FiShBoWl
By Starlit . Amulet
~~*~~
Have you ever had a pet? A fluffy dog? A playful cat? A pet as big as a horse? Something different from usual, like a hermit crab?
Or maybe something with golden scales that shimmer under the sunlight? Something so plain, so ordinary, yet so distant and untouchable.
A little goldfish, swimming in its own little world.
It can keep you company, you can talk to it, but all you get in reply is 'bubble, bloop, bubble'.
So have you ever wondered whether the little creature knew what was happening outside it tank?
Perhaps it understood your every move, your every word?
Perhaps its seemingly random swimming patterns were its ways of expressing itself?
Have you ever wondered if it could possibly have far more emotions and feelings than you could ever imagine a fish to have?
Have you ever imagined that it's possible your pet fish, seemingly unresponsive and incomprehensible, fell in love with you?
~~*~~
Hey, this is SakuraandSyaoran4eva with a name change, if any of you got confused.
New story, sitting on the fantasy/romance genre with maybe some drama, I just got a sudden burst of inspiration. Please enjoy. And remember to leave a review!
Disclaimer: I didn't, I don't and won't own Cardcaptor Sakura. Ever. Except maybe in my dreams.
This applies to normal POV:
"Character talking"
Character thinking
Sound effects
(Me blabbing about something, notifications of time, location etc.)
Warning: rated for language -- may not occur in every chapter
Notice: Sakura's friend in CCS will be playing minor parts in this story, and the parts they play will have nothing to do with their original character. Their personality may change altogether as well.
~~*~~
Chapter one: Fishy
(Sakura's Pov)
I dragged my feet behind me and stumbled aimlessly around the street. My eyes, normally sparkling with vibrant colour, were dull and lifeless. My mother, the last person who was related to me in this world, left me this morning. After fighting with cancer for so long, I knew she had left me for a better place. And I knew I was being selfish, trying to keep her here with me, begging any of the Gods up there, anyone who could hear me, to let her stay. Stay with me in this helpless, sorry world.
But I couldn't help it, I loved her too much. Yet eventually, I was forced to let go. She left with a smile on her face, she had fulfilled her responsibility on bringing me up. I was old enough to look after myself now, and so she left in peace, to go up. Way up, past the clouds, to find my dad.
I barely noticed dark, ominous thunderclouds rumbling above.
I barely noticed the people previously walking around me on the street quickly fretting for cover, hastily flipping open their umbrellas.
I barely noticed as the rain pelted down, large drops of clear water stabbing at me relentlessly like needles. It wasn't long before my clothes were drenched, and I was soaked to the bone.
I barely noticed the tears streaming down my face, mingling with the rainwater dripping off my hair, till neither was distinguishable.
I barely noticed, and I only concentrated on dragging my feet onwards, through the dense, pouring rain.
I would never see her smiling face again.
She would never be there to wake me up in the morning.
She would never be there to support me, cheer me up, help me.
I would never see her again.
These thoughts repeated themselves in my head, making my mind shift in turmoil.
My heart was as dull, as dark, as gloomy as my surroundings, emitting no light, no hope. I felt as though I was weighed down by lead, each step required so much effort…so much effort to reach an unknown destination.
What the point of me surviving in this world? Everyone I loved had left me. I was alone…so very lonely…
Then I remembered Eriol.
"Eriol…"
The word escaped my lips in a strangled whisper. An image of his cheerful, smiling face appeared in my mind.
Yes, I still had Eriol. The only person left now, my boyfriend of 5 months.
I found comfort in that, realising I was not completely alone. My mom would want me to continue living, when she had gone to such a peaceful place. She would want my life to be meaningful, full of happy memories worth reminiscing. She would want me to live with a smile of my face every day. She would expect me to remember to wake up for work, or tidy up the house.
Our house, my home…. how I miss home. I wanted to go home. It felt like I hadn't been home in ages…but in reality it was only a few days, my mother's last few days that I had spent by her side in hospital.
I inhaled deeply and shook my head, trying to clear my foggy thoughts, to gring myself together. Being so lost, so pessimistic, it was really unlike me. My attempt to wipe the tears trickling down my face was unneeded, they were instantly replaced with dripping rainwater sliding down my forehead, where my bangs lay flattened. And as I lifted my head to study exactly where I was, I suddenly saw a shop through the haze, it glowing lights still bright and welcoming, even though the day had turned dreary and most shops were half closed, not expecting customers at this time.
