TITLE: When You Need Me
DISCLAIMER: lol. If I owned ANYTHING to do with CCS, do you think I'd be sitting here writing fics??? ^_-
SUMMARY: It's been a couple years since Sakura completed her mission. In fact, it's been seven. (more then a couple I guess, eh?) Forgive me, but there is nothing in here to do with Kaho. Pure ExT. Syaoran and Sakura are gone to a trip in Hong Kong for a couple months, and a dangerous gang is bothering Tomoyo. A really dangerous gang, who seems to have fun torturing our favorite little black-haired beauty. But she tells no one...... for a very serious reason. Eriol is the only one there to help, but will he?
ME: Hiya! And welcome to my second chapter! *cheers*
KERO: *grins* YAY! *grabs popcorn and sits down* This should be interesting!
ME: *evil grin* You have no idea *snatches popcorn* AND THAT'S MINE YOU LIL YELLOW PLUSH TOY! GOT IT???
KERO: *pouts angrily* Why do I even hang around here?? You're always taking my food!
ME: Aww... you know ya luv me Kero!
KERO: *sweat-drops* ummm... no. Anyway, on with the show!
ME: *grins*
* * * * * * *
*****WHEN YOU NEED ME*****
Chapter 2
Tomoyo was sitting peacefully in her room that night, bundled in warm blankets with a towel twisted atop her head to keep her hair dry and out of the way. She was sitting calmly on the bed, drowning out her newfound problems in a book that her mother had just given her that day as a present. Of course, it was still beyond Sonomi's comprehension why her calm and collected daughter had run hurriedly home through the pouring rain that afternoon, and then upstairs to lock herself in her room, but Tomoyo had explained nothing to her. And the girl knew her mother was too polite to ask.
Sighing, Tomoyo set the book down on her bed, shaking her head. Worry and fear were eating a dark hole deep inside of her, making it impossible for her to concentrate on her book. Everytime she looked down at the words they became blurry, and everytime she tried to concentrate on the plot her attention strayed to thoughts of what the gang would try to do. Tomoyo hadn't told anyone about the gang stalking her for the past couple of weeks. Not even Eriol, who she had been talking to a lot lately.
He always seemed so far and distant when she talked to him, but at the same time so perceptive, like he was trying to figure out her every move. The thought made her laugh deep inside, though it wasn't a laugh of happiness. No, it was more bitter then anything else.
~You'll never figure me out Eriol Hiiragizawa, not in a thousand years. I made sure of that when I started my game of masks. No one can.~
Shaking her head softly to rid herself of sorrowful thoughts, Tomoyo untangled herself from the warm blankets, unwinding the towel from her head, and began her nightly ritual of combing her hair before she went to bed. Plenty of conditioner had made her long black hair soft and easy to comb, which was a good thing, because she definitely wasn't in the mood to deal with knots.
Quietly Tomoyo began to sing to herself, her voice soft but beautiful. It was a small song her mother had made up, and though it didn't make much sense, she loved it just the same.
'When does the sparrow crow
Atop his twig-like throne?
When does the mountain cry
Just to be left alone?
When does the panther roar
In hopes of going home?
Little do they know
Their fates are already sown...'
The large, old-fashioned clock in her room, which had been a present from her father, had been ticking softly. Now it's chimes echoed loudly. 10:00.
'...In our cages we wait
White mice waiting to flee
In our chests our hearts ache
Longing to be free
What happens to us all day
Is something that's meant to be
But I'll always be there for you
Whenever you need me to.'
The last notes of her song echoed through her quiet room as Tomoyo set down the brush, purple eyes just a little brighter as she remembered the nights her mother would sing that to her, a huge smile always playing on the older woman's face. Those were the days before the Clow cards had ever showed up. When her father had still been around.... when she was still a child at heart. But after her father had left her, she had had to grow up so fast, and wisdom came with growing up. She didn't have innocent joy anymore. Just like Eriol had never had it, or even a childhood for that matter-
***CRASH***
Suddenly glass exploded inward through Tomoyo's room, snapping her out of her thoughts as she was covered with shards. She closed her eyes on instinct, the sound of shattered glass and shouts ringing in her ears. Seconds later her door flew open, and she looked up to see her mother red-faced and out of breath, followed by her two bodyguards. All eyes, including Tomoyo's, immediately flew to her balcony window, where half of her sliding glass door was shattered.
