The Tides Turn:
Chapter Three
Sakura watched as Li ran away. A small part of her felt sorrow at his departure, but she just as soon felt it as supressed it again. 'He was the one who did this to me. He left me to die.' She thought.
Sakura turned to Brilan. "How long should we give him?" She asked.
He walked up around her and smiled. "Let him fall sleep before we begin the assault. It will be so much more amusing that way."
She smiled and looked to the horizon as Li's form disappeared in the distance. 'Soon, litle wolf.' She thought. 'You will feel the pain I did. And you will know what it means to suffer.'
Li kept running until he made it home. He ran to his room and threw himself onto the bed. There he cried and cried. His lovely Sakura blossom was now dark rose with many thorns. Li couldn't believe what just happened. He knew it was his Sakura, but now she was warped, evil, and cruel.
He knew he should blame Brilan, but a part of him knew it was ultimatly his fault. 'She waited two years for her prince in shining armor.' Brilan words stuck in his mind.
Li remembered searching everywhere for Sakura for a year, then he gave up the search. He still belived she was alive out there but he just stopped looking. But she had waited two years for him. If he had just been there to save her. If he had just thought of where the castle was, she wouldn't be on his side.
On his side.
In his arms.
Kissing his lips.
"....and I love him." Sakura words made him feel as if death itself had made a home in his heart. He never stopped loving her and yet she fell for another. His heart was broken in so many pieces, he never would be the same. He needed her. Without her...
Li drifted off to sleep. But he didn't get much rest for his slumber was plagued with nightmares. He saw Sakura sitting on somekind of throne, and sitting next to her was Brilan. Li charged at Brilan but Sakura raised one finger and electricity sprang forth, hitting Li in the chest.
He fell to the ground in pain and looked up at Sakura. "Why?" He moaned.
She got up and appraoched. "Simply because I want to see you suffer!" She raised both hands above her head and Li could see the energy building up for an attack. She laughed and released her attack atraight at him. "No!!"
Li sat up and shook his head in defiance. No. He wouldn't lose her. He would get her back. She was in there somewhere. He just had to find her. She waited two years and now seven years later, he wouldn't have her wait any longer.
No, the tides would turn to the way things were suppposed to be. Him with his love and Sakura with him. But Li knew he would need help to get her out of Brilan's spell. And Li knew exactly who to go to.
Madison sat in her room and watched the T.V. with tears in her eyes. She watched as Sakura jumped from building to building using the jump card. She was wearing the pink cat outfit that Madison had made for her. That was one of her favorites. Then again, anything Sakura wore her favorite.
Sakura always seemed to make everything she wear beautiful. It could be the most hideous looking thing and Sakura would look lovely in it. Making the outfit the best thing in the world.
Madison missed all of that. She missed the adventures. She missed making the outfits. Hell who was she kidding, she missed Sakura. Her best friend in the world was gone and Madison had slowly gotten on with her life. But life just wasn't the same without her. Nothing was.
Just then, Madison heard a tapping at the window. She went to the window thinking it was the wind. When she reached to close it, a hand grabbed her wrist. She shrieked, but then stopped as she saw Li Showrun jump into her room.
"Li! What do you think you're doing!?" She said.
He was dressed in his old green robe. She hadn't seen him wear that outfit since he caught the last Clow Card. She had to taylor it a many times to have him still fit into it. Seeing as he was a growing boy and all.
"I need your help." He said.
She opened her mouth in awe. Li hadn't said anything for seven years. Whatever happened had to be major for it to break his silence. She nodded.
"What's going on?" She asked.
She could see he was holding back tears as he started to explain. "She's back." He said simply.
Madison felt like feinting. She held on to a nearby bedpost for support. "Sakura?"
Li nodded, but added. "She's not what we rememeber." He paused. "She's changed."
Madison frowned and Li proceeded in telling her about his first encounter. She was silent for most of it, but when he was finished she nodded her head. "I'm with you."
