Author's Note: Greetings, readers!
Kero: Hidey Howdy Ho! Did everyone like the first chapter? I know I did! We should get skip the formalities and get right into the next on-
HOLD IT!
Kero: Huh?
There's something that needs to be cleared up first. I wanted to give a thank you to guest reader LUVCCS for pointing out a mistake I had made while writing the first chapter.
Kero: Wait, what?!
I gave the ages of only TWO of the characters, and those were the ages of Syaoran and Meiling. I forgot to mention that Sakura, Finn, and Tomoyo were also 10 at the start. The rest will be explained at the start of the chapter.
Kero: Oh, I see! I agree! Thank you, guest reader LUVCCS! Your comment was EXTREMELY helpful! Oh! That reminds me! Don't forget to leave a review at the end of each chapter you read! Feel free to leave a question for us characters of Cardcaptor Sakura after the chapters, too!
With that said, now we can move on to the second chapter! TAKE THAT!
Sakura and Syaoran were standing together, holding hands, looking out over a bridge.
"What the? Is this a dream?" Someone asked. Sakura and Syaoran then looked at each other.
"Are you sure you want me with you?" Syaoran asked.
"You give me strength, Syaoran. If he says anything," Sakura said, "I'll tell him why. You know he can't force us apart." Syaoran smiled and nodded.
"Of course he can't. We're dating!" Syaoran said.
"This HAS to be a dream!" The person said.
"What about you? You're the heir to the Li Clan. How will your elders react to us?" Sakura asked.
"If they say anything," Syaoran said, "or try to separate us, they'll feel my wrath." Sakura blushed and the two looked behind, staying where they were, cherry blossom petals falling behind them as a wind blew.
Sakura's Wonderful Friend
"GEAH!" Finn exclaimed, sitting up and panting. He heard his alarm go off and turned it off before getting out of bed. He then started doing push-ups, sit-ups, and crunches before looking at a calendar he kept on his desk and sighed.
'I have to work the night shift tonight.' Finn thought. The phone then rang and Finn walked downstairs to answer it.
"Hello? This is Finn." He answered.
"Hey, Finn. This is Damon." A voice responded. Finn went on alert.
"C-Captain Nakamura?!" Finn asked.
"I wanted to talk with you about possibly having the two you arrested undergo the Youth Intervention Program." Captain Nakamura said.
"Shouldn't you be discussing this with their parents?" Finn asked.
"I would," Captain Nakamura said, "but she hasn't picked up any of my calls."
"Let me try calling. Tell me the number." Finn said, having a pen and a piece of paper with him. Finn then wrote down the number and nodded.
"I tried to leave a message," Captain Nakamura said, "but my phone kept cutting out."
"Alright," Finn said, "I'll call her."
"Oh," Captain Nakamura said, "before I forget, you don't have to come in tonight. We're still evaluating the others."
"Understood." Finn said. Captain Nakamura then hung up and Finn dialed the number he gave. After a few moments, the other line picked up.
"你好? (Hello?)" A woman asked.
"Hello," Finn said, "is this Yelan Li?"
"Who is this?" The woman asked.
"My name is Finn McGarrett. I'm a Junior Officer with the Tomoeda District Police. I'm calling in regards to your son." Finn said.
"Xiao Lang? What about him?" The woman asked.
"I regret to inform you that your son has been arrested on charges of Breaking and Entering and Attempted Burglary." Finn said.
"HE'S BEEN WHAT?!" The woman screamed, causing Finn to hold the phone away from his ear.
"It's not just him. His cousin, Meiling, was arrested as well." Finn said.
"Was anyone hurt?" The woman asked.
"Only your son's pride." Finn said.
"Is there a way for the charges to be dropped?" The woman asked.
"There is. We have something called the Youth Intervention Program." Finn said.
"Youth Intervention Program?" The woman asked.
"It's where we give children a jail tour," Finn said, "but not as if they were visitors."
"They tour the jail as inmates?!" The woman asked.
"They aren't put in the system," Finn said, "but they ARE treated as the inmates are. It's a good deterrent to the crime rate, and it's 90% effective. The program was first implemented in the US, but under the name 'Project: Scared Straight.' It was EXTREMELY effective, and other countries followed suit."
"I…. I see. W-will I have to be there?" The woman asked.
"No, ma'am. You don't have to be here. The whole point of the program is to teach those who are at-risk that their criminal acts have consequences." Finn said.
"Meaning their family can't help them." The woman said.
"Precisely." Finn said. The woman was silent for a bit.
'She might be mulling it over.' Finn thought.
"My Captain was trying to reach you about this," Finn said, "but he was denied the chance to leave a message."
"I apologize. My phone just got fixed." The woman said.
"You can contact my Captain for more information," Finn said, "as he is the Junior Officer Program Coordinator. He has more information on the Youth Intervention Program. I can give you his number, if you'd like."
"No," the woman said, "that won't be necessary. I, Yelan Li, Head of the Li Clan, grant the Tomoeda District Police consent to put both Xiao Lang and Meiling Li through the Youth Intervention Program."
"Verbal consent is just the beginning. You'll need to fill out some paperwork." Finn said.
"Do you have a pen and paper handy?" The woman asked.
"Yes, ma'am." Finn said.
"Very well. I'm going to give you my fax number. Please pass it along to your Captain." The woman said. Finn then copied the number down, and nodded.
"I'll pass it along. Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Li." Finn said.
"No," the woman said, "thank YOU for informing me of the charges against my son. If you don't mind me asking, what did he try to steal?"
"I'm afraid I can't divulge that information." Finn said.
"I understand." The woman said.
"You have a nice day, ma'am." Finn said.
"You, too. 再見 (Goodbye), Junior Officer McGarrett." The woman said.
"Yes, ma'am. Goodbye." Finn said. He then hung up and dialed Captain Nakamura's number. The line rang for a bit before it was picked up.
"Tomoeda District Police. Captain Nakamura speaking." A voice said.
"This is Junior Officer Finn McGarrett," Finn said, "calling in regards to the two suspects arrested yesterday."
"Designator?" Captain Nakamura said.
"Sierra-Delta-Hotel-Gulf-Zulu-Kilo-Lima-1-7-6." Finn said.
"Designator confirmed. I take it you made contact with the parent of one of the suspects?" Captain Nakamura asked.
"The Li Clan Head herself. She gave verbal consent," Finn said, "but we both know that won't hold up. She gave me her fax number. Ready to receive?"
"Go ahead." Captain Nakamura said. Finn read off the number, speaking slow enough to where Captain Nakamura could write it down.
"Got it?" Finn asked.
"Yup. We'll fax the paperwork over now." Captain Nakamura said.
"Alright. I'll let you get back to work, sir." Finn said.
"Wait," Captain Nakamura said, "I wanted to relay a message to you from Tomoeda Elementary."
"Huh? Why to me?" Finn asked.
"Because it concerns you, Sakura, and Tomoyo. They found a leak in the plumbing of the school," Captain Nakamura said, "and tried to fix it. However, that made it worse and the pipes burst. Every floor of the school is soaked. Until they get it fixed, there won't be any school. However, should you get a call of suspicious activity, you're to rush over immediately."
"I can't get very far on my bike." Finn said.
"Which is why I'm authorizing the use of a police vehicle." Captain Nakamura said.
"I don't have a license!" Finn said.
