The Shadowed Prophecy
Jo-chan
Disclaimers: Standard CCS disclaimers apply. I do not own any of CLAMP's wonderful characters, I'm only borrowing them for the moment. Some characters that would appear are solely my own.
PROLOGUE- The Awakening Prophecy
(Sakura and the others are about 15 years old in this time already, takes place after CCS Movie 2)
HONGKONG
Syaoran sighed as he closed his musty old book, "The Li-clan Standard Derivation of the Specter from the Host Body". "Who cares about ghost-exorcism anyway?" he mumbled as he wearily ran his fingers through his chestnut brown bangs.
He took a quick glance at the ornate Grandfather clock standing in the massive library's corner and he brightened up considerably.
//It's almost time to call up Sakura!// His normally fierce brown eyes turned soft and gentle at the thought of Sakura back in Japan. He stood up and walked back to the high shelves. He was climbing up the ladder to put the book back up on the 12th level when a black leather bound book fell down from the topmost stack.
"Eh?" Syaoran hurriedly placed his book back and jumped back down to retrieve the fallen book. No sooner had his fingers touched the book when the book's pages began flying open, turned by an unseen force. The book glowed and pulsed like a star as Syaoran picked it up warily and held it in his hands.
He could feel no evil from the book and there was a sense of urgency in the way the pages were turning. Abruptly, the pages stopped turning and Syaoran's eyes fell upon a single cherry blossom that marked the page. The page was empty... there were no words written but his eyes were suddenly riveted by the slowly forming words on the page.
--By my hand, The Guardian of Fate
A time of awakening has come and
With it the onslaught of destruction...
When the power of the stars is awakened
The eternal mistress of the cards is revealed
Her light of goodness will shine upon the darkness
A single cherry blossom amidst the shadows
But Hark! The spiteful darkness will hunt her
To consume her pure heart, the light of her starfire
A small wolf of valor will return from the East
To give aid to the cherry blossom's power
But the shadows are strong and from their strength she'll fall
As the small wolf, her true beloved will betray her
And deliver his own love into the hands of the enemies...
"Kuso! (Shit)" shouted Syaoran as black fire suddenly consumed the book. The black fire was different from his kashin shou rai or Sakura's Fiery, this fire that disintegrated the book glowed with malicious intent.
Syaoran clenched his trembling hands into tight fists. He didn't even finish reading it! He felt like shouting in frustration or destroying a lot of things.
// What was that prophecy? It clearly involves Sakura, being the current Mistress of the Cards and being the wielder of the power of stars.//
He paused grimly. It involved him as well as the translation of his name, "Small Wolf" appeared twice in the text. Syaoran suddenly punched the wall, creating a huge crack in the cream colored surface. He ignored the stinging pain and the scent of dust as he tried to subdue the burning pain in his heart.
// I'll betray Sakura? NO! Never! //
He glanced back at the charred remains of the book. There was a single cherry blossom amidst the pile of ashes.
"A single cherry blossom amidst the shadows..."
The same black fire that destroyed the book then engulfed the fragile bud, burning it to soot.
Looking at it, Syaoran's eyes blazed with determination, he then said aloud, "Sakura's in danger. I'm going back to Japan!"
**************
Chapter 1- Efforts
Mizuki Kaho took one last look at Eriol's slumbering profile. She etched deep into her heart and memory the ebony darkness of his hair, the gentle smile on his lips and the memory of his knowing blue eyes.
"Aishiteru Eriol... sayonara..." whispered Kaho.
And with that, she closed the door of his bedroom softly. In her hand was the plane ticket back to Japan where she'll be going back to Tomoeda. An important mission awaits her and she must not fail in this!
// This is for my loved ones, my precious friends but most importantly, this is for Sakura-chan!// In one hand, she held a packet of powerful sealing papers and with that she slipped away into the night.
*************
Konbawa (Good evening) Meilin-chan!" greeted Sakura excitedly over the phone. Summer break is almost over for Seijuu Junoir High and even while chatting on the phone, Sakura was also busily trying to complete her summer vacation homework.
