Sakura in Paris 2
Part Twenty-Two: Impossible Miracles of the Heart
Raye (sighing): I believe we're back to the Mexican Border.
(Everyone sighs.)
Ameoba Boy: Guys?
Everyone: What?
Ameoba Boy: I don't feel so good . . .
Max: Well, you HAVE practically broken every bone possible, and you've probably got some internal bleedings and infections starting.
Ms. Sinic: Uh, that was something I really didn't need to know. Y'know, I was planning on eating again in the next three days.
Ameoba Boy (slurring): I amh starting to see thingssss ...(Sways unsteadily on his feet.)Flickerpiss testgum.
Raye (giving him a strange look): You've left the lenscap of your brain on again, haven't you?
(Ameoba Boy doesn't answer. He passes out and falls face first in the dust, instead.)
Raye (sighing): We're staying here until I decide what we're gonna do.
(Everyone sighs.)
Max: I really don't give a bloody damn what happens anymore.
Ms. Sinic: Yeah, why the hell does it matter?
(Everyone sighs disspiritedly.)
{Disclaimer}
I'm thinkin' there's only gonna be another couple of these, hopefully.
Don't own Sakura, Li, Madison, Tori, Madison's mom, Sakura's dad, or Kero.
Do own the french family of Sakura, Shawn, all of his past lives, Garlin, and anyone else mentioned in this fic that was never mentioned in the series. (except for Max, 'cause she would KILL me if I even implied that I owned her.)
Max: Damn Straight! [o-o]
I think that takes care of everything, right?
Shawn crumpled without another word, stunned frozen in shock. Sakura fainted clean away, falling into the horrified Li's arms. Even the ghosts of Antien and Nicolus looked surprised and horrified.
Garlin grinned down at the dying girl still pierced by his long, wicked claws. Madison coughed feebly, her hands clenched around Garlin's. Tears glistened in her eyes, trickling down her pale cheeks in gleaming streams.
Garlin sneered contemptulously at the pain-wracked girl. "You cry, girlie. Do you fear death so?"
Madison managed to shake her head weakly, her life and energy draining away from her slowly. "I don't cry because I fear death. I don't cry because of the pain."
Garlin's face neared Madison's. "Then why do you cry, girlie?"
Madison coughed again, struggling to breathe. "I cry because I feel sorry for you, Garlin. I pity you."
Garlin glared at the girl in surprise. "Why would you pity me?!? You're the one dying!!"
"You're so sad and lonely, you have no friends, no one who cares for you." Madison whispered out. "I have so many friends who love me, and Shawn."
"I have Shawn." Garlin said stolidly. "And you shall die."
Madison smiled regretfully. "I wish I could be your . . . friend, Garlin. But you're
right . . . I'm dying."
Garlin was surprised by Madison's sad honesty and wish. "I don't understand."
"Of course you don't, Garlin," An unfamiliar female voice said behind the demon creature. "You have no real heart."
Garlin's head swiveled back. Standing there was a shimmering, pale gossamer young woman, dressed in a long blue, old-fashioned dress with her long black hair trailing behind her in a braided plait.
"Kanthel!" Garlin exclaimed in surprise.
Kanthel's ghost sighed sadly, looking down at the small, dying figure of Madison. "My dear Madison. So young and already at Death's Door. It must be fate for me to die young." Kanthel looked back into Garlin's eyes. "Poor, young, naive Antien created you incorrectly, Garlin. He created first your body, your powers and Immortality. He should have first created your heart, your soul. That is why all of this has come to pass. Because you have no heart, Garlin, and you are unable to feel pity, remorse, or love because of it."
Garlin was confused. "I don't know what you're talking about!"
Kanthel smiled remorsefully, floating over to Garlin, kneeling slightly. The two, demon and ghost, were now face to face. "A heart is here, Garlin," Kanthel lay an soft, unsolid hand on the demon's gaunt chest. "But no heart beats in your chest."
Garlin was still confused, and Madison was beginning to slip into the unconsciousness of death. Kanthel sighed. "I will show you a heart's love, Garlin, in the hope that nothing like this will ever happen again."
Garlin was suddenly wrapped in a warm, light coccoon of colors and feelings. Happiness and love danced around him, opening his eyes to wonders he had never felt before.
With a flash, the coccoon was gone, but Garlin could still feel them all around him, within him. "What's happened to me?"
Kanthel smiled, albeit sadly. "I've given you a heart, Garlin, so you will never again be deluded by evil and hate."
Garlin was suddenly awash with remorse and guilt. He released his hold on Madison, letting the girl drop limply to the ground. "What have I done?!?!" he wailed in sorrow.