Perhaps it was fate that tied us together. Perhaps it was chance that I happened to find interest in the shop. Perhaps it was just my instincts to walk inside. Whatever it was, it lead me into the shop with the bright sign. A comforting, little pet shop. Completely dripping wet and looking forlorn, I must have given the shop keeper quite a scare. Nonetheless, he recovered quickly, and came to greet me in a matter of seconds.
~~*~~
(Syaoran's Pov)
Outside, I sensed it was wet.
Water was falling from the sky. It must be raining. I was about to settle down to rest, when I suddenly heard my friends scream.
"Monster! Another monster has come!"
I quickly darted to the edge of our tank to see this 'monster'.
My friends that I met at this tank all called the humans that came to see us 'monsters'. I suppose it's because stories have been passed around, from tank to tank, that when a human comes in and takes some of us away, it's usually for the purpose of eating us when they take us back to their home. Or sometimes we are left to die in some unknown place, rotting, dissected into pieces.
All in all, the outcome is never good. So all the fishes here have nicknamed humans 'monsters', and try to avoid the deadly net as much as possible, because to get taken home by a 'monster' means death will be visiting you pretty soon.
As for me, I'm entirely curious on whether these stories are true. I have become bored of life in this tank. Sure, I've made new friends, and it's better than my boring life back home (before I was caught and put here), but I seek excitement in my life.
My attention was immediately drawn to this new monster who had come in. She seemed…different. I could sense she was a nice person, I always trust my instincts. Perhaps it was fate that tied us together. Perhaps it was chance that I happened to find interest in this strange monster. Perhaps it was just my instinct to swim to the side of the tank and wave at her. Whatever it was, it completely possessed me, and soon I forgot about the dangers these monsters implied and sought her attention.
She walked over to inspect our tanks, and I was immediately mesmerised. Her eyes, though dull and blank, were the most peculiar colour, they enchanted me. They were lighter than the fake seaweed flailing in our tank, but darker than the fluoro pebbles covering our tank floor. Such a comforting, beautiful shade of green. I desperately waved my fin and blew a few bubbles to attract her attention. But I knew it was no use. My scales were an ordinary orange colour, and I sported amber stripes that ran down my back, common amongst my species. To humans, I was considered ugly. And therefore, usually no one picked to buy me. Not when the nice, brightly coloured friends of mine were swimming around me. Even though the other fishes were desperately trying to hide, to no avail might I add, I knew the chance of this monster picking me was slim.
But suddenly, a glint of hope flittered across my heart. The monster saw me, and he mouth curved. Her expressionless face stretched into a sweet, loving smile and instantly I knew I wanted her to be the one to take me away, away from this boring place.
~~*~~
(Normal Pov)
"I'll take this one thanks." Sakura told the shopkeeper her decision, and he hustled over with a net. She pointed at a little orange and amber goldfish that was swimming around cutely, seemingly the only one not afraid of her.
The shopkeeper dipped the net into the water and swiftly caught the little fish, which had swum into the net itself. Smiling that the task had been easily achieved, he plopped the fish into a water-filled bag and tied a knot at the top.
"Here's your fish, miss. Have fun looking after it."
Syaoran blew a few bubbles towards the tank he had been resting in only a few moments before.
Goodbye friends. Goodbye petshop. Hello, new owner.
~~*~~
(Syaoran's Pov)
After cleaning out an old fish tank, my new Owner laid pebbles on the bottom and decorated it with some seaweed. She then placed a miniature castle with a hollow in the middle, I guess for me to swim through at the corner. Soon I felt myself being lifted, for a split second I was soaring through the air, the wind whipping in my face. I couldn't breathe, but then fortunately I landed in my new tank with a splash. The water was fresh and cooling, and I swam in a few happy circles. As I got familiar with my new surroundings I noticed Owner was watching me with her lovely eyes.
"I guess it just you and me now, Fishy. By the way, I'm Sakura."
She placed my fishbowl on the table and tapped it gently with her finger. I swam over to where her finger was placed and waved, hoping she would realise that I was greeting her back.
She laughed gently, a melodic sound that made my heart thump.
"I'm sorry I can't be bothered to find a name for you. So I guess you'll have to live with Fishy for now." She suppressed a yawn and smiled weakly at me.
I wish I could tell you my name. I wish could understand me.
"I've had a rough day. I'll tell you something. As of today, both my parents are now resting peacefully up there." She pointed towards the ceiling.