He smiled and bowed. "Thank you." He went back to the window. "Jump on." He gestured to his back. Madison climbed on and he jumped out of the window. He landed softly on the grass and brought out two cards. The Dash. And the Power card. He had captures them after Sakura's disappearance, but he knew if she had been around, she would have captured them without any problem.
He called upon their magic. The power card gave him the energy to carry Madison, and the dash card gave him the speed to run as fast as he needed to.
Sakura watched all this happen on a dark globe. 'How dare he!' She thought. 'First he doesn't come for me, then after he says he still loves me he starts going with Madison! That tramp! Well I'll show them!'
She smiled and wrapped her cloak around her. She turned once and disappeared.
Li ran and ran, but felt little fatigue. Thanks to his magic. Madison wasn't as heavy as he thought she would be.
"Li! Why do you have to carry me! I have legs you know!" She yelled as she held on for dear life on his back.
"I don't want to walk. We have to get to her and fast!" He replied not slowing down.
"But..." Madison started but was cut off by laughter. It was familiar laughter.
Li stopped cold in his tracks. It was her.
Madison turned her head and saw Sakura. "Li! Behind us!" She screamed.
Li whipped around and faced Sakura. She laughed. "Have a nice rest?" She asked.
"That was you?!" He accused and questioned at the same time.
She smiled sinisterly. "Oh, yes. I just wanted to show you a little bit of the future. One in which you will meet your doom!" Sakura's staff came up and lightning struck Li. Madison went flying to the right while Li fell to the left.
Madison got up on her knees. "Why!" She asked.
Sakura looked at her. "Don't act all innocent with me! I saw you just now on Li's back. You would steal steal Li away from me wouldn't you! Knowing I was gone gave you clear sailing didn't it!" Sakura approached her weakened friend.
Madison shook her head. "No! It's not like that! I knew you loved him and he loves you! I would never take hium away from you." She replied.
Sakura's eyes flared red. "Lier!" She raised her staff and made ready to hit Maison. Li came up from behind her and held it at bay. Sakura shrieked.
Sakura bent her knees and pulled the staff forward. She then thrusted it back into Li's stomach.
Li was blown back and fell to his knees on the floor. "Come to save you love from me have you?" Sakura asked.
Li loked up and stared her right in the eye. "I came here to save you." He said still holding his stomach.
Sakura seemed shocked at first then covered it up with a smile. "You know, I never thought you'd carry that lie this far. But then again I shouldv'e expected you to reach a new low."
Li had to get out of here. But he could see only one way how. He closed his eyes and kicked out his legs. He tripped Sakura and she went down on her back.
Li then called forth Dash and made a run for Madison. Sakura yelled in anger and turned in an attempt to hit him with on of her attacks. This time Li was ready. He stepped in front of Madison and called forth the Mirror Card.
Sakura let one of her bolts fly and it struck the mirror. No sonner did it strike then bounce back and hit her. She went flying and slammed into a tree.
Li took Madison in his arms and used Dash to run away.
Sakura got to her feet and watched him leave. She started to pursiut. "Stop." A voice said. "Let them go."
"But why!" She replied to the air. She knew it was Brilan.
"In time they will come to us." He replied. Sakura growled but pulled her cloaked close to her and turned. Disappearing as she did do.
Li ran, this time with Madison in front. "I didn't want to belive you." Madison said through her tears. "But now...."
"We're going to need more help. Where has Kero been hiding out this whole time?" He asked.
Madison bit her lip, a bad habit she'd once picked up from Sakura. "Last time I heard he was behind Tom's place.
:Li smiled. Leave it to Kero to find a place to live behind a pudding factory. But if that's where he was, then that's where they were going. Li turned himself towards the city. He just hoped Kero has forgiven him after seven years.
Sakura appeared back in the throne room and turned to see Brilan sitting on his throne.
"Are you sure they will come willingly to us?" She asked as she took her seat next to him.
