Revenge, a dish best served bent

Ahh yes, so this sequel pretty much takes up right from where 'Gender Bender' left off, so go on and read "G.B." if you haven't already otherwise this won't make any sense whatsoever…go no shoo….Now for those that have already read it, welcome to 'Revenge, A Dish best Served Bent'. There's, obviously, going to be revenge…and I haven't really decided what else, but it shall be fun!! Ohh and expect some OOC…I try…I really do try to make them in character, but I envision them as 15-year-olds with slightly different personalities than what they had as 10 year-olds. Not too different…but a bit more…grown-up…(depending on your definition) So just…keep that in mind…and above all enjoy it! This is for entertainment, and hopefully I've done my job and written something you'll all have fun reading! Anyway, you all know I don't own squat, so I'll get on with things…

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Syaoran's POV:

They should have seen it coming.

No one, not even the always-cheerful Sakura, could put up with that sort of treatment and come off without at least a hint of animosity. They must have seen it coming. I mean check the profile.

One is the reincarnation of one of the most powerful sorcerers of all time. He's the king of evil things to do to people, so he should have recognized the signs. He knows things that normal 15-year-olds shouldn't know. When he looks at you, you have the overwhelming feeling that he's reading you, that he's listening to your thoughts (and half the time he actually is…) and that's when you start getting paranoid. When he fixes you with that stare and smiles, you just know he's planning something evil.

But anyway, the point is that he knows everything, or he likes to think he knows everything, so therefore, in conclusion, he should have seen it coming.

The other is Sakura's long time best friend. They have known each other a very long time. They're cousins for Pete's sake…But anyway, one thing I know is that when you've known someone for so long, you learn and become accustomed to how they behave. You know what the subtle changes in body language or facial expressions mean. She, of all people should have seen it coming.

And I don't think it's possible for anyone not to feel at least a little spiteful if they are constantly dressed up and video taped like some living mannequin.

So the point I'm trying to establish here is that they should have seen it coming a mile away.

But they didn't, and that just makes things so much more entertaining.

I was pacing back and forth in my lounge room. A distraught Tomoyo was sitting on the couch next to a distraught-but-not-showing-it Eriol. Tomoyo was sobbing and mumbling something about how I was being mean and nasty and how they were just joking and that they don't deserve this.

Huh.

This isn't just for that 'Gender Dance' prank they pulled…oooohhh no. I have bigger fish to fry. Now I'm not, contrary to what people might think, a very spiteful person, but as I mentioned before, there is only so much a person can take. This will be for all the times, all those years, I have been deliberately embarrassed in front of Sakura with that damn camera blinking and whirring in the background.

Oh, I'm going to enjoy this.

I glanced at Tomoyo and Eriol, our newest victims of the Gender card. As it had done with Sakura, Tomoyo's hair had shortened, almost to a point of being cropped. I would have liked it to be a mullet, just to drive the metaphorical dagger in a bit further, but I really couldn't complain. Tomoyo no longer fit into her little feminine outfits. She looked rather uncomfortable at the moment, but I'd get her something to fix that. They are, after all, my guests, and I have been taught that you should always be a good host and make your guests as comfortable as possible. And if that means a change of clothes then I am happy to oblige…

Mwaa-haa-haa-haa…

Eriol, on the other hand was looking as stoic as usual, but I could tell by the way 'his' left eyelid kept twitching that 'he' was just stewing inside. Eriol had long hair down to 'his' waist, and like I had when I was changed, had longer eyelashes, and softer features.

And 'he' was now about a foot shorter than I was.

It just brings a tear of joy to your eye doesn't it?

I continued my pacing, and shot a glance at Sakura. Apart from the obvious fact that she was tired, and was starting to show it, there was something else that made me stop in my tracks and kneel in front of her.

"Sakura…are you okay?"

She blinked, her face devoid of emotion and nodded (but only slightly)…and that was all.

Something was up…something was definitely up. I know Sakura well enough to know that Sakura has never had a face completely void of emotion.

95% of the time she's smiling. The other 4.5% is for other things like shock, fear, confusion etc, and the tiny 0.5% is for anger, because Sakura is generally only angry with Touya.

But her face was just blank. It was freaking the hell out of me.

Ignoring the two sad individuals on the couch, I reached up and waved a hand in front of Sakura's face. "Sakura? You there?…Hello?"

Nothing at first, then she blinked, and her eyes seemed to focus back on the room. She blinked again and fixed me with a calculated gaze. "Can I speak to you in private for a minute Syaoran."

I blinked and stood up. "Uh sure…where?"

"Bedroom"

I heard a snort behind me, and whipped my head around to glare at the culprit. Eriol quickly looked away and stared at 'his' hands.

