These Frozen Hearts

Warmth in Snow

"Well? Where the hell are we now?" Kurogane asked in his usual grumpy tone. The group landed firmly on their feet as Mokona spat them out into another new location. Fai gave a quiet "tsk" at Kurogane's question.

"Kuro-tan, you know as much as we do about this place," he replied, waving his finger in a sort of disapproving manner.

"Kuro-mii really is stupid, isn't he?" Mokona cooed as she landed on Fai's shoulder with grace and ease.

"Yes, he really is, isn't he?" Fai agreed with a wide smile.

"Who are you calling stupid, you dumb manju bun?" Kurogane roared, his eyes aflame as he glared at the white, rabbit-like creature on Fai's shoulder.

"Now, now, Kuro-tan. This isn't the time to be picking fights..." Fai remarked calmly.

"Who do you think you're calling Kuro-tan?" Kurogane's voice rose to a new volume as his eyes turned from Mokona to Fai.

"Oh, dear..." Fai sighed, his attitude still aloof.

"Poor Kurogane, forgetting his own name. He really is quite stupid," Mokona chided.

"I'm going to roast you up and eat you!" Kurogane hollered, grabbing at Mokona. The little creature quickly evaded Kurogane's large hands and leaped through the air, landing right on his head.

"So slow and clumsy, too!" Mokona remarked from her perch. Fai let out a quiet laugh as he regarded the scene, turning to say something to their other group member, only to find Syaoran was distracted. His back was to the three of them and he seemed lost in deep thought.

"Syaoran?" Fai called, turning his attention away from his two squabbling companions. The younger boy jumped a little at the sudden call, and he quickly glanced over his shoulder at the mage. Fai was instantly able to tell what was on his mind.

"Are you worrying about Sakura-chan?" he asked softly, stepping towards Syaoran. Syaoran hesitated for a moment but then nodded.

"I left her alone again and who knows when we'll see her next. She may be completely different by the time I get back. I may be completely different by the time we get back. It's strange that, even after all we've been through, I still worry that something may change," Syaoran explained, his eyes staring absently at the ground beneath him.

"You're right, you and Sakura-chan have been through a lot, and that's why you shouldn't worry about the distance or time. Your souls will always find each other, no matter the place or time. It's been proven again and again, right? Besides, this isn't goodbye forever. You'll see her again soon. I'm sure of it," Fai replied, watching Syaoran with a sympathetic smile. Syaoran looked up at him and saw he was sincere. Fai somehow always had a way of knowing what people needed to hear, and Syaoran found himself being comforted by Fai's words. He even let a confident smile cross his lips as he nodded in agreement.

"What the hell?" Kurogane suddenly exclaimed. Fai and Syaoran turned around, wearing very opposite expressions. Syaoran was concerned while Fai just appeared amused.

"What is it now, Kuro-mii?" Fai asked casually.

"There's absolutely nothing here!" Kurogane replied, his eyes taking in the scenery for the first time since they'd landed. Fai and Syaoran did the same, only to find that Kurogane was right. There was nothing but empty space as far as the eye could see. Everything was flat and even, no trees or hills. The sky was cloudy and gray and the ground was entirely coated in white. Syaoran reached down and scooped up a handful of the fluff that the group was standing on.

"Snow...?" he said, crunching the snow in his hand.

"Really? But it's so warm!" Fai remarked with curiosity. Syaoran held out the snowball to the older man who took it in both of his hands.