Chapter Seven: Where the Sakura Petals Fall

                Sakura sat at her desk with her head cradled in her hands as she stared at the wall blankly. Touya had told her that Yukito had returned to school and seemed to be perfectly fine. But why had Touya paused when he'd talked about how the silver haired boy was feeling? Sighing she wanted to feel relieved, but it wasn't likely. It just didn't feel right, almost like a dream.

                Her head tilted downward slightly causing her honey brown hair to fall into her eyes. Closing the emerald orbs she didn't see the flash of white wings at her window. Yue peered into her room with curious eyes of silver blue. His mistress looked so sad and it made his heart hurt. Was this his fault? Tapping the window gently, she looked up to see him perched upon the sill. "Yue-san!" Running over to the window her face brightened in happiness.

                As the window opened, the moon guardian slipped into her room. Closing his eyes he willed his wings to vanish before turning to his young mistress. "Mistress… how are you?"

                Tears began to brim her wide green eyes as she threw herself into his un-resisting arms. Hugging him tightly she just cried into his ornate white robes ignoring whatever thoughts her guardian may be having. "Daijoubu Yue-san… How are you? I… I… was so worried! Why didn't you at least try to tell me where you were and how you were doing?"

                Yue looked down into her shimmering eyes and felt his own heart begin to break. Brushing cool fingertips over her warm cheeks he cursed himself for making the angelic girl cry. "Gomen nesai Mistress… It won't happen again."

                Sakura pouted slightly as she gave him a mild glare. "It's Sakura… I don't like being called mistress… You know that Yue-san."

                "Hai… Sakura-sama." Hugging her gently he closed his eyes and wondered to himself. Through Yukito's eyes he'd seen the brunette with deep green eyes change without hesitation before the eyes of her friends and Touya, all to just save his false form. He hadn't expected her to do that. He'd had his suspicions over her being the angel, but he didn't want to believe it. Neither had Yukito. Sighing softly with a touch of melancholy, he hadn't noticed Sakura staring up at him quietly.

                "Doushitano Yue-san? You seem a little tired and paler than usual." The worried filled emerald eyes made his thoughts melt away.

                "Nani mo Sakura-sama. Don't worry please. I'm still a bit weak from that incident." Worry was evident and he only wondered if maybe he'd chosen the wrong words again. Shaking his head, long strands of glistening white fell from their elegant binding over his shoulders. "I was well taken care of… don't get me wrong."

                "I… I don't understand… She's was trying to hurt me and my friends… and yet she saves you… What's going on?" Yue looked at her slightly stunned then shook his head. Why hadn't Solis just erased his memory as well? He couldn't tell his mistress the truth. It would hurt her so deeply. If only he didn't remember the kindness that the angel of life had shown him that day.

                "Some things are better not thought about Sakura-sama… Everything will be answered in due time. I don't believe that she knew herself why she did what she did. But it wasn't her intention to take anyone's life. Not even yours." Nodding slowly to his words, Sakura noticed the words were a lot like Solis' when she'd comforted her. Biting her lip she mentally admonished her heart for thinking such things. Solis would never do things like this lady had. Sore wa ariubekarazaru koto desu. Solis is so kind… she was the one who convinced me to keep living… even when it felt like my world had ended.

                Yue sighed lightly and released the small card mistress from the hug. "I should go miss… Sakura-sama… Yukito needs to get home and rest. I've taken up far too much of his time already. Please… Forgive me Sakura-sama… ja ne…" Stepping back he allowed the transformation to take place.

                A few more tears fell as Sakura reached out to her guardian only to find that she was too late. Retracting her hand she gazed at her former crush as he blinked a few times then smiled at her warmly. "I suppose that was my cue… Sakura-san… I'm also sorry… I hope you believe Yue-san… He feels really bad about hurting you…"

                The small girl nodded and smiled at her brother's best friend. "It's ok Yukito-kun. I'm just glad that both of you are all right." Yukito smiled and hugged her tightly before ruffling her hair. He felt really bad for worrying both her and Touya, but he also understood Yue's reasoning. Thinking back he couldn't help but sigh at the beautiful girl who'd risked showing her true form only to save his life. Closing his eyes he wondered how anyone could make him feel so warm the way Solis did. Drawing in his breath sharply he admonished his heart. Why is she trying to hurt Sakura…?

