Episode One: Tears of Destiny
Xiao Lang heard his voice being called in the night. He slowly opened his sleepy eyes, and gazed in to his father's face.
"Xiao Lang, you must get up quickly! We must go to the hospital!"
Syaoran said. Xiao Lang sat up, and rubbed his eyes.
"Daddy, what's happening?"
Syaoran picked up his young son, and put him on to the floor.
"Your mother is going to have a baby. Do you want to come or not? Kero and Yue can look after you if you don't want to."
Xiao Lang imagined Yue's cold face and grimaced.
"I'll come."
Xiao Lang padded over to his closet, and put on a pair of jeans. He grabbed a tee shirt, and followed his father down the stairs. Sakura was waiting at the door, a suitcase under her arm. Syaoran took her arm, and opened the front door. Syaoran opened the door of the car, and let Sakura in. He went to the other side, and let himself in. Xiao Lang opened the passenger door and buckled himself in. Syaoran put the car in to gear, and backed out of the long driveway. Xiao Lang looked out the window, then fell asleep. He remembered his father carrying him out of the car, but he couldn't remember anything else.
Xiao Lang woke up a few hours later, on a blue plastic chair. His father's coat was around him, and he looked around the room. His father was looking through a window, and they were in the hospital. Xiao Lang rubbed his eyes, and stood up. A lady with dark grey hair sat beside him, and pulled him back on to the seat. She was wearing a long, pale blue dress, and moved as if she was floating.
"Sakura will be coming out soon. Just wait for two more minutes,"the lady said, and looked over to where Syaoran was walking up and down the hallway, "Syaoran, sit down! Pacing never helped anybody." Syaoran rolled his eyes, but sat down beside Xiao Lang. A few minutes later, the door of the delivery room opened, and Sakura was brought out in a wheelchair. She held a pink bundle in her arms, and grinned when she saw Syaoran. Syaoran came over to Sakura, and she handed him the bundle. It was a tiny baby, and it held out a chubby arm towards Syaoran. It grabbed on to his finger and cooed. Syaoran knelt down to Sakura, and they kissed.
"It's a girl. The doctor said that she is really healthy."
Sakura said, smiling.
"What will we call her?"
Syaoran asked her. Xiao Lang had come up behind them, and was looking over Sakura's shoulders.
"Mom, why don't you name her like Grandma? You always tell me stories about her."
Xiao Lang said. Sakura looked behind her, and smiled at her son.
"What do you think?"
She asked Syaoran. Syaoran smiled.
"It's perfect. Xiao Lang, would you like to hold Nadeshiko?"
Xiao Lang nodded, and he passed Nadeshiko to him. She was heavy, and squirmed in his arms. Her eyes were scrunched up, and she was letting out a loud howl. She was waving her arms around, and grabbed Xiao Lang's finger. She giggled, and Xiao Lang passed her back to his mother.
"She's kind of cute, I guess."
Sakura looked down at her tiny daughter, who had her arms up by her head. She grabbed at Sakura's throught, and got hold of her necklace. The Star key was in her hands, and she giggled again. She opened her eyes, and Sakura looked down at her. She gasped and looked at Syaoran.
"Look at her eyes!" Syaoran looked down, and gasped as well. They were black, that faded in to a dusty rose colour.
"I've never seen anyone with pink eyes. Is she all right?"
Sakura asked Syaoran frantically. Syaoran shrugged.
"I have no idea, but the doctor did say that nothing was wrong, right?"
Sakura nodded, and held Nadeshiko closer to her.
***5 Years Later***
"Nadeshiko! Come back!"
Sakura called, as her daughter ran around the yard. She giggled, and walked under the cherry tree. The blossoms were falling, and they landed on her dark hair. She twirled around, and laughed when her mom came under the tree as well.
"Nadeshiko, would you like to come with me to Aunt Tomoyo's house with me? I'll be leaving in about five minutes, so go and get your shoes on. Oh, Nadeshiko, while you're downstairs, can you grab my purse?"
Sakura asked, and walked up the steps that led on to the first floor of their large house. Nadeshiko ran up behind her, and opened the sliding door that led to the basement. She took off her shoes, and put on her bunny slippers. She ran in to her mom's workplace, where she had last seen her mother's purse last. She saw it on the table, and put it over her head. Bunches of papers littered the work table, and tons of old books were open to different places, describing strange symbols. On the worktable, one book wasn't opened and she pulled it towards her. It was pale pink, with golden symbols on the front. There was a lock on the front, but it was already open. She opened the book up, and there was a pile of cards inside. She stared at the designs on the back, and lifted her hand up to touch them. The cards started to glow, and her eyes became black. The cards filed out of the book and floated around her. They all started to glow, and beams of golden light shot out towards Nadeshiko. A golden circle appeared on the ground, and great gusts of wind ruffled her hair. She blinked, and her eyes turned back to their regular shade of rose. She shrieked in surprise, and tried to step off the circle, but she was stuck. She raised her hands above her head, and knelt on the ground. She started to sob, and the light just kept on getting brighter. Suddenly, the lights retracted back in to the cards, and they were all sparkling. They filed into the book, and she raised her face. Her eyes were purple, and her hair was a pale blonde, a colour unheard of where she came from. She dropped the book on the ground, and wiped her eyes. She ran up the stairs, and took one last glance at the book. It looked normal, but she was terrified of it. She ran up the rest of the stairs, and grabbed her mom, who was waiting outside the door.
"What took you so long?"
Sakura asked Nadeshiko. Nadeshiko buried her head in her mom's dress, and just shook her head. Sakura smiled, and started to walk down the street. Nadeshiko was holding on to the folds of her dress, and Sakura smiled down at her. She gasped in shock.
"Nadeshiko, what happened? Why is your hair so light?"
Sakura asked, kneeling down beside her daughter.
"I...I... Mommy, watch out!"
Nadeshiko screamed in fright. Sakura grabbed Nadeshiko, and rolled on the ground, just as a sword struck the spot where she was standing. Sakura picked Nadeshiko up, and started to run away. She could feel threads of magic drifting past her face, and could faintly make out a wall of glittering light. She stopped, and turned quickly around. A young girl, no more than 17 years of age, stood in front of her. She had deep black hair, darker than the darkest of nights. She would have been considered pretty, if only she hadn't tarnished her beauty with a frown. She smirked at Sakura, and held up her sword. She cocked her head, and gave a large smile to Nadeshiko, she was staring at her.
"Do you recognise this? I find these cards fascinating, but I really had to change the colour. Pink is just not my colour."
She said, in a low, menacing voice. Sakura gasped, and took out her key. She raised it up in front of her and spoke the magic words.
"Oh key of the star, with powers burning bright, reveal the staff and shine your light. Release!!!"
The key spun around, and lengthened in to the star staff. She twirled it around her head with one hand, and pointed it at the girl.
"Who are you? And why do you have the Sword Card?"
Sakura demanded to the girl. The girl smiled.
"Why does it matter? You will be dead soon enough."
She lunged at Sakura, bringing her sword up to point at Sakura's chest. Sakura took a hasty step backwards, and had to lean forward so as not to fall down. The sword ripped in to her right shoulder, easily slicing through her bone. She cried out in pain, and dropped her staff. She gritted her teeth, and knelt down to pick up the staff. Nadeshiko was sobbing loudly, and had her face buried in her mother's dress. Sakura hoped she could hold on to her neck until she could get them both to safety. Sakura raised her wand in to the air, and called forth the sword card. The girl lunged for Sakura again, and Sakura blocked the sword. The two sword cards met, and they both broke in half. The girl threw down her sword in disgust, and the sword turned back in to a card. A different staff from the one Sakura was holding appeared on the ground, and the girl picked it up. It was black and purple, and it was twisted and tarnished with age. In the middle of the half circle at the top of the staf was an eight pointed star that was a pale white, with grey shadows dancing like the eyes of its owner. Sakura's sword turned in to her staff, and she swallowed in pain.
"Nadeshiko, did you see the Pink Book on the table"
She asked her daughter. She sniffed, and nodded slowly. Sakura knelt down, and placed Nadeshiko on the ground.
"Nadeshiko, did anything happen while you were with the book?"
Nadeshiko nodded again, and a tear fell down her wet cheeks.
"What happened?"
Sakura asked her desperately. Nadeshiko sat down on the ground, and looked up at the ravaged face of Sakura.
