A School Excursion

A School Excursion

Chapter 5

( All characters duly belong to CLAMP ! )

~ *** ~

" Mite mite ! Asoko ! KIREIIII ~ "

Sakura dragged a stupified Syaoran by his right sleeve as she laughingly ran upwards a path leading to a majestic and ancient-looking temple. She hushed down a little as they approached it and Syaoran noticed that her eyes had turned more solemn.

" Suteki … "

Syaoran could hear Sakura whisper under her breath as she absent-mindedly let go of his sleeve. He turned his attention to the temple and gave a small sigh.

[ Indeed, it is breath-taking. In fact, it has a very powerful aura around it. I can't say it's a dangerous one … in fact it seemed to have a calming effect on me ]

The batch had been brought to one of the more rural areas of Kyoto on their 2nd day. Most of the students were silent and whispered amongst them, careful not to upset the quiet surroundings. It was a totally different scenario from the day before.

" Sakura, where are you going ? "

Syaoran peered at his beloved as she was about to walk around the corner of the temple. She stopped and turned around, smiling widely.

" I want to have a look behind the temple. "

" Matte, I'll go with you. "

Sakura nodded and stood waiting as Syaoran walked over. As they both disappeared around the corner, Eriol and Tomoyo walked up to the temple just then.

" It's wonderful isn't it ? "

" Uh huh, it looks ancient to me. "

Tomoyo and Eriol were quietly exchanging comments as they strolled around the area hand-in-hand. Tomoyo had her camcorder on her other hand and was busy recording down every single scenery she could as they walked about.

" Tomoyo, do you want to go inside the temple ? "

" Can we ? "

" I don't see why not. After all, we're not going to disturb anything. "

Tomoyo looked at the temple for a little while more before nodding.

***

" Syaoran ! Look at the pond in the middle of the grounds ! Waaaai ~ "

Sakura ran up to the small pond with her hands covering her chin in an SD way. Syaoran sweat-dropped in response but nevertheless, he walked up behind her in a more dignified way, looking right and left as he did so.

" Syaoran, if only we could live this moment again and again neh ? "

Sakura asked thoughtfully as she lightly swayed her fingers in the clear water in a casual manner. Syaoran looked at the movement of her fingers as he nodded in agreement. Somehow, words did not seem appropriate at this moment. Sakura abruptly stood up and stretched her body, yawning a little as she did so.

" Are you tired ? I could accompany you back to the coach if you want. "

" NO WAY ! We came all the way here and I don't want to spend any time on the coach if I could help it. "

Sakura firmly shook her head and Syaoran could see her glistening under the warm summer rays. On an impulse, he took her by her shoulders and gently cradled her neck so that he could plant a nice kiss on her lips. Just as he was inches away, he stopped.

" Hoe ? "

" Someone's watching … no … recording us AGAIN. "

Syaoran and Sakura both turned around together in the direction of the darker shades of bushes and trees towards their left where a smiling Tomoyo stood with her camcorder aimed directly at them.

" Whoops, I've been caught ! "

" Tomoyo-chan ! Mou, hazukashii desu ne … "

" Gomen nasai … demo … anata-tachi wa sugoku no KAWAII ! ~~ "

Syaoran and Sakura both turned SD and sweat-dropped. They could never get used to Tomoyo's weird sense of humour. A smiling Eriol was standing nearby, obviously helpless in this situation.

" Don't you guys have anything to do besides peeping on us ? Why don't you keep her busy Eriol ? "

" I tried … I asked her whether she wanted to visit the interiors of the temple and she agreed … until when we were walking towards the back part of the temple … "

Eriol looked over at Tomoyo who was busy chatting with Sakura and shook his head.

" She caught the sight of the both of you at the pond and immediately rushed down in super lightning speed. Geez, it was SO fast … I'm just curious why she wasn't in some sprinting competition. "

Syaoran couldn't help but smile. It wasn't very often that Eriol joked around … especially around them. He surveyed Eriol carefully and realised that he seemed to have relaxed a lot, spiritually that is.

