misconceptions. And to answer the question of why I used Sakura's english name, and Li's Japanese name, Li's name was a
typo. I'd meant it to be American, but for some reason my subconscious decided the Japanese one was better. Unfortunately, I
can't change that in this story, but in the newest story I'm writing I'll be sure to check my work more carefully. Thanks for
pointing that out.
Disclaimer: Cardcaptors belong to CLAMP (I've given up on trying to
find out who those four women are, and it seems so
insensitive just typing, 'the four women'.) and Nelvana, Kodansha.
Don't bother trying to sue me, because you're going to be
sorely disappointed. I'm about as broke as broke gets. Had I any money,
you can bet it won't stay in my hand for long.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
THE ENTRANCE OF TWO - SEQUEL TO BLOSSOM HUNTER
By DragonLady
CHAPTER 1
****************************************************
His last name. It was a beautiful sunny school day
when Sakura came to this realization, it happened the second she'd left
her
house. All this time, she'd been calling him by his last name. Well,
she was going to have to change that. No more last name
basis for her. From now on it would be Syaoran. NO, but, she couldn't
just change all of a sudden, she'd have to find the
perfect time and reason. For now, she'd just have to stand calling
him Li. She pondered this ruefully as she skated. All this time,
his name had been Syaoran, and she'd never known until now. Madison
had told her yesterday, unfortunately it took her until
today to register it. Ever since their little...er...run-in at the
fieldtrip, she's found herself preoccupied blushing and sighing
everytime she saw him. Sometimes she was sort of regretting that kiss.
Maybe it was just her. Yes, maybe it was just her.
Maybe this entire crush thing was one sided, and she was just leading
herself to a broken heart. She'll just have to be more
careful. She didn't want to start laying out false stepping stones.
Sakura continued to skate, until she heard someone calling her.
" Sakura! Wait up!" Sakura apologized to a panting
Madison who'd just run up.
_________________________________________
Li sighed as he closed the door to his house. All
this time, and he still couldn't walk up to her without turning into a
regular
beet. He couldn't help it. She was just so...what's the word for it...beautiful.
No, she was drop-dead gorgeous. He chuckled to
himself. He probably would drop dead trying to ask her...well...that
question. Ever since she'd kissed him at the fieldtrip, he
hadn't been the same. Everything just seems so much better, birds sing
sweeter, flowers smell fresher...you get the picture. He
sighed for the second time. Of course, he was going to have a lot of
trouble, because he wasn't the only noticing her figure.
He'd caught several other boys looking at her, and he wasn't going
to let them have a chance before him. Today would have to
be the day.
Third sigh. Who was he kidding? She'd probably start
laughing if he told her how he felt. And he'd rather go up against 50
Clow Cards and a rabbit then risk breaking his heart. No, he shook
his head, he was going to have to wait. Patience wasn't his
greatest virtue, but it'll have to work with him.
_____________________________________
" I'm sorry, Madison! I didn't hear you! I was just
thinking." Sakura said vaguely. Madison just gave her a confused look.
" Thinking? About what?" Suddenly Madison's frown
twisted into a sly grin," Oh, I see. Or should I say, about who? Would
it happen to be about...oh say...a dark and handsome, brown haired, amber
eyed someone?"
" What happened to tall?" Sakura giggled.
" Ahem. You haven't answered my question. Well,
is it?"
" Madison, don't be ridiculous!" Sakura tried to
look innocent of all charges, but failed due to her rapidly red tinging
face.
" I knew it!" Madison exclaimed rather loudly, causing
her to receive a somewhat loud shush," And now that I know, its time I
gave you a little push."
" What?" Sakura was bewildered. Push to what? Oh
no! She wouldn't...
" Oh, yes I would!" Said Madison the mind reader,"
I'm going to get you two together..."
" No..."
" Yes!"
" No! He probably doesn't even like me..."
" How couldn't he like you? You're stunning, especially
those eyes, how could he not resist those eyes? Today would be a
perfect..."
" Madison," Sakura begged fervently," Please don't.
Not at school."
Madison saw the horror-stricken look on her friend's
face and moaned in disappointment," Oh, all right."
Sakura, relief clearly written across her face, smiled
sympathetically and turned back to skating towards the school. Madison
walked alongside her; Sakura was going at a slower pace now. Suddenly,
Madison caught a glimpse of Li, through the bushes
on the corner, coming the opposite way. Her eyes flickered wickedly
as she debated the pros and cons. She hated to do it, but
it was for Sakura's own good. And Ms. Cherry Blossom had specifically
said at school...she'd never mentioned the sidewalk
corner. They were getting closer to the school, and Sakura was taking
off her skates to put on her shoes. She finished, and as
they walked, Madison casually slipped behind Sakura, and when the moment
was right, pretended to trip into her unknowing
comrade, sending Sakura flailing, right into the unfortunate Li that
was rounding the corner. Madison innocently backed away,
pulling out her trusty video camera. Perfect. Scene 1. Camera...rolling.
