Note~: This um...little (?) story is brought to you by two people! That's right. Two! It's a collab! Myself and another talented writer, Darkchibi-chan! We thought it would be fun! And it was! We didn't realize how long the chapter was 6^-^' But that's okay! Short chapters aren't as interesting right? Right! But 8,708 words... ...that's a lot for one chapter. So yeah. Darkchibi-chan did half have the story and I did the other half. I also fixed spelling and stuff, but I'm perfectly fine with that! It gave me something to do.
Disclaimer: Neither I nor Darkchibi-chan own it! We want to, but we can't thanks to CLAMP. Hehe, but just gives us the chance to write stories about our favourite characters, neee? Enjoy!
Time: During when Clone Syaoran and Sakura have Syaoran as their son. So after Shunraiki.
World: Most likely Hong Kong.
It was only about 6:30 A.M. light was just barely starting to stream in through the window blinds. Birds could be heard chirping their own lovely songs.
Syaoran had woken due to a certain memory that he had previously dreamt about.
It wasn't exactly a nightmare one could say, just something unpleasant to see. Especially when it came to Syaoran. Those days had been terrible, and the only way he had been able to stay at least a little sane was by...by doing certain things he really should not have been doing to his son, also his original.
Of course, back then, he didn't know that was his soon to be son. Who would, really?
He remembered how is eyes widened and a cold dread spread through the pit of his stomach as Sakura announced him, " He, who you share your existence". He couldn't believe it at first, and merely looked at his wife with a frozen shocked expression.
But it slowly sunk in, and left a bad taste in his mouth. His original was his son. Somehow, he was able to cover the shock to recognition, fooling his wife. Thank god she never found out what happened between him and the original in those dark days.
Needless to say, it has been difficult for Syaoran to stay calm and not panic when around his son. If he or Sakura were to realize what he had done...
He couldn't finish the thought. Not when his son came bounding over to him with such an excited smile. It only took him a few deep breaths, till he thought he could hold up his calm act for a few minutes.
"To-San!", his son, also named Syaoran, called out jovially.
He tried to remain calm and put on a soft smile, not wanting to worry the boy. "Syaoran" came running up to him with such an amount of energy and speed, that he briefly worried if he would trip and fall flat on his face. Because even though it was basically him, the boy still had a lot of his mother in him.
Luckily, he didn't fall, and remained balanced.
" To-Saaaan!", the child seemed to be beaming with joy that he spotted his father so early in the morning. He was still young, almost four years old now, but greatly intelligent for his age. He worried as he grew a little more older, his son would see right through his mask.
How would he explain his reason of wearing a fake smile to him then? He didn't know, and doubt that he would know when the time came. He may be a good liar, but he didn't know if he was able to lie to his son and get away with it.
"Ohayo, Syaoran!", he called back, bending down on his knees to bring himself down to his child's height.
"Ohayo!"
"You seem to be in a good mood today. Any particular reason why?"
"Because To-San promised to teach me even more martial arts today!"
"Ah, that's right isn't it? However before that, I believe we should prepare breakfast first, ne?"
"Hai!"
He couldn't bare the thought that soon he would destroy that joyful smile, tainting the boy to complete corruption. Just thinking about those memories made his stomach twist. Every time he saw his child smile so brightly like that, or when his eyes would shine bright every time he saw him, it nearly broke him to pieces.
He wished he could take it all back. Find the remote and press the rewind button to make things right. Of course, he was capable of doing this, what with having Clow Reed's magic, but using that kind of magic would bring out his "creator's" attention, and ultimately doom everyone.
" To-san, daijobu..?"
"Nani?", his child's voice snapped him out of thoughts quickly.
His son was looking at, worry dominating the joy he had just been experiencing.
"Gomen. I'm fine Syaoran, just thinking about a few things is all."
The child didn't look convinced, but didn't press any further on the subject.
"Anyway, we should probably hurry and start breakfast don't you think? We can have what ever you want okay?"
The worry disappeared, replaced by excitement that was there previously.
"Haaai!"
Syaoran couldn't help but smile at his son's overly joyful expression. He was like his mother in so many ways.
" Nee, To-San?"
Syaoran looked at his son, "Hai? Nani?"
" How come...", the boy trailed off for a moment, seemingly using his words carefully to not disrespect his father, " how come you look sad sometimes..?"
It felt like a shard of ice stabbed in his heart right then in there. It seemed his fears were earlier than expected. The child was more observant then he thought he was. Somehow, he managed to keep his calm demeanor, and raised his eyebrows slightly at him.
The boy instantly flushed, "G-gomen To-San! that was rude of me!"
Syaoran placed a small genuine smile on his lips, and placed his hand on his son's hair gently, patting his head,.
