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by
Neohowler
Chapter 3
"Yes mother," Syaoran spoke into the mouthpiece of the phone. "I'm coming home in two days."
It had been just a little over a month since Syaoran had arrived and temporarily taken residence in Juuban. A little over a month since he had agreed to take on the duty of investigating the high magic readings that had been appearing recently in Juuban. And a whole month of trying to solve the mystery behind the unknown source of power for one Tomoe Hotaru.
Leave no stone unturned I guess, Syaoran thought to himself as he headed for the only place in his father's house where he knew he could probably find a clue to the mystery. The basement. Or more specific, his father's well collected library. He had known of the library when he first took a small tour. However, he never really gave the shelved books a second glance. Mostly because they appeared so old and dusty. Then again, those books had probably remained untouched for atleast ten years.
A few hours later, Syaoran transformed the neatly organized room of books into a room full of towers and pillars of stacked books. With half the shelves empty or totally void of books. Towers of books that were as high as eight feet, taunted the mind of anybody who would've walked into the room with thoughts of collapsing books. Under normal circumstances and with a 'normal' person, the books may have already collapsed unto an unsuspecting victim. However, as for those who is aware of Syaoran's unique gift, those events are likely to happen as the moon is likely to turn pink. In other words, Syaoran used a simple gravity spell to keep the tall stacks of books in place while he sat away at an old faded brown reading desk...reading. Or for those who didn't like that last term lets use, 'he was partaking in an activity that invokes collecting intelligence by means of looking and studying the literary works collected by his fahter(hehehe-college english professors, eat your heart out---*note, there is a word that probably doesn't belong in there.)'.
Moon kingdoms!? Star Warriors!? Evil Interdimensional Beings!? Thought Syaoran as he read through one of his father's plain gray journals. He had scan through most of the other books, using magic to soak in the information and brand it into his memory to be sorted out later. At most, he probably only really bother to actually read two or three books. And those were a page or two that he thought was interesting. It was only by chance of luck that he noticed his father's journal collection. Curiosity eventually got the best of him and Syaoran ended up reading one of his father's last journal entries. Unfortunately, now Syaoran needed to question his mother if his own father was still sane during his last days of life.
Almost half the journal entries pertain to Li Lang's last studies of ancient Mesopotamia and Syria cultures. There, Lang had somehow stumbled upon ancient hieroglyphs that had caught his eyes. After months of decoding, Lang finally realized that the hieroglyphs were telling a tale of events that happened several thousands of years ago. An age of peace refered to as the 'Pure Era' or 'Silver Millinium.' Evidentally, Lang decided to follow up on the ancient text, and found other numerous cultures, long gone and nearly forgotten, that told the same tale.
No offense father, but this all sounds just a little to farfetched. Syaoran said to himself as he closes his father's journal. Besides, who in their right mind would believe about such an advanced and magically powerful civilization before even Great Magic Cataclysm? Often refer to by the Li family as, the Era of The Clow. Mainly due to the facts that that was supposedly the age where magic thrived the most and a lot of the most powerful spells were said to have been developed during those time. It was also the century in which Clow was born and the events leading to the Mage wars begin. Ultimately leading to the two hundred year end of magic, A.K.A as the Great Magic Cataclysm.
Pushing away from the desk and stretching his back muscles, Syaoran glanced over to the old grandfather clock that he's father at collected at the far end of the library. Eleven forty-five? Took longer then I thought it would...guess I'll take a walk, need some freshair anyway, Syaoran yawned as he got up. Maybe I'll go eat out just for today.
And mom did say you should treat yourself to something sweet more often, another part of his mind said. "Maybe, but that doesn't mean I'm free to do so whenever I want." Syaoran countered outloud. So, as usual as the planets aligning in eternalty(by that I mean its bound to happen on more then just one or two occasion and will eventually become a normal event, since we're talking about forever right here), Syaoran slipped into his postponed morning argument with himself.
Today was the day. It will attack today. But it can't allow itself to be seen...not yet. It was still too weak. And it could sense Clow's magic. And Clow's magic was strong. If it wanted to defeat Clow, it needed to be stronger. Smarter. It sensed Yue close by. It also sensed Keroberos and the Clow cards. But the cards weren't Clow's cards anymore. It could sense a change in power. And the power was stronger then even Clow's.
"Impossible," it said to itself in a voice that was gender neutral, but cold as the Arctic winds. "Clow has been conquered. No doubt about it now, I must recharge the Dark Crystal. Then...then...revenge is MINE! DO YOU HEAR CLOW!? REVENGE WILL BE MINE!"
It had planned for this all its life. For hundreds of year, this was all it thought off. It knew how it must recharge the crystal. The crystal told it how to. The crystal itself yearned for vengeance against those who had entrapped its soul into its present physical state. The crystal will have its power back again, and it will have its revenge as well. Now, it need only to search for the Sailor Senshi.