"Kinomoto-san?"
"Nani (What) Meilin-chan?" asked Sakura distractedly.
"We're going back to Tomoeda by the start of the school year."
"HOE!?"
"Kaijou, shut your mouth! Flies might get inside!" warned Touya who was sitting across Sakura in their living room trying to read the newspaper. "I'm not a monster!" screamed Sakura while trying to calm her racing heart. Touya chuckled before burying his head back into the broad sheets.
"What do you mean 'we'? You mean you and Syaoran-kun?" asked Sakura.
"Aa (Yes)... but..."
"Is something wrong Meilin-chan?"
"Nothing!-- I mean, Syaoran's been acting a little strange since last week..."
"Hoe?"
"Well, it's almost like he's preparing for a war! He's been training really hard nonstop! He's been reading so many old and arcane magic books like crazy! He's possessed," confided Meilin.
"Syaoran-kun?"
Sensing the worry in Sakura's voice, Meilin quickly reassured her friend. "Anyway, it must be some strange teen guy phase he's in," assured Meilin as Sakura gave an audible sigh of relief.
"Yokatta (I'm glad)."
At the same moment, Syaoran came inside the living room and saw Meilin on the phone.
"Syaoran, I'm talking to Kinomoto-san, you wanna talk to your cherry blossom?" teased Meilin as she held the phone out to her cousin.
Syaoran paused and turned to reach out his hand. He hesitated visibly but Meilin has already shoved the cordless phone into his open hand with a sly wink.
"Go tell her how much you miss and love her Syaoran," whispered Meilin before skipping away from her tomato-red cousin.
"Hai, Syaoran desu (yes, this is Syaoran)"
"Syaoran-kun, konbawa!" greeted Sakura happily as Syaoran gripped the phone tighter.
"I-- I--"
But Sakura's rapid chatter cut off Li's faltering words.
"I'm so excited you're going back to Tomoeda! Have you finished your task in HongKong? I'm so glad. Everybody will be glad to have you and Meilin-chan back, there'll probably be a party for your return!"
Giggling, Sakura giddily pictured meeting Syaoran and Meilin at the airport. She missed him so much! It's been nothing but phone calls and letters since their last parting in 6th grade. She suddenly noticed Syaoran's silence on the other line. Misinterpreting its cause, she quickly added.
"Of course I'll be really happy to see you Syaoran-kun again! In fact my heart hurts because I'm so happy," finished Sakura softly.
"I-- I..." began Syaoran again.
"It's been such a long time Syaoran-kun and I've missed--"
"KAIJOU! Stop jabbering on the phone! Dinner's ready!" shouted Touya with anger sparks appearing on his forehead. "And stop talking to that brat!"
"Syaoran-kun is not a brat! Anyway, I've got to go now, Oniichan's mad today, I wonder why... ja matta (bye again)!"
"I--I..."
"Syaoran-kun, Meilin told me what time you're arriving in Tomoeda tomorrow... matta are yo ne (we'll meet again right)?"
The last words struck Syaoran's heart. They were Sakura's last words when he gave her the teddy bear.
"Aa. (yes)"
***************
At the Tomoeda Airport
An elegant, black-clad figure strode confidently across Tomoeda's airport. With a slight American accent, the stranger said, "Ah! I can feel the power of the stars so strongly here... disgusting!"
The stranger paused slightly as if sensing something familiar.
"Looks like I'll be having company tonight...."
And with that, the mysterious figure melted into the crowd.
Kaho's eyes widened in recognition. She has just arrived in Tomoeda all the way from England when she felt that familiar, evil presence.
"So it's true, the shadow has come back to hunt Sakura-chan... I have to stop it. Tonight then, at the Tsukimine Shrine. We will meet again," murmured Kaho as she clutched the sealing papers tighter in her hand.
*********
HONGKONG
Li Syaoran stood solemnly before the Council of Elders, the Li clan's foremost patriarchs.
"Li Syaoran, why have you decided to go back to Japan?"
"My mission is incomplete... a new evil presence lurks in Tomoeda..."
