Chapter 4 : Inner and Outer Battles

R!Syao's POV

Ever since last night, he'd been quiet, quieter then her normally was now. He didn't understand what Fai had said, nor did he understand why after all of that . . . he would not return. Was it really that hard? He sighed, letting the thoughts escape, and as he slipped out of the shower, he prepared for the next match, and when Fai, had told them who they were fighting against, he felt momentary pain stab, but he looked over to Sa- the Princess, to see she was in the same dilemma. Everyone seemed to not enjoy the idea of having to fight against their comrade. As usual, they bid Mokona a farewell, as the shiro manjuu hugged them all on the arm, and kissed their cheeks, telling them to return home safely. Walking along the dimly lit hallways, Fai was right behind Sakura, her leg was limp after all, yet, she continued to press forward.

"He's mine..not yours."

The ex-magician's words rang through his ears very carefully, each word an arrow. The brilliance of the lights blinded 'Syaoran' for a moment, but the true horror awaited in who they were fighting.

His twin.

Kyle Rondart.

Xing Huo.

Crap…

C!Syao's POV

So there they were, the three of them; standing on the arena waiting for their oponents. Slowly, the blank white nothingness had begun to give way to dark shadows. As time passed, the shadows became shapes and grew more distinct. The black faded and color began to slowly fill the shadows. Their opponents had arrived. While the three of them knew their orders it was surprisingly easy to act as though they didn't know each other. Or their oponents. Almost to easy, and 'Syaoran' swore something like guilt was building up in his chest. Hazel eyes, the left a bit brighter since it couldn't fully conceal the icy blue one behind it; stared intently as the four entered onto their side.

There was silence, a silence that suited him just fine. Five, four, three, two..one.

The Battle had started.

He knew Fei-Wong was watching, after all this wasn't something that master of there's would miss. Many people were watching, and not just those in the crowd either. Through the collar they had to wear, he felt some sort initiation; that was when he raised his sword. Kyle had a multitude of daggers and magic as weapon. Now, Syaoran had never seen the man actually fight but, he could sense he'd hold his own in a battle..at least against his twin.

Unfortunatly, the three of them had no reason for hesitance. Fei-Wong had already infomed the three of them on who to fight. Distantly, he saw Kyle heading for Fai, and Xing Huo headed towardsKurogane. That left him and his twin

R!Syao's POV

He knew Eagle was watching, he knew there were several people watching as they played this deadly game of chess. He looked over at the others, the Doctor from Jade country was there, so were several other random faces he had seen in other worlds, some in the crowd behind, some in the battle. Then there was Syaoran. He knew not how to react and simply stared.

Kurogane was hesitating, something he was not used to. He looked over, but instantly banished any worry for the crimson eyed ninja and held up his sword that had been granted to him for battle. Kurogane had his axe, and Fai had his scythe. Sakura initiated their will to battle, but he could feel through the spiked collar she was hesitating most of all, she didn't want them to kill Syaoran, nor did anyone want to, he didn't want to kill anyone, and he never really did. Behind him, he could sense Sakura's eyes right upon him, and her loved one. They were fighting, but he had no way to tell the princess he was not going to hurt his twin, without giving himself away to the 'enemies'.

He saw no easy way out of this.

'Shit..'

C!Syao's POV

He knew his twin had known everything only after he betrayed them; it was one of the few pieces of information his 'master' allowed him to know. It was a good tactic, a clever one too. However, no one could pull off such a tactic forever, there was always a moment, a split second where an opening presented itself.

He was holding back, but still relentless in his attacks. Mis-colored eyes always searching intently for that opening, His twin was good at concealing it, he knew that much. Where was it? If this tactic didn't work, he had been ordered to allow himself to get injured, knowing it'd upset the Princess. How cruel his master could be. There! The opening was spotted, and he attacked.

Missed.

This was not going to be easy.