Snapping out of their shock before either Tomoyo or her mother, the bodyguards rushed in and picked Tomoyo up, brushing the glass shards off of her and talking through a small radio for a first aid kit to be brought up.
"Why?" Tomoyo asked, eyes wide with shock as she looked around her chaotic room. One of the guards looked at her worriedly.
"Miss Daidouji, you're bleeding!"
Tomoyo looked down in horror at the couple of pieces of small glass that were sticking into her skin, drawing blood that contrasted badly with her pale skin. A sick feeling welled up in her stomach and the girl immediately sat down on her bed, watching through dazed eyes as the bodyguards forced her mother out of the room.
"You're barefoot ma'am, you'll just get cut up yourself!"
"WHO DID THIS?" Sonomi screamed, but no longer tried to fight against the guards. Instead, her mother ran downstairs at once to call the police, her angry shouts heard through the whole house at the 'attempted murder' of her daughter.
Tomoyo just sat calmly as the bodyguards rushed for the first aid kit, her cloudy violet eyes flowing over the disaster in her room. Glass shards over her soft carpet, flashing in the light of her room like crystals. Sharp crystals. And right in the center of it all Tomoyo's eyes froze on a large black stone. On the stone, painted in the color of blood, was a coiled serpent, its tongue lashing out and its fangs bared.
'A warning,' Tomoyo thought vaguely as warm hands wrapped around her.
Her book lay forgotten on the bed.
* * * * * *
The next day at school Tomoyo sat at her desk as always, awaiting the first bell to sound. Her hair was down, cascading across her shoulders in black silky torrents, and today she had a white ribbon in her hair to match the white parts of her school uniform. She was perfect and well-mannered, silent Tomoyo, as she always was.
But today her head was lowered, her face buried in her arms as she leaned against the desktop. Nobody bothered her...... maybe she was just tired. They were all too busy talking to their friends to care. They didn't notice the slight trembling in Tomoyo's shoulders, or the fact that her hair was a bit messier then usual, as if she hadn't spent too much time on it. They didn't seem to realize she wasn't reading a book or drawing as she usually did, or that one hand was carefully concealed beneath her lowered head. But these were the first things that Eriol noticed as he entered the classroom, taking his seat beside her and glancing over.
"Tomoyo," he said gently, worry after worry flitting through his mind. When had he become like this? A reincarnation of the greatest sorcerer in the world, worried about the troubles of a simple mortal girl. But, he reminded himself with a smile, she wasn't just any girl. She was the best friend of the Card Mistress and his cute descendant. And she was- "Tomoyo, what's wrong?"
The girl immediately looked up when she heard his voice, plastering a smile on her face as she turned to him. The trembling in her shoulders was gone, and the smile was so warming it could have almost seemed real. Almost. If he hadn't known Tomoyo better.
"What do you mean Eriol? Nothing's wrong!"
Her voice was too cheerful...... and a little more high pitched then usual. It sounded only like a hollow echo of Tomoyo's true voice. He didn't even attempt to hide his frown.
"You know exactly what I mean, Tomoyo. And you know perfectly well that I can see right through your act. Now tell me what's wrong."
A small frown appeared on Tomoyo's face. A frown that creased her brow and made a small line more visible right above her left eye, though it was slightly covered by hair. Without thinking, Eriol immediately reached over and brushed the strands away from her eyes, revealing a small, fresh looking cut. His frown deepened when he noticed another one on her pale neck. She stiffened under his gaze, realizing what he saw, and turned away immediately.