He took her hand and looked at her. 'It was just too easy.' He thought. 'Of course that Li brat will come for you. He thinks he can still save you from me.' But Brilan didn't say this outloud to his queen. "He will come." He replied and kissed Sakura on the hand. She smiled and was completely satisfied.
Li and Madison made it to the city in no time. Li let Madison down and let her lead him to where Kero was hiding. They went to the old factory and walked to the dark alley behind it. Li couldn't see any sigh of Kero. All he could see was a few trash cans full of trash.
"Kero?" He asked. No answer. He turned to Madison. "Are you sure we got the right place....owww!!!" Li yelled as a can hit his head. He turned to see Kero holding another can ready to throw it at Li.
"What do you think you're doing here, brat!"Kero said. He growled as Li approached with his hands in the air.
"Look..." He was going to call him a stuffed doll, but he thought better of it. "...Kero. I know you blame me for what happened..."
"You darn right I blame you! You were there and didn't stop it what happened! Sakura disappeared and you were left behind!" He accused. Kero pulled his arm back and let the can flew.
Li dodged it and approached Kero more. "You don't think I didn't try!? You don't think I blame myself daily for not protecting her!? I relive that day over and over again thinking how I couldv'e saved her! And now I am going to! But I need you help!" Li said.
Kero stopped. "What?" He said slowly.
"I need your help to save her. She's back, but she's been changed. Somehow a man by the name of Brilan had warped her mind to being evil. I've already had two encounters with her and neither have been pretty."
Kero looked to Madison who nodded, confirming his story. "I let her down once, Kero." Li continued. "I'm not going to do it again." He held out his hand palm up. "Will you help us?" He asked.
Kero glared at Li. "You're the reason she left! It's your fault!" With that he flew off.
Li sighed and stared at the floor. Madison put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He turned to her. "There's still one person left to help us." Li said.
Tori was at home watching T.V. but he wasn't really paying attention. 'How dare that brat even think he has the right to see my sister after what he did!' Tori thought.
He slammed his fist on the couch just as the doorbell rang. Tori got up and answered the door. He saw the little chinese brat standing there in a green robe. Madison was with him.
Tori lunged at the boy, but he jumped out of the way. Madison jumped in front of Tori and held him back. "Tori! Stop! Listen to what he has to say!"
Tori glared daggers at Li. "What are you doing here!" He said between clentched teeth. "I didn't like you before and I sure as hell don't like you now!"
Li just stood there looking very calm. He'd expected this kind of reaction from Sakura's brother and had prepared himself. He didn't want to provoke the high strung adult anymore. Especially if he was going to ask for help.
Tori looked down at Madison's pleading eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine, but make it fast." He crossed his arms but didn't take his eyes off him.
Li let out a sigh of relief and looked Tori right in the eye. "I found your sister. But she doesn't know who she is anymore. I need your help to bring her back." He said. There was no point in mentioning any of the magic part. Tori would probably find out sooner or later.
Tori's eye bulged out. "You found her? She's back?" He said as he uncrossed his arms.
Li nodded. "I believe if we work together we can help her to remember."
Tori stared at the boy. For some wierd reason, he believed him. He never liked him, but if what he said was true...."Alright." He said.
Li opened his mouth in shock. 'That was easier than I thought it would be.' He noticed his open mouth and quickly closed it.
Tori held up a hand. He ran inside the house and came out with a sword. "Where did you get that?!" Li exclaimed.
Tori shrugged and smiled. "Dad's collection in the library. I'm sure he won't mind if I borrow it."
Li crossed his arms. "Are you sure you know how to use that?"
Tori strapped it to his back and pulled the sword out of it's sheath. He did a couple practice swings in the air and nodded. "Yep. Now let's go." He put the sword back on his back and looked towards Li. "Where to?"
Li pointed east. "The beach."
Tori nodded and started off. Li and Madison exchanged looks before following him. Whatever lay before them, it was going to be big. The future as of now, was hanging by a string. And it was they're mission to see to it that that string didn't get cut.