"It's fine, really. I'm only thinking about the past."
"Hontoni?"
"Hontoni. Now why don't you go get the ingredients for breakfast out while I go wake up O'Ka-San."
"Hai."
Syaoran frowned disapproving his son's current attitude, "You better not act like that around your mother. It'll make her worry."
"Gomennasai, To-San!"
Syaoran chuckled slightly. His son was so sharp, kind, intelligent, and no doubt determined to do what he thinks is best. He possessed all the same qualities as himself. Now if only he could officially dispose of those dreadful memories that continue to haunt him.
The chances of that ever happening though was slim to none. Yuuko-San had said that he would have to remember everything that occurred to him in his past life. His darker life. The life were he lived as a horrible monster. Killing anyone that stood in his path, taking anything he thought that he needed.
He watched as his son left, going into the garden to pick out the tea leaves. He felt guilty when he had to lie to his over observant son just to cover up the dark festering truth, but it was best not for him to know. Eventually he would release soon. That in itself was unavoidable. But for now, he would continue to reassure the child with warm smiles, and gentle pats on the head.
Syaoran walked into his and Sakura's bedroom, glancing over the woman who was sleeping soundly. To be honest, he hated it when she was asleep. It looked like she was dead. That was just him though and his constant fears overtaking his thoughts, so he brushed the thought away, soon to be remembered again as he would see her peaceful face.
"Sakura, you need to get up now. Syaoran is already up."
She groaned softly before slowly opening her emerald green eyes, "Ohayo, Syaoran."
"Ohayo."
"So what's for breakfast today?", Sakura asked smiling.
"Whatever our dear son decided on."
They both smiled widely. Sakura got out of the bed and made her way to her wardrobe to choose today's outfit. Syaoran opened the curtains to allow the now bright sunlight to flood into the dim room, while thinking up a decent explanation to give his son if he ever decided to bring up their previous discussion again.
Really, the child was way to sharp for his age, he mused, and it would be difficult giving him the same excuse. He sighed quietly.
This wasn't going to be easy...
Syaoran had just returned from his job, slightly tired. He hoped that he could just go straight to his room without encountering anyone, primarily his son.
He doubted that that would happen, knowing his luck.
Then again, it couldn't be nearly as bad as the time he was once forced to play spin the bottle with his past companions, original, now his son; and the people that had become his friends. He couldn't remember how many times the bottle would land on his son when he spun it, and the other way around as well.
He wasn't sure why the bottle kept landing on him or the original. It must have been cruel irony. He could still see the look on his son's face.
Confusion mixed with irritation. Small hint of embarrassment.
Back then, he still couldn't feel any emotions, or so he thought, but if he did, he was sure he would feel amused. Back then anyway. Now it was shame.
Fate or whatever must have thought it was entertaining. Always, always, making the bottle land on either him or his son. Stupid bottle. Someone, probably that Chiaki person, must have tampered with it. Or maybe Yuuko-san did something. Kami-Sama knows that she would do anything if she thought it interesting enough.
He probably should have smashed it once it landed on his son the third time. The first time, his son refused, the second time, he refused, and the third time, they didn't get a choice. They weren't allowed to quit until two more rounds had gone by, and even if they did, they would still have to kiss.
The events that followed afterwords were anything but ordinary, or appropriate for that matter. Syaoran was just thankful that his son didn't recall any of it...hopefully.
Surprisingly Syaoran had successfully managed to arrive at his room unseen.
Changing into more comfortable clothes, he got into bed and fell asleep moments after.
He wished every time he slept, he wouldn't dream. Because that's what he exactly did. Dream. Remembering. A dark memory.
It was before the chains caging his heart were broken. It was when he was still a ruthless puppet, seeking the feathers, occasionally finding ways to ease his insanity when they grew to overwhelming.
When he discovered his twin, soon to be son, it seemed to ease the cold numbness.
Whenever he was near his twin, he would feel a strange sensation. A majority of the time though, that sensation would lead him to do impure things to his weaker self.
Those dreadful times flashed repeatedly in his mind. He wished they would stop. But they didn't, and revealed the ugly unavoidable truth.
That disgusting horrible truth that constantly haunted him. Never allowing him a peaceful nights rest. Only once did Sakura wake due to him whimpering in shame and displeasure in his sleep.
Of course he paraphrased his nightmare so as to hide the truth from her when she woke and asked him. He hated doing so, but if she found out...if anyone found out, Syaoran would never be able to show his face again. His guilt is already weighing him down enough.
But wait...can't Sakura cross over into others dreams sometimes? Oh god! Maybe she already knew! But she hasn't looked at him disappointingly, but then again, she probably would have found a reason to forgive him already. Oh god.
