DISCLAIMER: NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO OWN CCS! Got it? Good.
f-teardrops: My first attempt at a real fanfic.O_o because all this time I've been doing poems and haikus.I'm not sure how this will turn out, or whether it will turn out at all.so just sit back, start reading, and enjoy the story! I've even hired my personal friends as muses to help me out!
Lydia: Eh? What am I doing here? I'm supposed to be in school!
f-teardrops: Don't worry! I've temporarily suspended time so you won't miss anything!
Lydia: What?
Jamie: I don't get it.
f-teardrops: Everyone, say hello to my friends, Lydia and Jamie! They'll be helping me throughout the chapters if I get stuck [which I probably will ^o^;;;]. Lydia, Jamie, meet the readers!
Lydia: Um.hi.
Jamie: Hello.
f-teardrops: Great.we'll have to work on that.at any rate, let's start the story! Please excuse my lack of Japanese terms, as I know almost next-to- none anyways! ^o^;;; [And it would be a little confusing for other people like me who don't understand them if I add them in!] May I also add, most of Sakura's friends are in different schools (sorry, fans) but Tomoyo is still with her, of course! And Syaoran, too! Okay then! Bye!
Lydia: *glances through story, then back up* Be warned of badly imitated accents.
Jamie: *follows suit* And odd occurrences!
~AFTER SCHOOL~
Tomoyo felt the familiar tingling sensation as she videotaped Sakura doing her cheerleading routine. [Not again.] Tomoyo thought to herself, her brow creased with worry. [A Clow Card? Here? No, not here.there?] She turned around to the left, bringing her camera with her. For a minute, she thought she saw a flash of something purple---but then it escaped from view as quickly as she had felt it. Tomoyo was taken aback, but ignored it and went back to filming Sakura. [It couldn't possibly be a Clow Card. Sakura has already captured all of them.] She thought, and felt better. [I must be getting giddy after filming Sakura for so long.] Tomoyo cheered as Sakura finished her routine with a terrific jump-and-flip-in-the-air-double- somersault.
"That was fabulous, Sakura!" Tomoyo cried happily as Sakura walked over to her, still grinning, "You did a perfect job!"
"Really? You think so?" Sakura asked, brightening.
"I know so," Tomoyo beamed. "And I have it all on tape too!" She brandished her camera.
Sakura blushed but smiled happily. "Thanks," she grinned.
"You're welcome. I love to videotape you, Sakura!" Tomoyo smiled, and suddenly her eyes grew starry. *o* "Because I know.there is no one else in the world cuter and sweeter than you!"
Sakura turned red, and sweatdropped. "Ah.t-thanks, Tomoyo," she laughed nervously.
Tomoyo turned back into her cheery self again, and smiled at Sakura. "Sakura, I have to ask you a question,"
"Hmm?" Sakura looked quizzically at her friend. "Ok. What is it, Tomoyo?"
"Well." Tomoyo hesitated, and Sakura grew more nervous. "Did you sense anything out of the ordinary during your routine, Sakura? Like a Clow Card?"
Sakura inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh. Nope, I didn't, Tomoyo. Why do you ask?" And as she spoke, Sakura recalled Tomoyo's uncanny ability during her card capturing days to somehow *sense* a card before she herself did, sometimes. "Did you feel anything?"
"Mmm.sort of," Tomoyo admitted. "I thought I saw a purple streak. But I guess I was just so wrapped up with filming you that I got overzealous." She smiled softly. "I guess it must have been my imagination. Thank you, Sakura."
"Sure. Anything for my best friend!" Sakura grinned. "Let's go to my house! Syaoran said he'd meet me there this afternoon, and I want to get there before Kero or my brother gets to him."
Tomoyo giggled. "I see. But why would Kero be a danger to Syaoran?"
Sakura looked around slowly, and then whispered into Tomoyo's ear. "Syaoran brought cake. Meiling came yesterday, and her birthday is tomorrow, so Syaoran wanted a place to hide it. He asked me yesterday, and I told him he could leave it at my house. But I forgot about Kero."
"Oh." Tomoyo's eye widened. "Well, we'd better hurry, Sakura!" she said seriously, and quickly pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. "Is this Etoile? Hello to you too! Yes, this is Tomoyo. Could you pick up Sakura and me outside the school, please? We need a ride to her house. You can? That's excellent! Thank you very much, Etoile. We'll meet you outside!" Smiling, Tomoyo hung up and faced a befuddled Sakura. "That was Etoile, my chauffeur," she explained. "She's waiting for us outside the school now, and she says she can take us to your house in no time."
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Really?" she gasped, smiling. "She doesn't mind at all?"
"Of course not!" Tomoyo smiled warmly and clasped her hand in Sakura's. "Come on, let's go meet up with her!" She started to walk away, and Sakura readily followed.
Eventually they reached outside, where a sleek black limousine awaited them. A woman in a black suit and sunglasses saw them and stepped out, opening the passenger door. "I have zeen await-zing you, Mizz Zaizouzi and Mizz Zinomoto. Pleeze come in, and vee shall zeave right away."