"I opened the book because the big lion wasn't on the front, so I thought it was a different book. I was going to pick one of the cards up, but they turned all yellow, and started twirling around. I couldn't do anything and...and... it felt like something was being pulled out of me. I didn't mean to!"
She started to sob again, and Sakura gave her a quick hug.
"Nadeshiko, can you please help me? When I grab your hand, concentrate on giving me your power. Please try at least, okay?" Nadeshiko nodded, and Sakura struggled to stand up, but couldn't. The girl was standing in front of Sakura, and she was holding a Clow card in her hand. She threw it up in the air, and touched her staff to it. A shadowy woman stood in front of the girl, and started to walk towards Sakura. She stopped, and the girl yelled,
"What are you doing? Get her now!"
The shadow looked between the two woman, and she bowed her head. She started walking towards Sakura, and Sakura grabbed her daughter's hand.
"I'm so sorry, Nadeshiko. It's the only way."
Sakura closed her eyes, and concentrated on getting the four elemental cards to her. Nadeshiko had closed her eyes as well, and her white hair swirled around behind her. She glowed with a pale purple light, and Sakura glowed in pink. Suddenly, four cards appeared in front of Sakura, and she slowly opened her eyes. Her breathing was ragged, and she knew she could not hold on much longer with the amount of blood lost, and how much magic she was using to protect her daughter. Slowly, she brought her staff up to meet the cards, and called out.
"Windy, Watery, Firey, Earthy, release and dispel! Work together to save Nadeshiko!"
The four women blasted out of the cards, and wrapped around the lady. The lady screamed in pain and rage, and stretched a hand towards Nadeshiko. She placed one black fingernail against her cheek, and slowly slid the nail downwards. A line of bright red blood appeared on her cheek, and she cried out. Sakura grabbed Nadeshiko, and pulled her away from the out reached lady. Sakura's last bit of strength was used up and she fell to the ground. Nadeshiko sat up, and looked at her mom, who wasn't moving at all. The lady was wet, burnt, windblown and covered in dirt and vines. The lady was laughing, a sound that was quiet, but steadily grew louder and louder. Nadeshiko stared at the lady, and she stopped laughing. A shadow passed over her eyes, as she stared in to Nadeshiko's own. She shook her head, and grinned.
"Your next"
The lady said shallowly.
She pulled a card out of her sleeve, and threw it up in to the air. It spun around, and black shadows twirled around her body. She slowly started to disappear, and the sound of her laughter faded away as well. The force field that was around her slowly faded away, leaving only a slight glimmer behind. Rain suddenly fell on her, leaving her wet and cold. She crawled her way over to her mother, who was laying on her side. Her shoulder had stopped bleeding, and her eyes had turned a dull shade of grey, and stared straight ahead. Her dark skin was pale, and it was turning as grey as her eyes. Nadeshiko stared at her mother, and placed both her hands on her mothers side. They started to glow a pale purple, but started to change as grief overcame her. The purple turned to brown, and in turn turned in to a pale green. Nadeshiko bent over her mother, and began to wail, a high pitched shriek that was heard for miles around, and where it wasn't heard, it was felt, as if one person had the power to create grief for everyone else. As she sobbed, she didn't notice that she was covered in a glowing green light, that steadily grew darker as Sakura's life ebbed away.
***
A few blocks away, Tomoyo was serving lunch to her three children, Michiyo, Yoshi and Tamacka. Yamazacki had just walked in, and was surprised when Michiyo screamed, and backed her chair right in to her father.
"Michiyo, whatever is the matter?"
Tomoyo asked in surprise. Michiyo ran over to Tomoyo, and started sobbing on her shoulder. Tomoyo smoothed her hair, and asked her again what was wrong. She wiped her eyes and choked out.
"Sakura. She's... gone."
Tomoyo's eyes widened, and she gave a short gasp. She ran out the door, and Michiyo ran after her. The two little boys started to run after their mother, but Yamazacki placed a hand on both their heads. He frowned, and shook his head.
"Leave them alone. You are too little to understand all that is going on."
Tomoyo ran around a corner, followed by her eldest, Michiyo. They saw Nadeshiko laying on top of Sakura, and Tomoyo thought that she was gone as well. They walked closer, and both saw the dark green light that surrounded the little girl. She was sobbing piteously now, and her whole body was shaking Tomoyo's eyes filled with tears as she heard her, and knelt over the still body of her best friend.
"No. This can't happen. You're so young. Why?"
Tomoyo said, shaking her head. Nadeshiko looked up, and saw Tomoyo beside her. She wiped her eyes, and slowly crawled over to Tomoyo.
"The black lady didn't want us around."
She said, and gave Tomoyo a tight hug. Michiyo was crying quietly, and had knelt beside her mother. She tapped her mother on the shoulder and Tomoyo turned to look at her. She whispered quietly to her, and Tomoyo took a cell phone out of her coat. Michiyo wiped her eyes, then punched in the numbers to phone Syaoran.
Ú?? *** Syaoran was teaching Xiao Lang a fighting stance when the phone rang.
"Xiao Lang take a break. I'll get the phone." Syaoran draped a towel over his shoulders, and grabbed the portable phone that was on the patio. He picked it up, and pressed the TALK button.
"Hello?"
He asked, and he was answered by silence. He was about to turn the phone off, when he heard a sound at the other end.
"Hello?"
He asked again, and finally he heard an answering voice.
"Li-sensei?"
Michiyo called over the phone, her voice choked. Syaoran could feel the pain in her voice, and instantly knew something was wrong.
"Michiyo, what's wrong?"
He heard her take a ragged breath, and he prepared himself for the worst.
"I'm so sorry Li-sensei, I'm so sorry!" She broke down and started to sob, and he heard the phone on the other end drop on the ground.
***
Michiyo dropped the phone on the wet ground, and she covered her face with her hands. Tomoyo was holding Nadeshiko, who had cried herself to sleep. She stretched her fingers out and grabbed the phone. She held it up to her ear with a trembling hand.
"Syaoran, I have some bad news."
Ú?? ***
Syaoran swallowed the lump that was in his throught and closed his eyes.
"I'm listening, Tomoyo."
He said, fear penetrating every aspect of his voice.
"Syaoran, Sakura... she... she... oh god, phone an ambulance! I'm so stupid! I was thinking about Nadeshiko and I forgot..."
Syaoran heard Tomoyo burst in to tears, and tears filled his eyes.
"Tomoyo, where are you! I can't call an ambulance if I can't find you!"
He yelled, his voice filled with pain and rage.
"We're on the corner of Shady Oak. But Syaoran, I think it's too late...."
The connection broke off, and Syaoran dropped the phone. Xiao Lang had come in to the room, and hugged his father. He had tears running down his face.
"It's mother, isn't it? I... I knew as soon as Tomoyo phoned. She's right. There's no need for an ambulance."
His last words were choked up, and Syaoran grabbed his son in a tight embrace. Their tears intermingled, weeping for the one that was loved so much, by all.
Yukito was woken up by a loud knock on his door. He sat up, and ran over to the door. He opened it up, and Tomoyo stood in the doorway, the still form of Sakura in her arms. She passed Sakura to Yukito, and slowly to the floor, her hands on her knees, and her head bent over.
"I thought you would know what to do. I... I had to phone Syaoran."
She started to sob again, and her daughter had to step around her to come inside the apartment. She held Nadeshiko, whose face was grubby with dried tears. Yukito walked in to his living room, and placed Sakura on the living room couch. She was completely grey, pale and colourless. Yukito brushed away tears and took Nadeshiko from Michiyo. Suddenly, a symbol appeared on the floor, and two large wings spread out from his back. The wings folded together, concealing Yukito. The wings opened, revealing a very tall figure dressed all in white. He looked over to Sakura, and slowly closed his eyes.
"This should not have happened. She is stronger than even my first master now, but still she suffered the same fate."
Suddenly, his eyes opened wide, and he took a step backwards.
"The Star Cards! What will happen? They were never sealed away in the book."
Tomoyo looked at Yue, who was pacing restlessly.
"What will happen to you? Can you survive on Sakura's star by itself now?"
Yue shook his head.
"I'm afraid not. Because the book was not sealed, I cannot reside there. For the meantime, I can be Yukito, but soon the power in Sakura's star will dwindle. When that happens, Yukito will be no more."
Tomoyo lowered her eyes, as tears welled up again.
"So we will lose two of you, not just one."