Great, now he would have to ask her about it. Not his dreams directly of course. Doing so would make her curious or worried. Probably both. Then she would definitely see! How would he explain himself to her? He can't lie to her! And he won't be able to lie to his son for much longer either.
Could his troubles get any worse?
There was a light tapping on his bedroom door.
"Come in.", he said drowsily.
Great. It did get worse. His son was slowly walking into the bedroom, looking frightened from something.
"T-to-San..."
"Nani..?"
Syaoran couldn't quite understand why his son looked so frightened. Unless...
"To-San...I-I had a bad dream", the boy's voice seemed to quiver at the end. He looked like he wanted to run up and hug him, judging by the way he fidgeted, but remained where he stood, probably trying to be mature, or not trouble him that much.
Syaoran tensed slightly when his son said he had a bad dream, but remained calm.
"Come over here Syaoran, and then tell me about it.", Syaoran said, sitting up in his bed. "Talking about it may make you feel better."
The boy didn't hesitate, and ran up to his father. He noticed he was trembling.
" I-I'm not sure if it was real...I guess it couldn't have..since I was older..", his son trailed off, trying to remember what he saw.
Please, don't let it be...
" I was fighting with someone...he looked exactly like me, but had a blue eye"...
...Dammit...
Fate must really love toying with him.
First making his original his son. Then making his dreams haunted by his horrid past. And now this.
Syaoran swallowed, his bottom lip beginning to tremble slightly.
"Go on.", he said swallowing, trying to keep his calm facade.
"Well, we were fighting for a while...I could feel the pain somehow...it felt so real...but finally the other me won the battle, cause he used fire to break the lighting I used as a spell...I collapsed on the ground..", he noticed his son started to tremble again.
Syaoran narrowed his eyes slightly in concern, temporarily forgetting the fact that that other boy in his son's dream was he himself. His fatherly instincts taking over instead.
He held his arm out as an invitation for his son to hug him if he chose to.
"Anything else you can remember?", he asked softly.
The small child accepted the invitation, hugging him tightly, nodding.
" I tried to get up off the ground...t-then he stabbed me with his sword in my shoulder...i-it hurt so much! I tried not to scream, b-but he started to move the blade, and I couldn't stop him! H-he kept kicking me in the stomach until I finally did scream..it hurt so much! So much!", his son started to sob slightly, but tried to hold back his tears.
Syaoran in response, held the trembling child tightly, but not to tight. He then sighed in slight relief. At least it wasn't what he feared it was. It was still bad but, not as bad.
"Daijobudesu. You'll be okay. Both your mother and I are here to protect you. And also, it's okay to be afraid. And if you feel the need to cry, then cry. No one will blame you. So don't bottle up your feelings okay?"
His son nodded, and sobbed against his father's chest, "I-it was terrible! the pain was unbearable! I felt my heart beating so fast in fear and anger..but then...he didn't stop.."
Syaoran cringed at this, but asked his son anyway," What else happened..."?
He saw his son furrow his eyes in confusion
" Well..he grabbed my hair and pulled my face close to his.."
God,please god, no...
" And did what you and mother do when you get back home from work"
...Damn...
Why did it have to be that? Anything but that would have been better. Anything.
"S-socca? It's only a dream though. And you said that...you were older right? Therefore it couldn't have happened, ne?"
Syaoran was clearly trying to hide his pain, and fear, even though he had only just told his son not to do so. He didn't know if his son noticed though. He hoped not.
" Mhn, but what if...that was me in the future To-San? what if i saw my future, like Oka-san"?
...His child was to sharp for both of their own goods...
"Absolutely not. I swear that I will do all there is in my power to keep that from happening. And if I fail to prevent it, then I will take any punishment you have for me at the time."
He truly meant every word that he said. He would not allow his son to suffer that much again. If he did fail to prevent it though, then he would either punish himself or let his son do it.
The small child gave him a small smile, "Arigato To-San, hm..demo...can I ask you something?"
Syaoran smiled as well. How could he not, when his son acted so childishly and held such an innocent smile on his young face?
"Mochiron. What is it?"
His son's smile faltered a little into confusion, " Well...it was weird...but I started to get scared when he pushed me on the ground and tugged on my shirt...I don't know why he was trying to take my clothes off...but I seemed to panic from it...To-San, what was the other me doing? And why did I get so scared?"
...Shit...
How was he suppose to answer that?
After thinking of a reasonable reply, Syaoran finally answered his son's question.
"Hmm, that's a little difficult to answer really. Though you were probably frightened by the fact that he was doing something to you that you either hadn't experienced before, or simply did not understand why he was doing it. Not understanding can be rather frightening after all."