"Thank you, Etoile," Tomoyo smiled politely and bowed. Sakura, who wasn't sure what to say, also mumbled her thanks and bowed, a little flustered, and followed Tomoyo into the car. She still was a little uneasy around Tomoyo's bodyguards. Etoile smiled back, also bowing, and carefully shut the car door. Sakura took this opportunity for privacy to ask Tomoyo a pressing question.
"Um.Tomoyo...Etoile sounds." she blinked, and trailed off.
Tomoyo smiled. "Etoile just has a little accent because she came from France," she explained, and left it at that.
"Oh." Sakura nodded, understanding. At that moment the driver's door opened, and Etoile came in.
"Zeady to go, girlz?" she asked them kindly as she glanced back at them, her long black hair cascading to the seat.
"Yes we are," Tomoyo replied, smiling sweetly, while Sakura just nodded.
"Very vell. Ve'll be at Mizz Zinomoto's house in no zime." Etoile closed the door, started up the limo, and pulled away from the curb.
Sakura glanced out the shaded windows at her school, and wondered how it would look like when she got to her house. [I hope Kero hasn't eaten the cake already,] she worried, [If he does, I'm going to use Fiery on him and ban him from pudding for a month.] As she absent-mindedly stared out at the receding school grounds, she suddenly saw a flicker of purple light dart behind a tree. "Huh? Wha---?" Sakura strained to look closer, but the flash was gone. She rubbed her eyes. [Maybe I need more sleep,] Sakura decided, and chose to ignore the odd sight.
[Strange,] Tomoyo thought from beside her friend. [I felt it again.that tingling sensation from a few minutes before. What is it? Well, it can't be anything too serious. I don't want to worry Sakura any more, so I'll figure it out later.]
Etoile chuckled softly to herself from the driver's seat. "Theze two," she murmured, "Are so cute when zhey are sitzing togetzer." The two girls spent the car ride chatting away, about Syaoran and costumes and videos and cake. Before they knew it, the ride was over, and they were at Sakura's house. "Here ve are, ladiez," Etoile smiled as she opened the door for them. "Shall I vait for you, Mizz Zaizouzi?" she asked.
Tomoyo smiled as she stepped out with her schoolbag. "Oh, no, Etoile, it's okay. I'll be staying at Sakura's for a while. Could you pick me up at 7:30 tonight?"
"Of courze, Mizz Zaizouzi," Etoile nodded. "As zou wish."
Tomoyo's smile widened. "Thank you, Etoile. See you then!" She waved good- bye as the bodyguard waved back and drove away.
"Uh, Tomoyo?" Sakura said nervously next to her. Her face was pale.
"Hmm?" Tomoyo glanced at Sakura, who was pointing towards the living room window. She looked, and stifled a gasp. Touya was up there, wrestling with Syaoran over a circular package tied in red ribbons. It was a heated battle.
"Give it over, brat!" Touya growled. "What's in that box?"
"I told you already!" Syaoran growled back, just as fiercely. "It's a birthday cake for my cousin Meiling! I'm just dropping it off here!"
"Hmph! I heard noises in there!" Touya snarled and pulled back, glaring suspiciously at the package.
"Wha---?" Syaoran stopped also, and both listened intently. Tomoyo and Sakura could plainly hear the sound of someone enjoying a very delicious cake.
"Kero!" Tomoyo gasped, and at that same instant Sakura had pulled out her key.
"Sleep! Release and dispel!" the Card Mistress cried as she rushed into the front door. "Put Touya to sleep!" Touya was surprised to see Sakura suddenly bursting in like that, but even more surprised as the Sleep Card emerged and sprinkle something on him. In the next instant, he had collapsed onto the ground, unconscious. But Sakura wasn't ready to give up yet. She rushed over to Syaoran's side, who had opened the box and was now staring at it in horror.
Inside, Kero was eating the remains of his cake. Only a few crumbs remained. "ARGGGGGGH!" Syaoran exploded. "You ate my cake, you stuffed animal!"
Kero licked his face and burped. "Sorry," he laughed sheepishly, and turned to Sakura with pleading eyes. "Please forgive me, Sakura? I was hungry, and Touya was in the kitchen all afternoon."
Sakura was furious and embarrassed and confused at the same time. "K-Kero." she growled.
"Yes, Mistress?" Kero said in a small voice.
A casual passerby would have swore that the Kinomoto residence roof had levitated a few feet off the ground after Sakura yelled at Kero.
"-and no more video games, pudding or cake for a month!" Sakura finished as she glared at Kero.
"Aww.but.not even one bowl of pudding?"
"NO! You ate all of Syaoran's cake---that sound be enough to last you until next month."
"But, but.."
"No buts! I'm the Card Mistress, remember?"
"......" Kero looked as if he was about to cry.
Tomoyo decided that this was the best time to interrupt. Syaoran was gaping at what remained of his cake and Sakura was still fuming. "Well," she said lightly. "We can always bake another cake, right? It'll be easy and fun! We all know how to cook. You'll make a cake for Meiling in no time!"
Syaoran looked up from the empty cake crate. "You're right! If we hurry, we can put it in the oven tonight and have it done by tomorrow, the 25th, just in time for Meiling's birthday! That is," he added quickly, looking at Sakura, "If it's okay for me to use your kitchen, Sakura."
