A School Excursion
Chapter 10
( All characters duly belong to CLAMP ! )
Author's notes :
I finally decided to concentrate on our favourite couple S+S ! Hopefully it doesn't suck too much. As usual, reviews are very kindly appreciated.
~****~
Sakura opened her eyes slowly as her feet felt the ground tenderly. She realised that she was still grasping onto Tomoyo's left hand. As she looked around her environment, there were crowds of Chinese walking up and down the streets, totally ignoring them.
[ Where is Syaoran ? ]
Sakura clutched her Clow Staff tightly as she suddenly felt a strong wave of Clow aura wash against her. Turning her head sharply towards the origin, she tugged at Tomoyo's hand to motion to her that they were leaving the place. However, Tomoyo had her head pinned in a direction.
" Eh ? "
Sakura wondered aloud as she followed Tomoyo's gaze.
" Eeeeehhhhhh ??!! "
**
Syaoran opened his eyes in the same slow fashion as Sakura and then he blinked a few more times in rapid succession before looking around.
[ Hong Kong … I suppose ]
Syaoran's eyes flicked around in suspicion as he wondered why the lady or Eriol chose this place. He knew that nobody could see him since he wasn't from this era. Walking almost carelessly through the mob, he tried to catch a glimpse of the date that they were in.
[ Ah, a shop ! ]
Syaoran darted through the crowds with ease and found himself standing outside a chinese medical shop. His eyes read the date 12th May 1966 on the lunar calendar.
[ 1966 ? Hmm, interesting … ]
Syaoran could feel the intense aura of the Clow more acutely than he had felt before. It didn't seem to be radiating from Eriol. The latter's aura wasn't as pure or as strong as this is.
[ Clow Reed's aura ? Impossible … but … ]
Syaoran's amber-brown eyes turned anxious with worry as his mind immediately shot to Sakura. The magnetic field they were in was very very unstable and any usage of strong magic such as Clow Reed's or Sakura's would be enough to cause enough disturbances capable of piercing the dimension and hurtle them towards the unknown. He had to find the two girls … soon … if he guessed correctly …
**
" Tomoyo-chan, is … is that what I'm seeing ? "
" I think so Sakura-chan … but … but we can't handle her by ourselves ! "
Both girls were warily eyeing the lady whom Eriol had just indulged in battle. She was sitting in a lotus position, presumably meditating or deep in concentration and had her eyes closed. The people were just walking up and down, seemingly she seemed invisible to them as well.
[ Syaoran, what in the world is happening ?? ]
" Sakura-chan, do you think we should just ignore her and look for Eriol ? "
" I don't know. I wish Syaoran was here so I could ask him some questions. I'm afraid we may agitate the situation without knowing it. "
" Can you sense Syaoran's presence ? "
" No, there is an overwhelming aura of the Clow but none of Syaoran's. "
Suddenly, the lady opened her eyes and both girls gasped in surprise. Sakura grabbed Tomoyo's hand and were starting to run when the lady stood up slowly. Sakura felt no hostility emitting from her but realising that running away wouldn't solve anything, she put both her hands on her Staff and walked in front of Tomoyo to protect her.
" You … you wield a similar weapon as Clow Reed. Are you his … ? "
The lady was now talking to Sakura and regarded her in a very neutral way. It was impossible to predict what she may do next. Sakura, without letting her guard down, held the Staff down a little.
" I am the Chosen Card Mistress of the Clow Cards. "
" And … that lady behind you ? "
Tomoyo gasped softly while Sakura edged closer to her.
" She's my best friend. "
" No, I want to know her relationship with Clow Reed. "
Sakura didn't know how to answer and looked to Tomoyo questioningly. Tomoyo looked solemn for a while before smiling her usual smile.
" Lady, I am Daidouji Tomoyo and I am the love interest of Hiiragizawa Eriol. "
The lady peered even more intently on the raven-haired beauty as she mentioned the name she did not seem to know. Tomoyo, seemingly reading her mind decided to answer her thoughts.
" He is the person you have been fighting all along. "
Sakura looked from her best friend to the lady now standing at full attention and wondered whether she should be prepared for a sudden lunge of attack from her.
" He is called Hiiragizawa now ? "
" Hai, he is half the reincarnation of Clow Reed-sama. "
" What ? "
" The other half is in my father, who is totally non-magical. "
Sakura added in quickly, hoping to put towards her the fact that she had been battling a different person all together.
" Clow Reed … died ? "
Tomoyo looked at Sakura, motioning to her that she should explain since she was in a better situation to do so.
" Well, he did not really DIE. He merely passed on his magic onto 2 separate entities which happened to be the two persons we had been explaining to you. We hope you understand that Clow Reed-sama no longer exists in this world and time and we wish to bring Eriol-kun back with us so that we could … "
" No … no … that … that is impossible !! He … he promised … he broke it again ?! "
Sakura held up her Staff again and motioned Tomoyo to stand a bit further back. The lady had grabbed her head in anguish and tears started streaming down her cheeks. Sakura then realised that she was actually a very beautiful woman if she did not maintain a stoned expression. The lady started to calm down and she regarded Sakura again, this time her tears forgotten.