"In the future, possibly. We can prevent that by Keroberos choosing a new master, one that is as strong as Sakura is," Yue sighed, and became as cold as ice, "was."
He stood in the corner, and would not talk to anyone. Tomoyo picked up his phone, and called the ambulance.
Everyone had fallen asleep, exhausted by the events that day. A few minutes before, the ambulance had arrived, and took Sakura's body away. The noise woke Nadeshiko up, and she looked around the room. Michiyo had her arms around her, and she gently wriggled away. She stepped over Tomoyo's legs, and opened the curtains to the window. It was still raining, but she could see the tops of many different coloured umbrella's. She put her head on the cool glass, and tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked them back, and stubbornly stared at the falling rain. She heard someone behind her, and wasn't startled when a hand was put on her shoulder.
"It has been a long while."
Yue said, and Nadeshiko twirled around. A man with long white hair, and chilly blue eyes was staring at her. She was slightly scared, but summoned her courage, and stood up to her tallest. She didn't even come up to his waist, but it made her feel better.
"I don't know what you are talking about! I've never met you before!"
The tall man knelt down and looked in to Nadeshiko's eyes. There was something familiar about his eyes, but she couldn't quite place it.
"I know! You're Yuki! But, you don't look like Yuki..."
She started to pout, confused by her feelings. An unatural smile lit up Yue's face, making his features seem not quite as cold.
"It does not matter, I am Yukito, in a way. You can call me Yue."
She cocked her head at him, and put a finger on her chin.
"Yue, huh? I think I heard Mama talking about you with Kero once..."
She bit her lip when she realised who she was talking about.
"It's all right. You can cry if you need to."
Nadeshiko shook her head angrily, and stomped her foot on the ground.
"No it's not all right! I couldn't help mama when she asked, because I have no magic! Xiao Lang does, she should have asked him," she sniffed, but would not let tears come, "Mama told me about my grandmother, who I'm named after. She said... that her dad didn't cry because she asked him not to be sad. So I wont cry either!"
She practically screamed, trying her hardest to keep the tears from spilling over. Yue picked her up, and awkwardly patted her on the shoulder.
"That was Sakura's father, not you. Besides, it is all right to cry. You're just a little girl."
Sobs wracked her body, and she held on to Yue's shoulder. A few minutes later, she was asleep again, exhausted by her pain. He put her down on Yukito's bed, and tucked her in to the covers. Her face was dry, as well as Yue's shoulder.
"She never cried."
Yue's eyes widened at the little girl's willpower, and softly shut the door. Tomoyo was up, and she was waking up her daughter.
"I phoned Sakura's father, and...Toya. Fujitaka will be watching them tonight, while Li get's himself together. Fujitaka says that he is in no state to watch over two children."
There was a knock on the door, and Tomoyo ran over to get it. She opened the door, and Fujitaka was standing in the doorway. Tomoyo gave him a quick hug, and escorted him in to the apartment. He stood beside Yue, and Toya walked in the doorway after him. He gave Tomoyo a hug as well, and patted Yue on the back. He took a quick look at him, and Toya's eyes were filled with tears. Yue walked in to his room, and picked up the sleeping Nadeshiko. He brought her out in to the main room, and handed her to Fujitaka. He placed her head on his shoulder, and she snuggled closer to him.
"What's wrong with her hair?"
Fujitaka asked Tomoyo. Tomoyo shrugged.
"I don't know. I never really asked her, I was too caught up..."
Her eyes filled with tears, and her daughter gave her a tight hug, and held on tight to her. Fujitaka slightly nodded, and turned to leave. Tomoyo followed behind, and walked outside. It was still raining, and Fujitaka offered Tomoyo a ride. She declined, and took the short walk home. Xiao Lang was sitting in the back seat, his eyes puffy and bloodshot. Fujitaka laid Nadeshiko down beside him, and he slowly buckled her in. Fujitaka got in to the ;front seat, and slowly backed the car out of his parking space. The three of them set off down the busy streets of Tokyo, not one of them saying a word.
Fujitaka looked at his rearview mirror, and positioned it so he could see his two grandchildren in the back. Nadeshiko was leaning over on Xiao Lang's shoulder, her pale hair spread over on the seat like a white wave. Xiao Lang was asleep as well, his head resting on the window. Fujitaka shook his head, and took in a deep breath.
"I hope that Sakura wasn't in too much pain..."
His eyes filled with tears but he blinked them back.
"So much like my own Nadeshiko. I never thought that I would outlive my children, or my own wife, but it happened."
Xiao Lang opened his eyes when Fujitaka shook him awake. They were in the driveway of a large yellow house. His grandfather was carrying his sister, and took out a key. He unlocked the front door, and walked inside.
"I'm sorry that you two haven't been to my house before, but I've been over in the Canadian Rockies researching an archaeological dig."
Xiao Lang nodded, but wouldn't say anything. While Fujitaka was hanging up their coats, he noticed that there was a picture on a table. He picked it up, and almost dropped it. It was a picture of a little girl with dark grey hair, holding on to a yellow hat.
"This looks just like Nadeshiko!"
Fujitaka came over to Xiao Lang, and took the picture out of Xiao Lang's hands.
"Really? I don't really see that much of a resemblance..."
Fujitaka started to say, but stopped when he noticed what Xiao Lang was doing. He had ran outside, and just brought out his duffel bag. He ruffled around inside for a bit, and brought out a red leather book. He flipped through the papers, and finally found the one that he was looking for. It was a sketch of a little girl with very dark hair, and a bright smile on her face.
"Is this Nadeshiko?"
Fujitaka asked in surprise. Xiao Lang nodded.
"She always had dark grey hair, and rosey eyes. Something happened today to change her colouring. Who is the girl in that picture?"
Xiao Lang wanted to know. Fujitaka smiled, a small sad one.
"That is a picture of my wife, long before I met her. Her name was Nadeshiko too."
Xiao Lang put the picture back on the table, and sighed.
"Why don't you have any pictures of my mom?"
Xiao Lang wanted to know, his voice slightly choked.
"I do have pictures of Sakura, only not as many. Nadeshiko was a model, so I use a different picture each day to put in that frame. I didn't take as many pictures of your mother, but I think that her Tomoyo took a lot of pictures of her."
Xiao Lang nodded, and picked up his duffel bag.
"I know. Mother told me about her days of being a card captor."
Fujitaka stared at the young man, surprised at what he had said.
"She told you that she was a card captor?"
"Of course. Both my parents have been teaching me to use magic and magic history, in hopes that I would be able to use my powers, or even be given the clow cards when I am older. If the clow cards are given to someone else, they hope that I could help them catch the cards."
Fujitaka was staring at him with absolute surprise, and Xiao Lang laughed when he noticed his expression.
"They have told me about the clow cards, yes, but they didn't think I was ready to actually see someone capture the clow cards. All they have taught me is just what the cards are like, not how to capture them. Although, they have told me about you."
Fujitaka laughed.
"What do you mean? I'm not anything special."
"Yes, you are. You are part of the reincarnation of Clow Reed, the magician who created the Clow Cards! Don't tell me that you never knew that?"
Fujitaka had walked in to the living room, and had placed Nadeshiko on the couch.
"Of course I knew that. I was just pulling your leg., I may have magical powers, but I don't know how to use them. I've never really met the other part of me, or whatever you would call this guy."
Nadeshiko had just woken up, and she was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She slowly got up from the couch, and hugged on to her brother's legs.
"I had a dream. Mommy said that she loves all of us, and that we don't have to worry. She told me to tell you to look after me, kay?"
Xiao Lang nodded, and picked up his little sister. His eyes were filled with tears, and she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"She also said that I should tell daddy something, but I'm going to tell Grandpa before I forget."
Xiao Lang put her down again, and her grandfather knelt beside her. She whispered something in his ear for quite a long time, and he nodded. He picked up the phone right away, and dialled the number to his late daughters house.
Syaoran was sitting in his family room, the curtains drawn shut. He sat with his arms crossed, and when the phone rang, he didn't move. The phone rang for a few minutes more, and then the answering machine picked it up. It was Fujitaka.
"Syaoran, you pick up this phone right now! You have a responsibility to your two children, and they can't stay with me forever! Pick up this phone now Syaoran! Damn you, come on! I know you are there."
Syaoran sighed, and got up out of his chair. He picked up the phone and drearily said,
"Hello."
"Goddamn you, Syaoran! I almost shouted myself hoarse! I have a message for you, from my daughter."