~*~

                "Yo! Kaijuu! Time to get up. You don't want to be late for your field trip today do you?" Touya called up the staircase as he slowly walked back into the kitchen to finish making their lunches. Staring out the window for a moment he waited for the series of thuds as Sakura raced down the stairs. "Better late than never I suppose…"

                Sakura stamped her feet as she marched over to the table and glared at her older brother in slight contempt. "OHAYO… Why are you so interested in getting me there in time anyways?"

                Touya turned around and smirked at her as he placed her breakfast in front of her, since Fujitaka was on a site dig with some of his students. "Because… I'm going with you as a chaperone." Sakura's chopsticks fell to the table with a clatter only making him grin more.

                "Nani?! You're joking right?" Mouth gaping, Touya was starting to think this was more than a great idea. Honestly there was nothing better than aggravating his kaijuu.

                "Honto! Aren't you excited? I am! Hurry up kaijuu!" Picking up the large obento he headed out of the kitchen in the direction of the front door. "Coming? Or do I have to leave without you?"

                Scowling, the small girl wolfed down her breakfast and shot out of the kitchen like a lightning bolt in order to catch up with her brother. "You're a pain oniichan!" The older Kinomoto just smiled as he strapped down the lunch onto his bike. "Eh… You made my lunch?"

                Nodding curtly he hopped onto his bike and took off. "I figured you'd take too long!" Sakura yelped as she realized he was leaving her behind.

                "Matte!" Taking off after him she skated as fast as she could in his direction not paying attention to anything other than catching up with him. "Oniichan!!! OOF!" Suddenly she collided with something and knocked it forward onto the harsh concrete walk. "GOMEN NESAI!!!"

                Opening her green eyes she was met by the even deeper green eyes of Solis as she winced from the pain dealt by the unrelenting concrete. "Daijoubu…" The stoic voice spoke calmly before the girl looked up to see who'd plowed her over. "Sakura-san?"

                Touya stopped and looked back only to see his sister slam into a student from his school. At the girls side stood a tall black haired man with sunglasses that seemed rather amused at the whole ordeal. Touya rolled his eyes and turned around to apologize to the poor fool that got in his kaijuu's path when she was in a mad rush. Stopping next to the two on the ground he gaped at who it was. "Eh! Solis-san! Gomen ne! Daijoubu? The kaijuu didn't hurt you did she?"

                Solis looked up and smirked as she rose to her feet not seeing the anger flare in Sakura's brightly sparkling eyes. "Kaijuu ja nai!" With those words she kicked her brother in the shin with one rather heavy roller blade. Touya only groaned in agony as he doubled over.

                Laughing, the man pulled his glasses off to reveal the solitaire green eye matched with an eye that was nearly completely white. "Lis-chan… it seems you've caused more trouble than warranted."

                "Subaru-kun! No one asked you! Why do you insist on always walking me to school anyways? I'm not 10 anymore!" Solis suddenly stomped her foot and glared at the older man before suddenly realizing her words and wilting instantly. "Ano…"

                Subaru blinked then rested a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry… I know… that was my greatest mistake…"

                Mumbling she looked over at the curious green eyes that were peering at her. "You can't make up for that anymore Subaru-kun… I'm sorry I even mentioned it. Daijoubu Sakura-san?"

                Nodding the little girl smiled and flashed the peace sign to the older girl. "Daijoubu zettai! Ano… Daijoubu Sumeragi-san?"

                The man looked at her for a moment before giving a slight nod trying his best to hide the pain in his disposition. "I'm fine… Where are you heading off to in such a hurry?"

                Touya glared at his little sister then looked up at Subaru nodding to him in respectful greeting. "Ohayo Sumeragi-sama. I'm taking my imouto to school so she can go on the field trip they're having. I volunteered to chaperone."

                Subaru gave a slight smile as he nodded to Touya in return. "Call me Subaru, onegai…Where's the field trip to?"