Madison blinked barely, a faint smile touching her lips. "I'm happy for you, Garlin. You can love now," she whispered out barely audible.
Shawn had regained the use of his numbed limbs, hurrying over to Madison's side. Kneeling beside her, Shawn sobbed silently as he cradled her head in his lap.
"Madison, this is all my fault!! It's all because of me!! If only I'd stayed away from you, never come for the job at the mansion! You'd still be safe!!"
Madison's eyes closed as Shawn's tears dripped down to dot her cheeks.
Garlin looked about desperately. "I have to stop this!!! I can't let this happen!!!!"
An absolute silence fell; even the air and time seemed to freeze. The three ghosts of Nicolus, Antien, and Kanthel began to glow eerily, blindingly bright. A piercing cry from Garlin sliced the time-frozen atmosphere as he threw his hands up.
Time resumed its normal flow, but the light emitted by the three ghosts increased. As the echo from Garlin's cry faded, the ghost-made light began to mold into a large, glowing ball of energy.
Garlin began to lower his hands, the ball hovering away from the ghosts and floating above his head. Garlin blinked, large tears dripping from his eyes.
"Everyone was right about me. I was no good, and did horrible things to people who didn't deserve the pain and terror I inflicted upon them. But I repent my sins now, and try to make up for the past by restoring life unfairly taken."
Sakura blinked, shading her eyes, as the ball's light increased in intenseness. Shawn stared in numbed surprise as the ball disappeared into Madison's limp, still body. As the after-glow faded, Madison's eyes suddenly opened.
"Shawn?" Madison asked incredulously. "But, I was dead!"
"Madison!!!" Shawn cried in relief, gathering her to him, hugging her so tightly he nearly squeezed the breath from her. "I was so afraid I'd lost you again!!"
Garlin sat with slumped, shaking shoulders, sobbing gently. Kanthel looked to Nicolus, smiling to her husband. "He's repaired all ill-laid."
Antien nodded in satisfied agreement. "It only took a hundred or so years for him to repair the mistake I made so long ago."
Nicolus sighed. "But, Antien, are you not happy for us? We've found our love again, and this time, I doubt we'll ever let her go again."
Kanthel walked to Nicolus, embracing her husband fondly. With a brief flash, the two faded into nothingness. Antien sighed, then looked over to Madison and Shawn, who were laughing and crying simultaneously. A rare smile flashed across the weary-lined features. "Yes, Nicolus, I am very happy for us. My blunder has been repented. We'll be able to rest easily now, with Shawn and Madison finally together."
Turning and walking away slowly, the ghost of the long-ago Apprentice to Clow Reed faded into nothingness.
Sakura stood shakily, still not quite recovered from the many surprises and shocks of the day. She sighed softly as the Sealing Wand returned to its necklace form. "Thank God everything's okay."
Garlin, still sobbing softly, stood and began to stumble off.
Aided by Shawn, Madison stood, trembling slightly. "Garlin! Wait!"
Garlin turned slightly, still crying dejectedly. "What is it?"
"Don't go." Madison said softly.
Garlin sniffed, dashing the tears from his eyes. "Why not?"
Madison smiled hesitantly. "I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to be your friend."
Garlin stared at her incredulously. "But, but, but, I tried to kill you!"
Madison giggled weakly. "Actually, you did. But, push that aside for now. I really do want to be your friend."
Shawn nodded in agreement. "And I still want to be your friend, Garlin, if you'll let me."
Garlin smiled shyly, for once looking more friendly than frightening. "Thank you, both." He sighed as he walked back to them. "But I don't belong in your dimension, and you don't belong in mine."
"But, what will you do now?" Li asked softly, sheathing his sword with a soft click.
Garlin smiled. "I'll do what my creator made me to do. I'll be friend to the lonely, comfort them and be their confidante until I have to return to Frainria, until they have other friends. Yes, I think Antien would like that. And I'll make Frainria beautiful, bring life and happiness to it, make it flourish. Do you think that is a good idea?"
Sakura smiled. "It's a wonderful plan for your life, Garlin. And we'll still be your friends, for all time. If you ever need us, don't hesitate to call."
Garlin smiled, snapping his fingers. A vortex appeared behind them. "I'll never be able to thank you all for all you've done. Especially you, Madison, Kanthel." Garlin said gently. "I owe everything to you. And I hope you can forgive me for everything I've done."
Madison smiled. "Don't worry. We forgive you."
"And thank you, Shawn, Nicolus, Antien. You were my creator, my friend, my everything. Thank you for everything, and I'm ever so sorry."
