CCS Chapter II: Bittersweet Sixteen
by Her Pretty Smile
Synopsis: There is no such overpowering emotion as hate; even the sweetest person in the world can be tainted by its power. But the path towards redemption is always there no matter how devastating everything has become. SxS, ExT
Warning: Unbeta-ed; may contain mistakes or any of the sort.
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or any of its characters. CLAMP owns them all.
Important Note: This story takes place after the anime, or more specifically, the second and last movie.
FOREWORD
The original story has been revised completely, thus this new installment is published. First and foremost, I would like to thank my beta from long ago who so kindly took care of the original version's errors. I would also like to apologize for I simply do not have the time to send drafts to a beta, so I will have to post up chapters of my own from time to time. Next, there will be soundtracks covering every chapter or scene. I just suggest that you listen to them while reading because it might be pleasant for you at your convenience. Lastly, I hope that my new (and old) readers will enjoy this edition. I give my warmest thanks to all! C:
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THE PROPHETIC DREAMS WERE no more. The omniscient cherry blossom petals were gone, replaced by a dark, dreary storm. The Eiffel Tower was not in its place; instead, a cemetery stood, looking severely haunting and lonely.
She was like a shadow in the night. Her once-short chestnut-brown hair was now long and flowing smoothly, shaped by an elegant black headband. Her large emerald-green eyes had shifted into a dull jade shade through the years, making her look mature for her age. A bland frown now wore itself upon her face in contrast with the ever-present bright, sunny smile she once had. Her features became firm and refined, her cheekbones high and her skin soft and milky.
She was like a shadow of her former self.
And she hated it.
She hated the fact that she was so different from the girl that she was years ago. She didn't want to be that person again. She loathed that personality of hers; it was so repulsive. She couldn't believe that she had once been so weak, so immature.
Very degrading.
And now those childish dreams had faded away into beautiful, dark nightmares.
She let herself get soaked, swallowed up by them. She then disappeared into her hardened shell once more.
The pink Sakura Cards then suddenly appeared along with the heavy wind, being blown away and scattered in the air.
She did not notice—not that she would really care—that the vibrant pink colour of the Cards was slowly eroding into a pure shade of black.
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CARD CAPTOR SAKURA:
Chapter II
Bittersweet Sixteen
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Episode 0:
"We become strangers once again in the midst of an epiphany..."
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[Now Playing: Run to You by Lasse Lindh]
HE SAW HER THE moment he stepped into the school grounds. She was near the cherry blossom trees, walking slowly while reading a calculus textbook.
He was mesmerized.
With you
The rays of the sun shone on her emerald-green eyes, giving her a shine which was dazzling to watch.
Everything seems so easy
But what captured his attention was the complete shift in her aura.
Gone was the uplifting, comfortable vibe she always gave off. It was replaced by an alarming seriousness and indifference, giving her a haunting look which he couldn't seem to fathom.
With you
He wanted to approach her. It had been years since he last saw her, since he last held her in his arms after she leaped onto him in the sunrise.
My heartbeat has found its rhythm
But he couldn't walk over to her. His legs seemed as if they were made of cement; he couldn't move.
All he could do was watch his first love as she disappeared from his sight like she was going to be gone forever.
But deep inside, he somehow knew that she already was.
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With you
THE MOMENT THE DOOR opened, the light chatter in the room ceased to a stop.
Despite herself, her heart skipped a few beats as her eyes stood still on his figure.
I don't care if I'm a little bit crazy 'cause with you,
He came back. He came back just for her. Or at least, that was what she thought it was. (Or what the ignited hope in her heart told her in a soothing whisper.)
Nothing is wrong
His once messy brown hair was now cut a bit shorter, and his bangs were now swept to one side as a whole. His large amber eyes held flecks of gold in them, making them look tantalizing and mysterious. He grew taller over the years, and his body looked normally more masculine now. His skin looked lighter and smoother; the features on his face were strong and refined.
I was broken
He stepped into the room. The small smile on his face which had always made her heart flutter in her chest brought up painful memories. The throbbing she felt now was palpable and agonizing; she knew that she wasn't that girl anymore.
She wasn't that girl for him anymore.
I was wasted
"Class, this is Li Syaoran-kun," the teacher introduced. "He came from Hong Kong and will be staying here in Tomoeda for a long period of time. Is that right, Li-kun?"
He nodded as his gaze swept over the room.
And then they landed on her.
Then you came
His face lit up slightly. She couldn't really tell, but the telltale twinkle in his eyes and the uplifting of the corners of his mouth told volumes.
Tomoyo was gasping beside her ever since the door opened. The other girls were either squealing or cooing.
"Sakura," he said, and the tone in his voice made her heart skip a beat once again.
He made his way over to her without minding the loud, gossipy chatter of their classmates or the surprise on their teacher's face.
Like an angel in the rain
"Syaoran..." she said quietly, her head tilting upwards to meet his as he towered over her desk.
"It's been years."
Love used to sweep through me
He slowly reached out for her as if tossing away his hesitation little by little, making her stiffen slightly.
Like water slips through hands
"You've changed," he said softly.
She looked at him straight in the eyes, probing. "You have, also."
They stared at each other.
But with you we changed, I know
I feel I am closer to your heart
I am run-run-running to you
And I'll keep you safe forever
His hand finally touched her cheek.
Through the tears
Through the love and all the nights we shared
She did not make a move to swat it away.
I am run-run-running to you
And I'll keep you safe forever
Don't you know, my love?
Don't you know two hearts
She allowed her expression to soften the slightest bit.
"Okaeri," she greeted, and he smiled.
Both of them knew at that moment that things would never be the same again.
Can beat as one.
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tbc
Okaeri — means 'Welcome home' or, in a way, 'Welcome back'