There was no way that he was going to tell him that he was about to get raped. It's not like he can just say, "Well son, you were about to get raped you see." No. There is no way he was going to say that. Plus his son would most likely ask him what rape was, and then he would have to think up a definition that revealed as little as possible.
" So...I was afraid because I didn't know what he was doing..hm...but why do you think he was doing that to me in the first place? I mean, by the way it looked, we were enemies, and he could have easily killed me, but didn't..."
Syaoran had to think again before answering.
"There are two ways for you to look at it. He could be being merciful, or not. It all depends on your opinion really." Or he could have been using you as tool to relieve him from lust. Syaoran thought to himself.
" Hmm, I don't think he was being merciful cause he kept hurting me...ah, and he had a weeeeird look in his eyes", he tried to imitate what look he made.
Syaoran tried to stifle the small chuckle that tried to escape past his throat. The look on the child's face quite interesting.
"Don't hurt yourself trying to imitate the guy's face alright? He was still hurting you? How? You don't need to say if you're not exactly sure."
"Eh? Ah, hmn...", his cheeks slightly blushed when his father laughed at him, but continued on.
"Ano...I'm not sure...it's starting to get hazy...but I kept fighting back and yelling bad words at him, so he kept hitting and kicking me..when I didn't stop, he grabbed my throat.."
Syaoran winced slightly. He knew exactly what was happening on that day.
"Anything else? Or is the rest blank?"
To his dread, the boy nodded," He started to choke me...I couldn't breath, and panicked, clawing at his arms...so he squeezed tighter...everything started turning fuzzy, and before I blacked out, he leaned down and whispered in my ear, you have something I want...," he tried to imitate how the voice went.
It felt as if an ice dagger was ripping through his chest down to his stomach.
"I...see. Let's pray that you only blacked out."
Of course Syaoran knew that that was what happened. He remembered releasing his son's throat once he finally blacked out.
" Yeah..he didn't kill me, cause I felt him pick me up, and then I heard different voices in the background that were yelling my name. I was to weak to reply to them though..."
Memories were coming back to Syaoran faster than a group of bunnies being chased by the big bad wolf.
"Really?"
Syaoran's hands were beginning to tremble now. He knew what would be coming next if his son recalled anything more.
"Yeah, I cracked an eye open and saw some portal being opened, then he took me in it, those voices fading away slowly, then there was a zzzzzzzzr sound, and the voices were gone."
"Interesting. Did he do anything else to you?"
Syaoran was desperately trying to hide his dread. Unsuccessfully.
" Well, I felt a different feeling in the air, so I guess I was in another room or place. He threw me on the bed, then got on top of me, and I kept blanking out for awhile"...
"A-ah? I thought you said that it got hazy after a bit?"
" Well, that's another weird part, cause it kept turning hazy then black then hazy again".
"Hm, I'm not sure what to say about that. Either way, you feel better now?"
The child nodded, "Yeah, a little bit. But now I'm curious what happens to "me" next. I wonder what the other me does to me...?"
"No, I don't think you want to know. If my guess is correct, you are much to young to know about that. Plus your mother would kill me. Don't tell her about any of this okay? This is just between you and me. We wouldn't want to worry her right?"
His son looked up at him, "Did he do something bad to me?", his face lit up, "I wont tell! It's a promise with me and To-San!"
"You could say it's bad. Most people consider it good, but in your case it would most likely be bad."
Then a genuine smile made it's appearance on Syaoran's face since who knows how long.
"Arigato."
"Hmn! Arigato for listening to my dream To-San. Gomennasai if I woke you.", he looked a little worried.
"It's fine. I'm a little glad that you did wake me actually. I was having a few nightmares of my own to be honest."
"Eh? To-San has been having bad dreams to? What were they about?", the small boy looked slightly surprised and concerned.
Just buried my own grave,ne...?
"Just a batch of bad memories really. There were...a few things that I regret doing you see. I can't really explain them to you. But I can tell you that it's about your mother and someone that I consider very precious. You haven't met him, and you probably never will."
"Eh? Someone very precious?", the boy looked curious now.
"Yes. I suppose he was like a twin brother. You two are very similar actually. But...he's gone now. And I'm sure he hates me for doing certain things."
The child furrowed his eyebrows together,"Daijobu To-San! I'm sure he doesn't hate you! You're a very good To-San who is very nice and caring! There would be no way he could hate you!"
Syaoran's smile widened, "Arigato. Demo, our relationship is very complicated and considering the things I did, he'd have to hold at least a little resentment towards me."
His son looked at him, confusion written on his face,"Did you do something bad to him?"
"Let's just say that I played a very cruel game with him for quite a few months."