"True, true. The Li clan's empath in Japan has confirmed so. But your mission is over, you have helped appoint the new Mistress of the Cards," replied one elder.
"That was my priority Honored Elder but not my mission."
One of the Elders arched a brow at the resoluteness in Syaoran's expression. He asked, "So what do you consider your mission to be Li Syaoran?"
Syaoran bowed his head slightly before he looked back up at the Elders with determination blazing in his eyes.
"To protect the Card Mistress with my own life!"
Surprised, the Elders said, "You are too young to-- and you have duties here as well to your Clan Li Syaoran."
"I will finish it when I get back from Japan."
A long silence ensuedas the Elders contemplated Li Syaoran's request. They could sense the fierce determination in their Clan's Chosen one.
"It will be a perilous mission you've taken upon yourself..."
"I don't care! It is... my life," said Syaoran as he knelt down to pick up his sword.
Nodding, the Elders have come to their own conclusion.
"For one so young, your will is already strong. Very well, we, the Council of Elders would allow you, Little Wolf to return to Japan. We sense great event would unfold by your hand. You will grow stronger in the process. Go then, and fight with the honor and strength of the Li-clan."
"Thank you Honored Elders," said Li with a bow.
And with that, Syaoran left the room.
The Elders then turned to the lone figure standing in the shadows.
"Your son is headstrong, Li Ieran."
Syaoran's mother stepped into the light, the bells on her outfit lightly tinkling. With a softly proud smile, she bowed her head slightly as she answered, "He is in love, with a cherry blossom no less."
The Elders sighed. "Yes, we can see it in his heart. But there is turmoil in his mind as well."
A small frown marred the forehead of Syaoran's mother. "I know... but perhaps the light of that cherry blossom's love will show my Little Wolf the path..."
*********
TOMOEDA
"Tomoyo-chan, let's go pick up Syaoran-kun and Meilin-chan tomorrow!" invited Sakura as she lounged in the huge sofa in Tomoyo's house.
Tomoyo smiled as she looked up from her desk. "Hai! I'm looking forward to tomorrow!" she said before she resumed writing.
"Hoe? What are you doing Tomoyo-chan?" asked Sakura as she leapt over to her friend's side. She peered closely at Tomoyo's face and was very much surprised to see the look on Tomoyo's face. There was a softness in Tomoyo's eyes and a gentle smile played on her lips as well.
Tomoyo turned to an open-mouthed, gaping Sakura. "I'm writing a letter," answered Tomoyo with her usual close-eyed smile.
"You like that person a lot don't you Tomoyo-chan?" asked Sakura, looking at the tender way Tomoyo handled the letter.
Tomoyo smiled cheerfully. "Hai! That person is my friend!"
Sakura was about to ask more questions when she suddenly felt a strange aura. Her brows furrowed as she gazed sharply out at the window.
"Doushita no (Is something wrong) Sakura-chan?" asked Tomoyo worriedly. "I sense a strange aura," answered Sakura. Suddenly, Sakura felt the a piercing tightness in her chest, gasping for air, she felt a blazing pain.
Slowly, she sank down to her knees trembling, still holding her hands against her chest. "Sakura-chan!" cried out Tomoyo who was immediately by her side.
"My heart hurts... it hurts like a part of me is being cut off..." she said weakly, "And I don't know why..."
**************
Kaho stood beside the Sakura tree in the Tsukimine Shrine, watching the moon slowly climb higher in the velvet night sky. She turned to the figure half-hidden in the shadows.
"You've come back," Kaho stated calmly as a mocking laughter greeted her calm statement.
"I see your power has improved Kaho, you arrived the same day I did...is your improvement because of Clow Reed? I know you love him but does his reincarnation love you?" taunted the mysterious figure.
Kaho briefly closed her eyes. "Iie (no), he doesn't love me, at least, not in the way I wished he would but we're precious friends."
"How pathetic! Risking your life for a man who can't return your love! Because of that, I think you don't deserve to live," mocked the same voice.
A pale hand opened and a strange looking key rose in the air. "Key that holds all the powers of darkness and hate, reveal your true form to me!"