Chapter Three
Sakura watched as Li ran away. A small part of her felt sorrow at his departure, but she just as soon felt it as supressed it again. 'He was the one who did this to me. He left me to die.' She thought.
Sakura turned to Brilan. "How long should we give him?" She asked.
He walked up around her and smiled. "Let him fall sleep before we begin the assault. It will be so much more amusing that way."
She smiled and looked to the horizon as Li's form disappeared in the distance. 'Soon, litle wolf.' She thought. 'You will feel the pain I did. And you will know what it means to suffer.'
Li kept running until he made it home. He ran to his room and threw himself onto the bed. There he cried and cried. His lovely Sakura blossom was now dark rose with many thorns. Li couldn't believe what just happened. He knew it was his Sakura, but now she was warped, evil, and cruel.
He knew he should blame Brilan, but a part of him knew it was ultimatly his fault. 'She waited two years for her prince in shining armor.' Brilan words stuck in his mind.
Li remembered searching everywhere for Sakura for a year, then he gave up the search. He still belived she was alive out there but he just stopped looking. But she had waited two years for him. If he had just been there to save her. If he had just thought of where the castle was, she wouldn't be on his side.
On his side.
In his arms.
Kissing his lips.
"....and I love him." Sakura words made him feel as if death itself had made a home in his heart. He never stopped loving her and yet she fell for another. His heart was broken in so many pieces, he never would be the same. He needed her. Without her...
Li drifted off to sleep. But he didn't get much rest for his slumber was plagued with nightmares. He saw Sakura sitting on somekind of throne, and sitting next to her was Brilan. Li charged at Brilan but Sakura raised one finger and electricity sprang forth, hitting Li in the chest.
He fell to the ground in pain and looked up at Sakura. "Why?" He moaned.
She got up and appraoched. "Simply because I want to see you suffer!" She raised both hands above her head and Li could see the energy building up for an attack. She laughed and released her attack atraight at him. "No!!"
Li sat up and shook his head in defiance. No. He wouldn't lose her. He would get her back. She was in there somewhere. He just had to find her. She waited two years and now seven years later, he wouldn't have her wait any longer.
No, the tides would turn to the way things were suppposed to be. Him with his love and Sakura with him. But Li knew he would need help to get her out of Brilan's spell. And Li knew exactly who to go to.
Madison sat in her room and watched the T.V. with tears in her eyes. She watched as Sakura jumped from building to building using the jump card. She was wearing the pink cat outfit that Madison had made for her. That was one of her favorites. Then again, anything Sakura wore her favorite.
Sakura always seemed to make everything she wear beautiful. It could be the most hideous looking thing and Sakura would look lovely in it. Making the outfit the best thing in the world.
Madison missed all of that. She missed the adventures. She missed making the outfits. Hell who was she kidding, she missed Sakura. Her best friend in the world was gone and Madison had slowly gotten on with her life. But life just wasn't the same without her. Nothing was.
Just then, Madison heard a tapping at the window. She went to the window thinking it was the wind. When she reached to close it, a hand grabbed her wrist. She shrieked, but then stopped as she saw Li Showrun jump into her room.
"Li! What do you think you're doing!?" She said.
He was dressed in his old green robe. She hadn't seen him wear that outfit since he caught the last Clow Card. She had to taylor it a many times to have him still fit into it. Seeing as he was a growing boy and all.
"I need your help." He said.
She opened her mouth in awe. Li hadn't said anything for seven years. Whatever happened had to be major for it to break his silence. She nodded.
"What's going on?" She asked.
She could see he was holding back tears as he started to explain. "She's back." He said simply.
Madison felt like feinting. She held on to a nearby bedpost for support. "Sakura?"
Li nodded, but added. "She's not what we rememeber." He paused. "She's changed."
Madison frowned and Li proceeded in telling her about his first encounter. She was silent for most of it, but when he was finished she nodded her head. "I'm with you."