Today was a cold day. With an irratating breeze blowing through the air. There was a little chill in the air for those who weren't properly dressed for the weather. For those who were properly dressed, were either oblivious to the 'coolness' in the air, or chose not to acknowledge. Especially our gentle spirited Hotaru. Who, at the moment, was entering a park only a few blocks from her foster home with a purple book in hands. Hotaru knew from past experience how to take care of her health. Even though it had been atleast two years since her body was used as a vessel for the heinous Mistress Nine, who had fed off her life force. Hotaru was noticibly physically stronger now then she was back then. However, her body's constitution and endurance was still weak for a child her age. Despite that she no longer have seizures on a daily basis, she still loses conscious the moment she physically over exerts herself.
Also, old habits die hard for Hotaru. One of them is that blasted innocent heart of her's. Despite how the world had treated and shunned her, Hotaru could never walk away from someone who is in pain. She would do whatever she could to heal them, even exposing her powers and being considered an outcast. Another habit of her's is the overwhelming need to dress warmly for the winter. Hotaru was dressed in a black long sleeve turtleneck shirt, layered by a dark violet buttoned yarned jacket nitted by her foster mother. On her legs, she had dark stockings layering both her legs, covered by a thin, silky to the touch, knee length skirt. Which was covered by a thick black dress that started from her waist down and stopped just above her ankles. And a pair of shining pitched black shoes grounded her body to the concrete underneath her.
After a few minutes of a paced walk, Hotaru found an unoccupied park bench she could sit at. The area was rather secluded and no one was around for meters. So she settled herself down onto the bench and opened up her book to a random page. The book was titled, "The Hero's Tears." A romance/fantasy for those who are interested in knowing what topic it falls under. And its also a made up name as far as I'm concerned. The book was about a mysterious young stranger who suddenly appears in a young princess's life. She quickly falls inlove for this stranger, however, near the end, the young stranger kills a suitor of her friend. So she banishes him from her kingdom, only to learn later that the stranger didn't kill her friend's suitor, but killed an assassin who was impersonating the suitor. By the time the princess was able to apologize, the young stranger had died protecting her kingdom from an evil dark force.
Hotaru had read this book nearly a dozen times. It was definitely one of her favorites. She still cries everytime she finishes the book. The hero had died thinking that the princess hated him. And she, the princess, lived the rest of her life alone and in regret. Even Michiru agrees with her that the story was tragic and cried along with Hotaru. This was another reason why this was one of her favorite books. Because she could share and relate it to one of her foster parents. They each had a copy of the book and usually they would read it together. However, today, neither of her parents were home. Haruka was at the tracks; racing against two new motorcyclist who broke her old record. Morisato Keichii, who, from Haruka's point of view, was a wimp with some guts. The other was Kinomoto Touya, who was only described as athletic by Haruka and nothing more.
Michiru was at a recital. Still hoping that eventually the music director would give her the position of first violinist, since the person who had gotten the position had gotten ill. However, she had a bit of competition. But, unlike Haruka, Michiru only had one person to compete with. A young and aspiring man with platinum color hair. Tsukishiro Yukito. Whom Michiru describes as a rather elegant and beautiful man. So, with both her parents busy, and Setsuna at the Time Gates, Hotaru decided to help herself to some freshair and reading.
If I was the princess, Hotaru sighed as she reread the sad ending. I would've never turned him away, not without listening to his explaination first...
Syaoran found himself lost in what he assumed was a nearby park. He'd been so immersed with his little eight way self-debate that he'd completely lost track of where he was heading. It wasn't until he ran right into tree, a rather embarassing position for someone who was suppose to lead the most powerful family in China to find themselves in, that he realized he was lost. To efface all my faults would mean to deny who I truly am, Syaoran reminded himself of a lesson he'd learned during his deep depression after Sakura. It wasn't an easy lesson, and the Li family Elders nearly 'de-heired'(once again, another word that you may only find in my illogical and twisted vocabulary list) him. Only the unconditional love of his family, added by the letters of encouragement of Yukito, Tomoyo, and, believe it or not, Touya, was Syaoran able return to himself. Or as close as anyone would think of as the real Syaoran.
Got to find out where I am now, Syaoran shook his head as he stood up. This is all your fault you know. Came an accusing voice from the back of Syaoran's mind. If you'd been paying attention rather then arguing with yourself, you'd be somewhere else probably having a meal to eat.
Or if you just agreed that you're still not over Sakura, added another voice. This was all just great for Syaoran. Sometimes, Syaoran wonder if he should just sign himself up to a mad house. If he did, he would probably have one of the oddest cases of schizophrenia known. This is all I need, Syaoran growled to himself as he quieted the voices. Not even I trust myself to make decisions. What was that that Great Aunt Kuh Lon once told me? Indecision is the worse decision a person can make; to chose to do nothing is worse then to choose something and fail...a thousand times over.