Yes, that was all he could really call it. A cruel game. How he toyed with his emotions and body, nearly breaking him apart physically and mentally. He shuddered, fully remembering the broken emptiness in his eyes after a month passed. He wasn't sure if anyway would be able to save him. Hopefully, when he escaped from him, the others were the first ones to find him, treating him back to health.
He still was never the same again. Granted that fire in his eyes remained burning, but once he caught sight of him, those flames would flicker and die , turning to fear.
"A cruel game...? Hmm...like arm wrestling..?"
"Ah haha. Not exactly. It included a few more...limbs then just our arms."
Why did his son have to ask so many questions? Granted, he did tell him something he was unaware of and he did make him worry because of it, but still. Couldn't he ask less questions? Maybe he was just asking questions so that he could remain here with him, his father that usually tries to avoid him. Did he notice that? Hopefully not.
" Oh, so then it was just wrestling? O'Ka-San told me about that before, that you use to wrestle with someone ."
His heart seemed to stop beating for a moment, processing what his son just said
What..did..he..just..say...?
What? WHAT? Did Sakura really tell him that? Why? For what purpose? Didn't they agree to not tell their son anything about their past? Yes, he is breaking that little agreement himself, but at least he's coming up with some reasonable answers. Sakura can't lie! What else has she said?
"Socca? Did O'Ka-San tell you anything else?"
" Well, she told me to be careful when I'm older and meet a mirror image of me.."
God dammit Sakura. You told him the worst part yet.
"Eh? Really? Now why would she say that? She hasn't mentioned any dreams to me yet? Perhaps she was joking with you?"
" Well one day she looked a little worried, and that's when she told me to be careful once a incident with two crumbling towers occurs, and that it might help my future...I still don't know what she means by that, but O'Ka-San did see it in a dream, so I'll do what I must.", he finished, a look of determination written on his face.
Really Sakura? Really? Did you really have to tell him so soon?
"Ah well, I don't think you need to worry about that now. It'll probably turn out to be nothing. O'Ka-San could have just been paranoid. Who knows. Maybe she was dreaming about me and my own twin."
Suddenly there was a loud crash from the back yard of the house as well as a lot of loud cursing.
"What in the worlds..."
"What was that sound?", he peered near the window, but Syaoran pulled him back.
"Don't you have any school work to do? I'll check out the backyard. So go see what you're suppose to be doing right now okay?"
The boy hesitated a little, but listened to his father, slowly nodding, and getting off the bed back into the other room.
Syaoran sighed and then went to change into more appropriate clothing. He then headed outside to confront whatever it was that had landed in his backyard.
Syaoran walked downstairs towards the door that led to the backyard. His jaw literally dropped when he saw four people standing in the middle of the yard.
Well, three people were standing there anyway. The ninja was carrying the motionless boy on his back. It felt like his heart plummeted in his stomach.
"...Fuck..."
It was his original. The boy seemed nearly lifeless, covered in bandages.
...Crap...
Now what? They'll notice him any moment now. Plus if his son were to see his original...
God...god...god...GOD!
It was Sakura that first noticed him. Her eyes grew wide, and he feared if she knew somehow. His fears were reassured when she ran up to him,"Please, do you have any first aid! H-he wont stop bleeding!"
Syaoran's eyes widened, Sakura, to afraid of the original's health to put up her icy demeanor. He glanced at the boy again. She was right. He didn't notice it, probably from his mind going in a frenzy from their arrival, but the boy was bleeding right through the small amount of bandages he had wrapped around him.
They must have just now found him. Which meant he just escaped from himself probably a few minutes ago.
Which meant he was in the worst shape he could be in.
Crap.
He sighed, "Hurry up and get in here then. I'll see what I can do."
His luck was terrible today. Next Sakura will come home and do who knows what. Then his son will come down to see what happened.
They all seemed to be to concerned about the motionless boy to even notice that he looked exactly like him.
He quickly began unwrapping the bandages. Following with a chant to stop the bleeding.
Then, as if fate still hadn't had enough of screwing up his day, his son poked his head around the corner and gasped.
The travelers' eyes widened at the sight of his son.
Sakura stared at him closely, it sounded like she was about to ask something else, but stopped herself and asked, " I-is he alright.?"
Define alright. The boy was in terrible condition. The only thing he could manage to do was close his wounds. He glanced at his neck, which was covered in dark red marks, and he grimaced.
"I did what I could."
Syaoran noticed that Sakura was about to cry and panicked slightly.
"B-but he'll live! So don't cry! It's...been a while since I've used healing magic. Once my wife returns, I'll ask her to take a look at him...she's much better at healing then I am."
He took a deep breath.
"Syaoran, you don't need to hide. Everyone has already spotted you, so come down here."
His son flinched, and felt shame festering in his stomach for disobeying his father, "G-gomen O'To-San, something felt strange..." His eyes trailed to the motionless boy, and a strange look appeared in his eyes.