                "Ueno Park!" Sakura bounced happily and nearly fell as her skates began to roll. Solis automatically grabbed her shoulder and half smiled before looking at Subaru with an odd expression.

                "Ueno Park… Interesting." Subaru nodded slowly as a gleam entered his single green eye. "Be sure and see the Sakura tree that is always in bloom…" All three gaped at him, two in confusion, and the other in utter shock.

                "You shouldn't tell such stories Subaru-kun…" Glaring at him she gave a slight wave to the Kinomoto's. "We'll see you some other time. Have a good time." With those words Solis walked away dragging a rather confused Sumeragi along with her.

                "That was strange… Oi! We're late!" Grabbing his sister, Touya dragged her along side his bike as they sped toward her school.

~*~

                Touya sat toward the front of the bus with his arms crossed over his chest seemingly waiting for someone. Sakura looked at her oniichan and blinked a few times before approaching him silently. "Oniichan, are you ok sitting by yourself?" Looking up at Sakura, his dark eyes widened at her question of kindness.

                "Hai, kaijuu. Go sit with Tomoyo-san, I'm waiting for someone anyways." Sakura smiled at him sweetly then trotted to the seat where Tomoyo was waving to her happily. Touya smiled after her lightly and didn't notice the person settling in next to him.

                "To-ya! You really DO have a sister complex like Tsukishiro-san says!" Touya looked up in surprise at the laughing girl with short black hair and coffee colored eyes. "I hope this seat isn't taken."

                "I do NOT have and complex and I'd be glad to have you sit with me. That is, as long as you stop with the complex thing. Thanks for coming Yuzu-chan." The girl smiled then reached a hand out to the shadow dog sitting just in front of her crammed between the seats. Inuki whimpered softly and rested his head against her hand.

                "I was thrilled that you asked! I mean…" Her voice got really soft as she continued to gaze at Inuki. "Usually you and Tsukishiro-san do everything together. I hope I'm not imposing."

                Touya looked at her and then smiled as he wrapped an arm about her shoulders. "I wanted you to come along. I feel really at ease with you… Plus… I don't think I'd be able to take you to such a lovely park any other way… At least not until I get a car of some sort."

                "Ne, To-ya, didn't you want a motorcycle?" Yuzuriha's eyes sparkled as she looked up at him with a brilliant smile.

                "Hai! I'm surprised you remember me telling you that." There was a soft excitement in their eyes as he offered her his hand. Taking it, they intertwined their fingers and smiled warmly.

                "EW! You two need to get a room!" A hushed whisper shattered the atmosphere as Yuzuriha and Touya looked at the source of sound. A small yellow head was poking out of Touya's pocket glaring at them with small bead eyes.

                "Oh great… the plush toy is awake…" Groaning, Touya shoved the animal back into his pocket. "Sorry about that Yuzu-chan… I brought the stupid plush toy so he could keep an eye on my imouto." He didn't know how, but Yuzuriha had asked him about his sister being some sort of sorceress, and as much as he trusted her, he told her everything.

                The dark haired Japanese girl smiled at the sun guardian and winked at him. "You're such a nice oniichan To-ya." Smiling up at him she finally laid her head gently on his shoulder. "You should tell Sakura-san that you care about her more often…"

                "Eh heh… it's not likely Yuzu-chan… I like driving the kaijuu crazy." Shaking her head he merely smiled down at her and sighed. Not too far back, Sakura gaped at the couple with wide eyes of sparkling green.

                "Kakkoii! Tomoyo-chan! I'm going to have a big sister at this rate! I always wanted a sister and Yuzu-chan is so nice!" Sakura beamed in excitement at the girl with dark smoky colored hair.

                Sighing dreamily, Tomoyo nodded and clapped her hands together. "They're like something out of a romantic movie! It's so exciting!" Suddenly she returned to her placid smiling and looked at Sakura. "Ne Sakura-chan, it was nice of Touya-san to come along in order to keep an eye on you. You're lucky to have such a nice big brother."

                Nodding, Sakura couldn't help but smile at her best friend. "I hate to admit it but you're right. He's very sweet when he wants to be. Did I tell you that Yue-san came back?"

                "Iya! Is he ok? Where was he?" Tomoyo looked at her with wide violet eyes.

