Wishes from the Bottom

~*~ Kirei Blossom

Disclaimer:  I don't own CCS or any of its characters in any way.   

Deep below the surface of the sea, within the mystifying blue depths, there was an entire kingdom known as Mizueda – consisting of both mermaids and mermen, living harmoniously in secret from the rest of the world.  Among them, lived a highly respectable merman named Kinomoto Fujitaka.  Now, Fujitaka had two children – Touya and Sakura.  Sakura was a very energetic, happy young mermaid.  She was the pride of the seas; her personality, her childishness, her cheerfulness, and her buoyancy well known throughout the kingdom.  She had a smile as radiant as the sun itself to brighten anyone's day, and the most enchanting, ocean green eyes which matched her tail fins perfectly.  Everyone loved this little mermaid, even the powerful Mer-King was fond of her and he would oftentimes invite her to his palace to play with the little princesses. 

However, deep down in her heart, Sakura wasn't completely happy.  She had one single desire, more than anything else she ever wanted – she wanted to see what was above the surface of the sea.  Many times, when she was with her friends, Sakura would sort of drift off into a world of her own. On one particular occasion, after her friends had left, Sakura was sitting quietly on a rock.  A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. 

"Sakura-san…  you look worried.  Is anything troubling you?"

Sakura looked up at a handsome young merman who had black hair slightly tinted with blue, and midnight blue eyes. 

"Eriol-kun!  I thought you had left with the others!" 

Eriol smiled warmly and took a seat next to her.  "Iie.  I was waiting for you Sakura-san.  I've noticed that lately something has been bothering you.  Do you mind telling me what's causing you so much sadness?"

Sakura smiled slightly.  It was just like Eriol to be so observant.  Ever since she had known him, since his family had moved to the kingdom of Mizueda, Eriol had taken up the responsibility to protect Sakura and help keep her out of danger.  He was always so gentle, kind and caring towards her, like an older brother or cousin.   

Ruefully, Sakura looked up towards where she knew the surface of the sea would be.  Of course, she couldn't see it from here; they were too far deep below.  She idly watched a school of small fish slowly swim past.  Surely, Eriol would understand her. 

"Eriol-kun, you might think I'm crazy after this, but… do you ever wonder about the world up there?" 

"You mean the world above the water?"

Sakura looked down and frowned.  Eriol must think I'm a fool now.  "Y-Yes."

To her surprise, Eriol smiled again.  "The world on land is a different place than it is here.  People have legs instead of fins, and they can both walk and swim using them.   They aren't surrounded by water like we are here… but by air; and they can look at the sky above them, where the warm sun shines during the daytime, and during the night, the sky gets darker and is dotted with millions of twinkling stars with the bright moon looking over the world.  They have a lot of things that we haven't even seen Sakura-san… the world above us."

Sakura was surprised.  "Wow, you know a lot about these things, Eriol-kun!"

"It is just what Naoko-san told me a while back, from one of her books."

"I see.  It must be such a wonderful place."

"Yes… But our sea is a nice place too." 

Sakura fidgeted a little.  "That's what has been upsetting me so much Eriol-kun.  I love the sea, really I do.  But lately, what I've wanted more than anything else is to go visit the world above, if only just for a day.  Though I do know that a day would be such little time to see everything.  On land, people must be so happy, they don't have to stay in the water all day long and… and they have legs.  I wonder how that would feel."  She swished her green fins.  "Using these, all I can do is swim.  But people can use their legs to walk, as you said, and do so many other things with them that are impossible for my fins.  And there are so many amazing things up there.  I would like to see them all, learn about them, meet the people up there.  I dreamed about it last night.  I saw a castle, like in one of Naoko-chan's books.  And there were people inside, dancing.  The most wonderful music was playing.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves."  Sakura sighed.  "I wonder what would've happened if I were a human instead of a mermaid."

Eriol looked at her with concern.  "Are you not happy here, Sakura-san?"

Sakura shook her head with determination.  "No, that's not true!  I am happy here.  I have Otou-san, Onii-chan and all my friends here.  But.. I feel like something is missing.  The water feels so cold sometimes, and so dark.  I would love to know what the sun feels like; what kind of warmth it spreads across the world."  Sakura paused.  She didn't know if she was making any sense or not.  "Eriol-kun… If I say something, you won't laugh, will you?"

 "Sakura-san… I have listened to you so far without laughing.  Don't worry.  What is it?"