" I hope you have not been lying to me, much as I respect your position. "
" Please believe me ! "
The lady looked down again in thought and after a while broke into a sad sigh. There was some silence before Sakura decided to ask something which was bugging her for a long while.
" May I know your … your relationship with Clow Reed-sama ? "
Tomoyo made a small surprised sound behind her because it seemed pretty risky and daring to ask such a sensitive question after her outburst. Much to their relief, the lady merely looked at Sakura neutrally and nodded lightly.
**
Syaoran stood in a corner before summoning a different rashinben which had no solid body. He had left his at the scene where Eriol and the lady had fought because he was afraid that such a magical instrument might tamper with his journey to the different dimension. A transparent rashinben appeared and the needle pointed west, where the aura was coming from.
[ Yosh ! I should be getting on my way now ]
As Syaoran walked quickly through the streets, his mind mentally flipped through his memories for a story which he was told by one of the Elders on Clow Reed's many stories as he journeyed through the world. One of them was his meeting with a young Chinese girl in Hong Kong in the early 60s and 70s. He had been the fine dashing young man with strong magical abilities and she was a budding ambitious magic arts student. She had fallen hopelessly in love with him at first sight but Clow Reed was very ambiguous in his feelings and she could not decipher any clues from his expressions or body language. She had even resorted to using magic to win his heart but all to no avail.
" Ming, I would prefer you not to pursue me anymore. I do not want to love anybody. "
" But Clow Reed-sama, surely you must love somebody ! "
" I will, if she is better than me in magic. "
With this sentence, it drove Ming into a frenzy in learning more powerful magic. However, she had always steered clear of the Dark Arts … until …
" Ming, I will be leaving for China next week. It has been great knowing you. "
" You're leaving ? Please stay ! "
" No, my quest for adventure and more knowledge cannot end here yet. I'm afraid I can't stay. "
" You … you said that you'll love the person who is more magicallly stronger than you right ? "
" Hai, now if you will excuse me. "
Clow Reed did not see the determined Ming clench her fists angrily.
**
" What's your name Clow Card Mistress ? "
" Kinomoto Sakura. "
" Lovely name … my name is Wong Ming. "
" Wong is your surname ? "
" Yes. I belong to a family of magical ancestry, starting from my great ancestors from China. We were very proud of our heritage and I was training to be the assistant of my elder brother who was also trained to take over the leadership of our Clan. During my teens, I was very competitive because I wanted to be the best. It was during that age when I met Clow Reed. He was mystical and carried this ancient aura of magic with him. Our family welcomed him warmly but I fell for him because he was just so attractive. He told me that if I defeated him in magic, I could become the recipient of his love. He lied … he fled to China after I carried out my part of the promise. "
" Wait … Ming-san, that means you defeated him ? "
**
" Clow Reed ! I want to challenge you ! "
" Ming ? I'm leaving in 2 hours' time. Do not make foolish requests like this now all right ? "
" I don't give a damn ! "
Ming unleashed her new-found magical powers on Clow Reed whose face was full of genuine surprise.
[ The Dark Arts ?!! ]
" Wait … wait a minute … Ming ?! What is that you're using ?? "
" You know better. Now fight me ! "
Clow Reed was surprised … too surprised to fight. He was interested in the Dark Magic but he wasn't pleased that a friend would use it to fight against him.
" MING ! STOP THIS NOW ! "
" As if you care ! "
Ming unleashed a sudden ball of black electricity due to her anger at Clow Reed who was still in shock to retaliate. It hit him squarely on his chest and he fell back, breathing heavily. At this point, Ming's family members rushed out and were stunned by the turn of events. Some rushed to Clow Reed's aid while Ming was immediately disowned by her Elders much to the distraught mother and father of Ming's.
" Clow Reed ! You promised ! You didn't state that I couldn't use the Dark Arts !! "
Ming then heard from a maid that Clow Reed had left for China two days after resting in the guest's room. He was not badly affected at all but the real pain was the loss of a friend.
" That lying man … he'll feel my wrath … I gave up my soul and status to master the magic which I defeated him but he fled ! He'll die for this ! "
**
" But Ming-san, it really isn't his fault now … when you think about it right ? "
" He did not fulfil his part of his promise. I only wanted him to love me, was it so difficult ? "
Sakura and Tomoyo were silent as Ming recounted her story. Sakura could understand her feelings because she knew how hard it would be if she had loved Syaoran and he did not reciprocate her love. Just then, the unmistakable form of Syaoran appeared behind Ming, looking pretty happy to see her but his face turned anxious when he caught sight of Ming.
" Syaoran ! This … this is Ming … erm … Wong Ming … Ming-san, this is Syaoran. "
Ming regarded Syaoran with a certain flair which Sakura could not quite describe. It seems to be respect but with a certain element of jeer as well. Then it hit Sakura ! Ming's situation was almost the same as Syaoran … they came from big influential magical families and carried the same responsibilities but Ming was different. Her love was not returned … Sakura returned Syaoran's love and they overcame difficulties to be together.