As soon as the stranger started the spell, Kaho immediately took out her own powerful seals. Chanting her own incantation, Kaho infused her power to activate the evil repel seals. The seals flew in the air and formed a protective barrier around Kaho, it's golden rays like the moon's light. "Lend your strength to me..." chanted Kaho.
"Release!" finished the voice as the dark key transformed into a black staff with the figure of a falling star at its head.
Their eyes meeting amidst the release of magic, the enemy taunted, "It's very good Kaho... but apparently, not good enough!"
"Seals of the Mizuki Family, seal this creature of darkness!" cried out Kaho as her own stream of yellow magic blazed towards the figure.
"Break! Scorch! Cage!" commanded the figure as three forms of dark magic flew towards Kaho. The Break disintegrated Kaho's attack and damaged the barrier of seals around Kaho. Scorch came through the barrier's leftover and gripped Kaho completely with dark fire.
"You're mine now Kaho!" said the mysterious figure as the cage loomed over Kaho who was still engulfed by the black fire.
"NO! NEVER!" screamed Kaho.
And then everything faded into darkness.
**********
Next morning, at Tomoeda airport.
Tomoyo was holding a video cam, taping Sakura as usual.
"Sakura-chan, you look so wonderful in the new outfit I made you!" exclaimed Tomoyo with stars in her eyes and little sparkles flying in the air. "Green looks perfect on you, not to mention this is Li-kun's favorite color. I call this, Sakura-chan's Welcome Li-kun and Meilin-chan outfit! Ohohohoho!"
"Hoe?" asked Sakura with a huge sweatdrop.
"Look! There they are!" said Tomoyo with a happy smile.
"Meilin-chan! Syaoran-kun!" shouted Sakura as she began running towards the pair. Meilin ran up to meet Sakura as well and the two girls met up and held hands, laughing and jumping excitedly.
"Kinomoto-san, you look so beautiful!" exclaimed Meilin as she paused to take a look at Sakura. And it was true, Sakura's flawless features have matured slightly, adding an elegance and charisma she lacked at 13. Yet she still possessed the vibrant character that radiated more than physical beauty but an inner purity as well. Her golden brown hair was a little longer but still too short to be styled elaborately. But it was her deep green eyes that caught attention, eyes that looked as angelic and sincere as ever. Even Meilin couldn't stop looking at Sakura.
Sakura blushed. "You look so beautiful too Meilin-chan!" Meilin snapped out of her thoughts and laughed. "Ohohoho, of course I am, was there ever a doubt?"
Tomoy smiled even as she taped everything. "It's been a long time Meilin-chan..."
"Same as usual eh Daidouji-san?"
"Hai! Looks like Li-kun grew up pretty well too," commented Tomoyo as she focused her camera on Syaoran and Sakura. Li had grown up to be at least as tall as Touya and was a high ranker for Bishounen material.
Sakura and Syaoran faced each other, both too overcome by words. Both had blushes staining their cheeks. Syaoran looked down and cleared his throat.
"Kino--"
"Okarinasai (welcome back), Syaoran-kun," said Sakura, her green eyes glistening with tears as she slowly held out her hand in welcome.
Syaoran looked at Sakura's outstretched hand and felt that strange feeling inside. Warm and tender, fearful yet anxious, painful yet joyful and yet, there it was, the overwhelming feeling of hope. He took a deep breath.
He found himself slowly reaching out and taking Sakura's hand into his own. In a gruff voice, he said, as he slowly pulled Sakura closer to him.
"Tadaima (I've returned) Sakura...."
TBC
**********
OST- background music from episode 66 where Syaoran was comforting Sakura.
Author's Notes:
Wai! I love Sakura and Syaoran but it looks like this will be the last good thing that will happen between them as the rest of the story progresses. Arigato gozaimasu to my friend Kaye, who so readily listened to my insane ramblings and helped me come up with the plot and the characters. For comments and suggestions please email me at jaded_cutie@edsamail.com.ph. Please R&R minna, this is my pilot fanfic aside from RK and Gatekeepers!