Syaoran almost dropped the phone when he heard what Fujitaka said.
"Wh-what do you mean? She's..."
"I know, but your daughter said she had a dream about her, and she had messages for everyone."
"It can't be! Sakura and I both tested her for magic, and she has none! How can she has a vision?"
"I don't know, but I know that it is true. She said that Sakura wanted to tell you something. She said that don't worry, she'll be back. She also said to look after the clow cards for her. They have enough power to stay in the book, but she is afraid that someone might try to tamper with them, because she is not there to seal them. You need to get the two guardians to choose a new clow mistress or master. Your children may stay here tonight, but they need their father. I know. Remember, I lost my wife too, and was left with two children as well. I never had anyone to send them to, so I took care of them in my grief. Oh, and Syaoran, there was something else. Nadeshiko wants to tell you."
Fujitaka handed the phone to the little girl, and she said hello.
"I saw mommy, and she said to tell you that she doesn't want you to be sad, she doesn't want us to be sad either. She also said that she doesn't want me to tell you what happened. If you need to know, use the return card, she said that it will let you. Bye bye daddy, see you tomorrow."
She put the phone down in the cradle, and grasped her grandfather's hand.
"Let's see the house."
Fujitaka nodded, and led the two children upstairs. He opened a doorway, and put Xiao Lang's duffel inside.
"This was Toya's room. We didn't really see in to it much while he lived here."
Xiao Lang nodded, and walked in to the room. He put his bag on the bed, and watched as Fujitaka led Nadeshiko up a few more stairs, and opened a door. It was a bright yellow attic room, with a pink bedspread. She sat on the bed, and smiled brightly at Fujitaka.
"This was mama's room, right? I can feel her in here... I'm hungry, can we have some dinner? It's dark outside."
Fujitaka looked at the clock, and noticed that it was already seven o'clock.
"I better get you two some dinner! Did you have lunch?"
Nadeshiko shook her head, and she followed her grandfather down in to the kitchen. He started to chop vegetables, when he noticed that Nadeshiko was still standing in the middle of the kitchen. Her eyes were closed, and her hair was floating around behind her.
"What's wrong, Nadeshiko?"
Dark green light lit up the air around her, and Fujitaka was blinded for a few minutes. Nadeshiko had stopped glowing, and had fallen on the floor. He picked her up, and she opened her purple eyes.
"The cards! Someone is hurting them!" She closed her eyes again, and fell asleep. Fujitaka yelled up the stairs for Xiao Lang to come down, and he ran down the stairs. Fujitaka rushed outside, and put his key in the car. Xiao Lang ran outside, and jumped in to the back seat of the car.
"What's wrong? Why do we need to go?"
Xiao Lang asked worriedly. Fujitaka backed the car out of the driveway and raced down the road.
"Nadeshiko said that someone is tampering with the clow cards, like her mother foretold in her dream."
Xiao Lang laughed.
"You shouldn't be so uptight! She has no powers, she was thoroughly checked."
Fujitaka shook his head, and kept his eyes on the road ahead.
"I know, your father informed me on that as well. But you didn't see her, she was glowing!"
He pulled in to the long driveway that led to the children's house. All the drapes were pulled close, and it looked very dark and gloomy. He parked the car, and picked up Nadeshiko, who was just beginning to stir. He ran on to the balcony, and rang the doorbell. Syaoran opened the door, and looked at his visitors in surprise.
"I thought you were bringing them back tomorrow. What's wrong?"
He asked. Fujitaka shrugged.
"It might be a false alarm, but Nadeshiko said that the cards are in trouble."
Syaoran nodded, and coughed.
"She's right. I just used the return card to see what happened, and I am not surprised. The woman who killed my wife," Syaoran's voice broke, and he wiped tears from his eyes, not ashamed to cry, ...she is now after the clow cards, and I can't do anything about it, because I do not control the cards. I called Yue and Kero, and they are both coming over in just a few minutes to try and choose a new card captor. Ah, here they are."
The doorbell had just rang, and Fujitaka opened the door. Yukito was standing there, with Kero on his shoulder. They walked inside, and took a seat on the couch.
"I guess it's final then. We need a new card captor to seal the book, because our clow mistress could not. Xiao Lang, come here. "
Kero said. He transformed in to Keroberos, and closed his eyes. Xiao Lang knelt in front of him, and Keroberos summoned the book to him. It floated over, and started to glow.
"Book crafted by Clow, conquered by Sakura, reveal your powers to me! Someone wishes to make a contract with you. His name is Xiao Lang!"
The book started to glow, and a key appeared out of the book. It was pink, and was shaped like a star. Xiao Lang stretched his hand to grab it. He tried to grab it, but he was thrown back. Kero opened his eyes, and looked at him in surprise.
"The key didn't want to make a contract with him. I guess our card captor is someone else."
Syaoran started to protest, wanting Nadeshiko to try, when suddenly all the lights went out. Nadeshiko looked around in surprise, and started to stand up. She saw a purple glowing light coming from where Kero was, and ran over to him, sensing an immense evil. A short girl with black hair was standing by the book, and Kero was floating above it, purple light surrounding his small body. Nadeshiko knew she was evil, and wanted her mother's powers. She screamed in fury, and ran in to the girl. The girl grabbed the key, and fell on the ground. The staff glowed red, and transformed in to a twisted, ugly staff. The girl picked herself up, and glowered at Nadeshiko. Nadeshiko started to cry, and the book blasted open. The cards showered out, and surrounded Nadeshiko. They lit up and her hair rose up straight in to the air. Cool brushes of air hit her face, and she looked above her. Her mother was floating above her, and tenderly placed her hand to her young daughter's face.
'I wish I didn't have to impose this upon you at such a young age, but I guess it must be. The cards don't wish to part with you, but the girl has stolen the staff that was supposed to be yours. Do me proud, I love you all."
A single tear fell down her cheek, and lay suspended in the air, glittering like a small snowflake. She touched it, and it grew in to a long, silver staff. She grabbed it, and a pale blue stone appeared in the middle of the half circle on the top. She grabbed the staff, and it grew longer. The girl who had the other staff, groaned in fear, as Nadeshiko pointed her staff at her. The girl struggled to stand up, and ran out of the house as fast as she could. Grey tendrils of shadows twisted and flowed after her, and the room resumed the lights. The cards flew away, little lines of golden light flashing in to the ceiling. Everybody was slumped over in their seats, and as the room became as warm as it was, they started to wake up. Yue blinked and sat up, clutching his head. Kero always had a hard time waking up, and today was no exception. He was floating in the air, and a little dribble of drool was hanging from his mouth. Her brother was sprawled out on the floor, and was holding on to his arm that he had fallen on to. Nadeshiko sat down beside him, her silver staff on a necklace around her neck. She helped him up, and brushed his dusty clothes off. He looked at her quizzically, and saw a glimpse of a silver chain around his little sisters neck. He had a guess about what it was, but he kept it to himself. His father was sitting in the big chair, and looked increasingly gloomier. He dismissed them to their rooms, and Nadeshiko ran to hers. She sat on her bed, and put her head in her hands. She took the necklace out of her shirt, and stared a the smooth simplicity of the design. Suddenly, the blue stone started to sparkle, and the golden insignia appeared on the floor. Water dripped from the ceiling and formed a women made completely of water. She had long hair that was made completely of water, and her angry looking eyes looked full of pain. She lifted her hand out of her watery body, and toucher her hand to Nadeshiko's face. It was surprisingly warm, like that of a human's hand. She knelt down, and rested her head on Nadeshiko's shoulder. Nadeshiko was surprised, but put her arms around the watery woman. She felt hot water fall on her skin, and looked up in surprise. The woman was crying, and opened her moth to speak.
"Please, seal me."
Nadeshiko nodded, and lifted her necklace in to the air. It grew bright, and twirled around above her. It grew in to the staff, and she grabbed it. She lifted it up in to the air, and smashed it in to the air. The watery woman lowered her head, and started to fade in to watery strands. A glowing rectangle appeared at the top of her staff, and the glowing strands of water rushed in to it. They all disappeared, and the glowing rectangle ceased to glow. It fluttered down in to her hands, and she looked at it in surprise. She was a smart young girl, but she had yet to go to school. For that reason she could not read the name on the bottom of the card, but knew it was the watery woman. She gave a sleepy smile, and settled down on to her bed. She gave a wide yawn, and fell in to a deep sleep.