                "Hai… He's still rather weak, but he was taken care of…. It's so puzzling Tomoyo-chan…" Worry began to fill her face as Tomoyo bit her lower lip.

                "No Sakura-chan… Let's not think about it right now. We're going on a fantastic field trip and I want you to have lots of fun! Save the serious emotions for later!" The girls nodded with bright smiles as the bus pulled away from the school heading for Ueno Park in Tokyo.

~*~

                Yukito stood quietly at the ledge of the roof staring down at the different people huddled together to eat their lunches. Touya wasn't there, and not many people offered to share lunchtime with him. Sighing softly, he closed his hazel brown eyes sadly. He felt so lonely. I wonder where Lis-chan and her two friends are… Opening them once more he ran his gaze over the people below and stopped when he saw the blonde in the middle of a large group of teens.

                Smiling slightly, his gaze slid to the person beside her of Chinese origin and silky black hair. Not far from her stood the solemn brunette with her arms crossed and eyes closed. It seemed that the people were still begging for the girls' autographs before they decided to move on.

                Yukito took a deep breath and closed his eyes at the thought of the Japanese girl leaving. He didn't want her to leave. For some reason he'd become extremely attached to her even though he knew she was a major threat to the small card mistress that his true form cared for even more deeply than he did. Opening his eyes once more he noticed he hadn't looked away from the green-eyed singer and that she was now staring up at him calmly.

                Jumping slightly, he felt the blush flood into his cheeks. Even in a boy's uniform… she's still extremely beautiful… Looking away for a brief moment he tried to still his quickly beating heart. When he looked up again he saw the American and Chinese girl waving, but Solis was nowhere to be seen. Swallowing hard he search the school ground for her wildly.

                Waving back at the girls he heard the door to the roof open loudly to reveal two boys from his senior class laughing and cutting up as the walked. Instantly his body heat rose causing beads of perspiration to smooth over his pale forehead. Oh no… not them… Maybe… if I don't move or say anything… they'll leave me alone… Suddenly a soft voice in his head spoke up sympathetically. "You know that never works Tsukishiro-san…"

                That's what I'm afraid of Yue-san… Suddenly he felt a hand roughly grab his shoulder and yank him backward away from the edge. "Well well… if it isn't the flaming Tsukishiro-chan…" One dark haired boy sneered into his face as a light flickered in his brown eyes.

                Swallowing nervously he managed to smile at the other boy. It was partially true what he had said. He had at one time been in love with Touya. Or at least thought he had been. "Konnichiwa Ohtori-san. Sumimasen… I was just…"

                "Leaving?" Ohtori grinned a bit wider and looked at his other light haired friend. "But then me and my buddy, Kakeru wouldn't have anyone to entertain us. You MUST stay." Instantly he hit Yukito on the chin in a rough manner.

                Taking a step back, Yukito knew he was in for a major taunting since no one was here to save him this time. Closing his eyes momentarily he wondered if things would be different if he weren't so nice to everyone, even the ones that hurt him. "I suppose I'm glad to be of service."

                "You bet…" Sneering, Kakeru stepped forward to gloat. "So, where's your boyfriend Kinomoto? Did he wise up and get a girlfriend?"

                Yukito flinched and looked away, full knowing that this only made things worse. "Stand up for yourself Tsukishiro-san! You can't expect people to always protect you!" Yukito listened to the Yue's voice reverberate in his head and closed his eyes. I just can't!

                After a long moment, Yukito began to wonder why no more taunts had been thrown in his direction. Slowly opening his eyes he saw someone walking out onto the roof with a cool and steady gait. Stopping just a few yards away from the two boys, the person stuffed their black-gloved hands into their pockets. The wind picked up and ruffled the blue blazer and black tie in the wind giving an almost intimidating appeal to the person before them.

                Ohtori blinked and looked at the person standing there and struggled to figure out whom it was, since a black hat blocked the view to the person's hair and eyes. "Who are you and what do you want?"