" Eriol, if what you explained to us yesterday was accurate … then we shouldn't be congregating here on the same spot … Sakura, you and I. What if we trigger off some weird reactions again ? Especially in this temple where such matters are MOST sensitive isn't it ? "

" Shinpai shimasu Syaoran. I've set a spell of Restriction. "

" Y … you did ? Since when ? "

" Well, just a few moments ago. "

" Damn, how come I didn't feel anything ? "

" Syaoran, you still have a LONG way to go. Bear in mind that I'm supposedly your ancestor neh ? "

Eriol smiled ambiguously as he patted Syaoran on his shoulder comfortingly. Syaoran glared at him for a few seconds before sighing in despair.

[ It is true that Eriol is MY ancestor … what luck … ]

Syaoran turned his attention back to Sakura, who was peering intently at a fierce-looking statue carved from a wall in the corner. Tomoyo was wow-ing and recording slowly from left to right, careful not to tilt the camcorder if she could help it. The fuzzy logic mode was on but Tomoyo wanted her recordings to be perfect.

" Syaoran, look at this scroll. "

Sakura beckoned to him urgently as he strolled over.

" Neh, what does it say ? "

Syaoran looked hard at the scribblings and realised that it was in Chinese.

[ No wonder Sakura called me over ]

" Erm, do you want me to read them out ? "

" Hmm, just summarise what it says. "

" Okay … "

***

The foursome walked out of the temple and returned to their coaches. Eriol looked at his watch and realised that they were half an hour early. As they settled back comfortably in their respective seats, Sakura started nuzzling her head against Syaoran's shoulder.

" Sleepy ? "

" Um … just a little … HOE ?!! "

Syaoran jumped as Sakura's head sprang up violently, almost knocking him over.

" What now ?! "

" Where … where's your pendant ?!! "

Syaoran's hand went straight for his neck and to his utter dismay, he found it bare with no necklace. He stood up immediately and walked over to Eriol.

" Eriol, I want you to lift the spell NOW. "

Sakura hurriedly joined up with Syaoran, her face showing confusion.

" Spell ? What spell are you talking about Syaoran ? "

" Eriol just cast a spell of Restriction on the 3 of us so that yesterday's accident wouldn't happen again. However, I lost my pendant and if I don't regain my spiritual sense quickly, I won't be able to find my pendant that easily. "

Syaoran patiently explained to Sakura, although his state of mind wasn't the least patient right at this moment.

" You lost your pendant ? "

" Yes Eriol ! Now lift the spell ! "

" Hai hai … "

Eriol lifted his hand and closed his eyes. Soon, Sakura and Syaoran could feel something lifting from their bodies. It was over before they even knew it. As Sakura opened her eyes, she realised Syaoran had already sprinted out of the coach.

" SYAORAN ! Wait for me ! "

As Sakura hurriedly jumped down the steps of the coach, she almost banged into a stationary Syaoran. As she was about to chid him, she realised that he was deep in concentration.

[ I guess he's trying to locate his pendant, but how could he lost it like that ? ]

Suddenly, Syaoran opened his eyes again and started running back towards the temple. Sakura quickly followed and grabbed her own pendant, as though she was afraid that she might lost hers too.

***

" Syaoran … have you sensed it ? "

Sakura managed to catch up with Syaoran as he slowed to a halt outside the temple.

" Hai, it's in the temple. I have NO IDEA why it slipped out so easily. That shouldn't be possible. Just my luck that Eriol had to cast the spell at that time. "

" What spell ? That spell of Restriction ? "

Syaoran nodded as he walked up the stairs of the temple slowly. Sakura followed suit and entwined her fingers with his. Syaoran smiled in return and continued their climb.

" Syaoran, what does the spell of Restriction actually do ? "

" Well, like I just summarised … Eriol cast upon us the spell so that our powers and spiritual auras were somewhat surpressed. That would be more convenient for the 3 of us to assemble together. I guess this place is very sensitive to such magic and what-nots so Eriol probably strengthened the power. However, by doing so, we weren't spiritually inclined towards our surroundings anymore and that was why I couldn't sense that my pendant had left my side. "

Syaoran's eyes had a flash of worry as he wondered what the consequences would be if he never recovered it.

