Well, Hello and welcome to my Little World of Weirdness!
I state for the record that, despite the fact I really, really wish I did, I don't own any of the official characters that will grace this story; it's all CLAMP's! Always has been, always will be! I *DO*, however, own Marcibay Hilligans and Hei-ying Reed!! I also own Mystrasa Kyree, and the dragon isn't mine, it's on loan from my good friend, the Blue Goo! And what the heck . . . I own the mansion as well! [Laughs] Also I don't pretend to have any Mastery over the language of Japanese or any clue as to correct grammatical structure. I put it in and hope it gets across the point I'm trying to make! And I don't pretend to be able to write any sort of accents so please don't hate me!
"Speaking"
*Stress/emphasis*
//Thinking//
In This Tainted Soul . . .
By Dr Megalomania.
Part Ten: Water Demon
"Here they are!"
Clow took his magic robes out and gave them a good shake. He spluttered slightly as the dust floated in the air. "Certainly has been a while."
He smiled down at Keroberos as the lion sniffed the clothes. A look of disgust crossed his face; "You're not going to wear that, are you?"
"Mmm-hmm!" Clow nodded. "It's my favourite robes . . . the last time I wore them was . . ."
"Was when?" Keroberos asked, unaware of the sad look that passed over Clow's face.
"Was when Mister Hilligans. . . passed away." Clow sat in the window seat, cradling the black robes in his lap, they still had the mud stains from when Clow threw them over Hilligans' body in a failed effort to keep him warm. Keroberos sensed Clow's mood now, and leapt onto the bench next to his still young Master, "Whoever this Mister Hilligans bloke was, I'm sure he wouldn't want you moping over him for the rest of eternity . . . C'mon!" He nudged the window open; "Let's go for a fly!
Clow looked out the window, "I haven't flown in years. . . I can't remember. . ."
"Pish-posh!" Keroberos snorted, "C'mon, it'll do you some good!"
Clow was about to decline again when Hei-ying knocked at the door, "Come in, Hei-ying!" Clow called out happily, the black robed angel glided silently in. Once the door had been shut, he allowed himself to land on the ground. Clow sighed he was beginning to wish he hadn't made such gloomy robes for Hei-ying, it suited him, but they always struck Clow as funeral clothes. He sighed and stared out the window. Keroberos jumped off the seat and pranced over to his eldest brother, "Don't you think Oniichan? Clow and us should go for a good old-fashioned fly together, ni? Ni?"
He tugged slightly at Hei-ying's coat tails before Hei-ying snapped quietly, "Let go of my robes!"
Clow looked at him, "Keroberos is right . . . we all need to stretch our wings . . ."
Hei-ying was so flustered about Keroberos' drool on his coat that he spoke suddenly without thinking, "But Master. . ." he protested, "Our training!"
Clow blinked in surprise, Hei-ying had protested against Clow's suggestion . . . perhaps there was hope for him yet! Clow smiled, "There is time for training later . . . the autumn is still warm; I suggest we take up this advantage while we still can."
Hei-ying frowned slightly but bowed graciously before extending his wings.
Keroberos soared, the wind in his face, and the slight cold taste to the air made him smile. He was now just over three months old; he had gained the appearance of a fully-grown lion. Although this did mean Clow Reed didn't have to carry him up the stairs anymore, Keroberos did lament the fact he couldn't sleep in Clow's arms anymore. Keroberos looked behind him, Clow was sitting somewhat unsteadily on his staff, he smiled up at Keroberos. "See? I told you I was slightly out of practice!"
Keroberos growled playfully and dived towards him, "Then I will have to train you for once!"
Clow tried to dodge out the way as Keroberos dived at him over and over; Hei-ying remained away from the ruckus, casually observing Clow's movements. The magician was still handsome, and he had matured rather well, his black hair was still long and well kept but since Keroberos' creation, Clow had allowed some strands of hair to hang loose around his face. Clow had taken to keeping his reading spectacles on all the time, but to Hei- ying this just further increased his new matured look. Hei-ying still craved Clow, and Keroberos had brought chaos to their orderly routine. Before Clow wouldn't speak, much less laugh, but at least he still came to Hei-ying when sleep eluded him. Now, Clow rarely spent any time away from Keroberos, the lion had commanded his attention the whole time that he was growing, but the time was nearing when Keroberos would be able to support himself and would become independent. It was that moment when Hei-ying planned on returning to Clow and performing his regular duty.