I followed Sakura into my bedroom and watched her curiously as she closed the door behind her and leaned up against it, arms crossed. She chewed her lip and looked at me with the same calculating gaze she had used before. "Syaoran?"

My accursed voice squeaked for no apparent reason. "y-E-s"

"Do you still have that present Meilin gave you as a gag when she visited last time?"

I frowned, partially in confusion at why she was asking, and partly in frustration as I thought of the 'gift' in question. "Uh yeah…I think so…why?"

She merely raised an eyebrow, probably the first emotion I had really seen on her face for about 30 minutes.

Meilin made it a habit to visit us at least once a year, and last year her plane had been delayed by bad weather. So she had spent the time browsing through the various gift shops and duty-free stores that are so common in airport's.

And she had seen 'it'.

I will never know what possessed the person to make 'it' in the first place.

But Meilin had thought it was a riot.

I took the look as a gesture to find the item in question. She followed behind me as I went over to my spacious cupboard. "It'll probably be in one of the boxes, Meilin wouldn't let me throw it out so I did the next best thing and hid it in here."

Sakura nodded and pulled out the box in front of her. "It was a sort of green colour wasn't it?"

I frowned and pulled out another box. "…yeah…sort of…baby puke green…"

"Ah…that's right…"

I shuffled through the boxes of assorted junk, books, old clothes I've grown out off (includes my robes) etc, and paused. "Just why exactly are we looking for this anyway?"

Sakura looked at me and smiled, but it wasn't the smile that could light a room and clear a stormy sky. No…this was a smile, an evil smile that would put Eriol to shame.

"I think Tomoyo needs a change of outfit, after all, she was kind enough to do the same for you and I…"

Then she found it.

I looked from her satisfied smirk to the garment in her hand. I couldn't help feel a little scared.

"Okay, who are you and what did you do with Sakura?" This wasn't the Sakura I had fallen in love with, although, I'd be lying if I said this side of her didn't appeal to me. It was almost like all those years of repressed teenageism had finally caught up with her and was now strong enough to actually make Sakura moody.

She looked slightly piqued. "Don't be stupid Syaoran, I am perfectly capable of a little revenge as much as the next person."

I glanced at the object in her hand and mumbled under my breath, "Jeez, I'd hate to see what you'd consider a lot of revenge…"

She smiled, showing far too many teeth than was good for my composure. "What was that?"

"Uh, nothing…" I busied myself and shuffled through the box in front of me again. "So, Almighty Queen of the Universe and bestower of revenge to those that must be smoten, what else do you have in mind?"

She smirked slightly at the comment then replied, "Well, I was going to quickly fly over to my place and pick something 'nice' up for Eriol, you are going to find something that clashes horribly with this." I watched as she waved the aforementioned garment in front of me, then dropped it on my lap. Finding something that clashes wasn't going to be difficult.

"Then when I come back we'll think of something else to do to them…" She paused, looked thoughtful, then finished. "And we'll get it all on tape."

I blinked, then rested my hand on her forehead. "Are you sure you're alright?"

She batted my hand away and glared at me with slight annoyance, "Don't be silly Syaoran, of course I'm alright, I just want to make sure they never pull anything like this again…"

"Oh…okay then…"

"…ever…"

"…Right."

"…Even their children's children will instinctively know never to pull a stunt like that ever to our children's children…"

"::Blink, blush:: Our children's children?"

Sakura sighed slightly in exasperation. "I didn't mean that literally Syaoran, please try and keep up…" She stood and went to get her cards.

I mumbled under my breath, "…I wouldn't mind…"

She stopped shuffling through her cards and looked up. "What was that?" I blushed bright red and quickly replied, "Nothing! It was nothing…"

"Well, okay then." She quickly summoned her wand and called out the fly card, the wings appearing on her back. I glanced outside and noticed that it was still raining outside, but not as hard as it was previously. Few people would be outside so she wouldn't have been seen. "Aren't you going to get wet?" She walked out onto my balcony, pushed off of the ground and hovered. "I'll use shield, and I won't be gone long…I think that pink and black cat costume should suffice."

"Pink? I thought it was cyber rose…"
Sakura's eyebrow rose as she summoned the shield; it wrapped her in a translucent bubble. "Cyber rose?"

I shrugged, "I dunno, something I heard somewhere…do you think it will fit him…errr…her…uhh…it?"

"Oh yeah, I suppose it probably wouldn't would it…::shrug:: I'll just find something pink and frilly then"

I smirked. "Sounds good…be back quick though, I don't like the idea of being stuck alone with them."

She flew over the balcony rail and looked back. "You have Kero don't you?"

I replied in a slightly sarcastic tone, "Oh yeah, like he's good company…"

She giggled then flew off, the shield keeping her dry. "See you in a minute."

I waved and called back, "Bye!" then sighed as I watched her soar out of sight.

