Disclaimer:Cardcaptor Sakura and all its characters belong to CLAMP.
Chapter 6
All of them gathered in the living room. Nakuru was sitting in a high back cushioned chair, while Eriol stood by the fireplace. Tomoyo and Sakura were sitting on the sofa facing Nakuru. The book that Nakuru was holding in her hand earlier was placed on the coffee table. From what Tomoyo could see, it was a very old book, bound in black leather, the pages yellowed by the passing of time. The only thing adorning it was an aquamarine colored crystal imbedded in the spine of the book. Eriol looked at his sister, then down at the book on the table, but remained silent, waiting for the reason of his sister's unexpected arrival. No doubt it would be one of great importance. Nakuru Hiiragizawa was not gifted with a lot of magical talent like he was, or even like their mother was, but she had intuition that was dead on every single time, an IQ that was most definitely higher than the average person and a way with weaponry and martial arts . But as is Nature's way of balancing things out, she was also endowed with a volcanic temper and a very short patience, both of which Eriol has constantly experienced ever since Nakuru was able to speak complete sentences. It would probably explain why his dear, younger sister of renowned beauty and highly respectable intelligence has never had a relationship that could last a month. Eriol wondered if she would end up one of those cranky spinsters with a house full of cats and swords.
Eriol! How could you think such a thing about your sister?
Eriol glanced at Tomoyo. There was no sign of the exasperation that he heard in her voice on her face, in fact, her face was completely neutral, giving nothing away. If Tomoyo had decided not to go into the music industry and do movies instead, she would have made one fine actress.
You, chère, did not grow up with her.
"Mon dieu,Onii-chan, why is it always so damned hard to track you down?"
Eriol turned to his sister then, raising an eloquent eyebrow in answer. She was definitely the more talkative one out of the two of them.
A lot of people are more talkative than you. You're not exactly the talkative type. Tomoyo rolled her eyes at him.
True.
That is unless you're bossing me around.
I do not boss you around.
Tomoyo was not too sure if a scoff can be communicated telepathically, but the amused look on Eriol's face told her that it most definitely did. Eriol could not help but feel little bit of joy over the fact that Tomoyo was communicating with him using the mental path that they shared, but kept his the look on his face expressionless.
Nakuru continued on.
"Anyway, I came because there is something that I wanted to show you. Papan and Maman didn't know that I was here until I called them while waiting for you to come back."
Amusement flickered through Eriol's dark blue eyes.
"You were always the impulsive one."
"I'm sure you've all gotten used to it by now." She flashed a knowing grin. "Besides, they told me that it was better that I tell you in person than through the phone anyway."
Tomoyo watched the siblings and wondered at the difference in their appearances. Eriol, who inherited most of his looks from his father, was of a darker complexion, his hair of the deepest black and his eyes a mysterious blue, so deep one could drown in them. His build was tall and solid, muscular, but not stocky.
In contrast, his sister, who took after their mother, was fair, with sable hair and eyes of a unique shade of amber. She was slender, all curves, and taller than the average woman. But even with her height, the top of her head did not go past her older brother's shoulder. One thing Tomoyo noticed that they both had in common, though, was the elegance that emanated from them. Both were elegant in everything they did, the way they walked, the way they held themselves and presented themselves before the world. They were also both extremely intelligent. One just had to look at Eriol to see that the man held a wealth of knowledge behind his knowing eyes. And in the short time that she's known Nakuru Hiiragizawa, Tomoyo has come to know the love that Eriol's sister has for books and knowledge, though one would not be able to tell at all simply by looking at her and was surprised to learn that Nakuru could probably hold her own if a brawl ever broke out. Actually, she would probably be the last one standing. Looks, grace, intelligence and strength were things that she admired in Nakuru, but for Eriol to possess all three was a danger to womankind.
You compliment me, chère
You! Do you have to be reading my mind all the time? Can you pretend not to, at least half the time? I wasn't finished with my thought. I was going to say that it would have been better all around if you were short, fat and talked like you constantly had a nasal problem.
His laughter echoed through her mind, warm and pure.
That voice definitely had to go; it was doing strange things to her insides.