The was a sharp shout as Keroberos dived too close to Clow, Hei-ying broke out of his self analysis and watched as Clow spun on the staff. Keroberos laughed heartily as Clow attempted to right himself. Hei-ying's eyes widened with fear as Clow lost his grip on the magical staff.
The wind was whistling passed his ears at a frightening pace, he had closed his eyes and wondered if this was the time fate had chosen for him to die . . . it seemed a little unfair, and he didn't want to leave his creations behind like this. Clow wondered about the feeling because he didn't feel like his work was done. Hei-ying wasn't fully trained, he only knew half of the cards, and Keroberos was still unable to control the strength of his fireballs. The whistling in his hears started to change, warping slightly as Clow entered yet another vision. He opened his eyes; he was on his gilded staff, racing downwards. It was the middle of a snowstorm, and he was diving downwards. He was chasing something, he realised, but it was just out of his reach. There was nothing in his power he could do to stop the descent. His heart wrenched as he realised he was lose this precious gift forever . . .
"Master . . .?" Hei-ying's voice, Clow frowned and opened his eyes; Hei- ying stared back at him, jade green eyes displaying an unusual amount of emotion. He was holding Clow, his arms wrapped securely around Clow's waist. "Are you all right?"
Clow lifted his arms to wrap them around Hei-ying neck, as the black-haired angel ascended upwards, Clow smiled slightly, "I am now . . . It's a good thing you're so fast. . ." he stared down, glad that this was not the end for him.
Hei-ying also smiled slightly, the Master was happy to be in his arms again. Although this wasn't their old arrangement, Hei-ying tightened his arms on Clow's waist. He pulled his Master closer, into a small embrace. Clow rested his chin on Hei-ying's shoulder; it wasn't often that the angel display simple affection, often every movement he made was usually tinted with some sexual suggestion, although whether Hei-ying was aware of this Clow didn't know.
Hei-ying smiled as he breathed in the scent of Clow's hair, it had changed little since the last time they had been together. He bit his lip as Clow's magical essence began to seep into his senses. It was starting to overwhelm him, they had been apart for so long, and Hei-ying wanted Clow so much. He craved Clow, with every breath he took, he wanted his Master. In the few months of Keroberos' creation, Clow had ceased his nightly visitations completely, Hei-ying stayed up every night waiting for a Master he was addicted to. For the second time that day Hei-ying did something that went against his very being, he turned his head slightly and brushed his lips against Clow's smooth pale cheek.
Clow froze as Hei-ying pressed cool lips against his cheek. His eyes slid shut as a small ember of desire threatened to relight. It had been so long . . .
"Hei-ying . . ." he moaned slightly.
His black haired creation pulled back slight to look him in the eye, Clow moved one hand up to the back of Hei-ying's head, twining his fingers in the noir coloured hair. Hei-ying felt the familiar push of Clow's hand behind his head; his eyes slid shut as his lips parted slightly. //Back to their old ways . . .// Hei-ying's staved body cried jubilantly.
"CLOW!" Keroberos' concerned yell broke through the trance Hei-ying's kiss had put on Clow. Clow gasped slightly and pulled back his head. Clamping his hands securely on Hei-ying's shoulder, Clow looked up. Keroberos dived down towards them, his long tail wrapped firmly around the gilded staff. "Gomen!! Are you all right?!"
Before Clow could answer, Hei-ying snapped at him, "Of course he's all right, you ridiculous overgrown house cat!!" Clow stared at Hei-ying with amazement as the black haired angel started to shake with barely contained fury, "You almost killed him. You brainless little--"
Keroberos glared at him, "I wasn't asking you, Baka!"
As their argument grew louder, Clow climbed back on to his winged staff, he stared in amazement as the two creations hurled abuse at each other. It was the first time he had seen them quarrelling, but from the ferocity, he could easily tell that it wasn't the first time that they had argued. They already knew each other's response, and launched increasingly vile language at each other.