"I guess so." Sakura looked up at Tomoyo. "Do you think we'll be able to do it?"
Tomoyo's heart softened. "Of course you will," she said confidently. "You can even have the Sakura Cards help you out!"
Sakura's eyes lit up. "What a great idea, Tomoyo!" she cried, and stood up. "Come on, let's go into the kitchen!" She ran ahead, followed by a blushing Syaoran.
Kero's eyes also lit up, but he stayed where he was. Tomoyo noticed this and stopped. "Um, I'll be there in a sec, Sakura!" she called, and was replied to by a cheer "ok"!
Tomoyo then turned to face the Guardian Beast sitting dejectedly on the ground. "Kero." she said softly.
~IN THE KITCHEN~
Sakura turned to face Syaoran after both had put on their aprons and set out the ingredients for cake making. "I'm sorry about Kero ruining your cake, Syaoran," she apologized. "Next time, I'll let you give it to me directly and I'll tied Kero up so he won't be able to get near it."
"It's okay, Sakura," Syaoran shrugged, trying not to look too angry. "Tomoyo said we could bake another one, right? So let's get to work!" he showed a hint of a smile.
Sakura instantly brightened. Happily, she threw her arms around Syaoran's neck. "Thanks! You're the best, Syaoran!"
Syaoran turned red but hugged Sakura back. "And you too, Sakura," he mumbled.
~BACK IN THE LIVING ROOM~
"I guessed I really messed up, huh?" Kero looked at Tomoyo sadly. "Sakura's mad at me now."
"Oh Kero," Tomoyo said softly, "Sakura's not mad at you. She's just a little upset and unhappy because.well.you know."
"The cake." Kero mumbled. "I took the cake, and ate it all."
"Don't worry," Tomoyo said reassuringly. "Sakura will calm down after she bakes the cake, and I bet she'll make up with you again."
"Ya think she'll take off the one-month ban on pudding and cake?" Kero asked hopefully.
"If you let her calm down and cool off, sure!" Tomoyo said cheerfully. "Until then, I suggest you wait in Sakura's room."
"Good idea," Kero agreed, and was about to fly off when he noticed Touya still asleep on the floor. "Uh, Tomoyo.what about him?"
"Um.I guess we should wake him up," Tomoyo said slowly. "But then he'll go after Syaoran again."
"You're right," Kero agreed. "How about we just leave him here? He looks happy enough."
"Mmm.okay," Tomoyo agreed reluctantly. She found a blanket and tossed it over Touya, and then left for the kitchen while Kero flew upstairs.
~IN THE KITCHEN~
Tomoyo entered the kitchen and stopped short. It was completely covered in a layer of white.sugar? In the midst of the white mess were Sakura and Syaoran, also sugar-covered but doing a good job of shaking off the mess, mixing batter for the cake. The Sweet Card perched in a corner of the kitchen, spraying sugar everywhere. "What happened?" Tomoyo asked in surprise.
"Tomoyo! I'm so glad you came!" Sakura grinned. "You see, um, I let the Sweet Card out to help us with the cake, but after I was done with it, it wouldn't return to the deck. I guess it wanted a little freedom, so I let it out, and now it's covered the whole kitchen in sugar. But don't worry, we can clean it up later."
"That's strange," Tomoyo remarked. "Don't the cards always obey you?"
"Yeah," Sakura admitted. "But I've mostly used them for battle, so maybe they want to get a taste of regular life and stuff."
"Oh," Tomoyo nodded, understanding a bit. Sakura's words did make sense, though it alarmed her that the Sakura Cards had disobeyed their Mistress. As she wondered why, Sleep came flying into the kitchen and settled next to Sweet, and the two began a conversation consisting of whispers and exclamations. Tomoyo was mystified, but decided to think about it later. She pulled on an apron, washed her hands, and went to help Sakura and Syaoran with the birthday cake.
~30 MINUTES LATER~
"Done at last!" Tomoyo clapped her hands as they set the cake in the oven.
"Whew! That took a long time!" Sakura admitted, wiping her forehead.
"Ooo! I can't believe I forgot!" Tomoyo put a hand over her mouth. "Wait here, Sakura!" she ran out of the kitchen.
"Where's she going?" Syaoran asked.
Sakura shrugged. "I don't know, Syaoran."
But her question was soon answered as Tomoyo came back, video camera in hand. "KAWAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" she cried happily as she recorded the two sugary couple. (I couldn't leave that phrase out.too irresistable!)
"Hi, Tomoyo," Sakura said, a little embarrassed as she waved at the camera.
"You two are the cutest couple ever to have been caught on video," Tomoyo sighed dreamily, though her camera was focused mostly on Sakura.
Syaoran turned red as Sakura muttered her thanks. At that moment, there came a knock at the door.
"Hoeeeeeee?!" Sakura cried in surprise. (Couldn't leave that one out either- --it's a Sakura Kinomoto trademark!) "Who's at the door?" She rushed to the foyer, followed by Syaoran and Tomoyo with her camera. Sakura flung it open and was surprised to see Meiling grinning at them. "Hi, Meiling!" she said happily, quickly regaining her composure. Behind her back, she was gesturing franctically to Tomoyo, indicating the still-baking cake.