[ Or if it falls into the wrong hands ]

Syaoran silently added as he approached the ancient doors of the temple. Releasing Sakura's hands, he pushed the doors slowly with care and re-entered the premises again.

" Syaoran, I will try and locate it for you as well. "

" Arigato Sakura. "

Both of them split ways and started to search thoroughly. For a few good minutes, both were disappointed that nothing as much as a needle was found. It looked as though they were never here before. Suddenly, a swish of air caught their attention.

***

" They sure are taking some time Eriol. "

" Yeah, but they'll be fine. "

" Eriol … DID YOU DO SOMETHING AGAIN ? "

" Me ? "

Eriol smiled his usual smile again and Tomoyo glared at him, something which she rarely did. Eriol laughed a little and wrapped his hands around her lovingly.

" I swear to you my dear … I really did nothing this time. "

" I'm so sorry Eriol. I keep doubting you … but … but I can't help it ! "

" I know, I totally understand so you don't have to apologise. Do you want me to help them out too ? "

" Whichever you deem fit. "

" Come along then. "

***

" Sakura, come over here quick. "

Syaoran commanded in a firm tone as Sakura nodded and ran behind his back. There was absolutely no one facing them but both could feel another presence around. Suddenly, there was a shadow at the door and in walked a venerable priest.

" A … a priest ? "

" Hoe ?!! "

Both of them had confused and doubtful expressions as the priest seemed to ignore them and walked to one corner, holding prayer beads. However, he decided to acknowledge them and he turned to them, causing an involuntary gasp from Sakura.

" May I help the both of you, guests from afar ? "

It seemed to be more of an exasperated greeting rather than a sincere one. Syaoran almost wanted to glare at him but decided that he was in a fix and needed some help.

" Erm … * clears throat * … I have lost a very valuable possession. I wonder if you happened to see it. "

The priest stared at Syaoran with absolutely no expressions on his face for some time, and then he focused his attention on Sakura. After what seemed like an eternity, he reached into his robes and pulled out a silver glittering necklace.

Syaoran and Sakura both gasped aloud together as they recognised it from a distance.

" Kore de ? "

" HAI !! "

Syaoran almost shouted as he marched over quickly towards the priest. Sakura almost groaned at the sudden lack of manners from Syaoran. However, when Syaoran was about to take back his necklace, the priest placed it slowly back into his robes.

" W … what are you doing ?! That … THAT'S MINE !! "

Sakura quickly ran up to calm down Syaoran, who was shivering with rage.

" Now now young man, such a temper isn't good for your training. "

" Kankenai yo !! "

The priest chuckled slowly as Sakura smiled forcefully at him and then back at Syaoran, trying to play mediator.

" Ano ne … honto ni gomen nasai ! … kaete kudasai ne … onegai shimasu ! "

" Ah, now that is what I call respect for their elders. You should be learning manners from your other half. You are lucky to have such a lovely girl to call your own. "

Despite the situation, both Syaoran and Sakura blushed as red as the evening sun.

" You are a very good element for this firey boy. "

" E … element ? "

Sakura had question marks popping over her head as Syaoran now regarded the priest in a more calm and analytical way. He had considerably steamed down and was surveying the priest VERY carefully.

" You seem to know some stuffs about me … or us … "

The priest looked up at Syaoran and smiled wisely. He turned his back towards them and looked up at the clear blue sky.

" You must be the next upcoming heir of the Li Clan based in Hong Kong, Li Syaoran ? "

Sakura gave a surprised look at the priest, followed by another at Syaoran. However, Syaoran was now looking seriously at the priest.

" It's of no surprise if you know me since the Li Clan is quite famous in the field of Taoist sorcery and the magical field. Furthermore, you must have guessed correctly since you were holding on to my identity. "

Sakura looked from the priest to Syaoran, totally not catching on.