                Slowly the head rose and two orbs of shadowed green bore into the boy with icy repose. "Does it matter?" The deep alto asked as one hand carefully moved to remove the hat and send a spray of chestnut hair just past her shoulders. "As to what I want… It all depends on who is asking." A smirk spread over Solis' face as she took small deliberate steps in the boy's direction. "Now it's your turn… If you are merely here to cause trouble…" The green eyes narrowed eerily as she drew out the next warning. "I suggest you leave now."

                Kakeru laughed and took steps toward her that seemed to hold an arrogant appeal, and yet seemed to not even faze her cold demeanor. "And what are you going to do? Sing? You don't scare me Genki…"

                A slight grin curled her lips as she turned her icy gaze to him. "Is that so? Well…" Looking over at Yukito she threw the hat to him like a Frisbee and instantly appeared at Kakeru's side with her fist deeply into his midsection. Whispering into his ear she continued to grin. "You should be…"

                Gasping and coughing, the boy sunk to the ground doubled over, while staring up at her with wide eyes. "Kakeru!" His friend ran to his side then looked up at Solis with fearful eyes. "How… How did you do that!?"

                Solis smiled lightly and bent down in front of him while hitting his chin roughly in the same manner as he had Yukito. "It's a secret… and you could learn first hand if you'd like."

                Watching the evil grin spread over her porcelain like countenance he began to tremble and shake his head. Quickly he helped his friend to his feet and drug him off the roof as fast as possible. Solis closed her eyes and smiled as she rose to her feet once more. Taking a deep breath, the look faded from her lips and eyes as she looked up at Yukito with worry in her gaze. "Daijoubu?"

                The boy blinked a few times then nodded mutely. "Daijoubu… Arigauto. Lis-chan… where did you…" The girl merely shook her head and walked over to him and retrieved her hat from his almost limp grasp. Studying him carefully he knew she didn't believe him when he said he was ok. "Honest… I'm fine. Please don't worry about me…"

                Smiling sweetly she took his hand in hers and shook her head. "Ask anything of me Yuki… but please only ask for things I am capable of…" The boy blushed lightly and nodded slowly. Peering up at him carefully, Solis wondered why she was being so kind to him. Yuki… How do you do this to me? I'm normally so cold…

                "You're very kind to me Lis-chan… Thank you…" Staring at each other for a long moment, Yukito felt as though he were getting lost in her deep green eyes. "Ano… Lis-chan… why didn't you erase my memory yesterday?"

                Arching a brow slightly, she released his hand and looked away. "Probably for the same reason I didn't erase your other side's memory." Looking up at him calmly, she carefully studied his shocked reaction. "I knew it! You are Yue as well!"

                Yukito looked down and knew that he'd just given himself away. "Hai… So… now what are you going to do?" Looking back up at her sadly, he saw her eyes begin to brim with a thin layer of tears.

                "Nani mo… Nothing at all. I don't ever want to see you or Yue-san hurt…" Turning to look out over the school she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her head. Instantly gloved hands grabbed her head as she whimpered in pain. "NO! Not now!"

                Fear flashed in Yukito's brown eyes as he steadied her form and removed her hat. "Genki da na? Lis-chan! What's the matter?"

                "Promise me! That you won't follow! Not today! I promise… I won't hurt her!" Solis silently screamed and began to collapse out of his grasp. Brilliant white wings suddenly immersed from her shoulder blades and wrapped around her quivering form.

                "Demo! Lis-chan!" It was too late and all that was left of the teen singer was the black hat in his hands. Before he could address the angelic being before him, she vanished in a swirl of silvery white feathers with a small smirk upon her lips. "NO! This can't be happening!" Inside he could hear Yue calling out as well in fear for both the angel and his young mistress.

~*~

                Subaru looked up at the sky and narrowed his eyes as he felt her transformation take place. The breeze swirled about him causing his short silk like black hair to move about. Dropping the cigarette in his hand to the concrete, he crushed it under his feet. Then he reached into his trench coat, and pulled out three Ofuda and threw them into the air mouthing out a spell without making a single sound. As the spell took affect, three white birds formed and fluttered into the breezy sky.

                I wonder… what you're up to Solis… Is that girl your target? I noticed the magic on her… is that why? Perhaps she wasn't the only one to be judged… after all… you were the one that decided the seals and myself deserved a chance to live… Sighing softly he began to walk toward the park at a slow pace. Between his shikigamis and the tree, he was sure he'd know when he needed to step in, and right now, things weren't begging for immediate action.