"I… I feel like something is calling me to go visit that world.  That dream I had…  I've had it before too, a week ago.  I saw the same castle, and there were a few people on the balcony outside.  I don't remember any of their faces anymore, but they had been so clear at that time.  I felt like I was really there."  Sakura sighed once more.  "How I would love to be a human.  But it was only a dream, a silly dream.  I'm too foolish to think that dreams or wishes could ever come true."

Eriol put a hand on her shoulder.  "If you wish for something from the bottom of your heart, Sakura-san, it can come true.  You might be surprised, but sometimes wishes are presented before us in many peculiar ways and we are given many ways to fulfill our dreams.  If only many would just recognize that and seize the opportunity before it passes by.  But cheer up now.  Tomorrow is your birthday.  Aren't you wondering what your present is?"

Sakura looked up with surprise, her eyes wide.  "Hoeeee!!  That's right, I forgot! Tomorrow is my birthday!"  She got up from the rock and her face shone bright with excitement as she swam in small circles all around him.  Her eyes were sparkling.  Eriol smiled to himself.  It had been odd to see such a serious Sakura for so long. 

"Tomorrow is my birthday Eriol-kun!!  I'll be 13 years old tomorrow!"  With a swish of her fins, she faced Eriol.  "What are you going to give me Eriol-kun?  Please tell me, ne?  Onegai!"

"No Sakura-san, it's a secret."  He gave her a kind smile.  "Come now, let's go back.  Your father must be wondering where you are."

"Hoe?  I completely forgot about the time.  I hope Onii-chan isn't home yet, or he'll start teasing me again."

Together, Eriol and Sakura swam back towards their homes.  "Eriol-kun…arigatou."  Sakura smiled brightly.  "Thanks for listening to my problems."

Eriol smiled back.  "It was nothing."

~*~*~*~*~

"Sakura-san, wake up now!"  A gentle voice flowed into Sakura's room and broke into her dreams, shaking her awake.  She rubbed her eyes a bit and sat up.  Suddenly she blinked, remembering that today was her birthday.   She quickly swam outside to the kitchen, where her father was making breakfast. 

"Otou-san, good morning!" 

"Good morning.  Happy birthday, Sakura-san."  Her ever-smiling father said.  "Here, I made your favorite breakfast for you today."

"Yay! Thank you, Otou-san.  I love you so much!" 

Just then Touya came into the room, yawning.  "Who is making all this noise so early on a Saturday morning?  Oh, of course…" he eyed Sakura warily.  "It is the kaijuu.  Only a monster would make so much noise on her birthday.  Happy birthday kaijuu!" 

"Mou, Onii-chan!  I'm not a monster!"

Fortunately, Fujitaka stopped the teasing before it got out of hand. 

Sakura finished her breakfast and got up.  "I'm going to leave now.  I promised to meet my friends today in front of the flower-cavern.  I'll be back soon!"  

As Sakura whirled her way through the waters of Mizueda, she passed a number of merpeople.  "Happy birthday, Sakura-chan!!" they called after her.   She continued towards the flower-cavern thinking of all the different beautiful flowers that grew there.  Still, that place was no match against King Fujiwara's flower garden.  She slowed down a bit as she passed behind the palace.  There were tons of flowers of different shades, colors, and hues growing here.  Sakura inhaled deeply to take in the combination of the gentle floral scents. 

"Ah, Sakura-chan." 

"Hoe?"  Sakura looked around curiously as to where the voice had come from.  Her eyes turned round when she saw that King Fujiwara himself was in his garden at that time, along with a few other merpeople from the palace. 

"Good morning, Fujiwara-sama."  Sakura bowed politely.  "I-I was just admiring all the beautiful flowers in your garden.  They are really very pretty." 

Fujiwara's brown eyes crinkled in a smile.  "Thank you very much.  I'm glad you were passing by here, Sakura-chan.  Today is your birthday, is it not?"

"Y-yes."

"In that case I wish a very happy birthday to you.  You aren't in a hurry right now, are you?"

"I was going to meet some of my friends right now.  Um.. Why Fujiwara-sama?" she asked curiously.

Fujiwara looked a bit surprised at this.  "I wanted to give you your birthday present."

Alarmed, Sakura waved her hands in front of her.  "No no, Oji-sama!  Please, you shouldn't take the trouble or bother about it!  Don't worry, you don't need to give me a birthday present!"

"But I insist Sakura-chan.  How can I not give a birthday present to you?  You are a very dear mermaid in this kingdom.  Right now your friends must be waiting for you, but you have to promise to come back sometime during the afternoon.  Please, it would make an old merman happy."