"Extenuating circumstances. Orders came from the higher ups." Captain Nakamura said.
"You mean the Chief authorized this?!" Finn asked.
"He did." Captain Nakamura said.
"What vehicle am I getting?" Finn asked, not liking how it sounded.
"Seems they're trying something new. They got a custom car from the US, outfitted it with the lighting used by unmarked cars there, but had the siren used here installed." Captain Nakamura said.
"Yet they assigned it to me and not you?" Finn asked.
"Seems the Chief is liking the work you're doing. They're even talking about your transfer to the Senior Officer Program once you reach junior high," Captain Nakamura said, "and the Police Cadet Program once you reach high school. Seems like they want your police career to continue."
"Seems like it." Finn said.
"Anyways," Captain Nakamura said, "I'll be in touch should I need anything."
"Understood." Finn said. Captain Nakamura then hung up and Fujikata walked down the stairs.
"Something important I take it?" He asked.
"Captain Nakamura needed my help with something," Finn said, "then relayed some news to me afterwards."
"What news?" Fujikata asked.
"The pipes at school had burst," Finn said, "so Sakura and I don't have to be at school until they're fixed. I still need to respond if something is reported at the school."
"I see. How will you get there? Your bike doesn't go that fast." Fujikata stated.
"They've assigned me a vehicle on the Chief's orders." Finn said.
"Really?! That's a first!" Fujikata said.
"I know, right?" Finn asked.
"Well," Fujikata said, "I'll let you tell Sakura. I need to start on breakfast." Finn nodded and walked upstairs, stopping in front of Sakura's room. He took a breath to ease his nerves and knocked on Sakura's door.
"Sakura? You awake?" Finn asked.
"Come in." She responded. Finn walked in and closed the door behind him. He looked and saw Keroberos, looking like he just pulled an all-nighter.
"Good morning, Sakura." Finn said. Sakura rubbed some sleep from her eyes and yawned.
"Morning, Finn." She said.
"Good morning, Keroberos. No offense, but you look like crap." Finn said.
"I'm not a morning person." Keroberos said.
'Maybe that's why he slept for 30 years.' Finn thought.
"Who was on the phone?" Sakura asked.
"Captain Nakamura. He needed me to contact Syaoran's mom." Finn said.
"About the charges against him and Meiling?" Keroberos asked.
"Yup. I took care of that easily." Finn said.
"That's good. We should get ready for school." Sakura said, starting to get out of bed.
"That reminds me. The pipes burst in the school. It's closed until they fix it." Finn said.
"You still need to respond if there's a report at the school, right? How will you get there? Your bike can't go that fast." Sakura said.
"Funny," Finn said, "your dad said the same thing."
"What did you tell him?" Keroberos asked.
"They assigned me a vehicle on the Chief's orders." Finn said.
"That's a first." Sakura said. Finn looked stunned and held his head.
"Whoa." He said.
"Huh? You okay?" Keroberos asked.
"Déjà vu." Finn said. Sakura was confused at first, but smiled and gave a small giggle.
[Later that day….]
Finn and Sakura were studying in Sakura's room for an exam that was coming up, making use of their time off to increase their knowledge, when a knock came on Sakura's door.
"Come in!" Sakura said. The door opened and Tomoyo walked in with her camcorder.
"Hi, you two!" She said.
"Hey, Tomoyo! What brings you here?" Sakura asked.
"I doubt she's here to study." Finn said. Another knock came on Sakura's door and Syaoran and Meiling walked in, looking solemn.
'They probably got the news that Syaoran's mom gave consent for them to go through the Youth Intervention Program.' Finn thought.
"H-hey, Ms. Kinomoto." Syaoran said.
"Huh? Who might you two be?" Tomoyo asked.
"These two are Syaoran and Meiling Li. They broke into the house yesterday." Finn said.
"Huh?! Why aren't they at the Tomoeda Detention Center?!" Tomoyo asked.
"They were released pending an investigation as to the legitimacy of the charges against them." Finn said.
"I…. I see." Tomoyo said.
"Why so down?" Sakura asked.
"We have to go through a jail tour in order for the charges to be dropped." Meiling said.
"Don't they need your parents' permission for that?" Tomoyo asked.
"They faxed the paperwork over and my mother signed where she needed to before faxing it back." Syaoran said, dejected.
"Huh?" Tomoyo asked.
"Syaoran's mother is the Li Clan Head." Finn said.
"Ah!" Tomoyo said, realizing it. Meiling nodded in confirmation.
"So long as the Clan Head is informed first," she spoke, "she can make any decisions based on what happens. Even if it concerns the branch family."
"Who might you be?" Syaoran asked, looking to Tomoyo. Tomoyo smiled and gave a bow.
"My name is Tomoyo Daidoji! Nice to meet you!" She said.
"Nice to meet you, too, Ms. Daidoji." Syaoran said.
"You as well!" Tomoyo said, smiling.
"Why are you two here?" Sakura asked.
"We figured we could help you study." Meiling said.
"You got bored at home, didn't you?" Finn asked, looking at a textbook. Meiling tensed up and Syaoran sighed.
"Yes, Junior Officer McGarrett." He said.
"You're free to study with us," Finn said, "but be mindful of Sakura's guest."
"That reminds me. I recorded something interesting last night!" Tomoyo said.
"Really?" Sakura asked.
"Yup! I wanted to show it to you," Tomoyo said, "but I can do that later! Studies come first, after all." The three then sat on Sakura's bed and studied with her and Finn.
[Moments later….]
Tomoyo was setting her camera up on Sakura's desk. Sakura leaned closer to Finn.
"I wonder what Tomoyo wanted to show me." She said.
"I don't know," Finn said, "but I've got a bad feeling about this." Tomoyo turned around and looked at Sakura and Finn. At that same moment, Syaoran and Meiling came in with some drinks for everyone.
"Watch this." Tomoyo said, smiling. She started a video playback and two things flying were shown.
'Flying objects?' Sakura thought.
'Wait,' Finn thought, piecing it together, 'don't tell me!' Tomoyo smiled further before stopping it.
"Here," she said, "let me zoom in!" She zoomed the recording in and Finn tensed up and paled.
"Balls." He muttered, speaking under his breath. Sakura was dumbfounded and Tomoyo beamed.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH?!" Sakura exclaimed. Syaoran and Meiling both paled and Meiling fainted. On the playback, close to see the faces, was Sakura and Keroberos.
'She caught it on tape?!' Syaoran thought. Keroberos then jumped out and looked around.
"What's wrong?! What is it?! Is it a Clow Card?!" He asked. He saw Tomoyo, who looked at the recording, then back to him, then smiled.
"阿呆, 阿呆! (Fool, fool!)" A bird cried out, flying by. Finn and Syaoran simultaneously facepalmed, confusing Tomoyo.
"Guess we have some explaining to do." Finn said.
"Huh?" Keroberos asked.
[One long explanation later….] (Author's note: Skipped it for the sanity of everyone.)
"Really?! Sakura has magic powers?!" Tomoyo asked.
"Yup," Finn said, "and I do, too."
"You can't tell ANYONE about this, Tomoyo! Who knows what would happen?!" Sakura pleaded.
"Your secret is safe with me!" Tomoyo said.
"At least we can trust her." Syaoran said.
"Yeah," Meiling said, "she's alright."