"So now you're the only one to keep me company. I'm not even sure why I bought you, I'd never thought of buying a fish before. Must be fate, or maybe it's because you're my favourite colour. Anyway, I got to go sleep now. I'll see you later kay?"
I felt so happy that I was her favourite colour. I had no idea what triggered these feelings inside of me. She bent over and kissed the tank gently. And at that moment, I melted, wishing desperately that time would freeze, that there was no glass separating us and I could feel that kiss.
But sadly she broke off as abruptly as she had bent over, waved at me, and left to her room, leaving me floating aimlessly in my new tank.
I couldn't help as a silly smile spread across my face, making me look like a retard. I had no idea what had overcome me, and why a 'monster' - who was in no way what my fish friends had described humans as - could make me so dazed but happy.
In a matter of minutes my uncontrolled fish body was swept to the side of the tank and I banged onto the glass. My happy daydream was shattered.
"Oww."
~~*~~
"I'm going be late!!" Her clear voice rang throughout the house.
She hurried into the room, auburn hair disarray and not fully dressed, reaching over my bowl to grab a muffin. (Syaoran's bowl is on the table, near the kitchen counter, just wanted to make that clear. Lol. In case anyone was wondering why muffins were near a fish tank)
I quickly covered my eyes with my fins, only removing them when I heard the loud slam of the door, indicating she had already left.
It had been a week since Sakura had bought me to her home, and by now I had realised that Owner always woke up late because she had to reach a certain destination at a certain point of time, leaving her no time to eat breakfast without being late for her 'work' as she called it. I was always slightly disheartened at this point of the morning. To run into this room with buttons still undone meant Owner didn't acknowledge me as a…
Well…I guess I can't expect her to think I actually understand anything. To her, I'm just a fish.
I sighed, wishing she could understand fish language, or that I could make myself be heard. Then I could wake her up earlier every day.
I wanted to do so much for her, I don't even know why. Seeing Owner smile just makes me happy.
I sighed again.
What is this.
~~*~~
"Fishy, I'm back!" She chirped one day, swinging the door wide open.
I hadn't seen her smile that big since she bought me, and I swam up to her elatedly.
"Hello Sakura, I've missed you!"
"You must be hungry Fishy, that's why you're so excited right? You greedy little fish." She teased and pouted cutely. My heart warmed at the sight.
"Oh Eriol, hurry up and come in!" She skipped to the front door and laced her hand through his, pulling him inside.
A man that looked around the same age as Owner walked inside, holding her hand. He had bluish black hair that was swept nonchalantly to the side and was donned in a casual shirt with black jeans.
"Wait here while I change, kay?" Owner smiled happily at him, such an innocent carefree smile.
"Sure." He pinched her nose playfully, earning another dazzling smile.
I felt something twist in my heart.
"Hello there, you must be her new pet she keeps blabbing about?"
Though he was smiling, and seemed to have a very close relationship with Owner, I couldn't help but dislike him. Somehow his heart didn't seem as pure as Owner's.
But Owner was happy with him, so I tried to shake away all my negative thoughts.
Suddenly a nice, melodious tune filled the room. I saw Owner's friend take something shiny out of his pocket, similar to what Owner called her 'phone'.
What he said into it was what stunned me.
"Hey babe, I'm sorry but I'm still in the office. I told you I'll call you tonight, didn't I?" A slight pause, and I held my breath, shocked.
"I know you miss me, I miss you too. Talk tonight alright? Love you too. Mwah."
He cooed and whispered something I couldn't hear.
Conversations with Owner in the past few weeks had taught me a lot about her, and had only made me enjoy her company more. But it had also taught me much of the human language. I understood almost every word the man called Eriol had said into the phone.
He hung up quickly as Owner's bedroom door cracked open.
"Who were you talking to honey?" She asked, adjusting the straps of her minidress. It was the first time I had seen Owner wear something so pretty, I was momentarily mesmerised.
"Oh just Yamazaki from work." He lied, his underlying emotions completely veiled.
"Oh ok. Well I'm ready now."
"You look gorgeous. Let's go."
She blushed and they walked out the door, his hand casually placed on her waist. I wanted to rip off that fake smile plastered on his deceitful face.
I was disappointed. She had even forgotten to feed me.
I heaved a very deep, doleful sigh after the door shut closed.
Owner, he won't give you happiness.
I had seen and heard everything, but as a fish. I felt so confined, I had no way of telling Owner, I could only watch as he betrayed her right before my eyes, with no way of preventing her from getting hurt. If only she could understand me.