Shawn smiled softly. "No problem, Garlin. I don't think Antien or Nicolus is mad with you anymore. And I know I'm not."
Garlin nodded gratefully, gesturing to the vortex. "Go now, then. And thank you again."
Sakura and Li went through first, Kero following close behind. Madison and Shawn paused at the entranceway, waving back to the smiling Garlin.
Shawn looked into Madison's grey-blue eyes. "I was so afraid that I'd lost you."
Madison smiled softly. "You did. But I'll always find my way back to you, Shawn."
As they entered the vortex hand-in-hand, Madison grinned. "If you ever want to know what heaven looks like, don't hesitate to ask."
Okay, how did you like that? Better than you expected, wasn't it? Am I good? I'm good.
Christopher: Raye?
Raye: Huh?
Christopher: Raye?
Raye: Huh?
Christopher: RAYE?!?!?
Raye: HUH?!?!?
Christopher: Isn't that your Mom's car?
Raye (peering near-sightedly into the distance): (gasp) OhmiGod! You're right! And there's Ms. Sinic's Dad's truck, and Max's Dad's car, and Ameoba Boy's Dad's van!!
(Everyone jumps up and down, calling excitedly and waving to their loved ones.)
Raye (breathless as she runs up to her mom): HOW DID YOU FIND US?!?! (Hugs Mom rib-crackingly.)
Mom: YOU'RE IN THE PAPERS!!!!
(Throws old paper into Raye's face.)
Raye: uh, oh. . . .
Everyone: What is it?
Raye: Take a look at this.
Newspaper reads:
ROBBERY OF MAC AND CHEESE TRUCK OFFICIAL!! LOCAL TEENAGERS
ARE ACCUSED!!
On the morning of May 27, 2001, the Mac and Cheese delivery truck en route to the local Krogers was reported missing. A full-scale search was mounted, resulting in the recovery of the truck's driver, Dende Parunga, who was found unconscious on the curb at 123 Alphabet Lanes. When he regained consciousness, Parunga claimed that he had been ambushed by a teenaged girl, later identified as Raye Firearrows, and knocked unconscious with a broomstick. Another teenage girl, Ms. Heaven Sinic, was also seen at the hyjacking. A local and state-wide search is being mounted for the missing, hyjacker teens.
Raye: We're in deep shit, aren't we?
Mom: You COULD say that, young lady! Explain yourself!!
Part Twenty-Two: Impossible Miracles of the Heart
Raye (sighing): I believe we're back to the Mexican Border.
(Everyone sighs.)
Ameoba Boy: Guys?
Everyone: What?
Ameoba Boy: I don't feel so good . . .
Max: Well, you HAVE practically broken every bone possible, and you've probably got some internal bleedings and infections starting.
Ms. Sinic: Uh, that was something I really didn't need to know. Y'know, I was planning on eating again in the next three days.
Ameoba Boy (slurring): I amh starting to see thingssss ...(Sways unsteadily on his feet.)Flickerpiss testgum.
Raye (giving him a strange look): You've left the lenscap of your brain on again, haven't you?
(Ameoba Boy doesn't answer. He passes out and falls face first in the dust, instead.)
Raye (sighing): We're staying here until I decide what we're gonna do.
(Everyone sighs.)
Max: I really don't give a bloody damn what happens anymore.
Ms. Sinic: Yeah, why the hell does it matter?
(Everyone sighs disspiritedly.)
{Disclaimer}
I'm thinkin' there's only gonna be another couple of these, hopefully.
Don't own Sakura, Li, Madison, Tori, Madison's mom, Sakura's dad, or Kero.
Do own the french family of Sakura, Shawn, all of his past lives, Garlin, and anyone else mentioned in this fic that was never mentioned in the series. (except for Max, 'cause she would KILL me if I even implied that I owned her.)
Max: Damn Straight! [o-o]
I think that takes care of everything, right?
Shawn crumpled without another word, stunned frozen in shock. Sakura fainted clean away, falling into the horrified Li's arms. Even the ghosts of Antien and Nicolus looked surprised and horrified.
Garlin grinned down at the dying girl still pierced by his long, wicked claws. Madison coughed feebly, her hands clenched around Garlin's. Tears glistened in her eyes, trickling down her pale cheeks in gleaming streams.
Garlin sneered contemptulously at the pain-wracked girl. "You cry, girlie. Do you fear death so?"
Madison managed to shake her head weakly, her life and energy draining away from her slowly. "I don't cry because I fear death. I don't cry because of the pain."
Garlin's face neared Madison's. "Then why do you cry, girlie?"
Madison coughed again, struggling to breathe. "I cry because I feel sorry for you, Garlin. I pity you."