Xiao Lang heard his voice being called in the night. He slowly opened his sleepy eyes, and gazed in to his father's face.
"Xiao Lang, you must get up quickly! We must go to the hospital!"
Syaoran said. Xiao Lang sat up, and rubbed his eyes.
"Daddy, what's happening?"
Syaoran picked up his young son, and put him on to the floor.
"Your mother is going to have a baby. Do you want to come or not? Kero and Yue can look after you if you don't want to."
Xiao Lang imagined Yue's cold face and grimaced.
"I'll come."
Xiao Lang padded over to his closet, and put on a pair of jeans. He grabbed a tee shirt, and followed his father down the stairs. Sakura was waiting at the door, a suitcase under her arm. Syaoran took her arm, and opened the front door. Syaoran opened the door of the car, and let Sakura in. He went to the other side, and let himself in. Xiao Lang opened the passenger door and buckled himself in. Syaoran put the car in to gear, and backed out of the long driveway. Xiao Lang looked out the window, then fell asleep. He remembered his father carrying him out of the car, but he couldn't remember anything else.
Xiao Lang woke up a few hours later, on a blue plastic chair. His father's coat was around him, and he looked around the room. His father was looking through a window, and they were in the hospital. Xiao Lang rubbed his eyes, and stood up. A lady with dark grey hair sat beside him, and pulled him back on to the seat. She was wearing a long, pale blue dress, and moved as if she was floating.
"Sakura will be coming out soon. Just wait for two more minutes,"the lady said, and looked over to where Syaoran was walking up and down the hallway, "Syaoran, sit down! Pacing never helped anybody." Syaoran rolled his eyes, but sat down beside Xiao Lang. A few minutes later, the door of the delivery room opened, and Sakura was brought out in a wheelchair. She held a pink bundle in her arms, and grinned when she saw Syaoran. Syaoran came over to Sakura, and she handed him the bundle. It was a tiny baby, and it held out a chubby arm towards Syaoran. It grabbed on to his finger and cooed. Syaoran knelt down to Sakura, and they kissed.
"It's a girl. The doctor said that she is really healthy."
Sakura said, smiling.
"What will we call her?"
Syaoran asked her. Xiao Lang had come up behind them, and was looking over Sakura's shoulders.
"Mom, why don't you name her like Grandma? You always tell me stories about her."
Xiao Lang said. Sakura looked behind her, and smiled at her son.
"What do you think?"
She asked Syaoran. Syaoran smiled.
"It's perfect. Xiao Lang, would you like to hold Nadeshiko?"
Xiao Lang nodded, and he passed Nadeshiko to him. She was heavy, and squirmed in his arms. Her eyes were scrunched up, and she was letting out a loud howl. She was waving her arms around, and grabbed Xiao Lang's finger. She giggled, and Xiao Lang passed her back to his mother.
"She's kind of cute, I guess."
Sakura looked down at her tiny daughter, who had her arms up by her head. She grabbed at Sakura's throught, and got hold of her necklace. The Star key was in her hands, and she giggled again. She opened her eyes, and Sakura looked down at her. She gasped and looked at Syaoran.
"Look at her eyes!" Syaoran looked down, and gasped as well. They were black, that faded in to a dusty rose colour.
"I've never seen anyone with pink eyes. Is she all right?"
Sakura asked Syaoran frantically. Syaoran shrugged.
"I have no idea, but the doctor did say that nothing was wrong, right?"
Sakura nodded, and held Nadeshiko closer to her.
***5 Years Later***
"Nadeshiko! Come back!"
Sakura called, as her daughter ran around the yard. She giggled, and walked under the cherry tree. The blossoms were falling, and they landed on her dark hair. She twirled around, and laughed when her mom came under the tree as well.
"Nadeshiko, would you like to come with me to Aunt Tomoyo's house with me? I'll be leaving in about five minutes, so go and get your shoes on. Oh, Nadeshiko, while you're downstairs, can you grab my purse?"
Sakura asked, and walked up the steps that led on to the first floor of their large house. Nadeshiko ran up behind her, and opened the sliding door that led to the basement. She took off her shoes, and put on her bunny slippers. She ran in to her mom's workplace, where she had last seen her mother's purse last. She saw it on the table, and put it over her head. Bunches of papers littered the work table, and tons of old books were open to different places, describing strange symbols. On the worktable, one book wasn't opened and she pulled it towards her. It was pale pink, with golden symbols on the front. There was a lock on the front, but it was already open. She opened the book up, and there was a pile of cards inside. She stared at the designs on the back, and lifted her hand up to touch them. The cards started to glow, and her eyes became black. The cards filed out of the book and floated around her. They all started to glow, and beams of golden light shot out towards Nadeshiko. A golden circle appeared on the ground, and great gusts of wind ruffled her hair. She blinked, and her eyes turned back to their regular shade of rose. She shrieked in surprise, and tried to step off the circle, but she was stuck. She raised her hands above her head, and knelt on the ground. She started to sob, and the light just kept on getting brighter. Suddenly, the lights retracted back in to the cards, and they were all sparkling. They filed into the book, and she raised her face. Her eyes were purple, and her hair was a pale blonde, a colour unheard of where she came from. She dropped the book on the ground, and wiped her eyes. She ran up the stairs, and took one last glance at the book. It looked normal, but she was terrified of it. She ran up the rest of the stairs, and grabbed her mom, who was waiting outside the door.
"What took you so long?"
Sakura asked Nadeshiko. Nadeshiko buried her head in her mom's dress, and just shook her head. Sakura smiled, and started to walk down the street. Nadeshiko was holding on to the folds of her dress, and Sakura smiled down at her. She gasped in shock.
"Nadeshiko, what happened? Why is your hair so light?"
Sakura asked, kneeling down beside her daughter.
"I...I... Mommy, watch out!"
Nadeshiko screamed in fright. Sakura grabbed Nadeshiko, and rolled on the ground, just as a sword struck the spot where she was standing. Sakura picked Nadeshiko up, and started to run away. She could feel threads of magic drifting past her face, and could faintly make out a wall of glittering light. She stopped, and turned quickly around. A young girl, no more than 17 years of age, stood in front of her. She had deep black hair, darker than the darkest of nights. She would have been considered pretty, if only she hadn't tarnished her beauty with a frown. She smirked at Sakura, and held up her sword. She cocked her head, and gave a large smile to Nadeshiko, she was staring at her.
"Do you recognise this? I find these cards fascinating, but I really had to change the colour. Pink is just not my colour."
She said, in a low, menacing voice. Sakura gasped, and took out her key. She raised it up in front of her and spoke the magic words.
"Oh key of the star, with powers burning bright, reveal the staff and shine your light. Release!!!"
The key spun around, and lengthened in to the star staff. She twirled it around her head with one hand, and pointed it at the girl.
"Who are you? And why do you have the Sword Card?"
Sakura demanded to the girl. The girl smiled.
"Why does it matter? You will be dead soon enough."
She lunged at Sakura, bringing her sword up to point at Sakura's chest. Sakura took a hasty step backwards, and had to lean forward so as not to fall down. The sword ripped in to her right shoulder, easily slicing through her bone. She cried out in pain, and dropped her staff. She gritted her teeth, and knelt down to pick up the staff. Nadeshiko was sobbing loudly, and had her face buried in her mother's dress. Sakura hoped she could hold on to her neck until she could get them both to safety. Sakura raised her wand in to the air, and called forth the sword card. The girl lunged for Sakura again, and Sakura blocked the sword. The two sword cards met, and they both broke in half. The girl threw down her sword in disgust, and the sword turned back in to a card. A different staff from the one Sakura was holding appeared on the ground, and the girl picked it up. It was black and purple, and it was twisted and tarnished with age. In the middle of the half circle at the top of the staf was an eight pointed star that was a pale white, with grey shadows dancing like the eyes of its owner. Sakura's sword turned in to her staff, and she swallowed in pain.
"Nadeshiko, did you see the Pink Book on the table"
She asked her daughter. She sniffed, and nodded slowly. Sakura knelt down, and placed Nadeshiko on the ground.
"Nadeshiko, did anything happen while you were with the book?"
Nadeshiko nodded again, and a tear fell down her wet cheeks.
"What happened?"
Sakura asked her desperately. Nadeshiko sat down on the ground, and looked up at the ravaged face of Sakura.