[ Identity ? ]

" You're right, since the ONLY person who carries such a pendant around is the next Leader. It's been such a long time since I saw the pendant … "

" Okay, enough of this. I just want it back. "

" How do I know whether you're the rightful owner of this pendant ? You could be a pretender for all I know. "

Syaoran regarded the priest in a dangerous manner and Sakura thought he was going to attack the old man. Instead, Syaoran closed his eyes and Sakura realised that he was going to chant a spell.

Syaoran proceeded to chant something in Cantonese and gusts of winds started swirling around him faster and faster. The pendant started floating up from the priest's robes and remained stationary in the air at a certain height. Sakura looked on, speechless.

[ Syaoran looks so kakoii … ]

The pendant started to swirl around as Syaoran stopped chanting. He opened his eyes again and Sakura could see intense concentration and power as Syaoran commanded his next spell.

" TRANSFORM ! "

The shining pendant flipped to its side and a glowing silver light started emitting from the little object. Sakura tried to keep her eyes peeled to witness the transformation.

The handle of a sword started appearing slowly and then inch by inch, the long shiny blade came out from the source until it reached the tip. It remained suspended in the air, fully transformed in full glory. Syaoran stood in his position for a while more before reaching out to grasp the handle. The light disappeared as Syaoran wielded the sword once to show that he was in possession of the object.

The priest had looked on with some a glint of recognition in his eyes. He clapped his hands in response and chuckled slowly again. Syaoran by now was regarding him in a very neutral way as he closed his eyes again and muttered another shorter spell in Cantonese. The beautiful sword shrank into a shining ball of light and the pendant appeared once again, with the necklace and all. It floated over to the old priest and this caused Sakura to gasp silently. However, Syaoran did not seem to be disturbed.

" You must be Kangiri Honoo-sama. "

Syaoran's face was of enlightenment when he popped the question. The priest's face showed slight surprise and he obviously looked impressed.

" You've read and memorised the history of your Clan very well. "

" Ma na … you're the only Japanese counter-part stated in the books. "

" I see, what an honour. You've grown to become such a young sturdy man. However, that temper of yours could be pretty risky. "

" I don't normally flare up. However, what you were tangling with was the heirloom, not some ordinary cheapo necklaces. I apologise anyway. "

Syaoran closed his eyes and bowed deep in an apology way. Sakura looked on speechless, since Syaoran HARDLY ever apologise. She looked at the priest in awe. The priest bowed in return and shuffled over to Sakura, catching her attention. He pulled out Sakura's hands and slowly placed the pendant onto her palm. He smiled gently at her and then turned back to Syaoran again.

" Apology accepted. It is good to know that the Li Elders are bringing up their descendants very well. It had been great meeting you Li. Now be on your way. "

Syaoran nodded, all the time wearing a solemn expression. He motioned to Sakura to leave and Sakura hurriedly bowed in farewell to the priest. He bowed back as Sakura quickly turned around to catch up with Syaoran.

***

" What do you know ? They're back already ! "

Tomoyo looked out of the coach window to see the duo walking back. Eriol smiled and snuggled back into his seat. He looked spaced-out for a while, thoughts running in his mind. He had a slight inkling of what had happened.

***

As Sakura and Syaoran boarded the bus and returned back to their seats after greeting Tomoyo and Eriol, Sakura quickly sat Syaoran down and looked at Syaoran with her best mustered " You-had-better-explain-every-single-thing-and-detail-to-me " look.

" All right all right … don't look as though you are going to eat me. "

Sakura laughed and waited patiently for him to start.

" Well, that man you met is a very powerful priest and knowledgable in the areas of sorcery and the counter-attacks of black magic. He came to Hong Kong once on a mission in his younger days and met up with my grandfather who happened to be on the same case. They both worked together and became firm friends … that was stated in the books I read. "

Syaoran paused for a while, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

" Well, he returned to Japan of course but not before my Grandfather gave him a grand tour and a detailed explanation of the Li Clan. That could explain why he recognised the pendant at first glance since my Grandfather must have used it in combat. I guess he took the opportunity in the form of the spell of Restriction and managed to snitch it away from me to have a look. Let's say that he wanted to talk to me so he kept it, knowing that I'll come rushing back. "

At this point, Sakura opened her palm to reveal the glittering necklace. She marvelled at it for some time, since she never got to hold it in her hands. It was always on Syaoran 24/7.