Syaoran raised an eyebrow at his son.
"Why are you apologizing for being curious? It's not as if I'm mad at you. And if you want an explanation just say so. I'll explain what I can alright?"
His son nodded, "Hai, O'To-San", and slowly walked down the stairs. Staring at Sakura. She seemed to be doing the same thing at the moment.
"You two planning to have a staring contest or something?", Syaoran asked half jokingly half seriously. "Ah, well. I suppose we should at least introduce ourselves, ne?"
Sakura and his son turned to him, both looking embarrassed now. Kurogane was the first to speak out, " Who the hell are you? You look exactly like the kid, only older, and not just by appearance..", he narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
" Kurogane-San, please clam down, Sakura's now stern voice returned to her.
Syaoran turned towards Kurogane placing his hands behind his back.
"Since you asked so nicely I'll tell you. My name is Li Syaoran descendant of Clow Reed and heir to the Li clan. This child," he said indicating his son, "is also called Syaoran. My wife who has yet to return, is Sakura. Now I have introduced my family, so it's your turn. Who are you?"
They all seemed surprised at this, not that he could really blame them.
" Kurogane.", was the ninja's blunt answer.
" Fai D. Flowrite, Fai thank you.", the vampire spoke out softly.
"Mokona Modoki! but you can just call me Mokona, nice to meet you, the manju shouted out cheerfully, despite the current situation they were in.
" My name is Sakura", she glanced at his original, looking worried, " his name is ...Syaoran as well..."
There was a very awkward silence. Other than his son chatting with Mokona.
Syaoran watched them for a bit before speaking once more.
"Must you all be so depressing? I understand that you must be experiencing difficult times at the moment, but I've got a family and I'd rather their mood wasn't brought down due to yours. "Syaoran" will be fine. I don't know your story but, I can assure you that it will be alright in the end. If you're going to yell at me, then do it in another room so that my son doesn't have to hear it full blast."
Like he was really one to talk, since he was basically the cause of their depression. First he leaves them with painful wounds physically and mentally, then he takes Syaoran from them for who knows how many months. He was expecting an outburst from either one of them, but surprisingly, they seemed to calm down a little.
" Gomen, we don't mean to cause any trouble.", of course it was Sakura that said this. Very much like her.
This made him relax slightly as well.
"It's alright. You aren't exactly causing me trouble. I'm glad to be of assistance. Plus it keeps my magic in check. Are any of you hungry? It's about time for me to start dinner. Syaoran, would you please go fetch some tea leaves while I start the water?"
The boy nodded eagerly, excited and slightly curious with the visitors. He paused to glance at the motionless original, then ran to the garden.
Really. He didn't deserve to have such a sweet child as his son. Especially since he'll be the one causing that very child a majority of his pain. The one that will reduce him to that.
After watching his son run off, Syaoran stole a quick glance at his original before heading towards the kitchen.
"Is there anything special that you guys want? I don't mind if you have a special request."
" Iie, anything will be fine, thank you, " Sakura managed a small smile. The others, still not sure if to trust him or not, stood quite.
Syaoran sighed to himself.
"Name one food. I need an idea of what to cook, and usually I get those ideas from my son or my wife."
There was a brief pause, until finally, " How about..fish?"
Syaoran smiled to himself. Both Sakuras liked fish ever since they tried it in a different world. If he could recall, Clow country didn't have any fish.
"I'll see what I can find."
A few moments later, Sakura, his Sakura, entered the house.
"Kombanwa! Minna! Eh? Syaoran, are you making fish?"
"By request of one of our guests, yes."
Then right after that his son returned.
"Kombanwa! O'Ka-San!"
"Kombanwa. So then. Anybody care to explain what I've missed?"
" O'Ka-San, there's someone who looks like you!"
She didn't seem surprised. " Socca? Well, why don't you get to know them better? I need to talk to O'To-San"
"Hai!", the boy placed the tea herbs carefully on the table, and ran into the next room.
" We need to be careful Syaoran."
He sighed.
"I know, I know. But knowing my luck today, that's not gonna be easy."
He gave a small sad smile as he picked up the freshly picked herbs and placed them in the water.
Sakura furrowed her eyebrows in concern, and gently hugged him, " You didn't mean to Syaoran.."
His body froze at this. So..she did know..
"And how long have you known about that I wonder."
Shame and sorrow were quickly taking over him. Not allowing any other emotion through.
Sakura softly kissed the side of his cheek, " That night when the nightmares got worse..its been affecting Tsubasa as well... Syaoran, please, don't let that guilt and blame devour you, or control your fears. You didn't know, and had no self control back then. You could only follow instincts."