"I opened the book because the big lion wasn't on the front, so I thought it was a different book. I was going to pick one of the cards up, but they turned all yellow, and started twirling around. I couldn't do anything and...and... it felt like something was being pulled out of me. I didn't mean to!"
She started to sob again, and Sakura gave her a quick hug.
"Nadeshiko, can you please help me? When I grab your hand, concentrate on giving me your power. Please try at least, okay?" Nadeshiko nodded, and Sakura struggled to stand up, but couldn't. The girl was standing in front of Sakura, and she was holding a Clow card in her hand. She threw it up in the air, and touched her staff to it. A shadowy woman stood in front of the girl, and started to walk towards Sakura. She stopped, and the girl yelled,
"What are you doing? Get her now!"
The shadow looked between the two woman, and she bowed her head. She started walking towards Sakura, and Sakura grabbed her daughter's hand.
"I'm so sorry, Nadeshiko. It's the only way."
Sakura closed her eyes, and concentrated on getting the four elemental cards to her. Nadeshiko had closed her eyes as well, and her white hair swirled around behind her. She glowed with a pale purple light, and Sakura glowed in pink. Suddenly, four cards appeared in front of Sakura, and she slowly opened her eyes. Her breathing was ragged, and she knew she could not hold on much longer with the amount of blood lost, and how much magic she was using to protect her daughter. Slowly, she brought her staff up to meet the cards, and called out.
"Windy, Watery, Firey, Earthy, release and dispel! Work together to save Nadeshiko!"
The four women blasted out of the cards, and wrapped around the lady. The lady screamed in pain and rage, and stretched a hand towards Nadeshiko. She placed one black fingernail against her cheek, and slowly slid the nail downwards. A line of bright red blood appeared on her cheek, and she cried out. Sakura grabbed Nadeshiko, and pulled her away from the out reached lady. Sakura's last bit of strength was used up and she fell to the ground. Nadeshiko sat up, and looked at her mom, who wasn't moving at all. The lady was wet, burnt, windblown and covered in dirt and vines. The lady was laughing, a sound that was quiet, but steadily grew louder and louder. Nadeshiko stared at the lady, and she stopped laughing. A shadow passed over her eyes, as she stared in to Nadeshiko's own. She shook her head, and grinned.
"Your next"
The lady said shallowly.
She pulled a card out of her sleeve, and threw it up in to the air. It spun around, and black shadows twirled around her body. She slowly started to disappear, and the sound of her laughter faded away as well. The force field that was around her slowly faded away, leaving only a slight glimmer behind. Rain suddenly fell on her, leaving her wet and cold. She crawled her way over to her mother, who was laying on her side. Her shoulder had stopped bleeding, and her eyes had turned a dull shade of grey, and stared straight ahead. Her dark skin was pale, and it was turning as grey as her eyes. Nadeshiko stared at her mother, and placed both her hands on her mothers side. They started to glow a pale purple, but started to change as grief overcame her. The purple turned to brown, and in turn turned in to a pale green. Nadeshiko bent over her mother, and began to wail, a high pitched shriek that was heard for miles around, and where it wasn't heard, it was felt, as if one person had the power to create grief for everyone else. As she sobbed, she didn't notice that she was covered in a glowing green light, that steadily grew darker as Sakura's life ebbed away.
***
A few blocks away, Tomoyo was serving lunch to her three children, Michiyo, Yoshi and Tamacka. Yamazacki had just walked in, and was surprised when Michiyo screamed, and backed her chair right in to her father.
"Michiyo, whatever is the matter?"
Tomoyo asked in surprise. Michiyo ran over to Tomoyo, and started sobbing on her shoulder. Tomoyo smoothed her hair, and asked her again what was wrong. She wiped her eyes and choked out.
"Sakura. She's... gone."
Tomoyo's eyes widened, and she gave a short gasp. She ran out the door, and Michiyo ran after her. The two little boys started to run after their mother, but Yamazacki placed a hand on both their heads. He frowned, and shook his head.
"Leave them alone. You are too little to understand all that is going on."
Tomoyo ran around a corner, followed by her eldest, Michiyo. They saw Nadeshiko laying on top of Sakura, and Tomoyo thought that she was gone as well. They walked closer, and both saw the dark green light that surrounded the little girl. She was sobbing piteously now, and her whole body was shaking Tomoyo's eyes filled with tears as she heard her, and knelt over the still body of her best friend.
"No. This can't happen. You're so young. Why?"
Tomoyo said, shaking her head. Nadeshiko looked up, and saw Tomoyo beside her. She wiped her eyes, and slowly crawled over to Tomoyo.
"The black lady didn't want us around."
She said, and gave Tomoyo a tight hug. Michiyo was crying quietly, and had knelt beside her mother. She tapped her mother on the shoulder and Tomoyo turned to look at her. She whispered quietly to her, and Tomoyo took a cell phone out of her coat. Michiyo wiped her eyes, then punched in the numbers to phone Syaoran.
Ú?? *** Syaoran was teaching Xiao Lang a fighting stance when the phone rang.
"Xiao Lang take a break. I'll get the phone." Syaoran draped a towel over his shoulders, and grabbed the portable phone that was on the patio. He picked it up, and pressed the TALK button.
"Hello?"
He asked, and he was answered by silence. He was about to turn the phone off, when he heard a sound at the other end.
"Hello?"
He asked again, and finally he heard an answering voice.
"Li-sensei?"
Michiyo called over the phone, her voice choked. Syaoran could feel the pain in her voice, and instantly knew something was wrong.
"Michiyo, what's wrong?"
He heard her take a ragged breath, and he prepared himself for the worst.
"I'm so sorry Li-sensei, I'm so sorry!" She broke down and started to sob, and he heard the phone on the other end drop on the ground.
***
Michiyo dropped the phone on the wet ground, and she covered her face with her hands. Tomoyo was holding Nadeshiko, who had cried herself to sleep. She stretched her fingers out and grabbed the phone. She held it up to her ear with a trembling hand.
"Syaoran, I have some bad news."
Ú?? ***
Syaoran swallowed the lump that was in his throught and closed his eyes.
"I'm listening, Tomoyo."
He said, fear penetrating every aspect of his voice.
"Syaoran, Sakura... she... she... oh god, phone an ambulance! I'm so stupid! I was thinking about Nadeshiko and I forgot..."
Syaoran heard Tomoyo burst in to tears, and tears filled his eyes.
"Tomoyo, where are you! I can't call an ambulance if I can't find you!"
He yelled, his voice filled with pain and rage.
"We're on the corner of Shady Oak. But Syaoran, I think it's too late...."
The connection broke off, and Syaoran dropped the phone. Xiao Lang had come in to the room, and hugged his father. He had tears running down his face.
"It's mother, isn't it? I... I knew as soon as Tomoyo phoned. She's right. There's no need for an ambulance."
His last words were choked up, and Syaoran grabbed his son in a tight embrace. Their tears intermingled, weeping for the one that was loved so much, by all.
Yukito was woken up by a loud knock on his door. He sat up, and ran over to the door. He opened it up, and Tomoyo stood in the doorway, the still form of Sakura in her arms. She passed Sakura to Yukito, and slowly to the floor, her hands on her knees, and her head bent over.
"I thought you would know what to do. I... I had to phone Syaoran."
She started to sob again, and her daughter had to step around her to come inside the apartment. She held Nadeshiko, whose face was grubby with dried tears. Yukito walked in to his living room, and placed Sakura on the living room couch. She was completely grey, pale and colourless. Yukito brushed away tears and took Nadeshiko from Michiyo. Suddenly, a symbol appeared on the floor, and two large wings spread out from his back. The wings folded together, concealing Yukito. The wings opened, revealing a very tall figure dressed all in white. He looked over to Sakura, and slowly closed his eyes.
"This should not have happened. She is stronger than even my first master now, but still she suffered the same fate."
Suddenly, his eyes opened wide, and he took a step backwards.
"The Star Cards! What will happen? They were never sealed away in the book."
Tomoyo looked at Yue, who was pacing restlessly.
"What will happen to you? Can you survive on Sakura's star by itself now?"
Yue shook his head.
"I'm afraid not. Because the book was not sealed, I cannot reside there. For the meantime, I can be Yukito, but soon the power in Sakura's star will dwindle. When that happens, Yukito will be no more."
Tomoyo lowered her eyes, as tears welled up again.
"So we will lose two of you, not just one."