Nakuru cleared her voice, and leaned over to pick up the book. She turned to look at Sakura and Tomoyo.
"This book belonged to Clow Reed. It is the last of the many journals that he kept throughout his life." She turned to Tomoyo, "I don't know why, but I believe that you should see this as well."
Tomoyo was drawn to the book, fascinated by it for reasons unknown to her.
Nakuru handed the book to Tomoyo, a look of fleeting concern on her face and then turned to her brother and Sakura.
"The Taiyou no Tamashii has woken up."
"I know. Papan called to tell me that earlier today."
"You have to see it Onii-chan. I know that it's just a stone, but, there's something about it. I look at it and I can sense that it is restless. It glows, a white light coming from within it shining either brightly or dimly with no consistency, almost like a candle that is being disturbed by the wind. It is beautiful, mysterious and intimidating all at the same time."
It was Sakura's turn to speak. She who has known Nakuru for as long as she has known Eriol found it strange that she would be intimidated by anything.
"Intimidating?" Nakuru turned to Sakura and gave her an easy smile.
"I'm easily intimidated by things that I do not understand which is why I study them until I'm satisfied with the knowledge that I've learned about that certain thing. But this stone eludes me. I know very little about it and for as long as I've been alive, for as long as my parents and grandparents have been alive even, it has slept. And now it has awoken and the books have told me nothing. That is until now."
All eyes were on Nakuru now.
"The last two pages of that book are blank, have always been empty. You know this too, Onii-chan because you were the first read these journals." Eriol nodded in acknowledgement. Nakuru turned to face Sakura while Tomoyo flipped through the pages. She noticed that no two entries were written in the same language. One entry would be in Latin, the following entry would be in Hebrew, the next in Greek and then the following would be written in Sanskrit. It awed her that one man could hold such knowledge, realizing at the same time that another man such as Clow stood before her. Absorbed by the contents of the book, she barely caught what Nakuru was saying.
"I just figured that it was because Clow did not get a chance to finish it. But around a couple of days ago, around the same time the Taiyou no Tamashii started to shine, I went back to all of Clow's journals to see if there is anything that I missed only to find that the last two pages of this particular journal were no longer empty."
Tomoyo's fingers were moving on their own as she quickly flipped to the last two pages of the book to see the front and back of both pages filled with Clow's strong, flowing penmanship.
"When the Soul of the Sun awakens, the world will be threatened by an endless darkness, for evil will know of its emergence from its long slumber and seek the power of the Sun. Its mistress carries a heavy duty. She must guard the Soul of the Sun until her dying day, never letting those with ill intention near it. Moreover, the gifts of that which she guards shall be bestowed upon her, aiding her in her task. Thus, he who possesses the Key of Light, he who precedes me, shall serve as her protector, her provider and her guide. This shall be his duty, his final task. Through this, their fates have been predestined, eternally entwined…"
Tomoyo's voice died out as she continued to read silently, oblivious to the three pairs of eyes on her. There was a space between the previous entry that she just read and the last two sentences on the page, as if it were written in a different time. She froze, her mind going completely blank except for the words that she saw before her:
"The last mistress of the clan of Daidouji, blessed with beauty, grace and valor; with the Soul of the Sun she holds the world in the protection of her merciful hands. May it be that she not doubt her abilities, but should she do so, I trust that those who love and guard her have enough faith in her in stead."
Ma petite chère, you are drifting away from us.
Eriol's voice, warm and comforting floated into her mind, stemming the chaos that threatened to break loose. He was present in her mind, yet he did not pry into her thoughts this time.
What is it? Eriol noted how wary she sounded, even in his mind.
My sister's eyes look like they are about to fall out of her sockets, shall we see as to why?
I know why…
Tomoyo blinked a couple of times as if coming out of a trance and then gently placed the book back on the table. Nakuru began to shake her head, as if trying to clear her mind. She opened her mouth as if to talk, only to close it again. After a few moments she tried again.