"Say," Tomoyo said, "doesn't Keroberos look more like a Kero-chan in this form?"
"Maybe just Kero." Finn deadpanned.
"That works! Makes it easier to say!" Sakura said.
"Much to my chagrin." Keroberos said.
"Does that mean you agree?" Meiling asked.
"I don't have a choice, do I? I'll have to accept it." Kero said.
"Oh," Tomoyo said, "before I forget, my mom wanted me to give something to you, Finn!"
"Oh? What is it?" Finn asked. Tomoyo pulled out a Navy Blue phone and gave it to Finn.
"She gave me this phone." She stated. Finn took it and it started ringing.
"Ah!" Sakura and Kero exclaimed. Finn answered it and took a breath.
"Hello? This is Finn." He said.
"Hello, Finn. This is Sonomi." A voice said. Finn tensed up.
"Ms. Daidoji?!" He asked. Syaoran, Meiling, Sakura, Kero, and Tomoyo were stunned.
"I asked Tomoyo to give you that phone because of your position. Does the color look okay?" She asked.
"I just get a cell phone and you ask me about the color?" Finn asked.
"Right. How silly of me? I need to explain why I created that phone!" Sonomi said.
"That would help." Finn said.
"Well," Sonomi said, "it's simple. I've noticed that many people are carrying around phones in their cars."
"I know about car phones already." Finn said.
"Consider this an upgrade from that!" Sonomi said.
"Huh?!" Finn asked.
"With this," Sonomi explained, "you don't have to worry about getting a car phone, or constantly using a house phone. It makes it VERY convenient to get in touch with others, doesn't it?"
"When does Sakura get one?" Finn asked.
"Blunt much? Anyways," Sonomi said, "I'm working on Sakura's now. I'm thinking a pink color would suit her." That's when Finn had an idea.
"I'm gonna give Tomoyo a design for a phone. If possible," Finn said, "I'd like for you to make five versions of it. One for me, one for Sakura, one for Tomoyo, and the last two for some associates."
"That's quite considerate of you. What brought this on?" Sonomi asked.
"Just call it a gut feeling. Sakura, Tomoyo, and I need to finish studying. We'll talk more later." Finn said. He then hung up and got to work on a phone design. Tomoyo and the others looked, Kero floating above.
"I didn't know you could draw." He said.
"He's amazing at it!" Sakura said. He then gave the design to Tomoyo and she looked at it.
"Huh? What's this at the top?" She asked.
"A screen. This is a more compact version of the phone I have," Finn said, "and with added features. Namely, an option for a contact list, picture and recording capabilities, and a speed dial option."
"I get it! This version is an IMPROVEMENT of the phone Tomoyo's mom made!" Kero said.
"Exactly." Finn said. Tomoyo and Meiling were stunned before looking at Finn in awe.
'So cool!' They thought. The two then looked at each other before glaring, sparks seeming to fly. Finn, Kero, Syaoran, and Sakura all deadpanned.
'This is gonna be a LOOOOONG day.' They thought. Finn than snapped out of it when he sensed trouble. He jumped up and ran out of Sakura's room, stunning everyone.
"Huh?" Syaoran asked. Finn ran to his room and grabbed his police radio before hearing it transmit.
"Any available unit," a dispatcher said, "trespassing reported at Tomoeda Elementary." Finn didn't need to hear anything else. He grabbed his badge before running out, bumping into Syaoran.
"GWOH!" Syaoran exclaimed.
"Whoa!" Kero said.
"Finn?" Tomoyo asked. Finn ran downstairs and out the door, seeing two cars pull up. One being a marked police vehicle, the other an unmarked.
'Perfect timing.' Finn thought. He then ran to the unmarked vehicle as an Officer stepped out. After the Officer got to the front and saluted, Finn jumped in the front seat and closed the door.
"Wha?!" The Officer asked, stunned. Finn then turned the ELS on and sped off, activating the siren. Sakura and the others, sans Kero, ran out as he drove. Tomoyo immediately had a look of concern.
"Must have been important." Syaoran stated. Sakura then realized it.
"There was probably a report of activity at school!" Sakura said.
"Ah!" Tomoyo said. Syaoran then gasped and looked towards where Finn drove off.
'I sense a Clow Card!' He thought. Sakura looked confused.
"Is everything okay, Li?" She asked.
"Do you sense that, Sakura?" Syaoran asked.
"Huh?" Tomoyo asked.
"Come to think of it," Sakura said, "I'm sensing a lot of worry coming from Tomoyo. Yet, I also sense something strange. Almost like… ! Ah!" Sakura looked to where Finn drove with a glare.
'Finn,' Sakura thought, 'be careful! There's a Clow Card at the school!'
[Meanwhile….]
Finn drifted around a corner, being mindful of the others around, and sped off towards the school. The police radio he had was going off like crazy about the situation at the school. He pulled up and gasped as he saw everything in disarray. His phone went off and he answered.
"Hello? This is Finn!" He said.
"Hello, Finn. This is Meiling." A voice said.
'Perfect!' Finn thought.
"Meiling," Finn said, "you and the others get down to Tomoeda Elementary! They're gonna need help with some clean-up!"
'It also gives Sakura a chance to seal the Clow Card that's causing this insanity!' Finn thought.
"We're on the way!" Meiling said. Finn then hung up and ran out, closing the door.
"McGarrett!" A voice said. He looked and saw Captain Nakamura.
"I rushed over as soon as I heard the mention of the school." Finn said.
"Good. We can't seem to find anything. You're more attentive than we are. Search the school and find the creep!" Captain Nakamura said.
"Way ahead of you. I got a good idea of where the suspect is. Keep everyone away from the track!" Finn said. He saw silhouettes run towards the track and ran in.
"You heard him! Everyone stay away from the track!" Captain Nakamura asked. Finn ran towards the track and met up with the others.
"You sensed it, too." Syaoran stated.
"I had sensed trouble and ran for my police radio. I never expected a Clow Card would show up here, though!" Finn said. Sakura, Tomoyo, and Meiling were stunned.
"We'll go on ahead! You three stay back!" Syaoran said. A strong aura then appeared around Syaoran and Finn as they ran ahead. Sakura saw this and stopped, Meiling and Tomoyo following her lead. Meiling was catching her breath and Tomoyo was looking with Sakura.
"You see it, too, don't you?" Tomoyo asked.
"Yeah." Sakura said. Tomoyo held a hand to her heart, and Sakura did the same.
'Be safe, Finn.' Tomoyo thought.
'Be safe, Li.' Sakura thought. The two boys then reached where the disturbance was and gasped.
"Damn thing! WHERE ARE YOU?!" A man asked. Finn looked at the ground and knew.
"Look at the ground." He whispered. Syaoran looked and gave a silent gasp.
"The Shadow Card!" He whispered.
"Get Sakura! I'll handle the trespasser!" Finn whispered. Syaoran nodded and ran back. Finn then took up a position and mentally cursed himself.
'I should have grabbed my baton.' Finn thought. A glow came from his right hand and an 20th Century baton appeared in his hand. Finn was stunned at first, but soon realized why that happened. He then gave a stealth run towards the trespasser and struck him at the back of his knees.
"GAH!" He exclaimed, falling down. The Shadow Card revealed itself and used its power to bring some rope to Finn. Sakura and the others ran up and saw this.