"Maybe I really am losing it," Syaoran said as he shook his head and started to walk to where he saw a small bench, hoping that he can share the bench with the current occupant while he collected his thoughts. All he really wanted at the moment was to sit down and think to himself. He was leaving tomorrow morning at ten. A school day too. And, as usual, no one would be aware of it until he was gone. "The story of my life...I came, I saw, I run away. I might as just well be the first Li heir to write their memoirs."
Lost in thoughts and mumbling to himself, Syaoran failed to noticed how close he'd now gotten to the bench. Nor does he realize who the person, or should I say girl, was that was occupying a part of that bench. Hotaru herself, was so lost in living within the final chapters of the book, that she too failed to noticed shadow of a young chinese boy homing in closer to where she was sitting.
Now, as we're all famaliar with these events, we can only speculate that one of two different events will happen. The first: Syaoran and Hotaru would, coincidentally, look up at the same time, looking deeply into each other's eyes. Then a long, dramatic pause would ensue, soon followed by stuttering from both sides. Then, the two of them both end up blushing so hard that a tomato/tomAA-toe would seemed like a pale pair. Followed by some more stuttering and silence. Then, a big make out scene would finally happen and everybody at NASA would throw off their hats and celebrate. Followed a very detail and descriptive long lemon scene with Syaoran and Hotaru. For you hentais, I don't really like to do lemon, nor do I like the idea of teen sex, even if it is anime/fanfic. So I'll take the second option.
"This is getting me no where," Syaoran mumbled to himself outloud, not realizing it. His mind currently wondering about what his family has planned for him when he gets home. They would either send him out on another mission, or they have some more training in mind. It was as usual as clock work when it came his life. Syaoran was simply some by-product that was going to be the main horse and pony act to the public, keeping his family's 'special' attributes a secret. Though everyone says that being leader of the clan was a great honor, Syaoran was starting to think otherwise. Some honor...you live and do what other people tell you to do... And so, on goes Syaoran's own little depressing line of emotional and ego battering.
Syaoran was so involved with his thoughts, once again, that he didn't realize that the occupant of the bench had looked up to inspect the owner of the shadow that was blocking her light. Until his ears picked a shy and barely audible, "Syaoran...."
Hotaru looked up immediately when a shadow started to wash down the pages of her book and blocking out the dim, winter days' sun's ray. It was a person. However, their entire posture and movements seemed...heavy. That was the only way she could describe it. Heavy, as if they had the weight of the entire world on their shoulder. And they might as well have too, from the way they were walking. Their head was bend towards the ground infront of them, but Hotary had a feeling that they weren't really even paying attention the ground at the moment. But even so, she felt as if she should recognize the person. The face was slightly hiddened in the shadows. So Hotaru had to squint a little to make out the face a little, but the minute Hotaru saw those deep amber eyes, she immediately knew who it was.
"Syao...Syaoran..." Hotaru whispered so lowly, that anyone else would've have mistaken it for whimper. She also didn't realize that she had said his name until Syaoran's head suddenly snapped up and those peaceful amber eyes rested on her.
"Hotaru...?" Syaoran responded nervously. "What...are you doing...here?"
Stupid question! Syaoran quickly said to himself. Does the words PUBLIC PARK mean anything to you!?
Hotaru bowed her head, hiding her burning face from Syaoran's focused eyes. "I..." trying not to sound too shy, though the attempt was futile, Hotaru lifted her still opened book. "...reading." She paused nervously as she felt a wave of warm air wash over her. She still felt herself being under the eyes of Syaoran's lovable eyes. But the pause and thunderous space of silence between her and Syaoran was starting to make her uncomfterable. So uncomfterable in fact, that Hotaru would've welcome any kind of event to interrupt the building silence between them. A monster attack, a skywriting, ANYTHING. Something to relieve her of being the victim of Syaoran's attention and the unusual wave of warmth that was washing over her body.
Seeing that Earth was no longer at the peril of any kind of interdimensional or extraterrestrial attacks, Hotaru figured that it was going to be up to her to somehow break the silence. How, was another story. What do I say? What do I say? Hotaru asked herself in her head. What would Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama ask Syaoran? Hotaru threw the idea out of her mind before she even started to consider it. Parents were parent, whether they were biological or foster parents, they all seem to ask the same questions when it comes to boys. So rather then initiating a what would've been a mature adult conversation, Hotaru simply repeated the last sensible question she heard. "What're you doing here Syaoran...?" Which, undeniably, is similar Syaoran's own.
Syaoran nodded when Hotaru gave him her reason. Book in hand and everything and you still couldn't figure it out?! Syaoran berated himself. You might as well just ask her why she's dress like that as well. Hammering down the irratating voice in his head, Syaoran tried to focus on the present moment outside of his head. In which he found himself within another annoying silent moment. This can't get any worse. Syaoran sighed silently. Why is it that Clow cards and Sorcerors appear whenever I don't need them and never when they're actually needed!? Is there some stupid law that states that somewhere...