"Clow wrote his journal in dozens and dozens of languages. But because my brother inherited Clow's ability with languages, he was able to easily read the passages, and eventually I was able to read some of them, while the rest, my brother translated for me. But this," She took the book once more, opening it to the last two pages. "I had to go to a handful of professors at my university just to be able to know what it was written in." She then passed the book to her brother for him to see. He skimmed through the pages and then lifted his eyes to rest on Tomoyo.
"This is written in Gaulish, a language that has been extinct for over a thousand years. Myself and Clow aside, I know of only a handful of people in this world could read and completely understand this language." He stopped talking but Tomoyo caught the end of his thoughts.
None of them were ordinary people.
Tomoyo easily translated the passage at first sight, and she has never even set eyes on the Gaulish language before this night, she never even knew that such a language had existed, that she was certain of. The words just flowed from the pages into her mind, and she was able to understand it effortlessly.
Clow Reed has predicted her fate. Something cold began to sweep over her, and she realized that it was fear. Fear in knowing that nothing in her life would ever be the same again. Fear in knowing that she was changing into someone, something that she did not even recognize. She turned towards Eriol. She looked at him with an air of defeat, a sense of hopelessness. He wanted to go to her and wrap her in the protection of his arms, shield her from everything that was happening around her. She never asked for any of this to happen, he knew that well. Now, she's realized that regardless of whether she asked for it or not, she was going to have to face the difficult things that stood before her.
I'm here, petite.
She felt his hand caress her cheek, and yet he was still standing by the fireplace. She placed a hand on where she felt his and looked up at him.
"I've been named. Over two hundred years before my birth, he already knew that I would be the one. I can't run away anymore can I?"
"I'm afraid not, my darling." I wish I could take you away from all this, mon bébé.
Even without saying, through his eyes Tomoyo could see that if he had the power to he would take her away from all of this. She gave him a smile just almost reached her eyes. It was the best she could do.
Nakuru looked at the both of them.
"There's something here that I think I am missing."
He turned to his sister.
"Just short of two weeks ago, Tomoyo was kidnapped by a group of dark mages. Unfortunately, Tomoyo and I don't remember any of it. Both of us have exactly six days worth of missing memories. Sakura has been our only link to those lost days, but there are still a lot of gaps because I went in alone to rescue Tomoyo." The concern in Nakuru's eyes grew more profound. She stood to move to where Tomoyo was, taking both of her hands in hers.
"You remember nothing?" Tomoyo shook her head with a small tired smile. Nakuru squeeze her hands once more then moved to sit on the other side of Sakura and asked her, "Do you know where Tomoyo was being kept?"
"I have a vague idea, but only because I was communicating with Eriol using telepathy. But he broke off before going into the building. I was exhausted and wasn't able to maintain the link even if I had wanted to."
"Tell me where." Everyone turned to look at Tomoyo in surprise.
You will not.
Eriol's voice was soft, but there was something in his tone that seemed to dare Tomoyo to defy him. She ignored Eriol completely, taking Sakura's hand.
"You don't have to go, sweetie, it would be too much for you. Just tell me what you remember and I'll take it from there."
You can't just tell me what I can and cannot do Eriol. Tomoyo broke through Eriol's mind, furious at him.
I'll have you safe, petite
My safety is a rather complicated issue at the moment don't you think? I go. Whether it's with you or not is up to you.
You're not making this easy, Tomoyo…
The pause in his thoughts had Tomoyo on alert. Perhaps it was the semi-panicked state that she was already in, but her imagination went ahead of her.
And don't you even think about locking me away. So help me God, I will never look at you again if you do. That's not even a threat, it's a promise.
She was afraid. Afraid of what Eriol was capable of, the powers he possessed. She knew that he could lock her away somewhere against her will and use his magic to make sure that she doesn't escape. She couldn't be with such a man. Tomoyo felt him in her mind, quiet, not responding to her frantic thoughts, a shadow.
Nakuru leaned forward her elbows on her knees and her head on her hands. "How about all three of you go while I hold the fort?" The three turned to look at her. "It only makes sense," she continued, looking at Tomoyo. "Sakura wants to go and help, regardless of what it would do to her, you also feel the need to go, and my brother, being his usual charming self, does not seem bent on having you go alone. Or at all and would rather go by himself." She then turned to Eriol. "Which, by the way, isn't happening. Just so you know." She gave him a sweet smile.