Hei-ying growled menacingly as Keroberos butted him in the stomach. He threw one arm behind him, and a deep green glow started to appear in his palm. Clow's eyes widened as one of Hei-ying's jaded daggers formed. "Enough!" Clow roared, he put himself between his two creations; he faced Hei-ying and glared up at the furious black haired angel.
For a few moments, Clow thought that Hei-ying was going to throw the dagger straight at him regardless. There was something in his eyes, which Clow didn't recognise, pain, and fury, hate. Clow didn't understand, he never created Hei-ying to have those emotions; he thought he had created Hei-ying to be perfect. Hei-ying's eyes calmed instantly, and the thing was gone.
Hei-ying turned away and threw his dagger in a different direction; it ploughed straight into the pond near the work shed. He folded his arms and turned back to Clow, who blinked. For the first time in his life, Clow couldn't read Hei-ying's expression, there was still some residual anger, and maybe a tiny bit of disappointment at not being able to fight Keroberos or some sexual deprivation Clow didn't know, but there were other things as well, an instability that surfaced briefly.
Clow turned away, and faced Keroberos, the younger creation's eyes narrowed as they focused on Hei-ying, the lion's lip curled with unspent vehemence. Clow positioned himself so he could turn his head easily and address the two. "What has come over you? Both of you?" Clow fumed, "You will be spending the rest of your lives together! Don't you understand? You must get along, you must be a team . . . or you'll fail the Cardcaptor . . . and me."
This last statement made shame colour Hei-ying's cheeks and Keroberos looked down. Clow sighed and shook his head; "Very well, I strongly suggest you spend the rest of the day in contemplation. Consider the words I have spoken."
Clow turned his staff and headed back to his study. He paused briefly to check if their fighting had resumed, but instead was saddened to see the two eye each other coldly before turning away. He didn't realise it had been so bad, their sibling rivalry had turned into something much more dangerous. He shook his head again; Hei-ying's hate filled eyes still haunted him.
Hei-ying flew down to the pond, the scene of his last act. He stared at the water coolly; first the old man had tried to come between Clow and him, now Keroberos had tried to kill the Master. Some rational part of Hei-ying mind suggested that his brother had merely made a mistake and had flown too close to Clow, but it still made Hei-ying angry. Keroberos took far too many liberties with Clow, was far too disrespectful. The lion never put Master before he spoke Master Clow's name. Hei-ying frowned; no one was allowed to talk to the Master like that. Hilligans' had learned that lesson . . . Hei-ying's lips curled as a delicious thought spread over his mind, //perhaps it's time Keroberos learnt as well . . .//
Keroberos looped and soared in the sky for a few more minutes before he landed heavily, //Baka Hei-ying! He's ruining my mood!// Keroberos couldn't enjoy his flight now that Clow was angry at him, Clow had never been angry at him before like that. He sighed as he strolled across the lush grass of the lawn, it was going to be tough, and he'd never done it before but . . . Keroberos gritted his teeth as Hei-ying came into sight. His elder brother was staring into the pond, arms folded and levitating in that creepy fashion he always insisted upon. Keroberos sighed, "Hei-ying?"
Hei-ying slowly turned his head to glare at Keroberos. Any lesser lion would have been intimidated, but Keroberos had lived with Hei-ying for the entirety of his life. He was used to Hei-ying's temper. He never showed it to Clow, but to Keroberos, Hei-ying was a hot-tempered, often cruel brother. Keroberos was no stranger to the jade daggers Hei-ying would throw at him.
"We need to talk . . ." he took Hei-ying's silence as permission to continue, "It's about Clow."
"Master Clow!" This always provoked a response. Hei-ying walked around the pond, as Keroberos approached him. "What about the Master?"
"Hei-ying, we must start to get along . . . I am willing to put it behind us, okay?" Keroberos thought he was being entirely reasonable. Hei-ying appeared to think about it.
"You want to ensure that Master Clow isn't displeased . . ." Hei-ying moved towards the water.
"Yes."
"Hmmmm . . ." Hei-ying stared thoughtfully at the water. He raised his foot and hung it over the water. Keroberos stared in amazement as small ripples started to appear under his brother's foot. The ripples glowed green, jade like Hei-ying's magic, jade like his thorn daggers, jade like his eyes. The shimmering emerald water circles entranced Keroberos; he had a particular weakness for sparkling lights. Clow used to let the glow entertain the young lion when Clow himself was too tired to play with the active kitten. Hei-ying smiled predatorily as he watched Keroberos draw closer to the water. His younger brother gasped as Hei-ying stepped on to the water.