Tomoyo gently pushed Syaoran towards the kitchen and smiled. "It's a wonderful surprise to have you here, Meiling," she added gaily.
"Hello, Sakura, Tomoyo. How are you doing?" Meiling said cheerfully as Syaoran quietly sneaked back and shut the door to the kitchen.
"Great! What about you?" Sakura asked as she invited Meiling in and shut the front door.
"Oh, same as always," Meiling shrugged, grinning. "And has Syaoran been good to you?"
Sakura blushed. "Y-yes, of course he has," she stuttered. Behind her, Syaoran was beet red again and Tomoyo's eyes were sparkling as she captured yet another kawaii moment of Sakura.
Meiling's eyes took on a mischievous glint. "I see." she said airily, and headed towards the living room---only to nearly trip over Touya snoring on the floor with the blanket. "What's this?" she cried out in surprise. "I'm not even going to ask." She muttered.
"Ohmigosh, Touya!" Sakura cried. "I forgot about him!" she looked sheepish.
"It's okay, Sakura," Tomoyo said, smiling. "Kero and I made sure he was comfortable."
"Kero." Sakura bit her lip. "Is he okay? I guess I was a little harsh on him for.for what he tried to do,"
"What did he do this time?" Meiling asked in curiosity.
"Um, Meiling, may I speak to you in private?" Tomoyo asked as she gently guided Meiling away. As they left, Tomoyo smiled at Sakura and mouthed the words "your room". Sakura nodded.
"Well. I'm going to talk to Kero. Can you come with me?" Sakura asked Syaoran. "I don't want to stay mad at him---he is my Guardian, after all--- but I don't want to see him alone, either. He could suddenly go Keroberos on me or something." Sakura's real reason was that she wanted Syaoran to forgive Kero too so the two wouldn't fight, but she couldn't come up with the right words and so provided an excuse.
"It's okay, Sakura," Syaoran replied, a little gruffly and seeing right through the excuse. "I'll forgive him."
"Really?" Sakura smiled again. "Oh, Syaoran, I'm so happy! Thank you!" She glomped him again, very happy. Syaoran didn't blush this time, and hugged back. "Come on!" Sakura cried, pulling him upstairs.
They reached the door to Sakura's room, and tentatively, she knocked on it. "Hello? Kero? Can I come in?"
No answer.
"Maybe he's asleep," Syaoran suggested.
"I don't know." Sakura knocked again, louder this time. "Kero? Are you in there?"
No answer.
"Hmm.well that's weird." Sakura frowned. She placed her hand on the doorknob.
Suddenly, Syaoran felt his blood run cold as he saw Sakura turn the handle. With his sixth sense screaming, he cried out, "Sakura, don't open that door!" Syaoran quickly pulled the girl back.
"Hmm? Why not, Syaoran?" Sakura asked, confused.
"I-I don't know," Syaoran admitted. "But I sense something strange behind it---a sort of dark aura, if you know what I mean. It could be dangerous."
Sakura's eyes widened. "Really, Syaoran? B-but Kero's in there! We've got to go in!" She reached for the door again, but was stopped by Syaoran's shout.
"Wait!" Syaoran cried, out of breath. He was getting goose bumps from what he was sensing. "We can't go in!"
"We have to!" Sakura pleaded. Suddenly, she had an idea. "I know! I'll summon Shield!" In the next instant, Shield was out. Sakura formed a barrier between her and Syaoran and the door. "Let's go inside," she whispered urgently. Syaoran nodded. Sakura placed her hand on the doorknob, and slowly turned the handle.
~THE END~
f-teadrops: And that's the end of Chapter 1!
Jamie & Lydia: WHAT?!
f-teardrops: What what?
Lydia: You can't end the chapter now!
Jamie: Yes, yes! What did Syaoran and Sakura find? What happened to Kero? What about the Sweet and Sleep Card still out in the kitchen, which is covered in sugar, by the way, and Touya, who's still sleeping, and Sakura's dad, who I assume is still at work?!
Lydia: Good memory!
Jamie: Why thank you. ^_^
f-teardrops: Don't worry. I'll explain everything in the next chapter. Sorry for the first one---sort of boring, I agree, but it'll get better!
Lydia: That's good news.
Jamie: Yay! Let's all cheer for the next chapter! *Pulls pompoms from thin air* Chapter 2! Chapter 2! Chapter 2! Come on! Give me a "C"!
Lydia: C for crazy?
Jamie: No, C for Ch---hey!
Lydia: Heehee. See ya! *runs away*
Jamie: Nobody insults me and gets away with it! Come back here! *runs after Lydia angrily waving her pompoms*
f-teardrops: Since when did Jamie become a cheerleader? O_o
Jamie: Hyah! Feel my wrath! Pompom Attack! *throws pompoms at Lydia, who dodges them*
f-teardrops: *Ahem* It looks like my friends are having fun in this world. Well, bye until next chapter!