"I agree, then." Tomoyo shot Eriol a look, daring him to object, sending him an image of what she would do to him if he did.
Eriol had the grace to wince.
Never knew you had a penchant for violence, petite.
You bring it out in me, it seems.
You win. But only because it's three against one and you're all women. I am not a stupid man.
I wonder sometimes
One more thing, Tomoyo.
His tone had gone serious, almost cold. Tomoyo looked up to see his eyes on her, a storm being restrained in their blue depths.
Don't ever entertain the thought that I would hurt you or keep you prisoner. Ever. Whatever I do, it will always be for your protection, not because I am on a power trip or out to prove to you how powerful I am.
His voice was low and mesmerizing, with a hint of frustration. He could hypnotize with that voice.
Tomoyo lcouldn't look away from the heat and tenderness in his gaze.
Iam not a fragile flower, Eriol.
He smiled. Fragile was the last thing that he would describe her as.
I know you're not, mon bébé. There was pride in his voice, for her and a hint of something else that she shied away from.
"I suggest we go before noon tomorrow." Sakura stood up breaking up Tomoyo and Eriol's private conversation. "As for now, I think it's time we all got some rest." She reached out and took Nakuru's hand, giving it a warm squeeze. "Will you be staying with your brother, then?"
"I am. I need to see if there's anything in his library that might tell me more about what we're up against here."
"Oh, yes. She only wants to see my library, despite the fact that she hasn't seen me in a few years. Merci, ma petite sœur." He gave her a mocking bow. She blew him a kiss and then turned to Tomoyo. She reached out with both arms and gave her a hug.
"Tomoyo." Her voice was soft and low. "I know that this will sound absurd coming from me, and you might think that it's impossible, but don't be afraid, ma amie. Trust Eriol completely. He may be an arrogant cad sometimes, but he won't let anything happen to you. Can't you see it in his eyes? The way he looks at you?"
Tomoyo nodded against Nakuru's shoulder. She could see it; not only in how he looked at her, but in the way he touched her. She was past denial. Eriol Hiiragizawa would protect her with his last breath. Nakuru gave her another squeeze. "You're not alone."
xxx
The movement of a figure crossing the field disturbed the silence of the dawn. His hair of dark mahogany gleamed in the sun, his hazel eyes, sharp and observant of his surroundings. He neared what looked like the remains of a building of sorts. No one would be able to tell what it used to be for certain for it was literally reduced to a pile of rubble. The warrior drew his broad sword from the sheath on his back, not breaking a step in his powerful stride. The destruction of this place was violent and he could sense evil. It lingered, as if the earth remembered what took place there. But it was more than that. Something waited in the area. He did not know if it was in the trees nearby or in the higher hills to his west, but it was there and it waited. Yet, whatever it was, it paid no attention to him whatsoever, it was not aware of his presence - one of the advantages of an existence such as his. He lowered his sword but remained on his guard. Li Syaoran, one of the guardians of Time stood looking at the scene before him, his back to the rising sun. He investigated the vast expanse of the destruction but found nothing but ashes and piles of stone and metal. He then turned to face the Earth's brightest star, closing his eyes to the warmth for a moment. Something called him from his world to this place and time, and he would not return until he knew what it was.
tsuzuku
Author's Note:
First, I'm so sorry for bastardizing the French language. I promise I will get better at it – as in using it, not bastardizing it heh heh XD.
Second, I'm sorry that this is not going to be finished by the New Year. I think I figured out my problem… I get attached to the story and I don't want it to end. But worry not! I will slap myself out of that silly habit and get on it a bit more diligently in the coming year.
Forgive me for not making good on my promise.
I am off to Thailand on Saturday and will be there for the next 10 days. I hope all of you have a wonderful Holiday Season with lots and lots of friends, family, love, laughter, music and of course, food.
As the Japanese like to say: Taihen wo sewa ni narimashita. Rai-nen mo, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. I give you my best regards for the coming year and thank you for all the support in the past one.
Truly,
Shine