Quickly trying to divert his attention anywhere other then the current silent moment, Syaoran did the only sensible thing he knew how to do without arousing Hotaru's suspicions. He allowed his magic to field out and simply did a mage scan. Though he knew that there probably wasn't anything for miles away, and since he was only limiting his scan to about a twenty meter radious, he knew he wouldn't be able to find much. Other then just the simple emitted 'memories' of the surrounding plant life and nature. Kids falling and scraped knees, butterflies, couples being together... Syaoran ran off whatever 'memories' he received his surroundings. A neat trick he'd learn from his sisters when they needed some quick gossip.
Getting tire of listening already and wanting to break the silence, Syaoran started to break down his field when he felt a famaliar pull of magic in front of him. It was familair due to two very specific reasons. One, it was a spell that he'd recognize. Two, it was HIS magic that cast the spell. Syaoran though, was less then estatic about learning, or more like remembering, all this. In fact, if there had been a truck heading straight for him, Syaoran probably would've waited for the truck to hit him rather then move out of the way.
Baka baka baka! Syaoran cursed as he quickly reached out with his magic to surround Hotaru's body. How could I forget about my OWN Read spell? Idiot! Do you realize what would've happen if you were to acutually FORGET!!!? To angry at himself for forgetting about such an important spell, Syaoran didn't realize that along with just simply his magic, he was also allowing a bit of his empathic gift slip into Hotaru's as well. Not enough to enrage herself, but enough to feel the idea that Syaoran was feeling rather upset, or atleast starting to feel rather uncomfterable around him, giving her every right to run for the hills. Luckily for Syaoran, Hotaru would rather sooth other people's problems then run from it.
As Syaoran was getting done with finishing the 'undo' spell on his read spell, he was interrupted by a weak, "What're you doing here Syaoran...?"
Not really expecting to be interrupted in the middle of undoing his spell, Syaoran lost track of what he was just doing and refocused his attention back on Hotaru. Though to Hotaru, Syaoran had had his eyes on her the whole entire time. Syaoran though, was rather upset because he was only a few milliseconds away from undoing the Read spell he'd set in Hotaru earlier. A chance he may not get again, seeing how he was leaving tomorrow morning.
But, of course, Syaoran answered Hotaru the best way a guy would usually answer any girl's question while he was in the middle of thinking while trying to tell himself he wasn't lost. "I...well...I...err" Of course, we all remember that he didn't have any breakfast either, so at that exact moment, Syaoran's stomach decided to give his 'breadwinner' a little reminder of the reason why Syaoran left the saftey of his house and got lost in the first place. So, as Syaoran stumbled over his words, with Hotaru, head still slightly lowered to avoid actual gaze with Syaoran, listening, a low gurglish growl rumbled from Syaoran's stomach.Traitor... Syaoran said, to his stomach as he tried to fight down both feelings of burning ears and embarassment.
Hotaru, however, found it rather cute and started to giggle. Then, she realized that it would be read as an act of disrespect and stopped immediately. Hoping...no, praying that Syaoran wouldn't be angry with her or upset. This was the first time in about a week that he'd talked to her, and she just had to go and laugh at the most dumbest, rudest possible moment. "I'm...I'm sorry," Hotaru bowed her head even lower. "I didn't mean to laugh. Please, don't be upset with me...please don't. I really didn't mean to...I..."
Syaoran stared at the face lowered girl sitting on the bench infront of him. If it was one thing that Syaoran at least managed to learn about Hotaru during his stay here, is that she seemed to have a great desire to try and be a friend to him. Something Syaoran could do without. But then again, he'd only seen her about for about two hours tops for during the entire time he was in Juuban. And he probably only had about ten minutes overall worth of conversation with her.
Rather then just stand there and just watch her start breaking down into tears, how about helping her out!? came a voice in his head. Syaoran could almost imagine an imaginary fist heading him upside the head. Feeling unsure of what to do though, despite the voice that was now in full ring in his head telling him to help Hotaru, Syaoran could only stand and watch as Hotaru slowly started to break down. Her tears being trailed by her words of earnest apologies in between her sobs. Other then Sakura, Syaoran really didn't have a lot of experiences with dealing with girls. His sisters often sought comfort in each other or with their mother. However, ironically enough, it's situations like these that makes Syaoran shined in the eyes of many people.
Great, thinking as he took a step forwardly, not really knowing what he would do. Despite that almost every part of him wanted to just say, 'its your problem, get over it.' Now what do I do...I don't know how to handle this.
Say you're sorry would be a good start, whispered a voice in the back of his head. And, as before, the words shot out of his mouth before he even considers why he's saying them.
"...I'm sorry...Hotaru," Syaoran said with an unnatural calmness in his voice. Now, he really wanted to go drown himself. What in the world was he thinking? Cursing his own mouth for running off on its own. If there was a rock large enough and within reaching distance, Syaoran would've use to replace the foot he had in his mouth. However, Syaoran relaxed a little when he heard Hotaru's sobbing become less frequent. And almost all thoughts of negativity was pushed out of his mind when Hotaru gaze up into his eyes with those alluring violet eyes. Eyes that seemed haunted almost. Similar to 'The Void's' eyes. There was a touch of Tomoyo's elegance in her features, something that Syaoran had missed before. And, as before, Syaoran had to fight down an incredible urge to reach out for her hair when his eyes came across them.