"In the future, possibly. We can prevent that by Keroberos choosing a new master, one that is as strong as Sakura is," Yue sighed, and became as cold as ice, "was."
He stood in the corner, and would not talk to anyone. Tomoyo picked up his phone, and called the ambulance.
Everyone had fallen asleep, exhausted by the events that day. A few minutes before, the ambulance had arrived, and took Sakura's body away. The noise woke Nadeshiko up, and she looked around the room. Michiyo had her arms around her, and she gently wriggled away. She stepped over Tomoyo's legs, and opened the curtains to the window. It was still raining, but she could see the tops of many different coloured umbrella's. She put her head on the cool glass, and tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked them back, and stubbornly stared at the falling rain. She heard someone behind her, and wasn't startled when a hand was put on her shoulder.
"It has been a long while."
Yue said, and Nadeshiko twirled around. A man with long white hair, and chilly blue eyes was staring at her. She was slightly scared, but summoned her courage, and stood up to her tallest. She didn't even come up to his waist, but it made her feel better.
"I don't know what you are talking about! I've never met you before!"
The tall man knelt down and looked in to Nadeshiko's eyes. There was something familiar about his eyes, but she couldn't quite place it.
"I know! You're Yuki! But, you don't look like Yuki..."
She started to pout, confused by her feelings. An unatural smile lit up Yue's face, making his features seem not quite as cold.
"It does not matter, I am Yukito, in a way. You can call me Yue."
She cocked her head at him, and put a finger on her chin.
"Yue, huh? I think I heard Mama talking about you with Kero once..."
She bit her lip when she realised who she was talking about.
"It's all right. You can cry if you need to."
Nadeshiko shook her head angrily, and stomped her foot on the ground.
"No it's not all right! I couldn't help mama when she asked, because I have no magic! Xiao Lang does, she should have asked him," she sniffed, but would not let tears come, "Mama told me about my grandmother, who I'm named after. She said... that her dad didn't cry because she asked him not to be sad. So I wont cry either!"
She practically screamed, trying her hardest to keep the tears from spilling over. Yue picked her up, and awkwardly patted her on the shoulder.
"That was Sakura's father, not you. Besides, it is all right to cry. You're just a little girl."
Sobs wracked her body, and she held on to Yue's shoulder. A few minutes later, she was asleep again, exhausted by her pain. He put her down on Yukito's bed, and tucked her in to the covers. Her face was dry, as well as Yue's shoulder.
"She never cried."
Yue's eyes widened at the little girl's willpower, and softly shut the door. Tomoyo was up, and she was waking up her daughter.
"I phoned Sakura's father, and...Toya. Fujitaka will be watching them tonight, while Li get's himself together. Fujitaka says that he is in no state to watch over two children."
There was a knock on the door, and Tomoyo ran over to get it. She opened the door, and Fujitaka was standing in the doorway. Tomoyo gave him a quick hug, and escorted him in to the apartment. He stood beside Yue, and Toya walked in the doorway after him. He gave Tomoyo a hug as well, and patted Yue on the back. He took a quick look at him, and Toya's eyes were filled with tears. Yue walked in to his room, and picked up the sleeping Nadeshiko. He brought her out in to the main room, and handed her to Fujitaka. He placed her head on his shoulder, and she snuggled closer to him.
"What's wrong with her hair?"
Fujitaka asked Tomoyo. Tomoyo shrugged.
"I don't know. I never really asked her, I was too caught up..."
Her eyes filled with tears, and her daughter gave her a tight hug, and held on tight to her. Fujitaka slightly nodded, and turned to leave. Tomoyo followed behind, and walked outside. It was still raining, and Fujitaka offered Tomoyo a ride. She declined, and took the short walk home. Xiao Lang was sitting in the back seat, his eyes puffy and bloodshot. Fujitaka laid Nadeshiko down beside him, and he slowly buckled her in. Fujitaka got in to the ;front seat, and slowly backed the car out of his parking space. The three of them set off down the busy streets of Tokyo, not one of them saying a word.
Fujitaka looked at his rearview mirror, and positioned it so he could see his two grandchildren in the back. Nadeshiko was leaning over on Xiao Lang's shoulder, her pale hair spread over on the seat like a white wave. Xiao Lang was asleep as well, his head resting on the window. Fujitaka shook his head, and took in a deep breath.
"I hope that Sakura wasn't in too much pain..."
His eyes filled with tears but he blinked them back.
"So much like my own Nadeshiko. I never thought that I would outlive my children, or my own wife, but it happened."
Xiao Lang opened his eyes when Fujitaka shook him awake. They were in the driveway of a large yellow house. His grandfather was carrying his sister, and took out a key. He unlocked the front door, and walked inside.
"I'm sorry that you two haven't been to my house before, but I've been over in the Canadian Rockies researching an archaeological dig."
Xiao Lang nodded, but wouldn't say anything. While Fujitaka was hanging up their coats, he noticed that there was a picture on a table. He picked it up, and almost dropped it. It was a picture of a little girl with dark grey hair, holding on to a yellow hat.
"This looks just like Nadeshiko!"
Fujitaka came over to Xiao Lang, and took the picture out of Xiao Lang's hands.
"Really? I don't really see that much of a resemblance..."
Fujitaka started to say, but stopped when he noticed what Xiao Lang was doing. He had ran outside, and just brought out his duffel bag. He ruffled around inside for a bit, and brought out a red leather book. He flipped through the papers, and finally found the one that he was looking for. It was a sketch of a little girl with very dark hair, and a bright smile on her face.
"Is this Nadeshiko?"
Fujitaka asked in surprise. Xiao Lang nodded.
"She always had dark grey hair, and rosey eyes. Something happened today to change her colouring. Who is the girl in that picture?"
Xiao Lang wanted to know. Fujitaka smiled, a small sad one.
"That is a picture of my wife, long before I met her. Her name was Nadeshiko too."
Xiao Lang put the picture back on the table, and sighed.
"Why don't you have any pictures of my mom?"
Xiao Lang wanted to know, his voice slightly choked.
"I do have pictures of Sakura, only not as many. Nadeshiko was a model, so I use a different picture each day to put in that frame. I didn't take as many pictures of your mother, but I think that her Tomoyo took a lot of pictures of her."
Xiao Lang nodded, and picked up his duffel bag.
"I know. Mother told me about her days of being a card captor."
Fujitaka stared at the young man, surprised at what he had said.
"She told you that she was a card captor?"
"Of course. Both my parents have been teaching me to use magic and magic history, in hopes that I would be able to use my powers, or even be given the clow cards when I am older. If the clow cards are given to someone else, they hope that I could help them catch the cards."
Fujitaka was staring at him with absolute surprise, and Xiao Lang laughed when he noticed his expression.
"They have told me about the clow cards, yes, but they didn't think I was ready to actually see someone capture the clow cards. All they have taught me is just what the cards are like, not how to capture them. Although, they have told me about you."
Fujitaka laughed.
"What do you mean? I'm not anything special."
"Yes, you are. You are part of the reincarnation of Clow Reed, the magician who created the Clow Cards! Don't tell me that you never knew that?"
Fujitaka had walked in to the living room, and had placed Nadeshiko on the couch.
"Of course I knew that. I was just pulling your leg., I may have magical powers, but I don't know how to use them. I've never really met the other part of me, or whatever you would call this guy."
Nadeshiko had just woken up, and she was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She slowly got up from the couch, and hugged on to her brother's legs.
"I had a dream. Mommy said that she loves all of us, and that we don't have to worry. She told me to tell you to look after me, kay?"
Xiao Lang nodded, and picked up his little sister. His eyes were filled with tears, and she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"She also said that I should tell daddy something, but I'm going to tell Grandpa before I forget."
Xiao Lang put her down again, and her grandfather knelt beside her. She whispered something in his ear for quite a long time, and he nodded. He picked up the phone right away, and dialled the number to his late daughters house.
Syaoran was sitting in his family room, the curtains drawn shut. He sat with his arms crossed, and when the phone rang, he didn't move. The phone rang for a few minutes more, and then the answering machine picked it up. It was Fujitaka.
"Syaoran, you pick up this phone right now! You have a responsibility to your two children, and they can't stay with me forever! Pick up this phone now Syaoran! Damn you, come on! I know you are there."
Syaoran sighed, and got up out of his chair. He picked up the phone and drearily said,
"Hello."
"Goddamn you, Syaoran! I almost shouted myself hoarse! I have a message for you, from my daughter."