Syaoran allowed one more sigh to escape past his lips before returning to his usual determined self.
"I've been dreading the day you would find out because I was afraid of how you would react. But since it's you, I should have known that you would have forgiven me...but now...it looks like my main concern will be Tsubasa and my original, ne?"
Sakura nodded, "Syaoran...the other you will eventually come here..."
...Damn...
"When? Will all of us be here? Please tell me that nobody will get hurt. Please? I don't want to see myself hurt others. That's the only time I can't fully remember."
Sakura shook her head sadly, " I only saw them arriving. Whether or not they get hurt or not, or when they will come...I haven't seen it yet..which means we have to make sure to watch both of them carefully...he's looking for him again...'
"You mean I'm looking for him again, but does that mean that you don't remember today either? Oh well, besides that, watching both of them definitely won't be easy. Or at least watching Tsubasa. Judging by his condition, we won't need to watch him as closely.
" Yes..", she kissed him on the cheek again, " Were you able to tend his wounds..?"
"As best as I could manage. I think you should take a look as well though. I haven't used healing magic for quite a while you know?"
Sakura smiled lightly, and nodded her head, "Alright, I'll be back.", they hugged each other, and she went to the other room.
Some relief spread through his chest. Of course, he shouldn't have felt so surprised with Sakura's reaction. She was a forgiving person.
His thoughts drifted back to his original, furrowing his eyebrows in concern.
How will he react once he sees him? Will he recognize him as his father? Or as his cruel sadistic, lust crazed, disgusting clone?
Either one would be bad. Especially if his son was around when he woke and saw him. He'll have to ask the child to leave the room once it happened.
Speaking of said son he distantly heard him talking with Mokona.
" Eeh? Hontani?"
" Yup! And then Sakura won the race!"
" Suguoooi! It must have been fun!"
" It was fun! Mokona and Sakura went zoooming real fast!"
Ah. Mokona was telling him about the time they spent in Piffle.
Syaoran soon found himself caught up in his good memories as he finished up dinner. Everything coming out exactly the way it should.
However, he didn't notice Kurogane enter the kitchen. He was to preoccupied with his thoughts.
"Oi, you."
"Eh? Ah...gomennasai. I didn't see you there Kurogane-San.", Syaoran said, snapping out of his reverie and smiling.
"Do you need something?"
He was already full aware that the ninja didn't come here to chat friendly with him, judging by the way he stared at him.
Kurogane narrowed his eyes, " Who exactly are you?"
"Eh..?"
" It isn't just appearance, your very being is exactly like the kid's."
...shit...
Damn you Kurogane and your sharp senses.
Syaoran sighed.
"You caught me. And there's a reason for that. However, as much as I would love to explain it to you, I can't. You need to figure it out yourself. Then again. Maybe you already did and is only trying to confirm your suspicions by asking me in person."
He smirked.
"Right now my only intention is to be of use and prepare my son for what is to come. If you understand that, then please don't ask any more questions about the matter. He doesn't know yet, but...even my own child is dreaming about his future, and it's not the pleasant moments either."
Kurogane's eye twitched, " Your kid's a dream seer? And your wife...so you really are the kid.."
Syaoran's expression quickly turned solemn and his voice lowered to almost a whisper.
"Exactly which 'kid' are you referring to Kurogane-San? There isn't just one, ne?"
A sad smile creeped up on his face.
There was a heavy silence that filled the room. Kurogane was lost for words, trying to understand the lack of logic. It was impossible, unless they went into a time warp, which only happened once.
" You're back ..to normal..", was all he could manage to say. Dozens of emotions clashed inside his chest, but he didn't show it in his physical features.
"Hai. It's nice to see you again Kurogane-San. Have the others made their guesses yet?"
Syaoran's chest also had many emotions clashing inside with each other. The main forces being fear, joy, and sorrow.
Kurogane stared at him, "...Iie, just me...how did it happen?"
"One word, or name more like, Yuuko."
" That witch'?
"Yes. 'That witch' as you say. She helped both me and Sakura.
" ...What did you have give to the witch?"
Now Syaoran's smile became one of happiness.
"Amazingly nothing. Yuuko-San and my ancestor Clow Reed payed the price for us both."
Another silence. Not so heavy though. " ...You happy?"
"For now at least. Syaoran is a little bit to sharp. He sees through me much to easily. That's why both Sakura and I need to be extra careful now. All of you are here, including Syaoran, my original. Plus..."
His smile faded again.
Kurogane's eyes narrowed, feeling the sudden tension in the air," What is it?"
Syaoran began to fidget slightly.
"Sakura...had a dream...about what would happen while all of you are here..."
He dropped his gaze slightly.
"She doesn't know what will happen exactly but..."