Luckily though, Hotaru's voice came to his rescue of giving away his thoughts. "What are you apologizing for...?" Her voice chimed lovely with the cool autumn morning. Almost camouflaged and lost with all the musical chirppings of the birds and busy nut burying crazed squirrels in the background.(Are there squirrels in the Japan. A reader of the draft of this chapter told me they don't think there are any squirrels in Japan.)
Syaoran's mind finally snapped back to attention when he realized that he couldn't think up of a reason. Reason! Reason! Reasonreasonreasonreason!? Syaoran drew up to a blank mind trying to find a reason. Any reason for an apology. After what seemed like hours of mentally berating himself, though in reality it was less then three seconds, Syaoran threw out the first thing in his mind that seemed reasonable enough.
"About the incident," Syaoran finally spilled. However, Hotaru's eye brows creased together, feeling confused and unsure of what Syaoran was talking about. "I...I didn't know about you 'condition.' Mr. Tsukare told me afterwards when you...lost consciousness. I...I'm sorry." Syaoran bowed at the waist to show that he was earnestly apologizing.
You know, Syaoran heard himself said. If you wanted to apologize, you could've just gone with your stomach growling... Syaoran's face nearly faulted when the thought finally came to him.
Hotaru stared at the respectively low bowing Syaoran before her. This...everything that had just happened had been a HUGE surprise to her. She had assumed that the reason that Syaoran had been avoiding her was because that she had gotten him in trouble. She remembered what Nurse Joy told her when she woke up and found herself in the nurse office. She had passed out on the soccer field and, this part she still can not believe, Syaoran had actually carried her to the nurse's office. Something that caused her to blush everytime she thought about her weak little sleeping form in Syaoran's big strong arms. That much would explain the even more hostile then usual treatment she had been receiving from the girls in her class. But she couldn't really blame them...she would feel a little jealous too if someone else was being carried by Syaoran.
"I...well..." before she could continue any further, Syaoran's stomach chose to protest once again. Hotaru fought down a giggle, but she let herself smiled. Hotaru thought that it was rather cute. Syaoran, however, was starting to reach for his necklace, which was actually his sword in its false form. Once was more then enough for him already, however, a second, and while he was bowing as well, that was more blow to Syaoran's already fragile ego then he really wanted. At the moment, Syaoran was debating whether to open up a hole in the earth for him to fall into or strike himself with a lightning spell.
Feeling sorry for Syaoran, Hotaru closed her book and got up. "I know this place nearby that serves great food," Hotaru said cheerfully. Apparently, Syaoran's stomach did a great job at ice breaking. As Syaoran raise himself form the bow, Hotaru realized that she was starting to sound probably just a little too forward. Dropping her cherry smile and retreating to her shy and fragile posture Hotaru added, "That is...if you would like to go there."
"Well I..." Syaoran froze to consider everything just for a moment. He wasn't totally sure of what to do. Sure he was hungry, but he also needed to get back to the house and get everything ready for tomorrow. Then again, what was there that needed to be done. He's clothes were still in its suit case, since he had taken the precaution to plan that he may not be staying for too long. In fact, the only thing that was left doing was undoing his Read spell on Hotaru. And this may be his last chance as well. No choice I guess...
It was a long walk from where the park was. But they finally came to their destination. It was an outdoor restaurant. With those huge umbrella on each table. There were people there already, but the place wasn't totally filled up. From observation, Syaoran assume that this place is somewhat an American based restaurant. Most of the costumers were easting baskets of fries, steak, burgers, cake, and other western delicacy. Though he could make out the faint aroma of herbal tea as well. The place was located within the business section of Juuban. People were bustling and hurrying to grab a bite or working. Or just plain walking.
"This is Big Mike's Food," Hotaru smiled as she gestured to the outdoor restaurant. "Me and my parents come here atleast once week together. Its our own little restaurant. I know you'll just like it."
Big Mike huh? Syaoran thought to himself. Thought so...
"OH HOTARU!!!!"
Both Syaoran and Hotaru, but for the most part Hotaru, jumped when they heard the voice. They both turned to where the source of the voice came from and saw an odd looking blond girl. Her hair was done up into two seperate balls on each side of her head and the rest of her hair tailed out behind it. She was dressed in a oversize pink turtle neck sweater and green pants. Beside her, or more like being dragged by her, was a guy that was considerably taller. He was dressed in a black turtleneck shirt with a green blazer, and a pair of grayish blue slacks. Syaoran could almost swear the the guy had a 'kill me' and 'envy me' smile as he was dragged by the odd blond, at an incredibly fast pace, considering that she was dragging a guy that was probably twice her weight. So fast in fact, that she actually came to a streaking stop by the time to reached them.