"H-how are you doing that?"
"It's called Levitation . . . it's one of the powers Master Clow gave us . . ."
"He's never trained me how to use it . . ." Keroberos cocked his head in an attempt to see how his elder brother was doing it.
"I expect he thinks you know how to do it by now . . ." Hei-ying wasn't exactly telling the truth, it was true that Clow had given them the power, but it required an immense amount of concentration, and training was required.
"Can I do it?" Keroberos was distracted, Hei-ying smiled, and moved towards the middle of the deep pond. "You should . . ." he held his hand out to his brother, "just walk onto the water . . ."
"Are you . . .?"
"Yes . . ." Hei-ying bobbed slightly increasing the number of ripples below him, knowing that this would entice his brother further.
Keroberos lifted a paw and held it just over the water as Hei-ying had with his foot, there were glowing gold ripples under his foot. He raised his head to look questioningly at Hei-ying.
His elder brother smiled again, "Try not to think about it . . . it'll just happen . . ."
Clow sat on his staff outside his study's open window. He was thinking, what had he done wrong that would make them fight like this? He had created Keroberos to draw power from the sun, Hei-ying from the stars, the two didn't cancel each other out, so what provoked them to behave like that? Hei-ying's power source was the stars because Clow had guess that this would be helpful to the Cardcaptor. He sensed that she was affiliated with the stars somehow, so if Hei-ying gained power from the stars, he would immediately attract the Cardcaptor. As for Keroberos, the intention was that the sun's power would give him an endearing quality, one that would make him liked, trusted and respected. Clow had decided against using the moon, he felt it would be too cold and distant for the Cardcaptor, that any being created under that sign might even scare her without even meaning to.
He sighed, he shouldn't have yelled like that at Keroberos. Hei-ying was probably used to it, there had been more than a few occasions in the time after Hilligans' death when Clow had become incoherently drunk and hurled abuse at Hei-ying for no other reason other than Hei-ying was the nearest target. Clow always regretted that Hei-ying had ever seen that half of him and resolved never to show it again, not to Hei-ying, not to any of his creations. Clow rocked on his staff slightly as he thought about how he could make the two understand each other better. Maybe getting them to talk would be a good idea, he smiled that would be a start, he reached out with his senses to find out where the two were. Hei-ying's jade aura and Keroberos' golden aura shone brightly from the direction of the pond by the work shed. He kicked off in the air, and sped smoothly towards them.
Keroberos thought he could see something moving under the water, as he stepped tentatively on to the water, the golden ripples moved easily from under him. His smile was uncertain briefly as he dipped but stabilised, he looked up at his elder brother. "Hey. . . this is fun. . ."
"Indeed." Hei-ying stared at him, Keroberos suddenly felt rather strange. . . as if he had entered into some kind of fog, he felt like he couldn't see. "Hey! What's happening . . .?"
"What *do* you mean?" Hei-ying's voice was muffled slightly. Keroberos frowned, he couldn't concentrate on the levitation and try to sense the magical world at the same time. . . he tried to land, unaware that he was dipping closer to the water. He was so sure he could see something moving under the water. . .
Hei-ying floated slightly backwards as his younger brother slowly sank down into the murky water, it was a bit tiring. Blocking Keroberos' magic and pulling the vines up from the waterbed was a little bit of a strain on Hei- ying. It had been easy with the old man, since Hilligans had mediocre magic; but Keroberos was on a par with his own. It was quite a task, confusing the lion and waiting until he was low enough in the water to spring the murderous vines on him.
In his mind Hei-ying was already compiling his explanation to Master Clow, //I tried to convince him not to follow me onto the water . . .no . . . *Better* . . . It's all my fault Master, I just wanted to apologise to him, and I had crossed the water without thinking that Keroberos would follow me . . . I didn't realise anything was wrong until he just stopped moving . . .// Hei-ying smiled as he wondered how long it would take for Clow's grief to wear off this time.