"Huh/Eh/Wha?!" They asked. Finn took the rope and tied the trespasser up in a handcuff knot.
"Let go of me you brat! I'll call the cops!" The man said. Finn showed his badge and the man went pale.
"I'm with the cops." Finn said. The Shadow Card lifted the man up onto his feet and Finn took him away. Sakura, having her staff already out, then held it high.
"Return to the guise you were meant to inhabit! Clow Card!" Sakura said, swinging the staff down. The Shadow Card was then sealed and it went to Sakura.
"I never expected the Shadow Card to do something like that!" Meiling said.
"Me neither." Syaoran said.
'Why would it do that?' Sakura thought.
[Meanwhile….]
Finn delivered the trespasser to Captain Nakamura and handed him off.
"Good work." Captain Nakamura said.
"I'm gonna check the track area," Finn said, "make sure everything is in place."
"Alright. We'll clear out." Captain Nakamura said. Finn nodded and returned to the others. Sakura was panting heavily, as were the others, and Finn watched as they sat down.
"I never realized just how heavy everything is." She said.
"Why didn't you just use Shadow to put everything back?" Finn asked. Sakura, Tomoyo, Syaoran, and Meiling simultaneously facepalmed.
"Why didn't we think of that?" They asked. Finn looked around and heard running water.
"I found the source of the pipes bursting. Seems to be in here." Finn said.
"The women's bathroom?" Sakura asked.
"Apparently. Let's check it out." Finn said. They all walked in and looked around before Finn saw someone in a stall. He pointed it out to Sakura and she walked to it and opened it. It was a woman, kneeling over the toilet.
"Hello? Are you okay?" Sakura asked. The woman never responded.
"Police," Finn said, "you're not supposed to be here. Get up and get out." The woman never responded, nor moved.
"You deaf lady! He said get out!" Meiling said, grabbing her and throwing her out. When she did, she revealed something horrifying. The woman was dead, and had bled out over the toilet.
"Gah!" Syaoran exclaimed.
"Oh, my God!" Tomoyo said.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Meiling screamed.
"GET OUT OF HERE! GO! GO!" Finn ordered. They all ran out and Meiling collapsed behind a bush before hurling. Captain Nakamura ran up with other Officers, having his weapon drawn, and approached.
"We heard screaming! Is everyone okay?!" He asked. Finn looked at Captain Nakamura with a solemn look.
"Call the Coroner." He said. Captain Nakamura went pale.
[Moments later….]
Meiling sat in the back of an ambulance, a shock blanket wrapped around her, as Captain Nakamura approached. Finn looked at him and shook his head.
"She hasn't spoken a word since she found the victim." He said.
"Well," Captain Nakamura said, "I can say this for sure. Whatever happened to her occurred last night. The Medical Examiner places her death between 0100 and 0200 last night."
"Huh?" Tomoyo asked.
"Between 1 and 2 AM." Finn simplified.
"Ah." Tomoyo said. A young woman then approached and Finn nodded.
"Thanks for coming, Doc." He said.
"Not a problem." The woman said.
"Who is she?" Syaoran asked.
"This is Doctor Aura Cykes," Finn introduced, "our Forensic Psychologist." Dr. Cykes then went to Meiling and smiled sweetly.
"Meiling, right?" She asked. Meiling nodded and Dr. Cykes knelt down.
"What is she doing?" Sakura whispered.
"What she's trained to do." Finn responded.
"Is this your first time seeing a dead body?" Dr. Cykes asked. Meiling nodded, clutching the blanket tight.
"It doesn't look like she's helping!" Syaoran whispered.
"Just watch." Finn responded.
"I know it's scary. Seeing someone like you had. Especially in this case. However," Dr. Cykes said, "the police need you to tell them what happened. I know you don't want to remember, but they need you to in order for them to catch the person that did this. I won't force you to say anything, but… can you at least try to?" Meiling looked scared, but Dr. Cykes gave her a calming look. Meiling soon nodded.
"I…. I'll try." She said. Syaoran and Sakura gasped.
"She spoke!" Sakura said.
"That's only the easy part. Now comes the hard part." Finn said.
"The hard part?" Syaoran asked.
"Meiling's recollection." Captain Nakamura said. Sakura and Syaoran both looked shocked, but it soon turned to worry.
"Start from the beginning," Dr. Cykes said, "after the trespasser was taken away."
"W-well," Meiling said, "S-Syaoran, D-Daidoji, K-Kinomoto, a-and I s-started to c-clean the track area."
"How long did that take?" Dr. Cykes asked.
"Not long. A-all four of us w-worked together." Meiling said.
"Alright. I know that Junior Officer McGarrett came back after you had finished. What happened afterwards?" Dr. Cykes asked.
"M-McGarrett s-started to l-l-look around. I…. I think he had heard something." Meiling said.
"The pipes had burst in the school," Captain Nakamura said, "so it was probably running water." Meiling gasped and remembered.
"Finn said that was the origin of the pipes bursting!" She exclaimed. Captain Nakamura looked at the report from the contractor and gave a nod.
"The crime scene was the source of it." Captain Nakamura said. That sent Finn on alert.
'Did no one bother to check inside the bathroom?' Finn thought.
"They said that they didn't check inside because the pipes were gushing too much water. They had to wait for it to drain." Captain Nakamura said.
'The water drained? That means there might have been more blood!' Finn thought.
"What next, Meiling?" Dr. Cykes asked.
"W-well," Meiling started, "w-we went to check it out. McGarrett was with us, and he heard running water inside. That gave him probable cause to investigate."
"How do you know that?" Dr. Cykes asked.
"I… overheard some Officers talking about situations like that." Meiling said, looking ashamed.
"From when Junior Officer McGarrett had arrested you and your cousin, right?" Dr. Cykes asked. Meiling nodded.
"That has nothing to do with the current case." Captain Nakamura stated.
"Goes to the witness' state of mind." Dr. Cykes countered.
"When did this turn into a trial?" Sakura whispered.
"No clue." Syaoran whispered.
"What next, Meiling?" Dr. Cykes asked.
"We had seen someone in one of the stalls. McGarrett had Kinomoto approach them. I couldn't hear what she said. I think it was 'are you okay?,' or something." Meiling said.
"What next?" Dr. Cykes asked.
"The person didn't respond," Meiling said, "s-so McGarrett identified himself as police and told them that they shouldn't be there, and that they needed to leave. They didn't say anything or move."
"That's when you took action, right?" Dr. Cykes asked.
"I…. I asked if they were deaf," Meiling said, "a-a-and told them that McGarrett said to leave."
"What did you do?" Dr. Cykes asked.
"I grabbed them and forced them out. When I did," Meiling said, "I…. I saw their lifeless eyes! I looked at the stall…. God, the blood!"
"Easy, Meiling. Keep calm." Dr. Cykes said.
"I screamed loud," Meiling said, tears forming in her eyes, "and McGarrett told everyone to get out! I almost couldn't move! I…. I had just found a dead body, a-a-a-and I TOUCHED it!"
"Easy, Meiling. It's okay. It's okay. You didn't do anything wrong. You were a big help." Dr. Cykes said. Meiling was stunned.
"I…. I was?" She asked.
"Yeah," Finn said, "you were. Have Forensics do a Luminol test of the crime scene."
"Huh?" Meiling asked.
"The contractor had to wait for the water to drain out of the crime scene." Finn stated.