~*~

                With slow steps, Sakura looked about the park with shining eyes of green. It was so beautiful and MUCH bigger than Penguin Park. Blinking she remembered the words of the Sumeragi and looked to the grove of Sakura trees. "Hm… the Sakura tree that is always in bloom… Why had that statement shocked Solis-san so much?"

                Grinning lightly, she felt a sudden rush of curiosity. "I think I'll go see if there really is such a tree." Looking around her she was glad to see that Tomoyo wasn't paying attention. Listening a bit harder she could hear Yamazaki in mid story while her girl friends laughed happily.

                This fact made her smile even more broadly. This had only ensured that they wouldn't notice her absence anytime soon and she could explore on her own. Tip toeing away she carefully made her way toward the grove intent on finding this interesting tree.

                Touya groaned softly and put a hand to his head in frustration. "Maybe this wasn't such a great idea…" At his side he could hear Yuzuriha laughing at his demise only causing him to feel more irritated. "You know it isn't that funny."

                "Sure it is! You just don't know how to work kids." With a brilliant smile, the dark haired girl gazed about happily only to catch sight of Sakura's disappearing back. "Etto… To-ya… Isn't that Sakura-chan that is running away?"

                Looking up instantly, Touya got one last glance at his vanishing imouto. "Hai! What is the kaijuu up to? I'm going to follow her."

                "I'll come with you… I… Feel something…" Touya looked at her in surprise and felt the guardian submerge from his pocket instantly.

                "You're right! I feel something too… Hurry up Touya! We need to find Sakura-chan! She doesn't need to be alone…" Kero looked up at his mistress' older brother pleadingly only to be thoroughly relieved at the boy's nod.

                Sakura moved through the trees and smiled softly as she enjoyed the sound of the birds in their limbs singing softly. Suddenly three white birds looped around her and chirped loudly as if warning her of something. Stopping, she looked at them closely and saw a distinct star on each of their heads. Blinking again, she didn't believe her eyes. "You are strange little birds…"

                Shrugging them off, she kept walking trying her best to ignore their pleading chirps. Finally giving up, they flew off quickly leaving her alone once more. Arching a brow she wondered what they had been trying to tell her, but her answer came to her rather quickly. "Curiosity killed the cat, Mistress… you'd have been better off staying with your friends…"

                Green eyes flew toward a large tree that was set apart from the other ones and was amazed to see the pale pink petals falling like snow to the ground. "Who?" A melodic laugh filled the air as she ran toward the tree searching frantically for the source of the laugh.

                "Look up Mistress." Instantly the girl looked up in shock to see the girl with green and silver cat eyes and large silver white wings. The angel smiled happily and leaned against the tree. "Do you know what this tree is? It's the Sakura burial mound… Protected by the dark powers of an onmyouji…"

                Sakura blinked and grabbed for her star key quickly. Hurriedly she rushed through her spell and released the staff in a flash of white and light pink light. "What is your intent? Please explain to me! I don't understand! You attack me, and yet you saved my moon guardian…"

                "We all make mistakes Mistress… but mind you… it won't happen again." A brief smirk spread over her face as she pulled out three Ofuda and began to mouth out an incantation. Throwing them out, they began to take shape and glow brilliantly with power. "Inukari! Nekari! Hitori!" Suddenly, the three shikigamis stood before the small card mistress in their true forms.

                Nekari flicked her tail in agitation as she peered at the lone girl before her. "Aw… it's just her today? Typical… the odds are stacked on our side and we only have to contend with Mistress…"

                Inukari turned his electric blue head in the direction of the cat composed of flames and shook his head. "Nekari… Never underestimate the powers of the stars… She is after all, the Card Mistress…"

                The cat growled under its breath and looked away haughtily. "I'm not worried. You know as well as I do that our Lady can destroy her in the blink of an eye."

                "As true as it is Nekari… She will not interfere in our battle today and you know it." Hitori's glass like form moved uncomfortably as he peered at the stunned card mistress.