"Tomoyo-" he began, when suddenly he heard a large cough near the front of the classroom. Their teacher had arrived. Scowling, Eriol turned away, still giving wary glances over in Tomoyo's direction.
At the end of class, Eriol stopped Tomoyo from getting up, looking down at her with a smile.
"Here Tomoyo, I have a note for you. Give me your left hand."
Tomoyo also smiled at him, her face a perfect mask as she held out her right hand for the note, her left one hidden underneath her bookbag.
"That's not your left hand Tomoyo." He said, his smile never swaying.
"It doesn't matter if you're just handing me a note." Tomoyo replied innocently, her smile never faltering as well. They were both perfect, putting on the same act. Seeing that the class was now filtering out, Tomoyo stood up, still smiling, and offered her right hand again.
"So do you want me to have it, or should I just go to my next class?"
Eriol's smile changed into a smirk as he handed Tomoyo the note, walking out into the hall with her.
"You're getting good...... but not good enough. We're friends Tomoyo, you know you can tell me everything that's on your mind. I hope you will."
'Not everything.' Tomoyo thought as she smiled at Eriol and headed towards her next class. 'Not everything Eriol Hiiragizawa.'
* * * * * *
Classes went by without any problem, and the dreaded bell finally rang. 'Dreaded' because that meant that Tomoyo had to get to her locker. 'Dreaded' because that's when the Serpent gang always showed up. Would today be any different now that they had had their revenge and threw a rock through her window?
She had hidden the rock before anyone else could find it...... the police had no leads to who had thrown the rock through her window, though they had assured her mother that it wasn't 'attempted murder'. They had questioned her on who it could be, but she had told them nothing. She couldn't. Not after reading the note that had been attached to the rock.
Tomoyo walked gracefully to her locker, opening it within a couple seconds and tossing some unneeded books into its depths. Then she dug out the two notes in her bookbag. One had been from Eriol, and one was the note that had been taped to the rock. She skimmed both over quickly. The one from the Serpents was written in big block letter, obviously hurried.
Daidouji,
This is only the beginning. You will suffer the wrath of our fangs, and we WILL get what we want. Tell anyone and your mother will be our next prey. And you better take that one seriously...... we don't lie when it comes to hunting. How many ways can a snake get into a maiden's castle?
It wasn't signed..... but then again, it didn't need to be. Taking a quick, shuddering breath, Tomoyo quickly folded the note and read Eriol's instead. It was written in his elegant handwriting, smooth and neat. But the words did not help her mood.
Tomoyo,
Come to my house after school. We need to talk.
Hiiragizawa
Short, but to the point. Tomoyo shook her head, but knew it was no use refusing to go. Eriol would just find another time or place to talk to her. After all, it was Friday. He had all weekend to mysteriously meet her somewhere. He was known for doing that.
But what kind of lie could she come up with that he would believe?
Suddenly a rough hand on Tomoyo's shoulder made her jump, but prevented her from turning around. The hair prickled on the back of her neck as she heard a low snicker.
"Miss me?"
* * * *
TO BE CONTINUED!!!!!!!!!
Muhahaha!! Kinda angstish so far, and gloomy, I know, I know. But it gets better. WAY better ^.^
KERO: It better!!! *growls* I've had it up to HERE with your gloomy stuff!
ME: Kero, dear, how far is 'here'? You're only a couple inches tall. (snickers behind hands)
KERO: Grrrr..... THAT'S IT! I'M OUTTA HERE!!
ME: *pouts* Then who's gonna help me introduce the next chapter?
(looks over the remaining characters) AH, of course!! *grabs Spinel out of the lot, kicking and screaming*
SPINEL: HEY! NO! Not me!!!
KERO: HE'S not taking my place, is he? DFS, that's insulting!
ME: No, I want you BOTH to help me with my next chapter *smiles sweetly* PLEASE?? All give ya lotsa cookies and candy!
KERO: .....
SPINEL: But I can't EAT coo-
KERO: *covers Spinels mouth* You got yourself a deal!!