The coincidental meeting. Hey, a literal push was better then nothing..
******
In a small rundown house, a boy and a girl walked
about preparing things for school: he watching her with careful,
suspicious eyes and she continuing her packing, glancing back nervously
at her 'companion'.
" Remember," He hissed." No funny stuff, you got that Min?"
Silence. He glanced, and her eyes confirmed what he needed to know.
" Good. Foreboding failed. I didn't bring her back,
because I had the fortune of running into you, card. Don't disobey me,
or I'll make you pay miserably. I know your nature, Assassin, and you wouldn't
hesitate to commit treason, that's why I'm going to
watch you like a hawk! The Card Mistress will die, and nothing will
stop me! Once I find her vengeance will be mine!" He
looked at her, and grinned," Eh, what am I telling you all this for.
You probably didn't even understand a word I said. You're
nothing but a big baby. Maybe that's why your always successful."
The girl, Min, carefully pushed a strand of raven
black hair from her dark blue eyes. If she could get away from Drake, then
she could live back in her old home in peace. Drake watched her more
suspiciously. His dark red-brown hair crew cutted, he
drilled through her with the staring of his bright red eyes. They flashed
dangerously.
******
Li was fazed for a second. What had just happened?
One minute he was walking, then next he was on the floor. He suddenly noticed
the smell of cherry blossoms in the air. It seemed familiar somehow...he
saw a pair of jade green eyes staring back at him. Oh, oh. It couldn't
be. He slapped his forehead mentally. Yes, it was. He had managed to get
tangled with the last person he'd wanted to run into at that very moment.
He felt his face flush, and quickly getting up, he gave a swift apology,
and was out of there in record time. He would have to give himself a good
kick later. You've fought every kind of Clow Card you can think of, and
you still can't work up the nerve to talk to her, a simple girl, his brain
argued. He laughed harshly. Sakura was anything, but simple.
******
Sakura stared sadly at Li's retreating back. Her
day was not going right. Madison helped her up, and they walked to school
in silence: Sakura sulking because she though Li hated her, and Madison
sulking because the moment was too short for the
camera. They got to their classroom, and Sakura took her place in front
of Li, who was doing his best to keep his eyes off of
her: He just couldn't get enough of her face, and feared she might
catch him in the act of gawking. Mr. Terada entered in as
usual, and began calling roll.
" Sakura."
" here."
" Nikki."
" here."
" Madison."
" here."
" Li."
" here."
" Zachary."
" Did you know that attendance was originally taken
to count how many Indians had survived an attack?"
" I'll take that as a yes. Chelsea?"
After that, he shuffled his papers, then made an announcement.
" Class, I'd like to welcome two more exchange students to Readington Elementary." The entire class groaned in disgust. It had already had too many exchange students to handle. " Please welcome, Drake Derrias and Min Xing."
The door opened and two people stepped in. Sakura
could already sense a difference, just in the way they held themselves.
Drake was proud and held himself high, while Min was refusing to make
eye contact. Syaoran was feeling out the situation too.
He watched in spite as Drake gave Min what looked like an encouraging
push, but had managed to pinch her horribly in the
process. He watched her arm, and saw blood trickle down. Hearing a
gasp from Sakura, made him realize that she'd seen it
too, and so had Madison by the look on her face. Drake had already
started eyeing all the girls in the room, stopping fleetingly
on Sakura, only to be warded off by Syaoran's ferocious glare. No way
was he going to let another exchange student steal
Sakura from him again. He expected a seductive gaze from Min, who gave
him the air of someone that was too proud to look
at people, and was preparing to tell her off too, but instead he saw
her eyes plead with him, begging him to help her get away
from Drake. So, he must have misread her eyes. Oh duh, Li slapped his
forehead, she wasn't being proud, she was being
scared or humbled or something. Her concentration was broken as Drake
came up behind her and gave her a harder pinch on
the arm, causing her to wince. Li turned to Sakura, she nodded unmistakably
picking up the message too.
" All right now, who shall sit where?"
" We usually sit together, it makes Min feel better." Drake's statement
made Min glance about in fear, making it quite plain that
she didn't want anything to do with Drake. Luck was on their side.
" I'm sorry, Drake, but it looks like we are low on seats today. You'll
have to be split up. Min, why don't you sit next to Li, and
Drake you're on the opposite side of the room." Drake gave Min a threatening
look, then stalked off to the other side of the
room.
Min hurried to her seat, giving both Sakura and
Li looks of pure glee, and glancing at both of them with eyes they could
only associate with a clear day on the ocean. The word newborn crossed
their minds as they watched her examine her
surroundings. Drake growled under his breath. So, the little wench
wasn't such an idiot after all. Well, he'd show her. There
was no way Min would escape him that easily.
