barely recovered!" He scowled, making Syaoran feel a little bit ashamed yet at the same annoyed that they were treating him like a fragile child.

"I'm sorry…" He said instead staring down at his hands as Fai tucked the blankets around his legs, "I'm alright now so—"

"Is everything alright?" Sakura entered with difficulty no thanks to her leg. Then her jade green eyes landed on Syaoran and her gaze softened significantly, "Syaoran-kun! I'm so glad you're finally awake."

He stiffened before making a small bow, "I'm sorry for making you worry, Princess. And to Fai-san and Kurogane-san, as well."

There was a tensed silence that followed.

And Syaoran had to look up as he wondered if he had said something wrong, when Kurogane sighed in annoyance.

"Would you just stop that?"

He ignored the hurt that pierced through his chest at the other's comment, "W-what…?"

A hand was suddenly on his head and he looked up to see the mage staring at him softly but there was a stern look in his eye, "How do you feel? Tell us honestly."

He felt himself go rigid. Was this some kind of test? Was there a right answer here?

"Hmmm~ Mokona doesn't like what Mokona's sensing from Syaoran." Mokona suddenly spoke up looking sad and deflated on the brunet's lap, "Syaoran feels so much guilt and fear it makes Mokona want to cry!"

Syaoran faltered, "Mokona, I'm sorry—"

A hand suddenly held his and he turned to find the princess by his side, sitting on a stool that he was sure wasn't there before.

"Syaoran-kun, what's wrong?"

The tone in her voice made his heart ache as he couldn't help but be reminded of his mother whenever she would try to comfort him.

"You're scared… and hurting… I can sense it." She spoke softly, her face gentle and open.

He could feel his walls crumble… he almost felt like he was a child again and his mother was holding him in comfort as he cried from a nightmare.

But… no…

He can't. The princess already had a lot in her plate… she was in so much pain… he could see it in those soft emerald eyes.

He couldn't be selfish and—

"What happened back in the arena…" Fai had removed his hand from his head, "We want to talk about it…"

Syaoran's hands clenched and he felt Sakura's grip tighten as well, "The man had magic… it seemed like he could control people—"

"We already figured that one out, kid." Kurogane spoke up, "We want to talk about how you were able to break out of his spell."

Desperation.

He winced at that thought, "Must be because of my magic."

"I had magic too… but I couldn't seem to break out of his spell." Fai frowned, "It was like watching TV except that you can't move or feel anything."

He tried to hold back a shudder before muttering, "Yeah…"

There was another pause.

"It reminded you of your prison." Kurogane spoke up, blunt and firm. He whipped his head to him and opened his mouth to deny it but he finds himself speechless.

"I saw it in your eyes." The ninja approached them and frowned at him as he stopped, "When you were about to stab me. I saw the way you tried to fight for control."

"It wasn't…" His voice was small and shaky. What's happening? Why couldn't he control his emotions? "That's not…"

"Your nightmares…" Fai spoke up as he put a hand on one of his covered leg, "Is that what's been keeping you up at night as well?"

Syaoran could only shake his head and shut his eyes tightly, "It's more complicated than that." Finally, he had found his voice, "I've done…"

His eyes then shifted towards his hand that was entwined with the princess'. The young face of his Sakura looking blank with a hand outstretched towards him, flashed before his mind, before he slowly looked up to the current one.

This time he saw his Sakura with black spikes piercing through her body. Her face shocked in soft surprise as if she wasn't just stabbed by her own black wings.

Something must've shown in his face because Sakura's grip suddenly loosened and her eyes suddenly looked moist. Almost as if she could feel the pain he felt.

'Of course she would…' He chastised himself. She also lost someone important to her, after all. And it so happens that he was wearing the same face as that person.

"You're keeping something from us…" Fai said his face now unreadable, "But then again… aren't we all?"

He slowly shook his head, "It's not the right time…"

He hoped they would understand… he hoped they wouldn't push him to speak. But if it truly were inevitable… then he'll have no choice but to continue this journey alone. The odds were against him… but he had no choice but to keep moving forward.

This was his price.

A sharp pain on his head made him yelp, and he looked up to see Kurogane looking very much pissed. He retreated his fist from his head and growled, "Stop looking at us like we'll abandon you, kid. We've gotten this far, only cowards will back out now."

"You really think we'd let you go alone, Syaoran-kun?" Fai pouted looking hurt, "You must think poorly of us. After everything we've been through—"

"But it wasn't me." He hesitated as he took a quick glance of Sakura whose eyes were now shadowed, face almost as blank as the first time his clone had left them. Whatever he wanted to say next, he quickly shut his mouth.