                "All… all three of them?" Sakura began to sweat in fear as she looked at the three elemental animals poised before her.

                "Hai… all three. Are you afraid Mistress? You should be." The angel smiled again and waved a gloved hand nonchalantly. "Let it begin. Just remember, I am the only one who is allowed to take her life."

                In unison the three gave their confirmation to Solis as she folded her arms over her chest. "Hai my Lady!" Inukari suddenly jolted toward her in a streak of light giving Sakura hardly anytime to think as she pulled out a card and called upon its power.

                "Jump!" Sailing into the air she narrowly escaped the animal's attack. Just as she was about to sigh in relief, Hitori took to the air and sent an icy gale toward her sending her flying into a tree with a loud thump. "AH!" Sliding down to the base of the tree she hissed a breath through her teeth in pain. "Itai…"

                "Mistress… you're making this far too easy…" Nekari hissed as she pounced at the unmoving card mistress. The flames grew brighter as she inched closer to the small girl only to be knocked away by the immense body of another cat like form. "NO!"

                The other shikigamis looked up to see Nekari flying into a tree, then some how landing on her feet to glare at her attacker. "It's you Keroberos! Creature of the seal! You will not get away with that move you just pulled!"

                Soon the cats engaged in combat not even bothering with their magic abilities as they utilized their claws and sharp teeth. Sakura cried out in surprise as she saw her sun guardian and good friend battling desperately on her behalf. "Kero-chan!"

                "Don't forget about us Mistress!" Inukari growled and catapulted at her with immense speed only to run face first into a ball of light. Falling backward in a daze, Inukari looked up into the eyes of a spirit dog that was almost as wolf like as himself. "Nani?"

                Yuzuriha ran into the clearing and stopped just yards away from the fallen Sakura. "It's ok Sakura-chan! Inuki and I will take care of this one!" Smiling she gave Sakura the thumbs up as she went into battle with the shikigami of lightning.

                Tears began to well up in her eyes as she clung to the deck of Sakura cards in her hands. She didn't know what to do. Here her closest friends were deep in battle with two shikigamis all because she was not capable of taking care of herself. Maybe they were right about her… "You truly aren't worthy Mistress… stop cowering behind your friends."

                Looking up, horror filled green eyes met with the glass like bird as he sent a blast of ice in her direction. Quickly she dug through the cards in search of something to save her, but she was too slow. Closing her eyes she waited for a blow that would never come. Opening them she saw a frozen figure before her that seemed to shatter her heart completely. "ONIICHAN!"

                Running forward she wrapped her arms around the frozen form and began to cry. "It's his own fault for getting in the way." Hitori landed tauntingly on top of Touya's head while glaring down at the helpless card mistress. "Now what do you plan to do?"

                Crying out in rage she pulled out a card and called its name. "Fiery! Please! Free my oniichan of his ice prison! Oh PLEASE!" The tears coursed down her cheeks as the Fiery card emerged from the card and sent the ice shikigami fleeing for its life. As it set to work trying to free Touya, she looked about to see that both Yuzuriha and Kero were beginning to lose ground with their opponents.

                Running at the angel, she knew the only way to stop them, was to stop their source of power. Angrily she called out the name of another card. "Fly!" Wings sprouted from her back as she took off into the air only to be stopped be the sudden icy feeling that began at her feet. Turning her head to look over her shoulder she was horrified to realize that Hitori was slowly freezing her body starting with her feet. "NO! I have to save everyone!"

                Suddenly the air began to waver and Sakura watched the sky turn pitch black. What could be happening now? How could things get worse? Just as sudden as the atmosphere changed, she heard the cry of the angel sitting in the tree. "NO! What are you doing? Curse you Sumeragi!"

                Warmth filled her as the ice began to melt, and gentle arms pulled the card mistress to a warm chest. "Are you ok Sakura-san?" Looking up she met the solitaire eye of deep green and smiled broadly.

                "Arigauto Sumeragi-san! Demo… how…" Sakura looked at him blankly unable to understand what was going on.

                "Shh…" Turning his attention up to Solis, Sakura followed his gaze and was amazed at what she saw. "What do you think you're doing? Picking on someone less powerful than yourself is unfair and you know it!"