DISCLAIMER: lol. If I owned ANYTHING to do with CCS, do you think I'd be sitting here writing fics??? ^_-
SUMMARY: It's been a couple years since Sakura completed her mission. In fact, it's been seven. (more then a couple I guess, eh?) Forgive me, but there is nothing in here to do with Kaho. Pure ExT. Syaoran and Sakura are gone to a trip in Hong Kong for a couple months, and a dangerous gang is bothering Tomoyo. A really dangerous gang, who seems to have fun torturing our favorite little black-haired beauty. But she tells no one...... for a very serious reason. Eriol is the only one there to help, but will he?
ME: Hiya! And welcome to my second chapter! *cheers*
KERO: *grins* YAY! *grabs popcorn and sits down* This should be interesting!
ME: *evil grin* You have no idea *snatches popcorn* AND THAT'S MINE YOU LIL YELLOW PLUSH TOY! GOT IT???
KERO: *pouts angrily* Why do I even hang around here?? You're always taking my food!
ME: Aww... you know ya luv me Kero!
KERO: *sweat-drops* ummm... no. Anyway, on with the show!
ME: *grins*
* * * * * * *
*****WHEN YOU NEED ME*****
Chapter 2
Tomoyo was sitting peacefully in her room that night, bundled in warm blankets with a towel twisted atop her head to keep her hair dry and out of the way. She was sitting calmly on the bed, drowning out her newfound problems in a book that her mother had just given her that day as a present. Of course, it was still beyond Sonomi's comprehension why her calm and collected daughter had run hurriedly home through the pouring rain that afternoon, and then upstairs to lock herself in her room, but Tomoyo had explained nothing to her. And the girl knew her mother was too polite to ask.
Sighing, Tomoyo set the book down on her bed, shaking her head. Worry and fear were eating a dark hole deep inside of her, making it impossible for her to concentrate on her book. Everytime she looked down at the words they became blurry, and everytime she tried to concentrate on the plot her attention strayed to thoughts of what the gang would try to do. Tomoyo hadn't told anyone about the gang stalking her for the past couple of weeks. Not even Eriol, who she had been talking to a lot lately.
He always seemed so far and distant when she talked to him, but at the same time so perceptive, like he was trying to figure out her every move. The thought made her laugh deep inside, though it wasn't a laugh of happiness. No, it was more bitter then anything else.
~You'll never figure me out Eriol Hiiragizawa, not in a thousand years. I made sure of that when I started my game of masks. No one can.~
Shaking her head softly to rid herself of sorrowful thoughts, Tomoyo untangled herself from the warm blankets, unwinding the towel from her head, and began her nightly ritual of combing her hair before she went to bed. Plenty of conditioner had made her long black hair soft and easy to comb, which was a good thing, because she definitely wasn't in the mood to deal with knots.
Quietly Tomoyo began to sing to herself, her voice soft but beautiful. It was a small song her mother had made up, and though it didn't make much sense, she loved it just the same.
'When does the sparrow crow
Atop his twig-like throne?
When does the mountain cry
Just to be left alone?
When does the panther roar
In hopes of going home?
Little do they know
Their fates are already sown...'
The large, old-fashioned clock in her room, which had been a present from her father, had been ticking softly. Now it's chimes echoed loudly. 10:00.
'...In our cages we wait
White mice waiting to flee
In our chests our hearts ache
Longing to be free
What happens to us all day
Is something that's meant to be
But I'll always be there for you
Whenever you need me to.'
The last notes of her song echoed through her quiet room as Tomoyo set down the brush, purple eyes just a little brighter as she remembered the nights her mother would sing that to her, a huge smile always playing on the older woman's face. Those were the days before the Clow cards had ever showed up. When her father had still been around.... when she was still a child at heart. But after her father had left her, she had had to grow up so fast, and wisdom came with growing up. She didn't have innocent joy anymore. Just like Eriol had never had it, or even a childhood for that matter-
***CRASH***
Suddenly glass exploded inward through Tomoyo's room, snapping her out of her thoughts as she was covered with shards. She closed her eyes on instinct, the sound of shattered glass and shouts ringing in her ears. Seconds later her door flew open, and she looked up to see her mother red-faced and out of breath, followed by her two bodyguards. All eyes, including Tomoyo's, immediately flew to her balcony window, where half of her sliding glass door was shattered.