"Ah! There might have been more blood!" Meiling realized.
"Precisely." Finn said.
"We'll get them right on it." Captain Nakamura said. Dr. Cykes then stood up and placed a calming hand on Meiling's shoulder.
"You did great, Meiling. If you ever need to talk, just speak with Junior Officer McGarrett. Okay?" She asked. Meiling nodded.
"O-o-okay. T-th-thank you!" Meiling said, gripping the blanket. Dr. Cykes then turned and left.
"The Youth Intervention Program starts tomorrow. You two better be there. Understood?" Captain Nakamura asked.
"Yes, sir." Syaoran said. Captain Nakamura then looked to Finn and nodded.
"We'll keep you updated as information is passed along." He said. Finn nodded in return and Tomoyo hugged him from behind, giggling.
'I just hope tomorrow is different than today.' Finn thought.
Author's Note: First half done!
Kero: Why wasn't I there when Sakura sealed the card?!
Did you want to be seen by others and sold off as the world's first sentient toy?
Kero: I- Stops talking and realizes
Exactly.
Yukito: Did you HAVE to add in that scene?
Hey, I had the card sealed in the day! Would you rather have had the chapter end with that?
Kero: He has a point.
Yukito: I see what you mean now.
Kero: Anyways, how is the next part gonna progress? You gonna show the kid and the brat getting what they deserve?
I won't spoil anything for you.
Kero: Why not?!
What would be the point of the second part then?
Kero: !
Exactly.
Yukito: Seems he's thought this through.
Kero: Indeed.
Enough of our rambling. Here's the second half of the chapter.
Finn sighed in exhaustion as he lied down on his bed. Sakura and Tomoyo looked worried, but understood why.
"I can't believe someone would do that." Tomoyo said.
"I know. That poor woman." Sakura said.
"Do they know who she is?" Tomoyo asked.
"No ID was found on her. They're waiting on DNA, fingerprints, and dental records." Finn said. Toya then knocked on the door and they looked at him.
"What's going on?" He asked.
"There was a murder at school." Sakura said, looking solemn.
"What?! Are you guys okay?!" Toya asked.
"Tomoyo and I are fine," Sakura said, "but Finn's exhausted."
"He investigated?!" Toya asked.
"I responded to a report of trespassing at the school. They arrived after to help clean up. That's when we found the body." Finn said.
"Do they know who it is?" Toya asked. Sakura shook her head.
"No ID was found." She said.
"How did she die?" Toya asked.
"The investigation is still ongoing." Finn said. Toya was stunned, but nodded in understanding.
"Sakura," Tomoyo whispered, "why don't you tell Kero about the Shadow Card, and what it did to help Finn."
"Well," Toya said, "I got called in to work. I'll see you later."
"Be safe." Finn said. Toya walked downstairs and left.
"I'll go tell Kero about the Shadow Card. Maybe he knows why it did that." Sakura said. She then left and Tomoyo gently closed the door, making sure it made no sound.
'Huh? What is she doing?' Finn thought. Tomoyo then walked to Finn and lied next to him, holding him like a stuffed animal.
"T-Tomoyo?" Finn asked. He looked at her and saw tears forming in her eyes.
"How could someone do something so awful?" She asked. Finn understood at that point and pulled Tomoyo in for a hug. She held him tight and softly sobbed into his shirt. Finn rubbed her back in comfort.
"There, there." Finn said. Tomoyo sniffled and dried her tears. She looked into Finn's eyes, smiling softly, and placed a hand on his cheek.
"You're so sweet." She said.
'What? Why is she looking at me like that?' Finn thought. Tomoyo then leaned forward, closing her eyes, and kissed Finn on the lips. Finn was completely stunned.
'He feels so warm. I feel so safe around him.' Tomoyo thought. Finn slowly returned Tomoyo's kiss, being mindful of her scared state, and closed his eyes. He moved some hair out of her face, and she pulled him on top of her, keeping the kiss going. They soon broke for air and Tomoyo blushed.
'That was my first kiss,' Finn thought, 'and it was with Tomoyo!'
"Sakura doesn't have to know." Tomoyo said, talking low enough so only Finn could hear. He then watched as Tomoyo pulled the covers over the two of them, not even breaking eye contact with Finn.
"You're Sakura's best friend," Finn said, "and your practically family. This won't work."
"We'll make it work." Tomoyo said.
"S-seriously?" Finn asked. Tomoyo softly giggled and pulled him closer to her.
"It'll be our little secret." She whispered. Finn was stunned, but it went away not soon after.
"This stays in this room." He whispered. Finn then kissed Tomoyo, and she returned it. Unbeknownst to them, their hands were moving down each others bodies.
[Meanwhile….]
Sakura and Kero had just finished talking and were doing some cleaning around the house. As they did so, Sakura had found a Clow Card. She wrote her name at the bottom, since it wasn't activated, and placed it in her pocket with the others. She went downstairs, cleaning the basement up, and found another Clow Card. However, this one was covered in ink. She took it to Kero and he cleaned the ink off, revealing it to be the Rain Card. Sakura wrote her name at the bottom, stunning Kero, and placed it with the others. There was a knock at the door, and Sakura went to answer. The moment she opened the door, she gasped.
"Yukito!" She exclaimed.
"Hey, Sakura. Is Toya here?" Yukito asked.
"He got called in to work." Sakura said.
"I see. Well," Yukito said, "I think we need to talk, Sakura."
"Huh?" Sakura asked.
"I know you have a crush on me." Yukito said. Sakura tensed up and blushed intensely.
'How did he figure it out?!' She thought.
"Sakura," Yukito said, kneeling down and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, "the way you feel about me is like the way you feel with your father, isn't it?"
"You mean how I admire him, right?" Sakura asked. Yukito nodded.
"That's right. Tell me," Yukito said, "do you feel anything other than admiration towards me? Any romantic feelings?"
"R-romantic? Y-you mean like how Mom and Dad acted towards each other?" Sakura asked.
"That's right." Yukito confirmed.
"W-well…." Sakura said. She then looked to the side, slightly ashamed. Yukito knew it then.
"You haven't, have you?" He asked. Sakura then looked down in shame and shook her head.
"Now I know how Chiharu and Naoko felt when Finn turned them down." She said. Yukito smiled sweetly.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find someone." He reassured. Sakura looked stunned at first, but smiled and nodded. Yukito then stood up and gave a wave before leaving. Sakura waved back and closed the door. She then sighed and went back to cleaning. Kero then approached her and stopped her.
"Huh?" She asked.
"Follow me." He whispered. She followed Kero upstairs and saw him stop at Finn's room. He pointed to a crack in the door and she looked in. She gave a small gasp at what she saw. Finn and Tomoyo were covered up, sleeping peacefully. She smiled and closed the door completely.
"Let them sleep." She whispered. Kero nodded and the two giggled.
[The next day….]
Finn, Sakura, and Tomoyo were standing in the waiting area of the Tomoeda Detention Center. Finn was wearing his Junior Officer uniform, earning looks from the others there. Captain Nakamura then walked out and everyone got quiet.
"Junior Officer McGarrett," he said, "the first of those you're visiting is ready. You and your party may follow me." Finn nodded and motioned for Sakura and Tomoyo to go ahead of him. Sakura went first, followed by Tomoyo, who gripped Finn tightly. They were taken to a visitor's room, and waited patiently. After a few seconds, Syaoran walked in, wearing a white jumpsuit. He sat down, looking sad, and Sakura sat across from him.