Keroberos was partly aware that something was slipping around his ankles as they made contact with the cool water. It tugged gently, and he allowed it to pull him down, thinking that it would lead him out of this mental fog that had engulfed him. He jerked awake when bitter rank water slipped into his mouth, he still couldn't see properly but it registered to him that if he went any further under the water, he would most certainly drown.
Hei-ying jerked back in surprise when his younger brother's wings suddenly extended and Keroberos began to fight the waterweeds that were wrapped around his ankle. He was about to force them to pull him under completely, intending to submerge the lion completely when Clow's deep violet aura brushed against his sense. Cursing, Hei-ying threw himself into the water and dragged Keroberos out of the dirty water. The lion was so exhausted from thrashing about in the water that he had passed out. Hei-ying on the other hand, wondered if he could salvage his excuse, //If only I had had just a few more minutes . . .// he thought with disgust, as he watch the lion continue to breathe heavily.
"MASTER!" Hei-ying's voice called out to him, Clow stopped briefly. Hei- ying sounded scared or panicked.
Hei-ying?! Clow cried back and resumed his flight towards the pond. He gasped in shock as he saw Hei-ying barely standing by his brother and Keroberos unconscious or dead. Clow's heart felt a spike of fear, //Keroberos . . .?// he landed swiftly and ran the short distance to them.
"What happened?!" Clow cried as he fell to his knees by Keroberos, the lion was still breathing. For this Clow was glad, almost giddy with relief, he listened with only a half ear as Hei-ying launched into his explanation.
"It's all my fault Master, I just wanted to apologise to him, and I had crossed the water without thinking that Keroberos would follow me . . . I didn't realise anything was wrong until . . ."
Once Keroberos was safely tucked into bed, Clow took Hei-ying to the pond. He stared at the seemingly calm water, "Hei-ying . . . What happened?"
"I'm not entirely sure Master, Keroberos just followed me onto the water . . ." Hei-ying knelt by the water and peered in, "I don't understand, what was in the water that could have dragged him down?"
"What do you mean?"
"Just before I realised something was wrong . . . I thought I saw something moving in the water."
Clow leant over the water, and a cold chill ran over his spine. As he stared into the water, the kind looking man looked back. Again for him it was still night. Clow smiled before the image faded. But still the cold feeling remained; "Perhaps there is a mischievous sprite in the water . . .?"
Clow sat back and stared at Hei-ying thoughtfully, his suggestion would be quite accurate. "If there was a water demon in the pond, then it *would* try to drown people . . ." Clow frowned it had succeed in one try, and it had tried again with Keroberos. He wondered why it hadn't tried to get Hei- ying, Hei-ying seemed to understand his thoughts and stared at the water.
"Perhaps . . ." he suggested, "Perhaps because I am much more powerful than mister Hilligans, and Keroberos has yet to attain his full potential . . . that is why it has never attempted to get me . . ."
Clow nodded, he was furious, his closest friend had been claimed by some *petty* water sprite! He stood and called forth his staff.
Hei-ying stood as well, he spread his wings and floated a few feet off the ground as the supernatural storm surrounded his Master. "What are you going to do, Master Clow?" He called above the wind.
"Watery!" Clow called out, "Help me remove the evil that threatens Keroberos! Gather all the water from the pond and remove it. . . then go to all the other ponds, and repeat the process! Release!"
The water spirit rose from the card and paused, she snarled at Hei-ying. His jade eyes narrowed slightly, he was well aware Clow's order had called the spirit to take away the threat to Keroberos, but the Watery was confuse if she was supposed to kill Hei-ying. "Watery!" Clow called, "I said the pond! Hei-ying, back away slightly, your aura might be confusing her."
As Clow destroyed every pond in his mansion's grounds, Hei-ying returned to his brother's room. Hei-ying wondered why Master Clow had ordered the spirit off him, he was the threat to Keroberos . . . perhaps Master Clow had realised this too but had called her off because he . . .// He approves of what I do! // Hei-ying smiled, //Perhaps he wishes me to dispose of Keroberos, but doesn't want me to make it so blatantly obvious . . .//He knocked lightly on the lion's door. When there was no answer he pushed the door open. Keroberos was still sleeping, safely wrapped up, his room was a bright sunshine yellow, and where the dark panels of wood stopped there was a warm yellow paint.