________________
During the beginning of class, Min sat quietly, head
down, listening to the teacher talk. At one point, she glanced at Drake,
and noticed his eyes were glued on her, watching her every move like
a hawk, exactly as he'd warned. Suddenly, Lady Luck
struck again. Mr. Terada suddenly muttered something in embarassment.
" I totally forgot! Min, Drake, you need to have
a tour of our fine facilities. Who would like to be the guide for Min and
Drake?"
Both Madison and Sakura knew it was a mistake to
pair both of the new students together, so thinking quickly, they
whispered then Madison walked up to the teacher and whispered something
to him too.
" That's a fine idea! All right. Zachary, Chelsea
you take Drake to one side of the building and give him a tour. Sakura,
Li..."
Sakura's eyes widened. She'd been planning to go with Madison. She
saw Madison giving her a thumbs up," you take Min and
show her the other side of the building. You're excused for the day."
If looks could kill, Min and Mr. Terada would be
dead right now, because Drake was definitely not happy with the
arrangements. But, he wasn't stupid, he knew better than to argue back
now, but soon, very soon, he was going to exact his
revenge on Min. Today when they get home. Another one of his routine
" disciplinary punishments" was in order.
Min, Sakura and Li left the room before Zachary
and his group, because Zachary had wanted to show Drake all the neat
things about the classroom. They began on the left side, and Min walked
quietly observing everything that was happening. She
then noticed Li staring at her wound. He started to mention it, when
she did the most amazing thing.
[It's okay. It doesn't hurt bad.]
" Wha?" Li was startled. He'd definitely heard a voice in his head. So had Sakura. They looked around at the passing students, but none of them turned a head.
[Yep, its me. Drake never let me say nothing with my mouth, so I got to learn how to do this. It's a secret though, so don't tell him.] Her speaking had a slightly musical sound to it, and it reminded Sakura of a small child.
" We won't." Sakura said and she smiled reassuringly
at Min. Min looked nervous. Suddenly Madison was walking next to
them. Sakura jumped 3 feet in the air. This just made Madison laugh.
" How did you manage to get out of class?" Sakura
asked.
" Oh, simple. I reminded Mr. Terada, that Li didn't
know too much more about this school then Min does. So, he let me go
along too." Li just glared furiously at Madison. Suddenly, they heard
voices coming down the hall. Zachary's group!
" Quick we can't be going the same direction as
them. Come on, Sakura, Madison, get in." They rushed into a nearby broom
closet, and waited until the voices had passed. They got out, and walked
the other way.
[That was close.]
" Yeah." Li agreed. Dimly aware of the question.
He wasn't concentrating on Min, but rather the oblivious Sakura next to
her.
[We coulda been caught.] Min tried again. This boy
doesn't talk a lot.
"Yeah."
[Then Drake woulda tried to kill me.]
" Uhuh." Whoa. This boy was weird.
There was a pause, then...[She's kinda pretty ain't
she?]
" Yeah...hey!" Li quickly looked in Sakura's direction.
Only Madison seemed to have heard this comment, and was giggling
uncontrollably. Min was smart enough to have only broadcast to her.
Sakura just stared at Madison strangely. Li heard a sound
like tiny bells ringing in his head. It was laughter! Min! He blushed
and tried to glare at Min. She acted just like a little sister.
Madison moved closer to Min, and whispered something.
" Try Sakura."
[ I did. Lookee. Her face is turning funny colors.]
Indeed, Sakura was now as red as Li had been, and
she too glanced in his direction to see if he'd heard. Madison couldn't
help, but break out laughing.
[How come his face got red?]
" You didn't know?" Madison found this slightly
shocking.
[ No, I just laughed cuz his face was all a funny
color.]
" Oh, I see." She really was like a small child
wasn't she?
[ So, how come?]
" Well, see, he likes her."
[ But, he like you too, and he don't turn red when
he look at ya.]
" No, he really likes her. As in LIKES her."
[ So, if I like somepeoples like that will I start
turning funny colors too?]
Madison laughed. Min could be so entertaining when
she wanted to be. Sakura and Li tried their best to look annoyed at being
tricked, but Min just smiled. They couldn't help, but smile along with
her. She just tended to do that to people. This was the best day for Min,
in her entire life. Or so she thought.
_____________________
Drake stood back. He was back in the rundown house. Min was lying against the far wall, bruised and bleeding.
" If you ever hang out with those KIDS again, I'm going to give you something worst then just a beating!" He roared.
She just stared at him vacantly. How come he was beating her for talking to her new friends?
" Now get back into your room!!!!!" He continued, and seeing her hesitate, proceeded to shove her in himself.