*A red curtain falls on this page, emblazoned with the golden letters T.B.C: To Be Continued*
f-teardrops: My first attempt at a real fanfic.O_o because all this time I've been doing poems and haikus.I'm not sure how this will turn out, or whether it will turn out at all.so just sit back, start reading, and enjoy the story! I've even hired my personal friends as muses to help me out!
Lydia: Eh? What am I doing here? I'm supposed to be in school!
f-teardrops: Don't worry! I've temporarily suspended time so you won't miss anything!
Lydia: What?
Jamie: I don't get it.
f-teardrops: Everyone, say hello to my friends, Lydia and Jamie! They'll be helping me throughout the chapters if I get stuck [which I probably will ^o^;;;]. Lydia, Jamie, meet the readers!
Lydia: Um.hi.
Jamie: Hello.
f-teardrops: Great.we'll have to work on that.at any rate, let's start the story! Please excuse my lack of Japanese terms, as I know almost next-to- none anyways! ^o^;;; [And it would be a little confusing for other people like me who don't understand them if I add them in!] May I also add, most of Sakura's friends are in different schools (sorry, fans) but Tomoyo is still with her, of course! And Syaoran, too! Okay then! Bye!
Lydia: *glances through story, then back up* Be warned of badly imitated accents.
Jamie: *follows suit* And odd occurrences!
~AFTER SCHOOL~
Tomoyo felt the familiar tingling sensation as she videotaped Sakura doing her cheerleading routine. [Not again.] Tomoyo thought to herself, her brow creased with worry. [A Clow Card? Here? No, not here.there?] She turned around to the left, bringing her camera with her. For a minute, she thought she saw a flash of something purple---but then it escaped from view as quickly as she had felt it. Tomoyo was taken aback, but ignored it and went back to filming Sakura. [It couldn't possibly be a Clow Card. Sakura has already captured all of them.] She thought, and felt better. [I must be getting giddy after filming Sakura for so long.] Tomoyo cheered as Sakura finished her routine with a terrific jump-and-flip-in-the-air-double- somersault.
"That was fabulous, Sakura!" Tomoyo cried happily as Sakura walked over to her, still grinning, "You did a perfect job!"
"Really? You think so?" Sakura asked, brightening.
"I know so," Tomoyo beamed. "And I have it all on tape too!" She brandished her camera.
Sakura blushed but smiled happily. "Thanks," she grinned.
"You're welcome. I love to videotape you, Sakura!" Tomoyo smiled, and suddenly her eyes grew starry. *o* "Because I know.there is no one else in the world cuter and sweeter than you!"
Sakura turned red, and sweatdropped. "Ah.t-thanks, Tomoyo," she laughed nervously.
Tomoyo turned back into her cheery self again, and smiled at Sakura. "Sakura, I have to ask you a question,"
"Hmm?" Sakura looked quizzically at her friend. "Ok. What is it, Tomoyo?"
"Well." Tomoyo hesitated, and Sakura grew more nervous. "Did you sense anything out of the ordinary during your routine, Sakura? Like a Clow Card?"
Sakura inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh. Nope, I didn't, Tomoyo. Why do you ask?" And as she spoke, Sakura recalled Tomoyo's uncanny ability during her card capturing days to somehow *sense* a card before she herself did, sometimes. "Did you feel anything?"
"Mmm.sort of," Tomoyo admitted. "I thought I saw a purple streak. But I guess I was just so wrapped up with filming you that I got overzealous." She smiled softly. "I guess it must have been my imagination. Thank you, Sakura."
"Sure. Anything for my best friend!" Sakura grinned. "Let's go to my house! Syaoran said he'd meet me there this afternoon, and I want to get there before Kero or my brother gets to him."
Tomoyo giggled. "I see. But why would Kero be a danger to Syaoran?"
Sakura looked around slowly, and then whispered into Tomoyo's ear. "Syaoran brought cake. Meiling came yesterday, and her birthday is tomorrow, so Syaoran wanted a place to hide it. He asked me yesterday, and I told him he could leave it at my house. But I forgot about Kero."
"Oh." Tomoyo's eye widened. "Well, we'd better hurry, Sakura!" she said seriously, and quickly pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. "Is this Etoile? Hello to you too! Yes, this is Tomoyo. Could you pick up Sakura and me outside the school, please? We need a ride to her house. You can? That's excellent! Thank you very much, Etoile. We'll meet you outside!" Smiling, Tomoyo hung up and faced a befuddled Sakura. "That was Etoile, my chauffeur," she explained. "She's waiting for us outside the school now, and she says she can take us to your house in no time."
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Really?" she gasped, smiling. "She doesn't mind at all?"
"Of course not!" Tomoyo smiled warmly and clasped her hand in Sakura's. "Come on, let's go meet up with her!" She started to walk away, and Sakura readily followed.
Eventually they reached outside, where a sleek black limousine awaited them. A woman in a black suit and sunglasses saw them and stepped out, opening the passenger door. "I have zeen await-zing you, Mizz Zaizouzi and Mizz Zinomoto. Pleeze come in, and vee shall zeave right away."