Hei-ying glared at the bright yellow curtains Master Clow had made for Keroberos, they were just like Keroberos, they had little suns and sunflowers embroidered on them. Master Clow had handmade them, and he and Keroberos had spent an enthusiastic afternoon decorating the room with a combination of magic and hard work. Hei-ying had declined to assist, much to Master Clow's disappointment. Hei-ying had taken one look at the paint splattered, grinning Keroberos and politely asked if he could continue to study in his own room. Hei-ying smiled as he thought about his own room, it was order defined, Hei-ying's own floor length curtain were a deep forest green, and it had stars and blood red roses embroidered on it. Master Clow had handmade them himself; he and Hei-ying had silently decorated the room together, and then had celebrated the finished room together that night.
Hei-ying snorted scornfully as he stepped on one of Keroberos' beloved stuffed toys, the lion was living a prolonged childhood, he had decided, Master Clow hadn't forced Keroberos to learn how to talk properly, how to read, how to even fly properly. Or at least, he hadn't done this at the same rate as he had with Hei-ying. Their lessons were filled with unnecessary laughter, while Hei-ying's had been enlightening, charged experiences. He sighed and kicked the toy away; Keroberos had wasted much of his life playing with such ridiculous thing.
A cough from the bed made Hei-ying look up, his jade eyes narrowed. If Master Clow removed all the ponds, how was he going to teach Keroberos respect for the Master? He sighed; //I will just have to find another way . . .//
"Clow?" Keroberos' unfocused golden eyes landed on him.
"You should call him Master Clow!" Hei-ying snapped, Keroberos winced; he had a splitting head, and was very weary.
"Hei-ying? What are you doing here? Where's Clow?"
In a lightening strike, Hei-ying slammed his hand down on Keroberos' sore head, "Call him Master!"
Keroberos winced again and shrank away slightly, "Get away from me!"
Hei-ying grabbed the lion by the scruff of his neck. "If you hadn't struggled . . ." he hissed quietly.
"What do you mean?!" Keroberos moved his head around to stare at him, a realisation hit him hard, "You tried to drown me, didn't you?!"
Hei-ying's eyes narrowed, and he said nothing.
Keroberos pulled away from him, "When Clow finds out . . .!"
Hei-ying rose and stepped to the door, he sniggered and smirked lightly, he turned back and stared at Keroberos with his unblinking jade eyes, "What make you think Master Clow doesn't already know . . .?"
-------------------
And now it's Time for LEAVE IT TO DR MEGALOMANIA!!
Kero: [Angry] Lemme at him! Lemme at him!!
DrM: Clow and Hei-ying aren't here . . .
Kero: Where are they then?
DrM: Off having a break . . . that and I'm sick of Clow's snide remarks about my sanity . . .
Kero: But you are always calling yourself insane . . .
DrM: [Folds arms obstinately] Yeah, but I don't like people *agreeing* with me! [Glares at the Blue Goo]
Kero: Hoe! [Looks around] so where's Yue?
Yue: [Gagged] Mmmm mmm mmm!!
DrM: [Shoves Yue under carpet] Oh, I'd say he's in the next update . . .
Kero: What's that suspiosuly Yue-shaped lump you are sitting on?
DrM: [Grins] Not a clue! Please R&R!!!
I state for the record that, despite the fact I really, really wish I did, I don't own any of the official characters that will grace this story; it's all CLAMP's! Always has been, always will be! I *DO*, however, own Marcibay Hilligans and Hei-ying Reed!! I also own Mystrasa Kyree, and the dragon isn't mine, it's on loan from my good friend, the Blue Goo! And what the heck . . . I own the mansion as well! [Laughs] Also I don't pretend to have any Mastery over the language of Japanese or any clue as to correct grammatical structure. I put it in and hope it gets across the point I'm trying to make! And I don't pretend to be able to write any sort of accents so please don't hate me!
"Speaking"
*Stress/emphasis*
//Thinking//
In This Tainted Soul . . .
By Dr Megalomania.
Part Ten: Water Demon
"Here they are!"
Clow took his magic robes out and gave them a good shake. He spluttered slightly as the dust floated in the air. "Certainly has been a while."
He smiled down at Keroberos as the lion sniffed the clothes. A look of disgust crossed his face; "You're not going to wear that, are you?"