"HI HOTARU! WHAT'RE YOU DOING HERE?!" Syaoran sweat dropped as the odd blond continued to bombard Hotaru with questions of what Hotaru was doing out on her own. Hotaru could only remain speechless as her princess continued to attack her with questions. Questions that even her own mother, biological and foster, would probably never even ask her in public about. Asking about any sales Hotaru may have seen lately or any any dresses she may have bought. Around the fifty-ninth and sixty-first question Hotaru made the biggest mistake she could have made in that day. Feeling a little bit more nervous and perhaps even a bit intimidated, Hotaru reached out for the closest thing that she felt secure holding. Which just happened to be Syaoran's arm. When Hotaru realize what she had already did, it was too late to try stop. Because the moment that Hotaru made a gesture towards Syaoran, the weird 'meat-ball head' blond, that's the best way Syaoran could describe her hair style, opened a flood gate of questions at both of them.
"OHMYGOD!!! IS THIS YOUR BOY FRIEND, HOTARU?! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU NEVER TOLD US YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND! OHHHH, YOU TWO LOOK SO CUTE TOGETHER!" The meat-ball head blond pause to look around, and to catch her breath. During those quick milliseconds, she took a few things into consideration. The first was that neither Michiru, Haruka, and Setsuna weren't anywhere in sight. It wasn't just odd not to see Hotaru with any of her adopted parents around. It was astronomical. The second thing she noticed was how well dressed both Hotaru and Syaoran were. Especially Syaoran in that black turtleneck shirt, loose fitting brown slacks, and black shoes. The third, and probably most dangerous, was that they were all standing right infront of an outdoor restaurant. She quickly did the math and came up with one conclusion.
"Ohmygod....Hotaru...I can't believe you're on a date!" The blond almost cheered as she announced the fact. The four of them quickly became the center of attention as the blond continued to squeeled and chirp about Syaoran and Hotaru. "Rei, Minako, and Makoto are going to be SOOO jealous when I tell them about this." The blond continued, despite Hotaru's burning face and little attempts to stop the blond from talking. Suddenly, a great idea hit the blond straight in the head. Or, atleast to her it seemed like a great idea. "I know! Lets make this a double date! Me, Mamo-chan, you, and your date. It'll be both romantic and fun!"
Hotaru wanted to be anywhere but there at the moment. Her face was so red and so hot you could've fried and egg on it. She honestly couldn't tell if her friend was trying to torture her or not. She knew that her friend's intentions were good, but did she have to be so straight forward and...well...loud? Plus, she wasn't ready for a date. The last boy that even gave her a nice glance barely survive Haruka. What would happen to Syaoran if Haruka learns that she was of on some...romantic rendezvous with their neighbor?
At that moment, one of the waiters came up to the gathering of four. "How many will there be?"
"FOUR!" The ditzy blond suddenly screamed. "It'll be four. Since we're all on a double date, you better give us your best table for four. You hear me. And while we're at it, how about a double date discount as well. Maybe you can throw in some free food while you're at it. Step on it Mr. Waiter, me and my friend's are waiting."
Both guys face faults as the blond continued to 'order' the uncaring waiter around as he leads them all to their seat. Hotaru simply just followed behind the group keeping her head low and praying that no one from her school was there. Or anyone that might recognise her. The guy took out some tylenol pills and started to down them three at a time. Syaoran, not actually as self conscious as his two silent partners, simply followed quietly behind the blond.
The now relieved waiter gladly seats the four customers, and especially glad to get away from the blond. "A waiter will be with you shortly," he says as he hand them their menus. "If you need anything, just ask one of the staff and we'll try to help you in anyway we can."
With those final words, the waiter walks away and Syaoran could've swore his sharp sense of hearing picked a sigh as the waiter went. Followed by a rather rude and doesn't need repeating comment on the blond under the waiter's breath. Hotaru was seated next to Syaoran, due to the blond's 'advice.' And the guy just simply went along with it as if he was use to it. And as we all know, he probably is. If not, hey, he's got a few centuries to adapt right?
"So Hotaru," the blond started again. "Are you going to introduce us to your boyfriend?" Syaoran's attention returned back to the table when he heard the emphasis on the word boyfriend.
"U...Usagi...," Hotaru said nervously and her face turning redder and brighter every time that Syaoran is refered to as her boyfriend. "He...he's not my boyfriend. Syaoran is just-"
"Syaoran!?" Usagi shouted when she heard the name. "Well Syaoran, nice to meet you. I'm Tsukino Usagi and this is my boyfriend Chiba Mamoru. So how long have you been going out with our little Hotaru? Hmmm? Hmmm? Hmmm?"
"Well I...er...we..." Syaoran was trying his best not to hurt anyone's feeling. Especially Hotaru's, whose self esteem seemed low enough as it already is. Oh man, now I remember why I never go out to eat. Syaoran was rescued from more word stumbling when a waiter set down a basket of fries on their desk. Which Usagi started to quickly dig into and immediately forgetting the question that she'd asked Syaoran earlier. Syaoran was amaze at the speed that Usagi ate. It was probably almost as fast as Yukito's eating habit. No wait. It was actually slightly worse. Yukito at least stops in the middle of his eating when he needs to say something. Usagi was commenting on the fries and having a full blown discussion, or trying to, at the same time.