Snapping out of their shock before either Tomoyo or her mother, the bodyguards rushed in and picked Tomoyo up, brushing the glass shards off of her and talking through a small radio for a first aid kit to be brought up.
"Why?" Tomoyo asked, eyes wide with shock as she looked around her chaotic room. One of the guards looked at her worriedly.
"Miss Daidouji, you're bleeding!"
Tomoyo looked down in horror at the couple of pieces of small glass that were sticking into her skin, drawing blood that contrasted badly with her pale skin. A sick feeling welled up in her stomach and the girl immediately sat down on her bed, watching through dazed eyes as the bodyguards forced her mother out of the room.
"You're barefoot ma'am, you'll just get cut up yourself!"
"WHO DID THIS?" Sonomi screamed, but no longer tried to fight against the guards. Instead, her mother ran downstairs at once to call the police, her angry shouts heard through the whole house at the 'attempted murder' of her daughter.
Tomoyo just sat calmly as the bodyguards rushed for the first aid kit, her cloudy violet eyes flowing over the disaster in her room. Glass shards over her soft carpet, flashing in the light of her room like crystals. Sharp crystals. And right in the center of it all Tomoyo's eyes froze on a large black stone. On the stone, painted in the color of blood, was a coiled serpent, its tongue lashing out and its fangs bared.
'A warning,' Tomoyo thought vaguely as warm hands wrapped around her.
Her book lay forgotten on the bed.
* * * * * *
The next day at school Tomoyo sat at her desk as always, awaiting the first bell to sound. Her hair was down, cascading across her shoulders in black silky torrents, and today she had a white ribbon in her hair to match the white parts of her school uniform. She was perfect and well-mannered, silent Tomoyo, as she always was.
But today her head was lowered, her face buried in her arms as she leaned against the desktop. Nobody bothered her...... maybe she was just tired. They were all too busy talking to their friends to care. They didn't notice the slight trembling in Tomoyo's shoulders, or the fact that her hair was a bit messier then usual, as if she hadn't spent too much time on it. They didn't seem to realize she wasn't reading a book or drawing as she usually did, or that one hand was carefully concealed beneath her lowered head. But these were the first things that Eriol noticed as he entered the classroom, taking his seat beside her and glancing over.
"Tomoyo," he said gently, worry after worry flitting through his mind. When had he become like this? A reincarnation of the greatest sorcerer in the world, worried about the troubles of a simple mortal girl. But, he reminded himself with a smile, she wasn't just any girl. She was the best friend of the Card Mistress and his cute descendant. And she was- "Tomoyo, what's wrong?"
The girl immediately looked up when she heard his voice, plastering a smile on her face as she turned to him. The trembling in her shoulders was gone, and the smile was so warming it could have almost seemed real. Almost. If he hadn't known Tomoyo better.
"What do you mean Eriol? Nothing's wrong!"
Her voice was too cheerful...... and a little more high pitched then usual. It sounded only like a hollow echo of Tomoyo's true voice. He didn't even attempt to hide his frown.
"You know exactly what I mean, Tomoyo. And you know perfectly well that I can see right through your act. Now tell me what's wrong."
A small frown appeared on Tomoyo's face. A frown that creased her brow and made a small line more visible right above her left eye, though it was slightly covered by hair. Without thinking, Eriol immediately reached over and brushed the strands away from her eyes, revealing a small, fresh looking cut. His frown deepened when he noticed another one on her pale neck. She stiffened under his gaze, realizing what he saw, and turned away immediately.