"Hey, Miss Kinomoto." Syaoran said.
"Hey, Li. How are they treating you?" Sakura asked. Syaoran had tears in his eyes and his lower lip started trembling.
"They're yelling at me. I…. I'm scared!" Syaoran said.
"That's how I felt when you and Meiling broke into my home. I was scared. If it hadn't been for Finn," Sakura said, "I would have called the police. You're lucky I didn't from the start. If I had, you wouldn't be spending just a few hours here. They'd keep you here until your mother came and got you. Since you're from China, that wouldn't be a good thing for you. Would it?" Syaoran shook his head.
"You have no idea how bad that would be for me!" He said, tears flowing.
"Is there something you have to her regarding this?" Finn asked. Syaoran gave sobs and lowered his head.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" He said. Sakura put her right hand on the glass that separated them and he looked up. He put his left hand where her right hand was and she gave a soft smile.
"It's okay, Li. I forgive you." Sakura said. Syaoran sniffed and looked at the time.
"I have to go. I'll…." He spoke, trailing off at the end. Sakura nodded and understood.
"We'll see you after they've let you go." She said. Syaoran nodded and stood up, removing his hand from the glass as he turned and left. Sakura felt tears well up as he did.
'Why do I feel so sad looking at him like this?' Sakura asked. A few moments later, Meiling walked in, wearing the same color jumpsuit, and sat down across from them. This time, Finn was sitting down in the chair.
"Hey." Finn spoke.
"Hey." Meiling greeted.
"How is it?" Finn asked.
"Bad. I…. I almost had to go into the morgue. They were gonna show me THAT body again." Meiling said.
"They stopped you and Syaoran from going in, right?" Finn asked. Meiling nodded in confirmation.
"Captain Nakamura explained it to them." She said.
"This isn't where you want to be, is it?" Finn asked. Meiling started shedding tears and shook her head.
"No!" She spoke.
"Then make sure you don't do anything stupid, like breaking into a home." Finn said.
"I'm so sorry!" She cried out. Sakura gave a calming smile and nodded.
"It's okay." Sakura spoke.
"We'll see both you and your cousin after the program ends." Finn said. Meiling nodded and got up to leave.
[Later that day….]
Syaoran and Meiling were in their normal clothes as they walked out of the Detention Center with the others that went through the Youth Intervention Program. Syaoran saw Sakura and ran to her, hugging her tight. She gave a comforting hug back and Meiling approached. Syaoran released Sakura and looked to Meiling. Sakura gave a nod and Meiling went to Sakura and hugged her, sobbing. Sakura rubbed Meiling's back in comfort and gave a soft smile.
"Let's get something to eat. I'm buying." Finn said. They all nodded and walked from the Detention Center. As they walked, Syaoran had unknowingly grabbed Sakura's hand and held it. Sakura felt it and looked stunned at first, but slightly blushed and returned the gesture.
'His hand feels so warm.' She thought. The two then unknowingly interlocked their fingers together. Finn saw this out of his peripheral vision and gave a slight grin that was unnoticeable to the others.
'Guess that dream I had was an omen.' Finn thought. He was brought from his thoughts by Tomoyo giggling softly. After walking a few blocks, they went to a diner and saw two Junior Officers there that were in uniform. The two looked and saw Finn before standing at attention and saluting.
"As you were," Finn said, "I'm off the clock." The two lowered their salutes and went back to talking. Finn opened one of the doors and held it open so the others could walk in. Syaoran let Sakura go in before him and held the other door.
"Ladies first." He said.
"What a gentleman!" Sakura said, walking in. Time seemed to slow for a bit as she kissed Syaoran's cheek, causing him to tense up and blush. Finn saw this happen saw their auras.
'Huh?' Finn thought. Their auras looked as if they were trying to merge. However, Sakura walked off and her aura seemed to be taunting Syaoran's.
" You can see them, can't you?" A voice asked.
'Huh? Magnifi? Is that you?!' Finn thought.
" Sakura's aura looks pretty, right? Are you falling for your adoptive sister?" The voice asked.
'What the Hell?! WHO ARE YOU?!' Finn thought. Time slowed to a stop and someone appeared before him, giggling evilly.
" Greetings, Finn McGarrett." They communicated.
'A telepath, huh? Identify yourself.' Finn thought. The being revealed itself to be a woman and Finn tensed up.
" I am the spirit of the one who placed the seal on your ancestor, Magnifi." She communicated.
'What do you want? To seal his power again?' Finn thought.
" I sealed his power because he fancied his sister. He was going down a dark path." She communicated.
'Do you sense those feelings from me, you witch?' Finn thought. The woman tensed up before gasping as she saw Finn's aura.
" I-impossible! Y-your aura!" She communicated.
" It's nothing like mine." Another voice said. Magnifi then revealed himself and the woman gasped.
" You!" She exclaimed.
" I was forced to see my sister like that by my father. You would have seen that if you had done your research." Magnifi spoke.
'Seriously,' Finn thought, 'what the Hell?! This isn't the time or place!'
" Huh?" The two asked.
'You realize you stopped time as I was entering a diner with other people around, right?! They're probably giving me weird looks!' Finn thought. The two then realized it themselves.
" SHIT!" They exclaimed. Time then resumed to its normal pace and Sakura and Syaoran looked at Finn in confusion.
"Huh?" Syaoran asked.
"Is everything alright?" Sakura asked. Finn held his head in pain and frustration and groaned.
"I had a couple of morons stop time and appear before me." Finn said. Before they could question it, he walked in and sat down at a booth next to Tomoyo. Meiling and Tomoyo looked at him, Tomoyo being worried.
"Are you okay?" Tomoyo asked.
"I'll explain later." Finn said. A glass of water was then set in front of him.
"Huh?" Meiling asked.
"We haven't even ordered yet!" Tomoyo said.
"It's on the house." A voice said. Finn recognized it and tensed up before looking.
'WHAT THE FUCK?!' Finn thought. The woman gave a smile and started to walk off, but stopped as she heard a gasp.
"YOU!" Syaoran yelled. Finn looked and saw Syaoran take a defensive position, holding a sword. Wait, A SWORD?! Finn jumped up and drew his Taser, aiming at Syaoran.
"Put the sword down!" He said. Syaoran was stunned.
"Syaoran," Sakura said, "just calm down!"
'I summoned the sword without realizing it!' Syaoran thought. Finn then saw his and Sakura's auras again and gasped.
'What the?!' Finn thought. Sakura's aura was easing Syaoran's, the two merging.
"Is everything okay, Finn?" Sakura asked, walking to Syaoran and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. Finn then gasped as he sensed something and glared to his right.
"EVERYONE DOWN!" He yelled. Everyone got under a table and shots rang out, breaking the glass windows. Finn put his Taser away and drew his pistol before leaving cover and firing three shots. He then jumped out of a broken window and saw a vehicle speeding off. Finn fired four shots and each one hit the back tires of the car. The tires blew out and the car spun out and flipped. Finn ran over, weapon drawn, and looked inside. The Junior Officers that were outside the diner approached soon after, weapons drawn.
"Put your hands on the wheel!" One ordered. Two people crawled out before lying face first on the ground.