                There in the branches of the tree was the angelic girl tangled in multiple snared branches. Squirming about, the angel glared at the Sumeragi in unmeasured waves of anger. "Whatever! How dare you use these freak of a tree! You're just like HIM!"

                Suddenly cold anger swept over his face as he returned her glare. "Is that so FIRECRACKER?!" This elicited another loathsome growl from the angel that surprised Sakura immensely.

                "Don't call me that! I despise that name! Release me this instant Sumeragi!" Sakura blinked then looked at her friends to see a very tired Yuzuriha cradling her brother gently in her lap while Kero guarded them silently from the wavering shikigamis that seemed far more interested in the lady's well being.

                Touya blinked a few times then grumbled under his breath. "Look who has a complex now… those two seem to be more of what Yuki always talks about…" Grimacing he noticed the look of warning in Yuzuriha's eyes.

                "Ne, To-ya… Be careful about what you say about Sumeragi-san… Being the Sakurazukamori… he's not as patient as he used to be…" Touya blinked and nodded mutely before looking up at his imouto in the arms of the powerful onmyouji.

                "Nan de mo… I'm not letting you go until you give up!" Subaru seethed in contempt as he glared at his beloved Solis, trying his best not to lose the resolve he had felt.

                "This isn't any of your concern!" The girl squirmed a bit more then winced as the branches squeezed her even more tightly. "AH!"

                "Call them off NOW! I don't want to hurt you!" A sudden sadness entered his gaze as he stared up at her trying his best to look authorative. Sakura shivered as she felt the tension between the two powerful beings. It was quite obvious that Subaru was stronger, but it was even more obvious that the angel had something over him that he couldn't beat.

                Lowering her head slowly, strands of chestnut fell into her china doll face as defeat filled her posture. "Very well…" Looking at her shikigamis sadly she forced a smile. "Please return… you know he won't harm me…"

                The three nodded hesitantly before returning into Ofuda and floating over to her. Soon the limbs released her and she plummeted to the ground too weak to even break her fall. Trembling in pain, she rose to her knees and put the treasured Ofuda away and closed her eyes. "Arigauto…"

                Glaring up at Subaru, she shook her head slowly. "Just release us from the Maroboshi now…"

                Nodding, Subaru allowed the area to quiver and then fade back into the sunny day in the midst of Ueno Park. Solis forced her self to her feet and grasped her shoulder in pain. "You've won this time Mistress… but next time I won't allow such interruptions…" Closing her eyes she vanished in a sea of pearl white feathers just as she always did.

                Sakura began to tremble as she looked up at Subaru, whose eyes were closed. "Sumeragi-san… Doushitano?"

                The man nodded slowly before setting her back onto the ground gently. "I'm sorry I took so long. But it didn't help that you ignored the warning that my shikigamis brought you…" Looking down at her with an arched eyebrow, he saw the small girl blush.

                "Those white birds were yours? Gomen ne… I didn't know…"

                "It's ok… Just please be more careful… the executioner is a dangerous opponent… and I fear I can't help you next time…" Looking away his eyes fell on Yuzuriha's form. "Is he ok?"

                "Hai… To-ya is fine. Thanks Sumeragi-san… You still kick butt as always!" The girl winked and tilted her head to the side happily.

                The taller man laughed and nodded to her. "So do you Yuzu-chan. I have to go… Keep an eye on Sakura-san for me please." With that he seemed to disappear in a cloud of Sakura petals.

                Sakura stared on in disbelief trying her best to ignore the urge to just rip her hair out in anguish. "WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON! THIS JUST ISN'T MAKING ANY SENSE!" All eyes fell on her with completely blank expressions. Everyone knew how she felt, for they all had the same questions in their minds as well.

~*~

TBC in Chapter 8…

WHOA! What was this? This was SOOOO long… .;; Well… I suppose it's not so bad… the scene between Subaru and Solis wasn't as long as I had planned… but it worked all the same. I'm so glad for all the reviews… I seriously thought no one would like it. O.o;; Thanks again for reading. If you have any questions, feel free to email me! Andromedastar_01@hotmail.com  Thanks! ~Nightingale