"Tomoyo-" he began, when suddenly he heard a large cough near the front of the classroom. Their teacher had arrived. Scowling, Eriol turned away, still giving wary glances over in Tomoyo's direction.
At the end of class, Eriol stopped Tomoyo from getting up, looking down at her with a smile.
"Here Tomoyo, I have a note for you. Give me your left hand."
Tomoyo also smiled at him, her face a perfect mask as she held out her right hand for the note, her left one hidden underneath her bookbag.
"That's not your left hand Tomoyo." He said, his smile never swaying.
"It doesn't matter if you're just handing me a note." Tomoyo replied innocently, her smile never faltering as well. They were both perfect, putting on the same act. Seeing that the class was now filtering out, Tomoyo stood up, still smiling, and offered her right hand again.
"So do you want me to have it, or should I just go to my next class?"
Eriol's smile changed into a smirk as he handed Tomoyo the note, walking out into the hall with her.
"You're getting good...... but not good enough. We're friends Tomoyo, you know you can tell me everything that's on your mind. I hope you will."
'Not everything.' Tomoyo thought as she smiled at Eriol and headed towards her next class. 'Not everything Eriol Hiiragizawa.'
* * * * * *
Classes went by without any problem, and the dreaded bell finally rang. 'Dreaded' because that meant that Tomoyo had to get to her locker. 'Dreaded' because that's when the Serpent gang always showed up. Would today be any different now that they had had their revenge and threw a rock through her window?
She had hidden the rock before anyone else could find it...... the police had no leads to who had thrown the rock through her window, though they had assured her mother that it wasn't 'attempted murder'. They had questioned her on who it could be, but she had told them nothing. She couldn't. Not after reading the note that had been attached to the rock.
Tomoyo walked gracefully to her locker, opening it within a couple seconds and tossing some unneeded books into its depths. Then she dug out the two notes in her bookbag. One had been from Eriol, and one was the note that had been taped to the rock. She skimmed both over quickly. The one from the Serpents was written in big block letter, obviously hurried.
Daidouji,
This is only the beginning. You will suffer the wrath of our fangs, and we WILL get what we want. Tell anyone and your mother will be our next prey. And you better take that one seriously...... we don't lie when it comes to hunting. How many ways can a snake get into a maiden's castle?
It wasn't signed..... but then again, it didn't need to be. Taking a quick, shuddering breath, Tomoyo quickly folded the note and read Eriol's instead. It was written in his elegant handwriting, smooth and neat. But the words did not help her mood.
Tomoyo,
Come to my house after school. We need to talk.
Hiiragizawa
Short, but to the point. Tomoyo shook her head, but knew it was no use refusing to go. Eriol would just find another time or place to talk to her. After all, it was Friday. He had all weekend to mysteriously meet her somewhere. He was known for doing that.
But what kind of lie could she come up with that he would believe?
Suddenly a rough hand on Tomoyo's shoulder made her jump, but prevented her from turning around. The hair prickled on the back of her neck as she heard a low snicker.
"Miss me?"
* * * *
TO BE CONTINUED!!!!!!!!!
Muhahaha!! Kinda angstish so far, and gloomy, I know, I know. But it gets better. WAY better ^.^
KERO: It better!!! *growls* I've had it up to HERE with your gloomy stuff!
ME: Kero, dear, how far is 'here'? You're only a couple inches tall. (snickers behind hands)
KERO: Grrrr..... THAT'S IT! I'M OUTTA HERE!!
ME: *pouts* Then who's gonna help me introduce the next chapter?
(looks over the remaining characters) AH, of course!! *grabs Spinel out of the lot, kicking and screaming*
SPINEL: HEY! NO! Not me!!!
KERO: HE'S not taking my place, is he? DFS, that's insulting!
ME: No, I want you BOTH to help me with my next chapter *smiles sweetly* PLEASE?? All give ya lotsa cookies and candy!
KERO: .....
SPINEL: But I can't EAT coo-
KERO: *covers Spinels mouth* You got yourself a deal!!