"Don't move!" The other said. The two Junior Officers then put the suspects in cuffs, and one of them radioed in. Finn holstered his pistol and sighed
'So much for a peaceful meal.' Finn thought. He started walking towards the diner, only to be stopped by Tomoyo hugging him tight. Finn was stunned, but it soon turned to regret as he heard Tomoyo's sobs.
"I was so scared, Finn. I really was!" Tomoyo sobbed. Finn returned her embrace and took a breath.
"I'm sorry." He said. Sakura then ran up with Syaoran and Meiling and the three of them went to Finn and Tomoyo.
"It's not your fault. Don't apologize for something you can't control." Tomoyo said. The woman then approached and knelt down. Syaoran went defensive, but Sakura placed a calming hand on his shoulder.
"It's time I told you the truth." She said. Finn and Tomoyo broke the hug and looked at her, confused.
[Moments later….]
Finn and the others were sitting in the diner, which had been evacuated and closed because of the attack, and were stunned at what they just heard.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH?!" They asked. The woman had a sorrowful look on her face and nodded.
"It's true. Long ago," she said, "Magnifi's father, Arthur Egin, had forced him into a relationship with his sister. He was ostracized for it, and had lost his status. His magic was sealed, as well."
"So the one who had sealed his magic was under orders?!" Syaoran asked.
"Who gave it?" Finn asked.
"Huh?" Syaoran asked, looking at Finn.
"Who gave the order?!" Finn asked. The woman looked down in shame before sighing in defeat.
"My ancestor," she said, "Mary Li." Meiling and Syaoran tensed up at that.
"Why would she order that?" Finn asked.
"Because she was ordered to by the Grand Magician." The woman said.
"Grand Magician?" Sakura asked.
"The Grand Magician was seen as the highest authority in those times. He was the one responsible for keeping the other magicians in line." The woman said.
'Like a teacher or principal.' Tomoyo thought.
"Who was the Grand Magician?" Finn asked. The woman looked shameful, but it soon turned to a look of anger.
"A man who would soon become the most evil," she said, "Yohei Zeref!" Syaoran gasped at that and jumped up.
"THE Yohei Zeref?!" He asked.
"Who is that?" Sakura asked.
" He was a dark magician." A voice spoke. Magnifi's spirit then appeared and the woman was ashamed.
"What do you know of him?" Finn asked.
" He turned down a dark path after learning the truth of Arthur Egin. Because of what my father did," Magnifi explained, " he became consumed by the darkness in his heart. It was slow, but after my magic was sealed, his was overpowering. The darkness in his heart had corrupted him, and he ordered that any magician found guilty of crimes, no matter how small, be executed."
"What?!" Meiling asked.
"Executed?!" Tomoyo asked.
"What happened to him?" Finn asked.
" He was exposed for his dark nature," Magnifi said, " and was subsequently arrested by me. His dark magic was sealed, and he was burned at the stake."
"Who was the evil sorceress that sealed your magic?" Finn asked.
"A disgrace to the Li Clan. Her name was Molang Li." The woman said.
"Molang?!" Syaoran asked.
"You know of her?" The woman asked.
"His name is Syaoran Li," Finn said, "and on his right is his cousin, Meiling." The woman gasped and bowed her head.
"Forgive me!" She said.
"Raise your head." Syaoran spoke.
"Huh?" The woman asked, looking at him.
"You have nothing to apologize for. It's I who should apologize, Lady Mulan. Forgive me not recognizing you earlier." Syaoran said. The woman gasped and Meiling was stunned.
"I thought she was exiled from the Clan." Meiling stated.
"Only for being of the same blood as Molang," Syaoran said, "who was Mary's daughter."
"I didn't know of my ties to her," Mulan said, "and I had foolishly subjected myself to an ancestral test. When it was revealed I had the same blood as that of Molang, I was cast out."
"Whose magic did you inherit?" Finn asked.
"Neither. I have no magic." Mulan said. Finn gave a look before Magnifi stood back.
"Bull." Finn said. That stunned the others and Mulan looked down in shame.
"You really are like Magnifi." Mulan said.
"Whose do you have?" Finn asked. Mulan looked at Finn and gave a soft smile.
"Don't worry. I inherited Mary's. Molang had her magic removed by the strongest magician at the time." Mulan said. Sakura was going to ask, but Syaoran shook his head.
"You mean Clow Reed, don't you?" Finn asked. Sakura gasped in shock and Mulan nodded.
"Her magic was removed and sealed by him. He did so of his own accord. Molang's magic was turned into one of his cards, The Void." Mulan said.
"The Void?!" Syaoran asked.
"Where is it?!" Sakura asked.
"I don't know. However," Mulan said, "I do know that Finn using Magnifi's magic will only hurt him. He needs to tap into his own power."
"My own power?" Finn asked.
" You mean he has powers other than mine?!" Magnifi asked.
"His father was of your blood, Magnifi. However," Mulan said, "his mother was a shrine maiden. I can sense her power coursing in his veins." Finn had closed his eyes , going into thought as she talked. Everything went silent as he started to process it. He soon gave a faint glow and opened his eyes. When he did, he saw he had been transported to an area with a large gate.
'This is my power?' Finn thought. He felt someone touch him from behind and looked, seeing Tomoyo.
"Finn? Is this your power?" She asked.
"It appears so." Finn said. Tomoyo stood next to him and looked at it.
"Do you remember yesterday? Before our nap?" She asked. Finn looked at her and she grabbed his hand.
"How could I forget?" Finn asked.
"Before it went too far," Tomoyo said, "you stopped it."
[The previous day….]
Finn and Tomoyo were in a heavy kissing session, practically making out. Tomoyo was giving soft, quiet moans. Finn kept hair out of her face, making sure it didn't interfere. The two broke for air, slightly panting, and Tomoyo was moving one of Finn's hands to below her waistline.
"Wait!" Finn said. Tomoyo stopped and looked worried.
"I-is something wrong? Do you not like it?" She asked. Finn shook his head.
"It's not that. What you're thinking of doing," Finn stated, "the thoughts of what might happen. I think we should wait." Tomoyo was stunned.
"Y-you… w-want to wait?" She asked.
"If we do what you're wanting," Finn said, "there's no taking it back."
"I thought couples did stuff like this all the time. Was I wrong?" She asked.
"No," Finn said, "you aren't. Couples do… clears throat 'sleep with' each other. However, it's only if their feelings are real and truthful. Even though it's in secret, we just started dating. How do we know if we're right for each other?" Tomoyo gave a silent gasp in realization.
"Y-you're right!" She said. Finn moved his and Tomoyo's hands from below her waistline and she blushed. He then held her hand and kissed the back of it.
"Whenever you REALLY feel ready," Finn said, "and after we've been together long enough to know it's true, then we can start 'getting serious.' Until then, I want you to try and hold back your urges. Okay?" Tomoyo had tears in her eyes, but smiled and nodded.
"O-okay!" She said. Finn smiled and dried her tears. He then kissed her cheek and she was stunned.
'I thought he wanted to wait.' Tomoyo thought.
"Just because we're not ready for 'getting serious' right now," Finn said, "doesn't mean we have to hold back on showing we care." Tomoyo gasped and Finn looked into her eyes. As she looked into his, her blush faded a bit. She gave a soft smile before putting a hand on his cheek.
"You're such a gentleman, Finn." She said.