" I never thought I'll get to meet him under such circumstances. It's almost like a dream. "

" You seem to be very admirable of him Syaoran … "

" You can say that. Someone who can make Grandfather so impressed should be of high calibre and skill. To think I treated him like some old weakly priest. "

Syaoran moaned regretfully and slapped his forehead. Sakura giggled a little at his reaction and patted him on his shoulder twice.

" One thing I don't understand Syaoran … why did the pendant float back towards him ? "

" The pendant technically belongs only to me but he was a worthy man of a more powerful status of me defnitely. He was holding the pendant earlier remember ? I could activate the pendant's true powers and he can't but the pendant remembers not the face but of the level of a person's skill. It must have remembered the priest's aura and therefore it returned to him after I transformed it back. No worries about that … it happened all the time when I was training. It kept returning back to Grandfather initially. I guess when the pendant realises that you're of some calibre, it would automatically accept you. Works exactly like Clow Cards and the Final Judgment of Yue. The pendant knows that the priest is of good character and that the previous Owner trusted him. "

" So since you've been wearing it since I met you, you passed the test ? "

" Yeah, I passed it because the pendant accepted me. "

" But you were SO young !?! "

" It only just shows what kind of vigorous training I went through … "

Syaoran's eyes clouded with some sadness as he seemed to remember his childhood. Sakura quickly hugged him, hoping to ease him out of his sorrowful state of mind. Syaoran smiled and returned the hug briefly.

" Then why did he say I am your err … element ? "

" Well, every skilled player in this magical field needs someone mentally strong and emotionally equipped to stable … or erm … balance out the err … scale. "

" Hoe ?! "

" Oh well, like he put it earlier … I can be a bit hot-headed and since you are cool-headed, that would be like balancing out the scales. "

" Oh, so both of us would not end up in some deadlocked situation because we're both of opposite err … elements ? "

" Well, not totally opposite. Some might even say it's called matching … "

Syaoran wrapped his hands around Sakura again as she fingered with his precious pendant. He only allowed one person to handle it and she was right in his embrace.

" Neh Syaoran … what about Eriol-kun and Tomoyo-chan ? They're both so alike unlike the both of us. What elements do they belong ? "

" Well, they're both calm and analytical. They both soothe each other and I can't bear to think of Tomoyo-san with a hot-headed fella or Eriol with one either. Can you ? "


Sakura thought for a while before shaking her head as well. She broke out of the snuggly embrace and held out the necklace, waiting for Syaoran to bend his head. This he did and Sakura lovingly placed it over.

" Arigato Sakura. "

" My pleasure. "

Sakura eyed the pendant as it now rested on Syaoran's neck as usual. She placed a finger on it and thought she could almost feel some reaction from the spiritual object. It seemed to be a nice feeling. Syaoran pulled out a notepad and started to jot something down briefly. When he placed it away, he pulled Sakura into his arms again and they fell into a sweet slumber together … until they reach their next destination.

***

Author's Notes : Hmm, there isn't much E+T action in this chapter because I simply am obsessed with S+S too much !! This chapter has not much action too … wonder if it's not up to the expectations of readers …

Anyway, please review ! Thanks ! =)

Japanese Translations :

Mite mite ! = Look look !

Asoko = over there

Kirei = beautiful

Suteki = grand/beautiful/majestic/wonderful etc etc

Matte = wait

Mou = Japanese expression/slang

Hazukashii desu ne = embarrassing you know

Gomen nasai = sorry

Demo = but

Anata-tachi wa sugoku no kawaii = the both of you are just so cute

Shinpai shimasu = don't worry

Kore de = is it this one ? / this one ?

Kankenai yo = none of your business/nothing to do with you

Honto ni = truly

Kaete kudasai = return it please

Onegai shimasu = I beg of you

Ma na = so-so