Owner, hopefully by the time you know the truth, you'll be able to stand it…
~~*~~
(Normal Pov)
"Eriol… how could you…" Tears continued gliding down her face. Her eyes were already red and swollen from crying for so long. She clenched her fists tightly and let out a wail of anguish, letting her cell phone drop from her grasp. The message was still clearly displayed on the screen.
'Well since you saw everything then I guess it's meaningless for this relationship to go on anymore. I won't bother to say anything else. Let's just break up. I'm sorry for ruining your Valentine's in this way.'
~~Flashback~~
Sakura walked along the street, humming softly to herself. She had just parted ways with Chiharu and was currently taking the long way home to go past a few shops. She had suddenly remembered a few things she wanted to pick up along the way.
"Sorry babe, I can't send you home, I've got something on later." Eriol kissed Rika's forehead and gently pulled away from their embrace.
"Of course. You better get going, I'll see you tomorrow!" She smiled lovingly and left.
After confirming she had disappeared into the building, Eriol whipped out his phone and immediately dialled Sakura's number.
"Honey, where are you? I miss you so much…" He started the conversation with his usual, sickly sweet words. He wrinkled his brow when he was met with the dial tone, only to have a look of utter surprise cross his face moments later.
"…I'm right here."
He swivelled around and saw Sakura, a few feet from him, tears streaming down her face, falling uncontrollably.
She felt so torn, so bitter, half of her was fuming mad and the other half felt so cut up, it was as though each of her happy memories spent with him had turned into knives and were stabbing at her heart. Should she just go up to him and slap him?
In the end, Sakura just ran. Ran from him, trying to escape him, escape the pain he had caused.
She knew that if her slap had really landed on his face, the outcome would definitely not benefit her.
~~End of flashback~~
And now, after reading the cruel text he had sent to her, she couldn't stop the tears reforming at her eyes.
Eriol, the last person she had trusted since her mother left, betrayed her.
Eriol, the last person left on this earth that she loved, had never actually been serious with her from the start.
Now she was truly alone.
She glared hard at the date printed on her favourite calendar with tears still brimming in her eyes. 14th of February. For the whole 22 years of her life, she had been single through every Valentine's Day. Even though she possessed beautiful facial features and a great personality, it seemed as though a curse of some sort seemed to follow her, one that stopped her from celebrating a simple Valentine's Day with the one she loved. But fortunately, her mother had always brightened up her dear daughter by baking her famous cookies and spending the day with Sakura, making her laugh at any opportunity, spreading her love. Yet now, without her mother, she yet again felt so lonely and useless during the special occasion.
"Why would anyone with a normally functioning brain want to invent such a stupid day that reminds people that are single to feel lonely and unwanted?" She muttered to herself.
The pain and sadness in her broken heart was slowly replaced with anger.
Thinking back to her past times spent with Eriol, the sweet things he had said to her that she now realised sounded too phony and sickly sweet. She lifted her tight fist and smashed it down on the table firmly.
"Woahh~~" Syaoran wobbled in the moving water as the table vibrated and shook, making the fish tank move closer and closer towards the edge.
"Stupid, freaking worthless piece of shit. Why did I even think he was remotely nice?" Another slam on the stable.
"Why didn't I see through his fake smile and corny phrases? Why did I trust him so much? Why did he do this to me? Why did he have to leave me, right when I needed him most? Why am I alone again in this world? Why why why WHY WHY!?"
With each 'why' she punched the table repeatedly with her swollen fist. Syaoran's fishbowl teetered on the edge of the table, swaying dangerously.
"Stop! You're hurting yourself! STOP!" He screamed at her, trying to maintain his balance.
But of course, she couldn't hear him. Looking determined, she abruptly stood up from her chair, knocking the table in the process.
"That's it. I'm going to-"
"NOOOOOOOOO!" Syaoran screamed at the top of his lungs as he felt his fishbowl finally slip from the impact and fall off the table…down
down
down
down
until it landed with a
CRASH
Sakura blinked. Then shrieked.
"FISHY!"
~~*~~
Anyone expect Syaoran to be a fish? LOL
Ahaha. Sorry about the Eriol thing. I had to use someone and as I said, this is SS centric so their friends will only be playing minor characters. Sorry I made Eriol a jerk. Oh by the way, Syaoran is NOT dead. Ahahaha.
Lol, anyway, just wanted to try this out.
Please review and tell me how you felt, and whether I should continue this or not.
(I'm sure most of you can guess what is about to happen soon xD)
Until next time!
xox