Garlin glared at the girl in surprise. "Why would you pity me?!? You're the one dying!!"
"You're so sad and lonely, you have no friends, no one who cares for you." Madison whispered out. "I have so many friends who love me, and Shawn."
"I have Shawn." Garlin said stolidly. "And you shall die."
Madison smiled regretfully. "I wish I could be your . . . friend, Garlin. But you're
right . . . I'm dying."
Garlin was surprised by Madison's sad honesty and wish. "I don't understand."
"Of course you don't, Garlin," An unfamiliar female voice said behind the demon creature. "You have no real heart."
Garlin's head swiveled back. Standing there was a shimmering, pale gossamer young woman, dressed in a long blue, old-fashioned dress with her long black hair trailing behind her in a braided plait.
"Kanthel!" Garlin exclaimed in surprise.
Kanthel's ghost sighed sadly, looking down at the small, dying figure of Madison. "My dear Madison. So young and already at Death's Door. It must be fate for me to die young." Kanthel looked back into Garlin's eyes. "Poor, young, naive Antien created you incorrectly, Garlin. He created first your body, your powers and Immortality. He should have first created your heart, your soul. That is why all of this has come to pass. Because you have no heart, Garlin, and you are unable to feel pity, remorse, or love because of it."
Garlin was confused. "I don't know what you're talking about!"
Kanthel smiled remorsefully, floating over to Garlin, kneeling slightly. The two, demon and ghost, were now face to face. "A heart is here, Garlin," Kanthel lay an soft, unsolid hand on the demon's gaunt chest. "But no heart beats in your chest."
Garlin was still confused, and Madison was beginning to slip into the unconsciousness of death. Kanthel sighed. "I will show you a heart's love, Garlin, in the hope that nothing like this will ever happen again."
Garlin was suddenly wrapped in a warm, light coccoon of colors and feelings. Happiness and love danced around him, opening his eyes to wonders he had never felt before.
With a flash, the coccoon was gone, but Garlin could still feel them all around him, within him. "What's happened to me?"
Kanthel smiled, albeit sadly. "I've given you a heart, Garlin, so you will never again be deluded by evil and hate."
Garlin was suddenly awash with remorse and guilt. He released his hold on Madison, letting the girl drop limply to the ground. "What have I done?!?!" he wailed in sorrow.
Madison blinked barely, a faint smile touching her lips. "I'm happy for you, Garlin. You can love now," she whispered out barely audible.
Shawn had regained the use of his numbed limbs, hurrying over to Madison's side. Kneeling beside her, Shawn sobbed silently as he cradled her head in his lap.
"Madison, this is all my fault!! It's all because of me!! If only I'd stayed away from you, never come for the job at the mansion! You'd still be safe!!"
Madison's eyes closed as Shawn's tears dripped down to dot her cheeks.
Garlin looked about desperately. "I have to stop this!!! I can't let this happen!!!!"
An absolute silence fell; even the air and time seemed to freeze. The three ghosts of Nicolus, Antien, and Kanthel began to glow eerily, blindingly bright. A piercing cry from Garlin sliced the time-frozen atmosphere as he threw his hands up.
Time resumed its normal flow, but the light emitted by the three ghosts increased. As the echo from Garlin's cry faded, the ghost-made light began to mold into a large, glowing ball of energy.
Garlin began to lower his hands, the ball hovering away from the ghosts and floating above his head. Garlin blinked, large tears dripping from his eyes.
"Everyone was right about me. I was no good, and did horrible things to people who didn't deserve the pain and terror I inflicted upon them. But I repent my sins now, and try to make up for the past by restoring life unfairly taken."
Sakura blinked, shading her eyes, as the ball's light increased in intenseness. Shawn stared in numbed surprise as the ball disappeared into Madison's limp, still body. As the after-glow faded, Madison's eyes suddenly opened.
"Shawn?" Madison asked incredulously. "But, I was dead!"
"Madison!!!" Shawn cried in relief, gathering her to him, hugging her so tightly he nearly squeezed the breath from her. "I was so afraid I'd lost you again!!"
Garlin sat with slumped, shaking shoulders, sobbing gently. Kanthel looked to Nicolus, smiling to her husband. "He's repaired all ill-laid."
Antien nodded in satisfied agreement. "It only took a hundred or so years for him to repair the mistake I made so long ago."
Nicolus sighed. "But, Antien, are you not happy for us? We've found our love again, and this time, I doubt we'll ever let her go again."