Sakura nodded and promised that she would.  Saying goodbye she twirled around and left.  'Hoeee! How embarrassing!' she thought.  'And there were so many people watching.  I feel so shy.' 

"Sakura-chan!" her friends Chiharu, Yamazaki and Naoko greeted her when she reached the flower cavern.  "Happy birthday!" 

"What's wrong?"  Chiharu questioned.  "You seem a little thoughtful." 

"Ano… It's just that, that Fujiwara-sama asked me to come by later because he wanted to give me a birthday present.  I told him that he shouldn't bother but he wouldn't take no for an answer and made me promise.  Aww, if Onii-chan were here he would scold me so much for not being reserve.  I feel bad about this now." 

"You should stop worrying about it and go."  Naoko commented.  "Fujiwara-sama is a very kind person.  He would feel bad if you didn't accept what he wants to give you.  And you already promised after all."  Chiharu nodded in agreement. 

"You know, about promises!"  Yamazaki stuck his head in front of Sakura's and held up his finger.  "In the ancient times, there used to be something called the promise police.  Whenever someone made a promise, the police would stamp the person's hand with a special mark and record the promise on a scroll.  If anyone broke the promise, the police would be sure to cut the person's hand off where the mark had been made."

Sakura blinked in amazement.  "Really?  That must've been completely awful!"

Yamazaki nodded.  "It was.  That's why the promise police had to work overtime during the Mido era when spies and other wrongdoers spread around.  Soon enough--"

"Okay, okay.  That's enough now.  When are you going to stop making up so many lies?"  Taking his ear, Chiharu pulled him away. 

"Yamazaki-kun sure loves to lie doesn't he?"  Naoko smiled.

Sakura frowned a bit.  "Eh? That was a lie?"  When Chiharu brought Yamazaki back towards them (still yanking on his ear), Sakura looked around.  "Eriol-kun isn't here?" 

"No… he had something to do so he said he'd meet up with us later."

"I see…"  Sakura smiled to herself.  Eriol-kun was so nice to listen to me yesterday.  I felt much better after telling someone how I was feeling.  He is a really kind person. 

~*~*~*~

"Welcome back, Sakura-chan."  Fujiwara greeted her.  "I'm glad that you came."

Sakura looked at him inquisitively. 

"Well, I thought long and hard about what I could give you as a birthday present Sakura-chan.  I thought to myself, 'What would Sakura-chan like?'  And then little Akane-chan gave me an idea.  I asked her yesterday what a good present for Sakura-chan would be and Akane-chan said, "Otou-san, in all the stories I've read, kings give out special presents.  So you should give a special wish to Sakura-Onee-san."  So that's what I've decided on. 

Sakura gasped but kept quiet. 

"I'm going to grant you one wish Sakura-chan.  Ask for anything you like, anything.  I promise that I will fulfill it as best to my power."

Sakura's eyes widened.  She couldn't believe her ears.  Her heart and mind raced as though it had been given a tremendous jolt.  From the previous day, Eriol's words echoed in her mind over and over again. 

'If you wish for something from the bottom of your heart, Sakura-san, it can come true.  You might be surprised, but sometimes wishes are presented before us in many peculiar ways and we are given many ways to fulfill our dreams.  If only many would just recognize that and grasp the chance before it passes by.'

Sakura furrowed her brows.  Grasp the chance before it passes by.  Only yesterday she had discussed her feelings with Eriol-kun, and told him how she would give almost anything to go visit the world above.  And the very next day a chance is presented before her that could make her dreams come true.  A coincidence?  She didn't think so…

'If you wish for something from the bottom of your heart, it can come true.  Grasp the chance before it passes by'.

'Grasp the chance before it passes by.' 

Sakura's heart was pounding.  She looked up at the king sitting on his golden throne, watching her, waiting for a request.  A few merpeople of the court stood or sat around.  There was a deep silence.  Sakura lowered her head, staring at the ground.  She could ask for anything, anything she liked.  Well, that wasn't a difficult decision.  She knew what she wanted most.  But, would it be possible…?  Would she be laughed at for this?  Would anyone understand her?  It was a shot in the dark, but she was prepared to take the risk. 

Sakura took a deep breath to calm herself.  "I…" her voice was no higher than a whisper.

"Yes?"  Fujiwara asked gently.

Determinedly, Sakura raised her ocean green eyes and looked straight at the king.  "Fujiwara-sama, I… I want to be a human!"