No way was he going to let her out of his sight.
Today's events had just been a show of her defiance, and he wasn't going
to
stand for it.
______________________________________
The next day, Li and Sakura waited expectantly for
Min to show up. Madison had an appointment, so she'd be there
afterschool to walk with them. They were shocked to see Min walk in,
pale and sullen. Her arm touched the doorway, and she
winced. She almost smiled at them, but caught Drake's warning glare,
and just walked towards her desk and sat down. She
was wearing a short sleeve, but a button up sweater was over it, so
no one would know. Li touched her shoulder, but she
winced and pulled away. He stared at her in confusion for awhile. Sakura
was looking at Drake - for some reason, he had on a
very satisfied smirk.
_______________________________________
Lunch time came, and Li and Sakura were out of the class room, looking for Min. They found her, head resting on her knees, staring in fright at everything. They quietly crept up to her and sat down. She had been examining her arm, and turned her body so they couldn't see. But, Li was quicker.
" Where'd you get that from?" He was referring to
a long cut up the length of her arm.
[Nothin'.] She wasn't even suppose to be talking
to them.
" I don't believe that." Li said coolly.
[Drake made it on me.]
" Why would he do such a thing?"
[ He always does. It's cuz I did something bad.]
She suddenly perked up, reminding Li of deer who have just been startled.
" Min? What's wrong?" Sakura.
Min was searching around for a place to hide. Li
didn't understand why. Sakura offered to get her a drink. Maybe it would
calm her down.
" Okay." Was the reply.
Sakura went to the fountain with her now empty soda
bottle. Min was agitated. She knew he was around, but she couldn't
figure out where. In her confusion, she accidentally began to lose
her disguise. Li watched in fascination, as where Min was
huddling minutes before, now was a very small baby deer, a fawn, and
a small collar with a star around its neck. So, that's why
she acted so much like a deer. She was one. It just sat there shaking,
until Sakura returned. There was a startled scream, as
Sakura dropped the bottle of water. Most of it leaked out before she
picked it up again. Min had run into the bushes, shaking
from the sudden burst of noise. Li hesitantly picked it up out of the
bushes, and petted it soothingly. He felt slightly idiotic,
rubbing the fur of a deer which was a girl only five seconds before.
" Where's Min?" Sakura said in a strangled voice.
" Right here." Li pointed to the baby deer in his
lap. It had calmed down slightly, but was still looking about nervously.
" Aw...the poor thing." Before Li could protest,
she'd picked it up, and started petting it. It wiggled out of her grasp,
and back to Li's side: It was trying to get her closer to him, the little
rascal! Sakura stared at it thoughtfully, then awkwardly fed it water from
the bottle. She had to get extremely close to Li, and it was hard trying
not to concentrate on his face. At one point she started daydreaming, and
fed the poor deer too much water, she put the bottle down in concern, and
apologized uncomfortably as it spluttered. For one moment, they both stared
affectionately at the little baby, and who wouldn't, after all it was cute.
For about half a minute, they were considering telling each other how they
felt. Min waited expectantly. But, they soon realized how close their faces
were, and blushed immensely. The fawn turned her head in defeat. Abruptly,
it's small body started to quake again, and Li could make out footsteps
coming in their direction. He got into a fighting stance, ready to defend
both Sakura and the fawn she now held. A shadow appeared around the corner,
and grew smaller until a solid body walked up. Drake. He noticed the baby
deer, and growled.
" So, the little brat revealed her true nature. Stupid
thing. She may have looked like a ten year old girl, but she's nothing
more
than a newborn. Useless. Oh well, all the better reason to kill her."
The little deer was crying, bawling the way baby
animals do, and began to fidget, trying to escape. But, Sakura held her
tight,
and stared at Drake threateningly.
" You leave her alone!"
Drake just smiled and moved closer, finding himself face to face with Li.
" Don't touch either of them!" Li snarled.
[ I'm bad again! And now he's gonna hurt me!] The
deer was crying louder, but only Li and Sakura could hear what she'd said.
" He's not going to get you!" Sakura assured it.
______________________________________
Drake noted Li's stance, then with a quick movement,
swung out his leg. His blow was blocked by Li's arm. They traded
several more blows. The bell ending lunch rang shrilly. Saved. Drake
swore under his breath, and left Li and Sakura still standing in the grass.
Sakura put Min down, but she refused to change back. They walked silently
back to class while Min was left outside, despite their protests, but she
wouldn't go back in. That was the second mistake.
____________________
Well, was that long enough for you? I didn't want to give away the entire
story, but I wanted you guys to get a good juicy
section. Keep a watch for the second portion. I'll be uploading it
soon. It's almost finished.
DragonLady \ \__/ /
(^ * ^)
| |
\ ,, /
My new little
symbol dragon. Isn't it cute?