Kanthel walked to Nicolus, embracing her husband fondly. With a brief flash, the two faded into nothingness. Antien sighed, then looked over to Madison and Shawn, who were laughing and crying simultaneously. A rare smile flashed across the weary-lined features. "Yes, Nicolus, I am very happy for us. My blunder has been repented. We'll be able to rest easily now, with Shawn and Madison finally together."
Turning and walking away slowly, the ghost of the long-ago Apprentice to Clow Reed faded into nothingness.
Sakura stood shakily, still not quite recovered from the many surprises and shocks of the day. She sighed softly as the Sealing Wand returned to its necklace form. "Thank God everything's okay."
Garlin, still sobbing softly, stood and began to stumble off.
Aided by Shawn, Madison stood, trembling slightly. "Garlin! Wait!"
Garlin turned slightly, still crying dejectedly. "What is it?"
"Don't go." Madison said softly.
Garlin sniffed, dashing the tears from his eyes. "Why not?"
Madison smiled hesitantly. "I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to be your friend."
Garlin stared at her incredulously. "But, but, but, I tried to kill you!"
Madison giggled weakly. "Actually, you did. But, push that aside for now. I really do want to be your friend."
Shawn nodded in agreement. "And I still want to be your friend, Garlin, if you'll let me."
Garlin smiled shyly, for once looking more friendly than frightening. "Thank you, both." He sighed as he walked back to them. "But I don't belong in your dimension, and you don't belong in mine."
"But, what will you do now?" Li asked softly, sheathing his sword with a soft click.
Garlin smiled. "I'll do what my creator made me to do. I'll be friend to the lonely, comfort them and be their confidante until I have to return to Frainria, until they have other friends. Yes, I think Antien would like that. And I'll make Frainria beautiful, bring life and happiness to it, make it flourish. Do you think that is a good idea?"
Sakura smiled. "It's a wonderful plan for your life, Garlin. And we'll still be your friends, for all time. If you ever need us, don't hesitate to call."
Garlin smiled, snapping his fingers. A vortex appeared behind them. "I'll never be able to thank you all for all you've done. Especially you, Madison, Kanthel." Garlin said gently. "I owe everything to you. And I hope you can forgive me for everything I've done."
Madison smiled. "Don't worry. We forgive you."
"And thank you, Shawn, Nicolus, Antien. You were my creator, my friend, my everything. Thank you for everything, and I'm ever so sorry."
Shawn smiled softly. "No problem, Garlin. I don't think Antien or Nicolus is mad with you anymore. And I know I'm not."
Garlin nodded gratefully, gesturing to the vortex. "Go now, then. And thank you again."
Sakura and Li went through first, Kero following close behind. Madison and Shawn paused at the entranceway, waving back to the smiling Garlin.
Shawn looked into Madison's grey-blue eyes. "I was so afraid that I'd lost you."
Madison smiled softly. "You did. But I'll always find my way back to you, Shawn."
As they entered the vortex hand-in-hand, Madison grinned. "If you ever want to know what heaven looks like, don't hesitate to ask."
Okay, how did you like that? Better than you expected, wasn't it? Am I good? I'm good.
Christopher: Raye?
Raye: Huh?
Christopher: Raye?
Raye: Huh?
Christopher: RAYE?!?!?
Raye: HUH?!?!?
Christopher: Isn't that your Mom's car?
Raye (peering near-sightedly into the distance): (gasp) OhmiGod! You're right! And there's Ms. Sinic's Dad's truck, and Max's Dad's car, and Ameoba Boy's Dad's van!!
(Everyone jumps up and down, calling excitedly and waving to their loved ones.)
Raye (breathless as she runs up to her mom): HOW DID YOU FIND US?!?! (Hugs Mom rib-crackingly.)
Mom: YOU'RE IN THE PAPERS!!!!
(Throws old paper into Raye's face.)
Raye: uh, oh. . . .
Everyone: What is it?
Raye: Take a look at this.
Newspaper reads:
ROBBERY OF MAC AND CHEESE TRUCK OFFICIAL!! LOCAL TEENAGERS
ARE ACCUSED!!
On the morning of May 27, 2001, the Mac and Cheese delivery truck en route to the local Krogers was reported missing. A full-scale search was mounted, resulting in the recovery of the truck's driver, Dende Parunga, who was found unconscious on the curb at 123 Alphabet Lanes. When he regained consciousness, Parunga claimed that he had been ambushed by a teenaged girl, later identified as Raye Firearrows, and knocked unconscious with a broomstick. Another teenage girl, Ms. Heaven Sinic, was also seen at the hyjacking. A local and state-wide search is being mounted for the missing, hyjacker teens.
Raye: We're in deep shit, aren't we?
Mom: You COULD say that, young lady! Explain yourself!!