" Spit it out kid"
He hesitated for a moment before answering.
"The me...that...did all of those terrible things...will come...looking for...Syaoran."
His voice got quieter near the end afraid of what the other man's reaction would be.
Kurogane clenched his fists, trying to control his anger. He wasn't mad at the man standing before him, nor blamed him. What angered him is that once again, the kid suffered. Couldn't fate just leave him the hell alone for a change?
He breathed deeply, "You look after your family, we'll take care of the kid."
Syaoran relaxed a bit. He could tell that the man in front of him was angry, that much was expected, but he could also tell that he wasn't angry at him. At all. Not even the him that is currently heartless and is filled with nothing but lust. That wasn't expected.
"Arigato."
Kurogane gave a short nod, " Careful kid", he warned, then left the room.
Even now Kurogane is the one to comfort him. How ironic. Ever since that first world they all went to together, it seemed that Kurogane was usually the one to comfort him. Fai did to, as well as Sakura and Mokona. But mainly Kurogane. he may not have intended to, but he would still manage to. Even his original was probably comforted at least once by the ninja.
His small smile faded as he thought of him. He wanted to see how he was doing, but did he really have the right? He was the one that put him in that condition, granted his past self, but nonetheless, him.
But...he was also, technically speaking, his father. So at the same time, he did have the right. A small peak couldn't hurt right?
"To-San?"
He nearly jumped out of his skin, quickly looking at the boy. He was still unconscious, so who...?
He spotted his son sitting on a chair near the bed, most likely keeping the motionless boy company.
"You're here Syaoran? Where's Ka-San and Mokona?"
"Ka-San went to meet the others. Mokona went too. I saw the door slightly open..so..", he trailed off, flushing slightly, and looked down t his feet., " I..I wanted to see if he was alright, cause he looked really hurt, and hasn't moved at all.."
Syaoran was able to smile again.
"Socca? Has he changed at all then? I was worried to, so I thought I'd come and check up on him."
The child looked worried and shook his head,"Iie, he's stayed the same...he's very still, like he might be...", he couldn't finish the sentence and looked down sadly.
Syaoran walked over to his son and sat beside him.
"Daijobu. He'll be fine. I promise. Your mother and I will not let him die without a fight. And we'll have someone here to keep an eye on him every night."
The boy nodded his head slowly, but still seemed troubled, "...To-San...is he the person you were talking about..?"
Syaoran's heart skipped a beat.
"Hmm, not exactly. It's...kind of complicated. Yes we do happen to look the same, however. You must consider the fact that he most likely does not come from the same time and dimension as us. For example; this could very well be his home world, but not the same time period he was born in. It may be fourteen years before or after he was born. Besides that, I would know if he was my twin."
His son didn't seem convinced, but didn't press on.
Syaoran looked at his original and cringed. The poor boy's body was covered in bandages where the scars were. He remembered how he dragged him to different worlds to find theories that would prevent him of dying, without closing up the wounds, or taking away the pain.
Why? Why did he have to be so cruel to his original. The poor boy could hardly put up a fight against him except in the very beginning when his magic had been superior.
Then Syaoran heard his much more innocent twin slightly mumble something in his sleep. It was so quiet, that one would need to be right next to him to hear it.
Please don't wake up. Please don't wake up. Please don't wake up.
He saw the boy twitch, and to his dread, slowly half opened his eyes. Syaoran suppressed a shiver when he saw his eyes. They were dull and empty, no sign of light or a flickering flame of strength and determination. He waited for him to speak so he could excuse his son out of the room, but the other boy showed no sign of movement, merely staring at them, or through them.
Oh god. What had he done? The poor child was a wreck! All thanks to him.
He stood slowly just in case and slowly placed his hand on the other's forehead to check for a fever.
His original didn't react to the touch, merely stared into nothingness with those empty eyes. He didn't have fever, but he wasn't warm either. Cold. The boy was so cold.
He would've embraced the boy if his son wasn't there. It was almost as if the child was nothing but an empty shell. An empty shell that he discarded after stealing all that was once inside it.
However, it seemed his son knew he wanted to be alone with him, and got off the chair, heading for the door," To-San, I think it's your turn to keep him company", he softly smiled, and closed the door.
"Arigato."
He waited until he heard his son's retreating footsteps go downstairs before turning back to his original once more. His eyes were instantly filled with pain and grief.
"God...I'm so sorry. There is no way for me to express how sorry I am. Dieing would be mercy for me. I don't even know if you understand what I'm saying."
The boy showed no sign of it, and just stared into nothing. The sight of his eyes and abused body nearly shattered his heart.
Who knows how long Syaoran was in there with his original. He had fallen asleep at some point during the night and only woke up once because he heard a crashing noise from downstairs.