Hotaru had to do something. She needed to tell Usagi that this was all a big mistake. She was just showing and telling Syaoran about the restaurant when Usagi and Mamoru arrived. Also, she wasn't sure if Syaoran had enough money to by a meal for both him and her. Hotaru had a little amount of money on her, but it wasn't going to be enough here unless all she was ordering was a couple of drinks. She really doesn't eat a lot. Only bits and pieces. In fact, the biggest meal she's ever had in her life were probably just three plates of Michiru's cooking. And that was only because she had a sudden growth spurt from the age of six to eleven in one night.
Deciding that the only way to get her attention was to use the direct route, Hotaru got up over to Usagi's fries consuming form and whispered into Usagi ears. "Usagi, I don't think you understand." Hotaru whispered, trying to find the correct words in her mind so she doesn't embarrass or hurt Usagi's. "Syaoran and I were just walking around. I don't think that Syaoran...has enough money for the both of us to have a date...you understand. Right?" There, she finally told her. Usagi could probably take a hint by now and find someway for them to leave the restaurant. Well, maybe Syaoran could probably stay, since he had planned on eating out in the first place.
Usagi had listened to everyword that Hotaru had said to her. And yes, she knew what Hotaru was trying to say. Wondering what a fool that she had been for jumping into all this so soon. Hotaru was too young for a date and Syaoran, well, she don't know a lot about him, but he was too young too. What have I done...? Usagi thought as she looked back in forth from Syaoran to Hotaru. Usagi stopped as she looked at Hotaru, who gave Usagi a pleading look. Usagi immediately knew what to do. She gave Hotaru a warm smile and nodded, signaling that she understood Hotaru and Syaoran's position.
"Listening up everyone," Usagi stood up and said. "In honor of Hotaru's first date and double date with me and Mamo-chan, Mamoru and I will pick up the tab on this one. So go ahead you two love birds, order whatever you want and me and Mamo-chan will pay for it okay."
Usagi winked over to Hotaru, wondering why Hotaru was on the floor. Mamoru took out the Tylenols again and just downed the whole thing. He knew that whenever Usagi said that they will be treating, it usually meant that he will be paying for it on his own. Syaoran just sweat drop as he watched the whole scene unfold before him.
"May I take your orders please," a waiter offered himself to the butcher, meaning Usagi. "What would you like to have?"
Syaoran made small hand gesture towards Hotaru, reminding himself to show some amount of manner and not let his appetite get best of him. Plus, he really hadn't looked at the menu yet, so whatever Hotaru would order, he would as well.
Hotaru, not really getting a chance to look at the menu either, was save by her experience of coming to Big Mike's so often that she already had an order in mind. "I'll take a cheese burger with fries and grape juice please."
The waiter jolt down Hotaru's order then turned his attention back to Syaoran. Syaoran ordered the samething only he replaced the grape juice with hot chocolate. A delicacy he hadn't enjoyed in quite a while. The waiter writes down Syaoran's order then turns his attention over to Mamoru and Usagi. Mamoru decided to order two of the same order as Syaoran and Hotaru for the him and Usagi, only they had coke for their drinks instead. Which was probably for the best, because if Usagi had ordered, Mamoru wouold probably be washing dishes until Crystal Tokyo came into existance. But Usagi had her say when the waiter asked if they wanted anything sweet to follow down the food with afterward. Almost automatically, she shot up and shouted, "ICE CREAM!!"
Hotaru was hoping that Usagi would drop the absurd idea of their double date after they finished their meal. Unfortunately for the two youngster though, Usagi had plans. She wasn't going to have none of that! Whether they like it or not, Usagi was determine to get the youngest member of the Sailor Senshi paired up with Syaoran. She was very aware of how Hotaru's peers treated her, so to see her with a young boy, and an extremely handsome one at that(but not as handsome as her Mamo-chan, or so Usagi kept telling herself), she was going to get these two together no matter what.
I'm going to get these two to kiss by the end of the week or else my name isn't-Usagi does her Sailor Moon pose-Tsukino Usagi, Champion of Love and Justice.
"Lets all go for a nice walk in the park together," Usagi offered as Mamoru went off to pay for the bill. It wasn't so much that Mamoru had to worry about it. Infact, considering how much money he normally spends on his dates with Usagi, this one was one of the cheapest by far. And there wasn't any monster attacks or anything to bring it on too. Just a normal couple with normal friends eating. Not that Mamoru was cheap, it was just that Usagi ususally cause a large dent on his financial life. But, he wouldn't have her any other way. If only she just realize that match-making wasn't one of her stronger points. Or any points at all if there were any.