I noted with slight irritation with myself, that the sigh was notably wistful. Heck, I wouldn't have been surprised if little pink hearts suddenly appeared and started floating around my head.

I rubbed my face with my hand and sighed deeply, "…I need help…" and walked back into my bedroom to look for something hideous to go with the shirt.

The pants I came up with were once again a 'gift' from Meilin…something she had wanted me to wear for a Halloween party one year…

I tossed the mostly completed outfit on the bed and wandered into the kitchen; ignoring the sobbing Tomoyo and the calm looking Eriol, and went over to my open fridge.

Kero was snoring loudly on the floor; his face was smeared with chocolate and a small mountain of wrappers surrounded him. I sucked in a breath, closed my eyes, then let it out slowly.

He had eaten my stash…he had eaten my whole stash.

Making a fool out of me is one thing, eating my chocolate is another.

Kero was going to pay.

I snickered evilly to myself and walked past the still sobbing Tomoyo and the-all-too-calm-looking Eriol and entered my room.

My smirk turned malicious when I saw the Sakura book lying innocently on the bedside table.

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Sakura's POV:

It only took me a few minutes to fly back home, then only a few seconds to find an outfit that was suitable for Eriol. I tucked the bright pink frilly dress into a bag and jumped back out my window, heading back to Syaoran's apartment. It was still raining, I was honestly getting sick of the weather. Was it too much to ask for a little sun? It was starting to clear up though, so I suppose I'd just have to be patient. I had been about half way back when I felt my magic start to respond to something coming from the apartment complex I was heading for. It happened every time my cards were used by someone other than me. That didn't happen often, and it was usually only by Syaoran; like before when he used 'The Gender' on Tomoyo and Eriol.

Come to think of it, it felt like 'The Gender' was being used again…but why? Syaoran was the one that started the whole revenge thing, and it wouldn't be like him to back down on something like this.

I frowned and picked up my pace. The apartment complex came into view a few seconds later and I landed silently on the balcony, calling back 'The Shield' and 'The Fly' and caught them in my hand as the glowing dimmed. It was as I was walking into his room that I noticed a number of things. Firstly, Syaoran was sitting cross-legged on his bed looking immensely pleased with himself with the completed outfit at his feet. Secondly, I couldn't hear Tomoyo sobbing anymore…but that was mainly because it was drowned out by the ferocious growling coming form the other side of Syaoran's closed bedroom door. Thirdly; probably coming form the same thing that was making the growling noises, was the door which was shuddering violently, as would happen if someone was ramming themselves up against it and trying to scratch their way through the wood. The last thing I noticed as of yet was that Syaoran had put up a shield of his magic which apparently I could only get through, so no matter how many times the thing in the hall rammed itself against the door, it wouldn't be able to get in.

I crossed my arms and quirked an eyebrow. "Did you use one of my cards while I was gone?"

Syaoran looked guilty for a second "Well, uhh…yeah…"

My expression didn't change, "…and it wasn't to change them back was it" For reference, it was more a statement than a question. The growling voice was vaguely recognizable.