" So … you must be the upcoming leader of the Li Clan … Li Syaoran. "
Syaoran peered at the woman as the name Wong Ming played in his mind. So, it all fits now. The story that Elder Li told him wasn't some fantasy. She was the branded traitor and disgrace to the Wong Clan many many years ago. He was told to learn from her story and be a righteous man. Now he stood in front of her, not knowing who to judge or what to think.
" Wong Ming ? I've … I've heard of you. "
" Ah, as some learn-from-her-mistakes story I suppose ? I know all the rules they play. "
Syaoran was taller than she was but it was obvious that Syaoran was slightly edgy since he wasn't comfortable with talking with a supposedly dangerous enemy.
" You leave Eriol out of your little game. "
" I know of my mistake now, this beautiful girl has told me the story. However, I cannot help but feel angry whenever I see his face. He looks too much like him … "
Syaoran's face looked very curious as he stared at Sakura, who smiled back, a little embarrassed.
" Will you let us take him away back to the reality world then ? "
" No, my other half still has business to take care of with him. "
" Other half ? "
**
" Clow Reed-sama, would you like some tea ? "
" Yes please. "
A young pixie-faced girl with plaits smiled happily as she poured tea from a delicately decorated teacup. As she placed the piping hot cup in front of Eriol, she gazed at him for a moment before turning away blushing slightly. Eriol realised that Clow Reed's memories were unfolding before him. The girl was called Wong Ming, a budding magical student of high calibre of the Wong Clan. She was hopelessly in love with Clow Reed, but he had tactlessly ignored her feelings and it brought disastrous results. Clow Reed brought with him intense guilt as he left Hong Kong …
[ But that was that … now is now … ]
Eriol carefully sipped the tea and was surprised at the pungent smell of sweet jasmine and dried orange peels. It soothed his nerves and relaxed his every cell.
" Err … Ming ? I need to talk to you. "
" Yes ? "
" Do you have anyone you fancy ? "
" Eh ?? "
Ming blushed so red that Eriol couldn't help but be genuinely amused at her reaction.
" Well … erm … there IS someone … "
Ming clutched at her cheongsum as she swallowed a lump in her throat. But before she could summon enough courage to confess, Eriol started to clear his throat instead.
" Well Ming, I thought I'll like you to know that I might want you to meet the girl I love. "
Eriol stood up almost in a regal manner, purposely avoiding Ming's face. Slowly, he stretched his right hand and opened his palm and before him was a watery mirror forming before him. Ming, almost in a daze peered behind him. The mirror soon showed the face of Tomoyo who was giggling at a joke between Sakura and Syaoran … the loving face when Eriol whispered sweet nothings to her … her anxious face when he was injured a few moments ago …
Eriol waved his hand all of a sudden and the mirror was gone. He turned back to face Ming rather reluctantly and breathed heavily.
" That is the woman whom I love. "
Ming had a very shocked expression throughout but she was brave … she was trained to be a brave warrior wasn't she ? She faked a smile and rather in a stutter congratuated Eriol and stumbled out of the living room. Eriol could hear the loud gasps and choked cries as she ran down the corridor towards her room.
**
" Looks like Clow Reed's reincarnation mistreated my other half. "
Ming stood outside the majestic halls of the Wong's and basked in the familiarity of the surroundings. She beckoned them to come in and stopped in the grand training grounds where Eriol purposefully stroded out at the same time from the inside.
" Eriol !! "
All of the exclaimed as Eriol smiled at them in greeting, almost in relief.
" What's with the attire that Eriol's wearing ? "
Syaoran asked almost to himself but Ming overheard.
" That is the attire that Clow Reed wore during my time. This is the dimension which took place where Clow Reed and I met and became friends. "
" Ming-san, I hope I did the right thing. "
" You did, Hiiragizawa. I thank you for your understanding. "
Ming bowed down in a very graceful manner which Eriol returned almost immediately. Sakura realised that her Staff was now shining brightly.
" What's happening ? "
" SAKURA ! "
Syaoran jumped towards Sakura and knocked her down with him, just in time because a great fireball whizzed past their heads.
" What ?! "
All turned to look at a young Ming looking enraged and seemingly had just fired the fireball.
" I hate you Clow Reed ! You lying man ! And YOU ! You stole him away from me ! "
The young Ming pointed a finger at Tomoyo who stood back in shock. Eriol was in front of her in a few moments and regarded her in a cold forlorn manner now.
" Sakura-san ! That girl is made of pure hatred and anger. We have to destroy her if we want to save the present Ming ! "
" What ?? Are you sure Eriol-kun ? "
" The present Ming has come to terms but not the past Ming who held on to her hatred. Since we are in this past dimension, this is where she will precede, not the present Ming. "
Sakura couldn't help but admire Eriol in that attire he was wearing. It made him look very wise and powerful. Nodding in understanding, she picked herself up and wielded her Staff. Syaoran hurriedly cast a spell of Protection to ensure that the dimension would not crumble whilst they were battling it out. His spell wasn't of Clow origin so it should probably withstand the impact.
[ I hope … ]