He smiled and bowed. "Thank you." He went back to the window. "Jump on." He gestured to his back. Madison climbed on and he jumped out of the window. He landed softly on the grass and brought out two cards. The Dash. And the Power card. He had captures them after Sakura's disappearance, but he knew if she had been around, she would have captured them without any problem.
He called upon their magic. The power card gave him the energy to carry Madison, and the dash card gave him the speed to run as fast as he needed to.
Sakura watched all this happen on a dark globe. 'How dare he!' She thought. 'First he doesn't come for me, then after he says he still loves me he starts going with Madison! That tramp! Well I'll show them!'
She smiled and wrapped her cloak around her. She turned once and disappeared.
Li ran and ran, but felt little fatigue. Thanks to his magic. Madison wasn't as heavy as he thought she would be.
"Li! Why do you have to carry me! I have legs you know!" She yelled as she held on for dear life on his back.
"I don't want to walk. We have to get to her and fast!" He replied not slowing down.
"But..." Madison started but was cut off by laughter. It was familiar laughter.
Li stopped cold in his tracks. It was her.
Madison turned her head and saw Sakura. "Li! Behind us!" She screamed.
Li whipped around and faced Sakura. She laughed. "Have a nice rest?" She asked.
"That was you?!" He accused and questioned at the same time.
She smiled sinisterly. "Oh, yes. I just wanted to show you a little bit of the future. One in which you will meet your doom!" Sakura's staff came up and lightning struck Li. Madison went flying to the right while Li fell to the left.
Madison got up on her knees. "Why!" She asked.
Sakura looked at her. "Don't act all innocent with me! I saw you just now on Li's back. You would steal steal Li away from me wouldn't you! Knowing I was gone gave you clear sailing didn't it!" Sakura approached her weakened friend.
Madison shook her head. "No! It's not like that! I knew you loved him and he loves you! I would never take hium away from you." She replied.
Sakura's eyes flared red. "Lier!" She raised her staff and made ready to hit Maison. Li came up from behind her and held it at bay. Sakura shrieked.
Sakura bent her knees and pulled the staff forward. She then thrusted it back into Li's stomach.
Li was blown back and fell to his knees on the floor. "Come to save you love from me have you?" Sakura asked.
Li loked up and stared her right in the eye. "I came here to save you." He said still holding his stomach.
Sakura seemed shocked at first then covered it up with a smile. "You know, I never thought you'd carry that lie this far. But then again I shouldv'e expected you to reach a new low."
Li had to get out of here. But he could see only one way how. He closed his eyes and kicked out his legs. He tripped Sakura and she went down on her back.
Li then called forth Dash and made a run for Madison. Sakura yelled in anger and turned in an attempt to hit him with on of her attacks. This time Li was ready. He stepped in front of Madison and called forth the Mirror Card.
Sakura let one of her bolts fly and it struck the mirror. No sonner did it strike then bounce back and hit her. She went flying and slammed into a tree.
Li took Madison in his arms and used Dash to run away.
Sakura got to her feet and watched him leave. She started to pursiut. "Stop." A voice said. "Let them go."
"But why!" She replied to the air. She knew it was Brilan.
"In time they will come to us." He replied. Sakura growled but pulled her cloaked close to her and turned. Disappearing as she did do.
Li ran, this time with Madison in front. "I didn't want to belive you." Madison said through her tears. "But now...."
"We're going to need more help. Where has Kero been hiding out this whole time?" He asked.
Madison bit her lip, a bad habit she'd once picked up from Sakura. "Last time I heard he was behind Tom's place.
:Li smiled. Leave it to Kero to find a place to live behind a pudding factory. But if that's where he was, then that's where they were going. Li turned himself towards the city. He just hoped Kero has forgiven him after seven years.
Sakura appeared back in the throne room and turned to see Brilan sitting on his throne.
"Are you sure they will come willingly to us?" She asked as she took her seat next to him.