Syaoran was starting to feel odd about Tsukino-san and Chiba-san. He didn't know how he missed it before, but he felt an extremely high amount of concentrated 'white' magic from both of them. Especially from Tsukino-san. Her very being seemed to rediate a humble, but powerful aura. She had a certain...characteristic about her that was attractive to Syaoran. He couldn't be sure if it was her pouty pink lips, or those diamond blue eyes of her's. But Tsukino-san was the most prettiest-
Whoa, get a grip on yourself Li. Syaoran mentally slap himself as he realize that he was becoming a victim of his magic once again. Your magic is attracted to her's. That last fact made Syaoran groan a bit. It was unbelievevable! He'd been here for nearly a month and he had somehow managed to over look such a powerful gift. Especially since it was a type of magic that his was so strongly attracted to. Also, the signature of Tsukino-san's gift similar to Yue's and Yukito's magical signatures, something that made Syaoran's pride in his magical gift sank even farther down. As if being left in the dark with Hotaru's gift didn't do enough damage already. One would've thought that once bitten you could avoid another bite.
It found them. Or three of them any way. The two senshi known as Moon and Saturn. Along with the Earth prince's reincarnation. Now how to drain them of their powers? It would have to find a way to force them to transform into their alter forms of course. So what could it do? The crystal was still too weak to be of real use yet and it's powers at the moment wouldn't really do much. What could it do?
It glanced ahead of the three to find something it could use as a form of attack. It had to find something big and preferably strong. Then it saw what it needed. A foutain, with a gigantic war horse statue spouting water out of it's mouth and into the pound of liquid below it. A idea came to it and it started to weave out a plan. It didn't need to do any kind of confronting, just make sure that the two girls and the prince transform. It didn't take notice of the fourth character that was with his victims though. He would be of little nuisance. Right now it had to figure out how too force the Senshi into battle without actually going into a direct confrontation.
Clow and the Royal families of the Silver Millinium will pay for our sufferings, it said to the Dark Crystal as it continues to trail the group. They had entered a small park area. And it soon saw what it needed. Now, the games will begin. And it smiles as it took out the Dark Crystal and the Crystal humms into life as a red sphere of light suddenly suurounds the black stone.
Syaoran was starting to feel frustrated. Not at anyone in particular. Just himself, as usual. It had been nearly two hours now and he still hadn't remove his Read spell from Hotaru. He'd been trying to find the right time, and situation, to remove the spell, but everytime he found one, Tsukino-san would suddenly turn around and hit him with a question or two. Ignoring the question didn't work either because she would just keep asking until he gave her an answer. The only actual hard part about dispelling it is that the castor and the castee have to both be physically touching. Same as in casting it as well. Though Syaoran could probably just pull Hotaru to the side and dispell the Read spell easily, he didn't want to upset Hotaru; or get Tsukino-san any more 'proof' she needed that Hotaru and him were 'seeing each other.'
Could the situation possibly get any more awkward? Syaoran asked himself as he continues to trail behind Chiba-san and Tsukino-san, with Hotaru on his left side. Well, if it can, it can't be any worse then it already is...I hope. That did it. Fate (and Urd) had no intentions of granting Syaoran's hope at the moment. Oh no. It would be much too boring if evereyone's lives went accordingly the way they wanted it. That's why Kami-sama invented Fate to keep things...interesting. And interesting things shall get. For we all are part of a curse. A curse that a kami in mortal form had given to us in a form of a sentence; may you live in interesting times.
LIFE! It had never felt it before. It had never felt anything before. It had never even have a single thought before. But now, it did. It was given life. It could now feel new and strange feelings. It couldn't describe them. They blinded it with and smothered it. At first it was scared. It didn't know what happened or what to do. But then, it felt it. Its master. THE master. The ONLY one it would yield to, for the Master gave it life.
The Master was telling it to do something. To hurt. To scare. To attack. And it will comply. It threw up its head and took in its first full breath of air. Of life. Then, it spit out the smooth cold thing that had always continued to fall out of its mouth. It pushed up with its front legs and balanced itself as best as possible to its hind legs. Mane fluttering with the morning breeze, it sent out a loud praise for the Master. Then, it brought back down its front legs and crushed the water filled ground beneath it.
"NAAAAAYYYYYYYY-HEH-HEH-HEH!!"
BOOOOMM!
I know I know, this was even LONGER!!! I'm sorry, but thanx to those who kept on reviewing sending me mail. The reasons this wasn't up sooner is because my computer suddenly got a boot sector virus, translation: A very nasty computer disease. And I had to reformat my entire computer. WAAAAHHHH!!! ALL MY WORK DESTROYED!!! WAHHHHH!!!! The second, is that I haven't been able to get on online for a while because my Internet Service Provider was down so I had wait till that got fixed up too.
I know that this may not be as good as you may have hoped for, but I hope it'll do. I lost all the original works and I had to retype over two megabytes of fanfics. And most of them aren't just this fic. I had to rewrite ALL of my fics that I was planning on putting up on here. So sorry, and review please. Or E-mail me at LPS_2@yahoo.com.