There was a collective gasp from almost everyone present.  A number of eyebrows shot up and many eyes widened in shock and horror.  Soon all the court's merpeople began talking softly to each other, discussing this strange wish that the young mermaid had asked for. 

"Such a bizarre wish –"

"Fujiwara-sama would never grant it –"

"But he gave his word!"

"That doesn't matter, mermen laws would forbid this!"

"Who could have thought this of Sakura-chan?"

"She should have made some sensible wish —"

And so on the discussions continued.

Sakura stood completely still, her eyes fixed on the sea bottom.  She wanted all these people to stop talking like that; it made her so uncomfortable because they all sounded like she had just committed some serious crime.  Nobody here will understand how much this means to me… nobody.  They don't know how much I suffer and feel like a captive in these waters.  If only just for a day, please Fujiwara-sama.  Please.  Silently, she begged and prayed that her wish would come true.  Meanwhile, Fujiwara had gone completely silent and he seemed to be doing some serious thinking.  Sakura fidgeted nervously. 

At last Fujiwara held up his hand to silence all the merpeople.  He fixed his gaze on the young mermaid in front of him.  "Sakura-chan…"

Sakura looked up, not wanting to see the expression on the king's face.  Her green eyes shone with anticipation.  But she couldn't make out what was going on in the king's mind at the time.  She waited, almost dreading the answer, knowing that one word could dash all her dreams to dust. 

"Alas Sakura-chan, for you have asked from me one thing which I cannot grant you—"

Sakura felt her heart sink down to her stomach.   

"—not completely at least.  You are aware that merpeople are absolutely forbidden from going above the surface of the water and still you ask me something that would have me break my own laws.  Are you sure this is what you really want?"

"…Yes.  I've wanted this for as long as I can remember now."

Fujiwara sighed heavily.  "Then I have no other choice.  I have already given you my word that I would grant you any wish you make as long as it is in my power.  Though I don't have enough strength to turn you into a permanent human, my magic does allow me this much so that you can stay human for a limited time.  You see Sakura-chan, transforming a mermaid into a human is very complex magic.  Mermen and mermaids consist of both human and fish characteristics.  If one takes out the fish characteristics and exchanges them for human characteristics… then the transformation can be done.  However, by using my magic I can only create those human characteristics to last you for a limited time.  Of about two weeks to be exact.   In other words, I can make you a human for only two weeks.  Does this suit you?"

Sakura's eyes sparkled and a bright smile spread across her beaming face.  "Yes Fujiwara-sama!  Yes, it does suit me!  To become a human for even a small time, it's like making my dream and wish come true!"  She rushed forward and hugged the king tightly.  "How can I ever thank you?" 

Fujiwara chuckled softly.  "There's no need for that.  Just to see you happy is enough." 

Suddenly serious, Sakura looked at the king questioningly.  "But you are going to break your law… for me?  Why?"

The king smiled kindheartedly.  "Because everyone loves Sakura-chan." 

"Hoe?"  Sakura looked at everyone gathered around.  They were all nodding and smiling at her.  "Your happiness means a lot to Mizueda, Sakura-chan."

Tears filled her green eyes; tears of gratefulness and happiness.  "Thank you, all of you." 

Fujiwara spoke up, "Sakura-chan, it will take approximately an hour to get the spell ready.  I suppose you should go and tell your friends and family about this."

~*~*~*~

Before long the news had spread all across Mizueda that Sakura was going to be changed into a human within an hour.  People from all over came to the palace to wait and see what would happen, and some went and asked Sakura to see if this was really true. 

"We are going to miss you Sakura-chan."  Chiharu said.

"Who knows, you might meet a really scary ghost up there."  Naoko added.

Sweatdropping, Sakura's face turned slightly purple at the thought.  "Hoeee, I hope I don't see ANY ghosts!" 

"You know, about humans!"  Yamazaki butted in.  Fortunately Chiharu bonked him on the head.  "Not now Yamazaki-kun!"

"We'll be at the palace to see you off Sakura-chan."  Naoko said, putting a hand on her shoulder.  "See you."

And so they left her sitting on her favorite rock, and it was so that Eriol found her a few minutes later. 

"Eriol-kun!  I'm so glad to see you!" 

Eriol sat down near her.  "Happy birthday Sakura-san… I heard what's been going on." 

Sakura nodded. 

"You are finally going to get your wish."  Eriol gave her a warm hearted smile.  "I'm so glad."

"Eriol-kun, somehow I feel that this is all thanks to you.  If I hadn't told you everything I did yesterday I probably wouldn't have had the heart to ask for this today.  You are the best friend anyone could ask for!"

