All xxxHolic characters and plot elements © CLAMP
A/N: What you are about to read is actually the first xxxHolic fanfic I ever conceived, way back in July of 2009. Lots of complications (some of which were my own fault) caused it to be perpetually stuck in the planning phase, and it wasn't until late last year that I actually moved forward with it. Then when the disappointing final chapter of the manga was released, this story got a huge shot in the arm as I saw a chance to give these beloved characters the kind of in-depth treatment they so richly deserved.
Special thanks to CLAMP for creating xxxHolic and leaving so many unanswered questions, my dear friend Axey for his contributions and putting up with my writing woes, and a certain someone whose sound advice played a big part in getting this story off the ground. You don't know who he is, but I do.
~Miss Shad
PRELUDE:
It is said that beneath the chaos we perceive lies, in fact, an elaborate and exceptional order, with all its components intricately connected in a veritable web. And although each strand of this web is exquisite in its own right, the true spectacle appears when we can catch a glimpse of how each strand affects the others, in what ways, and for what purpose.
And no one knew this better than Yuko Ichihara.
She sat on the front porch of her shop in silence, clad in a simple kimono; neither plain nor ugly, but nonetheless quite different from her usual lavish attire. Her eyes were fixed on the large cherry blossom tree; her thoughts were fixed on who had been laid to rest underneath it many years before.
Her son.
With a heavy sigh she looked away, watching the smoke from her pipe mingle with the warm air. Round about her was quiet, with petals from the cherry blossom gently drifting toward the ground.
"At last, it has all been set into motion," she said to herself. "Syaoran's decision was made, altering the course of events in this world permanently." She took another long drag on her pipe.
"But one thing in this world cannot be changed without affecting all that surrounds it. And because of the alterations Syaoran caused, one who originally did not exist will soon be born."
At the thought of this new entity, Yuko closed her eyes and lowered her head in sorrow.
"His life is certain to be a harsh one. Which is why he must rely on the people he will meet to heal and guide his troubled heart."
She opened her eyes.
"Including myself. And I will not lose him as I lost my own."
She looked upwards, the radiant moonlight reflecting in her eyes.
"Didn't I promise that…Clow?"