There was another thick silence and he was ready to open his mouth to apologize and give a poor excuse of feeling rather sleepy when arms suddenly engulfed him trapping him into a warm embrace.

Sakura softly murmured in his ear, "You don't have to feel alone all the time. You're not trapped anymore, Syaoran-kun. You're here, now… with us."

He was frozen, stunned of the other's words. He wanted to push Sakura away. He doesn't deserve this… he knows he doesn't—if she only knew everything he had done… the ripples and distortions he had caused.

Sakura's soft voice stopped him from pushing her off, "Syaoran-kun… you're not fine."

His vision blurred as he opened his mouth, wanting to say he was but Sakura beat him to it as she pulled back and stared him in the eyes. Her face soft as she put a hand on his cheek, caressing gently as she spoke.

"And that's okay."

There was something stuck in his throat, keeping him from saying anything. So instead he took her hand again… wishing he had been able to do same during that time and pressed it on his forehead as he let his head bow, shielding his face from their view.

He couldn't speak… so instead in his mind he apologized to them. Again… and again… not stopping at all… not even when he felt Fai put an arm over his shaking shoulders… not even when Kurogane put a surprisingly gentle hand on his brown locks… not even when Mokona hugged his middle, crying softly as well… not even when Sakura planted a gentle kiss to his head.

Everything was wrong…

And yet… they made it feel like everything was going to be alright. Even if the world were to fall apart right now... they still made him feel like things would truly just come back to how they used to be.

Sakura was right… he was never alright… he never probably will be. But at that moment… it felt like he was.

Because he had these people… his unlikely family… to thank for.

And so he spoke.

"Thank you…"

Syaoran and Kurogane were in the middle of sword training early one morning when Mokona jumped on the ninja's face just as he was about to his final blow, exclaiming breakfast was almost ready.

They were forced to go back inside as Kurogane made endless threats towards the white bun who only continued teasing the taller man.

"Go wash up while we finish setting the table." Fai told them as he took the plates Sakura was carrying.

"Good morning." The princess greeted them which Syaoran replied with a bow while Kurogane grunted before retreating to his room.

Of course, things were still tense but in a way it was more tolerable and understandable. Secrets held doubt and made everything deceitful… but their trust in one another made everything easier.

The pain they all felt and held was not easy to forget, but as long as they were there to keep each other stronger… then…

"The food's very delicious, Fai-san."

"I'm glad you think so, Sakura-chan!"

"Mokona wants more!"

"Help yourself! Oh, Kuro-chan, we're gonna need you to buy more groceries."

A grunt. "Fine. You up for it, kid?"

Syaoran froze at the sudden attention. He turned to look at the ninja, whose one eyebrow was raised in expectation. He blinked, "Of course…"

"I would like to come as well." Sakura suddenly spoke up, her eyes soft as they landed on him, "It will be great exercise for my leg."

"Mokona wants to come with!" Mokona exclaimed as he hopped on the brunet's head.

Fai stood up with his empty plate, "Well it seems like I have no choice but to come too." He pouted, "I don't want to be left out, after all!"

"YAY SHOPPING!" Kurogane grabbed Mokona, looking annoyed.

"We're buying groceries, you stupid bun."

"Now, now, Daddy, it doesn't hurt to buy some things for the children too…" Fai's eyes grew cold for a moment, "After all, we have some leftover from the last match."

He tried not to act affected by the last statement but he felt himself stiffen. But a warm hand on his clenched hand snapped him out from the memories that were once again trying to invade his mind.

"Syaoran-kun?" Sakura looked at him worriedly, "Are you alright?"

He hesitated before looking at the others who were staring at him. Hesitantly, he makes a small smile and everyone seemed to relax by this. His gaze softened.

Yes, they were broken…

And yes, they would always be tormented by the past, present and future…

But it's because of those challenges that the flames behind their eyes still burn bright and fierce. As long as they have something to fight for, then…

"I am now."

THE END

Ok, someone thought this was gonna be an angsty ending, and I'm sorry that it isn't. I like doing the angst during the climax... I don't like sad endings. Hahahahuhu But I really appreciate the review! And everyone else's as well! Thank you for all the support! And I'm sorry for the delay! I got busy after passing our board exam (YES! I PASSED! TTHANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PRAYERS AND SUPPORT! THEY REALLY HELPED) and well, better late than never, right?

Reviews are love!