"Thank you, Etoile," Tomoyo smiled politely and bowed. Sakura, who wasn't sure what to say, also mumbled her thanks and bowed, a little flustered, and followed Tomoyo into the car. She still was a little uneasy around Tomoyo's bodyguards. Etoile smiled back, also bowing, and carefully shut the car door. Sakura took this opportunity for privacy to ask Tomoyo a pressing question.
"Um.Tomoyo...Etoile sounds." she blinked, and trailed off.
Tomoyo smiled. "Etoile just has a little accent because she came from France," she explained, and left it at that.
"Oh." Sakura nodded, understanding. At that moment the driver's door opened, and Etoile came in.
"Zeady to go, girlz?" she asked them kindly as she glanced back at them, her long black hair cascading to the seat.
"Yes we are," Tomoyo replied, smiling sweetly, while Sakura just nodded.
"Very vell. Ve'll be at Mizz Zinomoto's house in no zime." Etoile closed the door, started up the limo, and pulled away from the curb.
Sakura glanced out the shaded windows at her school, and wondered how it would look like when she got to her house. [I hope Kero hasn't eaten the cake already,] she worried, [If he does, I'm going to use Fiery on him and ban him from pudding for a month.] As she absent-mindedly stared out at the receding school grounds, she suddenly saw a flicker of purple light dart behind a tree. "Huh? Wha---?" Sakura strained to look closer, but the flash was gone. She rubbed her eyes. [Maybe I need more sleep,] Sakura decided, and chose to ignore the odd sight.
[Strange,] Tomoyo thought from beside her friend. [I felt it again.that tingling sensation from a few minutes before. What is it? Well, it can't be anything too serious. I don't want to worry Sakura any more, so I'll figure it out later.]
Etoile chuckled softly to herself from the driver's seat. "Theze two," she murmured, "Are so cute when zhey are sitzing togetzer." The two girls spent the car ride chatting away, about Syaoran and costumes and videos and cake. Before they knew it, the ride was over, and they were at Sakura's house. "Here ve are, ladiez," Etoile smiled as she opened the door for them. "Shall I vait for you, Mizz Zaizouzi?" she asked.
Tomoyo smiled as she stepped out with her schoolbag. "Oh, no, Etoile, it's okay. I'll be staying at Sakura's for a while. Could you pick me up at 7:30 tonight?"
"Of courze, Mizz Zaizouzi," Etoile nodded. "As zou wish."
Tomoyo's smile widened. "Thank you, Etoile. See you then!" She waved good- bye as the bodyguard waved back and drove away.
"Uh, Tomoyo?" Sakura said nervously next to her. Her face was pale.
"Hmm?" Tomoyo glanced at Sakura, who was pointing towards the living room window. She looked, and stifled a gasp. Touya was up there, wrestling with Syaoran over a circular package tied in red ribbons. It was a heated battle.
"Give it over, brat!" Touya growled. "What's in that box?"
"I told you already!" Syaoran growled back, just as fiercely. "It's a birthday cake for my cousin Meiling! I'm just dropping it off here!"
"Hmph! I heard noises in there!" Touya snarled and pulled back, glaring suspiciously at the package.
"Wha---?" Syaoran stopped also, and both listened intently. Tomoyo and Sakura could plainly hear the sound of someone enjoying a very delicious cake.
"Kero!" Tomoyo gasped, and at that same instant Sakura had pulled out her key.
"Sleep! Release and dispel!" the Card Mistress cried as she rushed into the front door. "Put Touya to sleep!" Touya was surprised to see Sakura suddenly bursting in like that, but even more surprised as the Sleep Card emerged and sprinkle something on him. In the next instant, he had collapsed onto the ground, unconscious. But Sakura wasn't ready to give up yet. She rushed over to Syaoran's side, who had opened the box and was now staring at it in horror.
Inside, Kero was eating the remains of his cake. Only a few crumbs remained. "ARGGGGGGH!" Syaoran exploded. "You ate my cake, you stuffed animal!"
Kero licked his face and burped. "Sorry," he laughed sheepishly, and turned to Sakura with pleading eyes. "Please forgive me, Sakura? I was hungry, and Touya was in the kitchen all afternoon."
Sakura was furious and embarrassed and confused at the same time. "K-Kero." she growled.
"Yes, Mistress?" Kero said in a small voice.
A casual passerby would have swore that the Kinomoto residence roof had levitated a few feet off the ground after Sakura yelled at Kero.
"-and no more video games, pudding or cake for a month!" Sakura finished as she glared at Kero.
"Aww.but.not even one bowl of pudding?"
"NO! You ate all of Syaoran's cake---that sound be enough to last you until next month."
"But, but.."
"No buts! I'm the Card Mistress, remember?"
"......" Kero looked as if he was about to cry.
Tomoyo decided that this was the best time to interrupt. Syaoran was gaping at what remained of his cake and Sakura was still fuming. "Well," she said lightly. "We can always bake another cake, right? It'll be easy and fun! We all know how to cook. You'll make a cake for Meiling in no time!"
Syaoran looked up from the empty cake crate. "You're right! If we hurry, we can put it in the oven tonight and have it done by tomorrow, the 25th, just in time for Meiling's birthday! That is," he added quickly, looking at Sakura, "If it's okay for me to use your kitchen, Sakura."