"Don't be lying now." Finn said, looking doubtful.
"I'm not. You really are a gentleman," Tomoyo said, smiling, "and that's exactly why I fell for you. You have a kind heart, a gentle soul, a sharp tongue, and a true sense of justice. When the day comes that you learn of a power hidden within you, I want to be there to help you unlock it."
[The present day….]
Finn smiled and Tomoyo giggled. The two then looked at the gate and Finn saw a crack.
"There's a crack in it!" He said. Tomoyo looked and nodded.
"How do you go about unlocking it, though?" She asked. Finn then saw a space for something, and gasped when he saw the shape.
'I see.' Finn thought.
"So that's how it is." Finn said.
"Huh?" Tomoyo asked. Finn revealed his necklace and gripped the shield at the bottom, closing his eyes.
'Magnifi,' Finn thought, 'can you hear me?'
' I hear you, Finn. What is it?' Magnifi asked.
'I need you to transport the others to where I am. They need to see this.' Finn thought.
' Tomoyo is already there, right?' Magnifi asked.
'She is.' Finn thought.
' Very well.' Magnifi said. A bright light then appeared and Tomoyo looked to see Sakura, Syaoran, Meiling, Magnifi, and Mulan. They gasped when they saw the gate.
"Is that the gate to his power?!" Syaoran asked.
"It's huge!" Meiling said.
"It's larger than the seal placed on your magic, Magnifi!" Sakura said.
"Sweet Mother of Christ!" Mulan exclaimed.
" How are you gonna unlock THAT behemoth?!" Magnifi asked.
"Something didn't make sense until I saw this." Finn said.
"What do you mean?" Syaoran asked.
"Magnifi said that he was finally at peace. If that's true," Finn stated, "then why is he still here?"
"! Ah!" Meiling exclaimed.
"It's not what you're thinking. Meiling. You're on the right track though." Finn said.
" What?" Magnifi asked.
"The moment I saw this gate," Finn said, "I knew what had happened."
"He's still here to help you break it!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Close. Try turning your thinking around." Finn said.
"Turn our thinking around?" Mulan asked.
"Instead of asking 'why is he here?,' we should be asking 'what could be tying him here?' The moment I saw this gate," Finn said, "I knew the answer. He can't leave because his magic is still tied to this world."
"Say what?!" Syaoran asked, stunned.
"I get it! He's not TRULY at peace until his magic is set free from this world!" Tomoyo said.
"Exactly." Finn confirmed. He took his necklace off and it rose up.
"Huh?" Mulan asked. Finn closed his eyes and the necklace started glowing.
"Let the ritual begin." Finn stated. His eyes then shot open the necklace flew to the open spot of the gate, locking itself inside.
"Ah!" Sakura exclaimed. Finn then concentrated and his aura appeared around him.
'His aura!' Tomoyo thought. Finn closed his eyes and started doing hand signs. Syaoran, Meiling, and Mulan were stunned.
'Those signs!' Syaoran thought.
'How did he come about them?!' Meiling thought.
'Did he learn these from Magnifi? No, there's no way! How does he know those signs?!' Mulan thought. Finn then stopped on a sign that stood for the Ram, causing his necklace to glow bright. Magic energy then spread throughout the gate and Magnifi gasped. Mulan realized it as well.
"So that's what he's doing." She spoke.
"Huh?" Sakura asked. Tomoyo looked and saw the cracks in the gate get surrounded by magic and light up.
"Ah!" She exclaimed. The entire gate was filled with magic power, and Finn took a breath.
"From the lowest form to the largest spell," Finn said, "magic has been in this world for a long time. It is inherited, its secrets passed down, and it's forms are wide. Lightning, Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, Light, and Dark." The gate glowed bright and Magnifi gasped and was risen up. Sakura was stunned and unknowingly grabbed Syaoran's hand, him unknowingly returning the gesture.
'What is happening?' Meiling thought.
"The magic of one is passed down to another," Finn said, "and that magic is passed down throughout generations." Magnifi started glowing and Tomoyo was stunned.
'Is he giving Magnifi his magic back?!' She thought.
"The magic contained within this vessel is not my own," Finn said, "but I was granted permission to use it. The seal, one wrongfully placed, was broken with my assistance. I return this magic to it's deserving owner so his spirit may rest in peace!" The gate started glowing bright and Magnifi felt his power return to him, tears flowing from his eyes.
' Such a kind soul. He truly is my descendant.' Magnifi thought. He then smiled and started glowing.
"Grant him passage, O Lord, for he was your child! Allow him the honor of seeing your face! Accept his soul from the land of the living!" Finn exclaimed. Magnifi's power was fully returned to him and he shed a tear of joy.
" Thank you, Finn." Magnifi said. He then closed his eyes and turned into golden sparkles, rising into the air. Finn felt Magnifi's spirit leave, and his eyes slowly opened.
"Rest in peace, Magnifi McGarrett." Finn said. The gate then opened and Finn's necklace returned to him. A surge of magic surrounded him, but it was drawn into the necklace. This earned a gasp of realization from Syaoran.
"Where did you learn that ritual?" He asked. Finn's necklace started glowing brighter and the light enveloped them. When it dimmed, they were all back in the diner. Finn sighed and got up from the booth, but was stopped by Tomoyo.
"What was that?" She asked.
"I gave Magnifi his Last Rites," Finn said, "and returned his magic so he could be at peace."
"Where did you learn it?" Syaoran asked.
"My mother used to do it." Finn said.
"She was a shrine maiden, right?" Tomoyo asked.
"Yeah," Finn said, "she was. She was one of the best." Sakura smiled.
"I'm sure she was a nice lady." She said.
"Wait," Syaoran said, "you were just a baby when she died, right? How could you have learned it from her?"
"It was in a dream I had when I was little." Finn said. Syaoran's eyes widened in realization, but he soon smiled and closed them.
"I guess they're always looking out for you." He said.
"Of course. They're my parents." Finn said. Mulan then got up from the booth and smiled.
"How about I get you five something to eat? On the house!" She said.
"Really?!" Meiling asked.
"Of course! I own the diner, after all!" Mulan said, beaming. The five of them nodded and each gave their order. Mulan then left and Tomoyo looked at Sakura.
"You look awfully close to Li, Sakura. Got something you'd like to share?" She asked. Sakura quickly blushed, but Syaoran sighed.
"This coming from the one who's awful close to her best friend's adoptive brother." He said.
"This isn't a contest, Li. Don't turn it into one." Finn said. Syaoran tensed up and Sakura giggled. Finn smiled before looking out the broken window.
'Even if it were,' Finn thought, grabbing Tomoyo's hand from under the table, 'I already won.'
Sakura: Finn, what do I do?!
Finn: What's wrong, Sakura? You look frazzled.
Sakura: Li just asked me to go with him to the aquarium!
Kero: I don't see a problem with that. He probably doesn't want to be alone with that brat he has to call a cousin.
Sakura: She won't be there. He wants it to just be us!
Finn and Kero: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH?!
Sakura, Kero and Finn: Next Time: Sakura's Breathtaking First Date!
Sakura: Don't forget to join us next time, okay? RELEASE!
Kero: That kid better not release something of his own.
Finn: NO HORNY!
BONK
Kero: D'OH!
Finn: Even you aren't safe from it, Kero.
Kero: I regret saying anything.