Syaoran almost dropped the phone when he heard what Fujitaka said.
"Wh-what do you mean? She's..."
"I know, but your daughter said she had a dream about her, and she had messages for everyone."
"It can't be! Sakura and I both tested her for magic, and she has none! How can she has a vision?"
"I don't know, but I know that it is true. She said that Sakura wanted to tell you something. She said that don't worry, she'll be back. She also said to look after the clow cards for her. They have enough power to stay in the book, but she is afraid that someone might try to tamper with them, because she is not there to seal them. You need to get the two guardians to choose a new clow mistress or master. Your children may stay here tonight, but they need their father. I know. Remember, I lost my wife too, and was left with two children as well. I never had anyone to send them to, so I took care of them in my grief. Oh, and Syaoran, there was something else. Nadeshiko wants to tell you."
Fujitaka handed the phone to the little girl, and she said hello.
"I saw mommy, and she said to tell you that she doesn't want you to be sad, she doesn't want us to be sad either. She also said that she doesn't want me to tell you what happened. If you need to know, use the return card, she said that it will let you. Bye bye daddy, see you tomorrow."
She put the phone down in the cradle, and grasped her grandfather's hand.
"Let's see the house."
Fujitaka nodded, and led the two children upstairs. He opened a doorway, and put Xiao Lang's duffel inside.
"This was Toya's room. We didn't really see in to it much while he lived here."
Xiao Lang nodded, and walked in to the room. He put his bag on the bed, and watched as Fujitaka led Nadeshiko up a few more stairs, and opened a door. It was a bright yellow attic room, with a pink bedspread. She sat on the bed, and smiled brightly at Fujitaka.
"This was mama's room, right? I can feel her in here... I'm hungry, can we have some dinner? It's dark outside."
Fujitaka looked at the clock, and noticed that it was already seven o'clock.
"I better get you two some dinner! Did you have lunch?"
Nadeshiko shook her head, and she followed her grandfather down in to the kitchen. He started to chop vegetables, when he noticed that Nadeshiko was still standing in the middle of the kitchen. Her eyes were closed, and her hair was floating around behind her.
"What's wrong, Nadeshiko?"
Dark green light lit up the air around her, and Fujitaka was blinded for a few minutes. Nadeshiko had stopped glowing, and had fallen on the floor. He picked her up, and she opened her purple eyes.
"The cards! Someone is hurting them!" She closed her eyes again, and fell asleep. Fujitaka yelled up the stairs for Xiao Lang to come down, and he ran down the stairs. Fujitaka rushed outside, and put his key in the car. Xiao Lang ran outside, and jumped in to the back seat of the car.
"What's wrong? Why do we need to go?"
Xiao Lang asked worriedly. Fujitaka backed the car out of the driveway and raced down the road.
"Nadeshiko said that someone is tampering with the clow cards, like her mother foretold in her dream."
Xiao Lang laughed.
"You shouldn't be so uptight! She has no powers, she was thoroughly checked."
Fujitaka shook his head, and kept his eyes on the road ahead.
"I know, your father informed me on that as well. But you didn't see her, she was glowing!"
He pulled in to the long driveway that led to the children's house. All the drapes were pulled close, and it looked very dark and gloomy. He parked the car, and picked up Nadeshiko, who was just beginning to stir. He ran on to the balcony, and rang the doorbell. Syaoran opened the door, and looked at his visitors in surprise.
"I thought you were bringing them back tomorrow. What's wrong?"
He asked. Fujitaka shrugged.
"It might be a false alarm, but Nadeshiko said that the cards are in trouble."
Syaoran nodded, and coughed.
"She's right. I just used the return card to see what happened, and I am not surprised. The woman who killed my wife," Syaoran's voice broke, and he wiped tears from his eyes, not ashamed to cry, ...she is now after the clow cards, and I can't do anything about it, because I do not control the cards. I called Yue and Kero, and they are both coming over in just a few minutes to try and choose a new card captor. Ah, here they are."
The doorbell had just rang, and Fujitaka opened the door. Yukito was standing there, with Kero on his shoulder. They walked inside, and took a seat on the couch.
"I guess it's final then. We need a new card captor to seal the book, because our clow mistress could not. Xiao Lang, come here. "
Kero said. He transformed in to Keroberos, and closed his eyes. Xiao Lang knelt in front of him, and Keroberos summoned the book to him. It floated over, and started to glow.
"Book crafted by Clow, conquered by Sakura, reveal your powers to me! Someone wishes to make a contract with you. His name is Xiao Lang!"
The book started to glow, and a key appeared out of the book. It was pink, and was shaped like a star. Xiao Lang stretched his hand to grab it. He tried to grab it, but he was thrown back. Kero opened his eyes, and looked at him in surprise.
"The key didn't want to make a contract with him. I guess our card captor is someone else."
Syaoran started to protest, wanting Nadeshiko to try, when suddenly all the lights went out. Nadeshiko looked around in surprise, and started to stand up. She saw a purple glowing light coming from where Kero was, and ran over to him, sensing an immense evil. A short girl with black hair was standing by the book, and Kero was floating above it, purple light surrounding his small body. Nadeshiko knew she was evil, and wanted her mother's powers. She screamed in fury, and ran in to the girl. The girl grabbed the key, and fell on the ground. The staff glowed red, and transformed in to a twisted, ugly staff. The girl picked herself up, and glowered at Nadeshiko. Nadeshiko started to cry, and the book blasted open. The cards showered out, and surrounded Nadeshiko. They lit up and her hair rose up straight in to the air. Cool brushes of air hit her face, and she looked above her. Her mother was floating above her, and tenderly placed her hand to her young daughter's face.
'I wish I didn't have to impose this upon you at such a young age, but I guess it must be. The cards don't wish to part with you, but the girl has stolen the staff that was supposed to be yours. Do me proud, I love you all."
A single tear fell down her cheek, and lay suspended in the air, glittering like a small snowflake. She touched it, and it grew in to a long, silver staff. She grabbed it, and a pale blue stone appeared in the middle of the half circle on the top. She grabbed the staff, and it grew longer. The girl who had the other staff, groaned in fear, as Nadeshiko pointed her staff at her. The girl struggled to stand up, and ran out of the house as fast as she could. Grey tendrils of shadows twisted and flowed after her, and the room resumed the lights. The cards flew away, little lines of golden light flashing in to the ceiling. Everybody was slumped over in their seats, and as the room became as warm as it was, they started to wake up. Yue blinked and sat up, clutching his head. Kero always had a hard time waking up, and today was no exception. He was floating in the air, and a little dribble of drool was hanging from his mouth. Her brother was sprawled out on the floor, and was holding on to his arm that he had fallen on to. Nadeshiko sat down beside him, her silver staff on a necklace around her neck. She helped him up, and brushed his dusty clothes off. He looked at her quizzically, and saw a glimpse of a silver chain around his little sisters neck. He had a guess about what it was, but he kept it to himself. His father was sitting in the big chair, and looked increasingly gloomier. He dismissed them to their rooms, and Nadeshiko ran to hers. She sat on her bed, and put her head in her hands. She took the necklace out of her shirt, and stared a the smooth simplicity of the design. Suddenly, the blue stone started to sparkle, and the golden insignia appeared on the floor. Water dripped from the ceiling and formed a women made completely of water. She had long hair that was made completely of water, and her angry looking eyes looked full of pain. She lifted her hand out of her watery body, and toucher her hand to Nadeshiko's face. It was surprisingly warm, like that of a human's hand. She knelt down, and rested her head on Nadeshiko's shoulder. Nadeshiko was surprised, but put her arms around the watery woman. She felt hot water fall on her skin, and looked up in surprise. The woman was crying, and opened her moth to speak.
"Please, seal me."
Nadeshiko nodded, and lifted her necklace in to the air. It grew bright, and twirled around above her. It grew in to the staff, and she grabbed it. She lifted it up in to the air, and smashed it in to the air. The watery woman lowered her head, and started to fade in to watery strands. A glowing rectangle appeared at the top of her staff, and the glowing strands of water rushed in to it. They all disappeared, and the glowing rectangle ceased to glow. It fluttered down in to her hands, and she looked at it in surprise. She was a smart young girl, but she had yet to go to school. For that reason she could not read the name on the bottom of the card, but knew it was the watery woman. She gave a sleepy smile, and settled down on to her bed. She gave a wide yawn, and fell in to a deep sleep.