"I guess so." Sakura looked up at Tomoyo. "Do you think we'll be able to do it?"
Tomoyo's heart softened. "Of course you will," she said confidently. "You can even have the Sakura Cards help you out!"
Sakura's eyes lit up. "What a great idea, Tomoyo!" she cried, and stood up. "Come on, let's go into the kitchen!" She ran ahead, followed by a blushing Syaoran.
Kero's eyes also lit up, but he stayed where he was. Tomoyo noticed this and stopped. "Um, I'll be there in a sec, Sakura!" she called, and was replied to by a cheer "ok"!
Tomoyo then turned to face the Guardian Beast sitting dejectedly on the ground. "Kero." she said softly.
~IN THE KITCHEN~
Sakura turned to face Syaoran after both had put on their aprons and set out the ingredients for cake making. "I'm sorry about Kero ruining your cake, Syaoran," she apologized. "Next time, I'll let you give it to me directly and I'll tied Kero up so he won't be able to get near it."
"It's okay, Sakura," Syaoran shrugged, trying not to look too angry. "Tomoyo said we could bake another one, right? So let's get to work!" he showed a hint of a smile.
Sakura instantly brightened. Happily, she threw her arms around Syaoran's neck. "Thanks! You're the best, Syaoran!"
Syaoran turned red but hugged Sakura back. "And you too, Sakura," he mumbled.
~BACK IN THE LIVING ROOM~
"I guessed I really messed up, huh?" Kero looked at Tomoyo sadly. "Sakura's mad at me now."
"Oh Kero," Tomoyo said softly, "Sakura's not mad at you. She's just a little upset and unhappy because.well.you know."
"The cake." Kero mumbled. "I took the cake, and ate it all."
"Don't worry," Tomoyo said reassuringly. "Sakura will calm down after she bakes the cake, and I bet she'll make up with you again."
"Ya think she'll take off the one-month ban on pudding and cake?" Kero asked hopefully.
"If you let her calm down and cool off, sure!" Tomoyo said cheerfully. "Until then, I suggest you wait in Sakura's room."
"Good idea," Kero agreed, and was about to fly off when he noticed Touya still asleep on the floor. "Uh, Tomoyo.what about him?"
"Um.I guess we should wake him up," Tomoyo said slowly. "But then he'll go after Syaoran again."
"You're right," Kero agreed. "How about we just leave him here? He looks happy enough."
"Mmm.okay," Tomoyo agreed reluctantly. She found a blanket and tossed it over Touya, and then left for the kitchen while Kero flew upstairs.
~IN THE KITCHEN~
Tomoyo entered the kitchen and stopped short. It was completely covered in a layer of white.sugar? In the midst of the white mess were Sakura and Syaoran, also sugar-covered but doing a good job of shaking off the mess, mixing batter for the cake. The Sweet Card perched in a corner of the kitchen, spraying sugar everywhere. "What happened?" Tomoyo asked in surprise.
"Tomoyo! I'm so glad you came!" Sakura grinned. "You see, um, I let the Sweet Card out to help us with the cake, but after I was done with it, it wouldn't return to the deck. I guess it wanted a little freedom, so I let it out, and now it's covered the whole kitchen in sugar. But don't worry, we can clean it up later."
"That's strange," Tomoyo remarked. "Don't the cards always obey you?"
"Yeah," Sakura admitted. "But I've mostly used them for battle, so maybe they want to get a taste of regular life and stuff."
"Oh," Tomoyo nodded, understanding a bit. Sakura's words did make sense, though it alarmed her that the Sakura Cards had disobeyed their Mistress. As she wondered why, Sleep came flying into the kitchen and settled next to Sweet, and the two began a conversation consisting of whispers and exclamations. Tomoyo was mystified, but decided to think about it later. She pulled on an apron, washed her hands, and went to help Sakura and Syaoran with the birthday cake.
~30 MINUTES LATER~
"Done at last!" Tomoyo clapped her hands as they set the cake in the oven.
"Whew! That took a long time!" Sakura admitted, wiping her forehead.
"Ooo! I can't believe I forgot!" Tomoyo put a hand over her mouth. "Wait here, Sakura!" she ran out of the kitchen.
"Where's she going?" Syaoran asked.
Sakura shrugged. "I don't know, Syaoran."
But her question was soon answered as Tomoyo came back, video camera in hand. "KAWAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" she cried happily as she recorded the two sugary couple. (I couldn't leave that phrase out.too irresistable!)
"Hi, Tomoyo," Sakura said, a little embarrassed as she waved at the camera.
"You two are the cutest couple ever to have been caught on video," Tomoyo sighed dreamily, though her camera was focused mostly on Sakura.
Syaoran turned red as Sakura muttered her thanks. At that moment, there came a knock at the door.
"Hoeeeeeee?!" Sakura cried in surprise. (Couldn't leave that one out either- --it's a Sakura Kinomoto trademark!) "Who's at the door?" She rushed to the foyer, followed by Syaoran and Tomoyo with her camera. Sakura flung it open and was surprised to see Meiling grinning at them. "Hi, Meiling!" she said happily, quickly regaining her composure. Behind her back, she was gesturing franctically to Tomoyo, indicating the still-baking cake.