"Oh dear… That's not true at all."  He laughed it off.  "Oh, I almost forgot to give you your birthday present.  I guess it is going to be even more useful now." 

Eriol handed a wrapped present to her.  Curiously, Sakura opened it.  Inside was a golden seashell pendant strung on a golden chain.  On the front of the seashell were the letters 'Sakura' impressed on it.  "Wow, this is so pretty Eriol-kun!"

"I'm glad you like it.  But it has more meaning to it.  Go ahead and open the pendant."

Sakura dug her fingernails into the groove that ran along the bottom of the seashell and opened it.  Instantly she shielded her eyes from the bright ball of glowing light that had rose up from inside the shell and hung suspended a few inches above it.  She saw something in Eriol's hand begin to shine with a pale light.  When he unfolded his palm she saw that he was also holding a similar looking seashell (without any name on it).  He opened it up and a similar ball of glowing light rose up a few inches from it.  In her own glowing light orb she could now see Eriol in it and Eriol could see Sakura in his light orb.

"Hoeeee?!  What is this?" she cried, nearly dropping her pendant in surprise. 

"It's something to communicate with.  Our two seashells are connected to each other.  When you open your shell, or if I open mine, the other one will begin to glow so that we know if the other wants to talk to us.  We'll be able to hear and see each other through this.  Stay in touch, Sakura-san."  He added.

"Eriol-kun… You are really amazing.  Thank you!"

Eriol smiled and then looking forward he sweatdropped slightly.  "Ah, I guess someone else wants to talk to you now, Sakura-san." 

Touya and Fujitaka came swimming over to her.  Touya, who was the first to reach her, instantly grabbed Sakura by her shoulders and shook her forcibly.  "Kaijuu! Have you gone mad?!  Wanting to be a human?  What is all this nonsense?" 

"Onii-chan…"  Sakura sweatdropped.  "I-I was just going to tell you." 

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?!?!  Humans are dangerous!  You'll get killed if you venture above the surface of the water!!!!!"

Fujitaka put a hand on his son's shoulder.  "Touya-kun, we should trust Sakura-san's decision.  You should calm down—"

"HOW CAN I CALM DOWN WHEN THE KAIJUU HAS LOST HER MIND?!?!"  Touya's eyes bulged and he looked ready to kill. 

Sakura cowered in fear.  "Hauu! Onii-chan looks more like the monster right now…" she muttered.  Then she noticed that her father had not said anything against this.  "Otou-san, you aren't mad at me for making that wish?" 

Fujitaka hugged his daughter.  "Not at all Sakura-san.  You are old enough to make your own choices now.  I trust your judgment and if this is something you want then I won't stand in the way.  I want you to be happy."

Sakura's eyes grew misty.  "Otou-san……  thank you."

"Humph!" Touya crossed his arms and looked away.  He hadn't yet calmed down.  Infact there was now steam issuing from his head because of anger.  He clutched his fist and a vein throbbed mercilessly.  "She is making a big mistake!  It's too dangerous for her." 

Eriol came to Sakura's defense this time.  "Touya-san, please don't worry.  Sakura-san will be fine."

"How can you make sure Eriol?!" 

"I promise you she will be fine.  Please, you will have to trust me."  Eriol gravely looked straight at Touya and for a few seconds both of them stared at each other silently.  "Fine!  You have never allowed any harm to touch Sakura so far so I'll take your word for it.  Even though I don't see how you can protect her from here." Then, with a swish of his tailfins he turned around and swam off.  "But I still think that it is not safe for her!"

~*~*~*~

Fujiwara handed a cup of clear magenta liquid to Sakura.  "You need to drink this Sakura-chan.  Remember, at the sunset of the fourteenth day, you will turn back into a mermaid.  Are you ready?"

Sakura looked around at all her family, friends and other people of Mizueda gathered around in front of the king's underwater palace.  They were all smiling at her with understanding.  I'm so happy.  They all understand.  They all understand. I'm glad.  "Yes, Fujiwara-sama.  I am ready."

Touya was still in a bad mood eyeing the scene edgily.  "Remember Kaijuu, the second your fourteen days are over, I am coming to get you!"  Yukito, who was right next to Touya smiled to himself.  "It is because Sakura-chan is going to a completely different realm where you won't be able to protect her and keep an eye out for her that you are so worried, right?  You can't help being so protective of your little sister.  What a nice and caring Onii-chan you are, To-ya." 

"Shut up!" 