…And I choose the word vaguely for a reason…

~~~~~~~~~Minor Time Gap~~~~~~~

I've always known that Syaoran has a soft spot for chocolate, but what I didn't really know was that he has a stash of it that he hordes and guards like a dragon does her treasure. So in other words, no one touches it but him unless you want to face the dire consequences. Kero unfortunately found that out the hard way.

If it isn't already obvious, guess who Syaoran used 'The Gender' on…?

Kero hates being called the stuffed animal…but now…it really suits him…err…her.

Pink is stereotypically seen as a female colour, as is a higher pitched voice and the longer (or addition of) eyelashes. Kero, if that name was really appropriate anymore, was no longer the golden winged lion...in either form. Kero in his false form, was now an attractive shade of pink. 'He' had a few very noticeable eyelashes sprouting from 'his' little black eyes. 'His' voice now resembled that of a chipmunk. In 'His' true form, 'his' voice was deeper, but still recognizable as that of a females. 'His' pink colouring was darker…more violet, but still something you'd stereotypically associate with those that possess that extra 'x' chromosome.

And 'he' was not happy.

Hence the shielding of Syaoran's room.

Keroberos, the pinky/violet coloured winged lioness was actively trying to rip her way into Syaoran's bedroom, probably to remove Syaorans head from its position on Syaoran's neck so that it can then be shoved up Syaoran's only other available orifice.

"So, he ate your chocolate…and you use the Gender card on him…"

"What's wrong with that? It's not just the chocolate; it's the principle of the thing. The stupid stuffed animal has no right to just go into my fridge and eat everything in sight!" Syaoran crossed his arms and looked defensive. "He had it coming."

This conversation was going nowhere. "Look, I'm going to change him back okay…we're supposed to only be doing something to Tomoyo and Eriol…"

Syaoran watched me for a second, realized I wasn't about to give in, scowled and pouted slightly then mumbled. "Whatever, they're your cards…"

I blinked. I couldn't believe it…Syaoran was sulking. It was like I had just snapped his favourite sword or something. I sighed. "Look, we've got a whole day to do nasty things to our friends, leave Kero alone okay?"

I took his silence for a 'yes' and went to let Kero out of the shield I had confined 'him' to. "I'm going to change you back Kero, so no maiming Syaoran."

Kero huffed and hovered in the air. "Fine…but I can't guarantee that I mightn't accidentally drop him bound and gagged off a cliff."

"Kero"

"Fine fine, I'll throw him of a cliff not bound and gagged…give the brat a fighting chance, happy?"

I smirked. "That's better" Ignoring the look Syaoran gave me, I summoned the card to me and got it to change Kero back. Now that that little fiasco was sorted, we could get back to business. I sent Kero home, (as to avoid any other spats between the guardian beast and the little wolf) and turned my attention to the pants that Syaoran had chosen to go with the 'oh so attractive' top. I have yet to mention what the top in question actually looks like. But I suppose now is a good as any to divulge.

You've seen those articles of clothing at airports and various other tourist attractions that have the catch phrase "I love _(insert country/state/attraction)_" right? Well apparently someone thought they'd be different. The 'baby puke green' coloured top; a men's tank top to be specific had the words, "Too hot for Hong Kong" emblazoned on the front in big black letters. Something like that just screams 'fashion statement' now doesn't it?

…ahem…

Anyway, getting back to the pants to uhh-compliment-the top…

My eyebrow rose on its own accord. "Umm…why do you have candy-striped flares?"

Syaorans cheeks turned an interesting shade of pink, his voice sounding slightly strangled "It was Meilin's idea, it was for a Halloween costume last year…she wanted me to go as someone from the 70's."

"Oh, so when you said you were sick and couldn't come that year, it was really because you didn't want to look like an idiot…"

Syaoran's expression was completely innocent "No, I was really sick…it was just a lucky coincidence."

"Uhh…" I shook my head and laid the pink and frilly outfit I had chosen for Eriol to wear (a costume I had to wear for one of Tomoyo's video's) out on the bed next to Tomoyo's fashion faux pas. "So, next is names…what should we refer to them from now on?"

Syaoran grinned and winked at me. "I've already thought of that…how does 'Tom' for Tomoyo, and 'Eli' for Eriol sound to you?"

I blushed slightly at the wink. * What's gotten into him? He's starting to act like Eriol…hmm maybe he's just getting into the spirit of things…not that I'm complaining…*

I pushed back the blush and smirked. "Eli and Tom…perfect…" I giggled and bundled the clothes into my arms and bounced out the room. Tomoyo and Eriol glanced up and watched me warily as I leaped in and deposited the garments on their laps. Tomoyo's blotchy red tear stained face went white as 'she' picked up the shirt. 'Her' mouth opened and closed for a few seconds, seemingly unable to put words to 'her' current thoughts. I smiled cheerfully as Eriol; ignoring the pink bundle in front of 'him', rose an eyebrow and gazed at Syaoran thoughtfully as he strolled out of his bedroom. "Candy-striped flares descendent?"

Syaoran blushed and yelled out. "THEY WERE FOR HALLOWEEN OKAY!" Eriol dropped the pants back on Tomoyo's lap and adjusted 'his' glasses. "Whatever you say descendent, whatever you say…"

I placed a hand on Syaoran's arm to calm him down; I actually wanted Eriol to be conscious for the rest of the day. I felt him tense up and relax. Smiling I turned to Eriol and Tomoyo. "Well go on, get changed…"

Tomoyo and Eriol glanced at each other; it almost looked as though they were having a silent conversation with each other, then got up and left the room.

I gave Syaoran's arm a squeeze; I still had my hand on his arm, and said with a grin, "Well, let the fun begin"

Syaoran had a strange look on his face for a second, but it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared and he smiled. "Yes…let the fun begin…"

~~~~~~~~~

Hmm, I think I'll leave it at that…I was going to make it one chapter (i.e. the whole story one chapter) but I think I'll put this out and leave it at that for a while…::has evil 'I have plans' look on face…ehehehehe…All I'll say is the next chapter involves more revenge, using the lock card, a photo and a few illusions…and I'm thinking of squeezing in a bit of romance for everyone's favourite couple too ^-^

Ohh, in case anyone was wondering, I heard somewhere that the pink in the cat costume being referred to as 'cyber rose' was a Madison dubber thing…so I thought I might throw that little pun in…but then again it might have been in the original too, in which case the pun doesn't make sense…well that's my excuse anyway. Ummm I think that's about it…so ciao till next time when the insanity shall continue!!

StarDragon ^-^