Tomoyo gently pushed Syaoran towards the kitchen and smiled. "It's a wonderful surprise to have you here, Meiling," she added gaily.
"Hello, Sakura, Tomoyo. How are you doing?" Meiling said cheerfully as Syaoran quietly sneaked back and shut the door to the kitchen.
"Great! What about you?" Sakura asked as she invited Meiling in and shut the front door.
"Oh, same as always," Meiling shrugged, grinning. "And has Syaoran been good to you?"
Sakura blushed. "Y-yes, of course he has," she stuttered. Behind her, Syaoran was beet red again and Tomoyo's eyes were sparkling as she captured yet another kawaii moment of Sakura.
Meiling's eyes took on a mischievous glint. "I see." she said airily, and headed towards the living room---only to nearly trip over Touya snoring on the floor with the blanket. "What's this?" she cried out in surprise. "I'm not even going to ask." She muttered.
"Ohmigosh, Touya!" Sakura cried. "I forgot about him!" she looked sheepish.
"It's okay, Sakura," Tomoyo said, smiling. "Kero and I made sure he was comfortable."
"Kero." Sakura bit her lip. "Is he okay? I guess I was a little harsh on him for.for what he tried to do,"
"What did he do this time?" Meiling asked in curiosity.
"Um, Meiling, may I speak to you in private?" Tomoyo asked as she gently guided Meiling away. As they left, Tomoyo smiled at Sakura and mouthed the words "your room". Sakura nodded.
"Well. I'm going to talk to Kero. Can you come with me?" Sakura asked Syaoran. "I don't want to stay mad at him---he is my Guardian, after all--- but I don't want to see him alone, either. He could suddenly go Keroberos on me or something." Sakura's real reason was that she wanted Syaoran to forgive Kero too so the two wouldn't fight, but she couldn't come up with the right words and so provided an excuse.
"It's okay, Sakura," Syaoran replied, a little gruffly and seeing right through the excuse. "I'll forgive him."
"Really?" Sakura smiled again. "Oh, Syaoran, I'm so happy! Thank you!" She glomped him again, very happy. Syaoran didn't blush this time, and hugged back. "Come on!" Sakura cried, pulling him upstairs.
They reached the door to Sakura's room, and tentatively, she knocked on it. "Hello? Kero? Can I come in?"
No answer.
"Maybe he's asleep," Syaoran suggested.
"I don't know." Sakura knocked again, louder this time. "Kero? Are you in there?"
No answer.
"Hmm.well that's weird." Sakura frowned. She placed her hand on the doorknob.
Suddenly, Syaoran felt his blood run cold as he saw Sakura turn the handle. With his sixth sense screaming, he cried out, "Sakura, don't open that door!" Syaoran quickly pulled the girl back.
"Hmm? Why not, Syaoran?" Sakura asked, confused.
"I-I don't know," Syaoran admitted. "But I sense something strange behind it---a sort of dark aura, if you know what I mean. It could be dangerous."
Sakura's eyes widened. "Really, Syaoran? B-but Kero's in there! We've got to go in!" She reached for the door again, but was stopped by Syaoran's shout.
"Wait!" Syaoran cried, out of breath. He was getting goose bumps from what he was sensing. "We can't go in!"
"We have to!" Sakura pleaded. Suddenly, she had an idea. "I know! I'll summon Shield!" In the next instant, Shield was out. Sakura formed a barrier between her and Syaoran and the door. "Let's go inside," she whispered urgently. Syaoran nodded. Sakura placed her hand on the doorknob, and slowly turned the handle.
~THE END~
f-teadrops: And that's the end of Chapter 1!
Jamie & Lydia: WHAT?!
f-teardrops: What what?
Lydia: You can't end the chapter now!
Jamie: Yes, yes! What did Syaoran and Sakura find? What happened to Kero? What about the Sweet and Sleep Card still out in the kitchen, which is covered in sugar, by the way, and Touya, who's still sleeping, and Sakura's dad, who I assume is still at work?!
Lydia: Good memory!
Jamie: Why thank you. ^_^
f-teardrops: Don't worry. I'll explain everything in the next chapter. Sorry for the first one---sort of boring, I agree, but it'll get better!
Lydia: That's good news.
Jamie: Yay! Let's all cheer for the next chapter! *Pulls pompoms from thin air* Chapter 2! Chapter 2! Chapter 2! Come on! Give me a "C"!
Lydia: C for crazy?
Jamie: No, C for Ch---hey!
Lydia: Heehee. See ya! *runs away*
Jamie: Nobody insults me and gets away with it! Come back here! *runs after Lydia angrily waving her pompoms*
f-teardrops: Since when did Jamie become a cheerleader? O_o
Jamie: Hyah! Feel my wrath! Pompom Attack! *throws pompoms at Lydia, who dodges them*
f-teardrops: *Ahem* It looks like my friends are having fun in this world. Well, bye until next chapter!
*A red curtain falls on this page, emblazoned with the golden letters T.B.C: To Be Continued*