Fujiwara watched Sakura drink the potion from the cup and once she was done wincing because of its bad taste he called out to the crowd gathered.  "As soon as I have completed the magic, someone will have to take Sakura-chan up to the surface and lay her on the beach."

Eriol came forward.  "I'll go." 

Meanwhile, Yukito continued muttering stuff in Touya's ear.  "However you have only given in because Eriol swore to protect her and has never let you down regarding Sakura-chan.  You really trust him don't you, To-ya?" Yukito laughed softly to himself.  "You have the largest, most loving, caring and wonderful sister complex I have ever seen!"

"I said SHUT UP, YUKI!!"   Touya roared, almost growing fangs in his fury and embarrassment.  

A hush fell over the onlookers as King Fujiwara nodded at Sakura, raised his trident staff and murmured a few words under his breath.  A whirlpool of magic formed at the tip of the staff and getting larger and larger it engulfed Sakura in its power.  Sakura's eyes closed and she began spinning to the force of the magic.  Her ocean green tailfins split up and glowing so brightly that everyone had to shield their eyes, they formed into two legs and feet.  The magic even had enough insight so that the pink sleeveless top Sakura normally wore was extended to a dress that reached just below her knees.  The whirlpool subsided and Sakura's body instantly went limp and floated downwards.  Eriol caught her deftly in his arms and with as much speed as he could muster, he swam straight up and up towards the surface of the sea.  The water around him changed from dark to light as he kept going and after what seemed like forever, his head finally broke the surface of the water with a big splash. 

Eriol found himself looking towards a beach some distance away.  Making sure that nobody was around, he carefully swam to shore and gently laid Sakura down.  She was still dazed because of the magic but otherwise seemed alright.  Eriol lingered around for just a few seconds more.  "Good luck, Sakura-san." 

With that, he dived back into the cold, blue water and was gone. 

~*~*~*~

"Oh my… are you alright?" 

Sakura's eyelids flickered and she opened her eyes.  "Hoe?"  She found herself staring up into a deep orange-red sky.  For a few minutes she lay still breathing in the cool evening air making sure that this wasn't a dream.  Her lungs filled with a pleasant sensation.  She dug her hands in the warm sand feeling the slightly sharp grains of sand against her palm.  This feels so real!  This feels so…wonderful!  Then she sat up with a jolt and with wide eyes looked at her tailfins, except that instead of her tailfins were two legs and feet poking from beneath her dress.  With wonder, Sakura wriggled her toes.  It was a strange feeling, a feeling that filled her with joy.  She hastily tried standing up.  Her legs wobbled under her, and she stumbled down. 

"Are you alright?"  The voice asked again. 

Sakura looked up at a girl around her age with long dark hair and violet eyes bending over her.  She was looking at Sakura with concern and confusion. 

"Ah.. yes, I'm fine."  Sakura stammered.

"I haven't seen you around here before.  Are you lost?  You aren't hurt, are you?" 

"Um…"

"My house isn't too far from here.  You can come with me if you like." 

Sakura smiled gratefully.  "Thank you." 

Tomoyo helped Sakura up on her feet.  "Oh, I don't know your name.  I'm Daidouji Tomoyo."  

"I'm Kinomoto Sakura."

"My, what a really cute name!  Do you mind if I call you Sakura-chan?"  Tomoyo smiled at her new friend.

Sakura nodded, beaming happily.  She hadn't thought that she would meet someone as nice as this soon as she woke up.  Any doubts that she had previously had about her wish were now gradually fading away into the twilight. 

"Then come now, Sakura-chan.  I hope you won't catch a cold from lying on the beach for so long.  I'm glad that I found you."  Supporting Sakura with her arm, Tomoyo slowly led her towards her home. 

~*~-----To Be Continued-----~*~

[A/N]: 

Yatta! I'm finally finished with this!  Phew, this turned out a bit longer than intended..  And this part was only just the introduction or prologue!  The real story starts now ^_~  I have a fairly decent idea of where the story is heading.  Just have to write it now x_o;;   I get distracted from writing so easily because lately I've finally gotten my hands on the CCS manga.  I only have the last two volumes left now.  *sigh* They explain everything so much better in the manga. 

Oh yes, and Eriol no hontou ni suteki desu wa, ne?!  That darling little reincarnation is just so perfect in ever way! ^_^;

Anyway, what did you think of this fic?  Please please please please review and give me your opinions, suggestions, comments or constructive criticism.  ^_^ It will make me very VERY happy!  I promise to start working hard on the next chapters now.  Arigatou. Ja ne!