He took her hand and looked at her. 'It was just too easy.' He thought. 'Of course that Li brat will come for you. He thinks he can still save you from me.' But Brilan didn't say this outloud to his queen. "He will come." He replied and kissed Sakura on the hand. She smiled and was completely satisfied.
Li and Madison made it to the city in no time. Li let Madison down and let her lead him to where Kero was hiding. They went to the old factory and walked to the dark alley behind it. Li couldn't see any sigh of Kero. All he could see was a few trash cans full of trash.
"Kero?" He asked. No answer. He turned to Madison. "Are you sure we got the right place....owww!!!" Li yelled as a can hit his head. He turned to see Kero holding another can ready to throw it at Li.
"What do you think you're doing here, brat!"Kero said. He growled as Li approached with his hands in the air.
"Look..." He was going to call him a stuffed doll, but he thought better of it. "...Kero. I know you blame me for what happened..."
"You darn right I blame you! You were there and didn't stop it what happened! Sakura disappeared and you were left behind!" He accused. Kero pulled his arm back and let the can flew.
Li dodged it and approached Kero more. "You don't think I didn't try!? You don't think I blame myself daily for not protecting her!? I relive that day over and over again thinking how I couldv'e saved her! And now I am going to! But I need you help!" Li said.
Kero stopped. "What?" He said slowly.
"I need your help to save her. She's back, but she's been changed. Somehow a man by the name of Brilan had warped her mind to being evil. I've already had two encounters with her and neither have been pretty."
Kero looked to Madison who nodded, confirming his story. "I let her down once, Kero." Li continued. "I'm not going to do it again." He held out his hand palm up. "Will you help us?" He asked.
Kero glared at Li. "You're the reason she left! It's your fault!" With that he flew off.
Li sighed and stared at the floor. Madison put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He turned to her. "There's still one person left to help us." Li said.
Tori was at home watching T.V. but he wasn't really paying attention. 'How dare that brat even think he has the right to see my sister after what he did!' Tori thought.
He slammed his fist on the couch just as the doorbell rang. Tori got up and answered the door. He saw the little chinese brat standing there in a green robe. Madison was with him.
Tori lunged at the boy, but he jumped out of the way. Madison jumped in front of Tori and held him back. "Tori! Stop! Listen to what he has to say!"
Tori glared daggers at Li. "What are you doing here!" He said between clentched teeth. "I didn't like you before and I sure as hell don't like you now!"
Li just stood there looking very calm. He'd expected this kind of reaction from Sakura's brother and had prepared himself. He didn't want to provoke the high strung adult anymore. Especially if he was going to ask for help.
Tori looked down at Madison's pleading eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine, but make it fast." He crossed his arms but didn't take his eyes off him.
Li let out a sigh of relief and looked Tori right in the eye. "I found your sister. But she doesn't know who she is anymore. I need your help to bring her back." He said. There was no point in mentioning any of the magic part. Tori would probably find out sooner or later.
Tori's eye bulged out. "You found her? She's back?" He said as he uncrossed his arms.
Li nodded. "I believe if we work together we can help her to remember."
Tori stared at the boy. For some wierd reason, he believed him. He never liked him, but if what he said was true...."Alright." He said.
Li opened his mouth in shock. 'That was easier than I thought it would be.' He noticed his open mouth and quickly closed it.
Tori held up a hand. He ran inside the house and came out with a sword. "Where did you get that?!" Li exclaimed.
Tori shrugged and smiled. "Dad's collection in the library. I'm sure he won't mind if I borrow it."
Li crossed his arms. "Are you sure you know how to use that?"
Tori strapped it to his back and pulled the sword out of it's sheath. He did a couple practice swings in the air and nodded. "Yep. Now let's go." He put the sword back on his back and looked towards Li. "Where to?"
Li pointed east. "The beach."
Tori nodded and started off. Li and Madison exchanged looks before following him. Whatever lay before them, it was going to be big. The future as of now, was hanging by a string. And it was they're mission to see to it that that string didn't get cut.