"Mmm-hmm!" Clow nodded. "It's my favourite robes . . . the last time I wore them was . . ."
"Was when?" Keroberos asked, unaware of the sad look that passed over Clow's face.
"Was when Mister Hilligans. . . passed away." Clow sat in the window seat, cradling the black robes in his lap, they still had the mud stains from when Clow threw them over Hilligans' body in a failed effort to keep him warm. Keroberos sensed Clow's mood now, and leapt onto the bench next to his still young Master, "Whoever this Mister Hilligans bloke was, I'm sure he wouldn't want you moping over him for the rest of eternity . . . C'mon!" He nudged the window open; "Let's go for a fly!
Clow looked out the window, "I haven't flown in years. . . I can't remember. . ."
"Pish-posh!" Keroberos snorted, "C'mon, it'll do you some good!"
Clow was about to decline again when Hei-ying knocked at the door, "Come in, Hei-ying!" Clow called out happily, the black robed angel glided silently in. Once the door had been shut, he allowed himself to land on the ground. Clow sighed he was beginning to wish he hadn't made such gloomy robes for Hei-ying, it suited him, but they always struck Clow as funeral clothes. He sighed and stared out the window. Keroberos jumped off the seat and pranced over to his eldest brother, "Don't you think Oniichan? Clow and us should go for a good old-fashioned fly together, ni? Ni?"
He tugged slightly at Hei-ying's coat tails before Hei-ying snapped quietly, "Let go of my robes!"
Clow looked at him, "Keroberos is right . . . we all need to stretch our wings . . ."
Hei-ying was so flustered about Keroberos' drool on his coat that he spoke suddenly without thinking, "But Master. . ." he protested, "Our training!"
Clow blinked in surprise, Hei-ying had protested against Clow's suggestion . . . perhaps there was hope for him yet! Clow smiled, "There is time for training later . . . the autumn is still warm; I suggest we take up this advantage while we still can."
Hei-ying frowned slightly but bowed graciously before extending his wings.
Keroberos soared, the wind in his face, and the slight cold taste to the air made him smile. He was now just over three months old; he had gained the appearance of a fully-grown lion. Although this did mean Clow Reed didn't have to carry him up the stairs anymore, Keroberos did lament the fact he couldn't sleep in Clow's arms anymore. Keroberos looked behind him, Clow was sitting somewhat unsteadily on his staff, he smiled up at Keroberos. "See? I told you I was slightly out of practice!"
Keroberos growled playfully and dived towards him, "Then I will have to train you for once!"
Clow tried to dodge out the way as Keroberos dived at him over and over; Hei-ying remained away from the ruckus, casually observing Clow's movements. The magician was still handsome, and he had matured rather well, his black hair was still long and well kept but since Keroberos' creation, Clow had allowed some strands of hair to hang loose around his face. Clow had taken to keeping his reading spectacles on all the time, but to Hei- ying this just further increased his new matured look. Hei-ying still craved Clow, and Keroberos had brought chaos to their orderly routine. Before Clow wouldn't speak, much less laugh, but at least he still came to Hei-ying when sleep eluded him. Now, Clow rarely spent any time away from Keroberos, the lion had commanded his attention the whole time that he was growing, but the time was nearing when Keroberos would be able to support himself and would become independent. It was that moment when Hei-ying planned on returning to Clow and performing his regular duty.
The was a sharp shout as Keroberos dived too close to Clow, Hei-ying broke out of his self analysis and watched as Clow spun on the staff. Keroberos laughed heartily as Clow attempted to right himself. Hei-ying's eyes widened with fear as Clow lost his grip on the magical staff.
The wind was whistling passed his ears at a frightening pace, he had closed his eyes and wondered if this was the time fate had chosen for him to die . . . it seemed a little unfair, and he didn't want to leave his creations behind like this. Clow wondered about the feeling because he didn't feel like his work was done. Hei-ying wasn't fully trained, he only knew half of the cards, and Keroberos was still unable to control the strength of his fireballs. The whistling in his hears started to change, warping slightly as Clow entered yet another vision. He opened his eyes; he was on his gilded staff, racing downwards. It was the middle of a snowstorm, and he was diving downwards. He was chasing something, he realised, but it was just out of his reach. There was nothing in his power he could do to stop the descent. His heart wrenched as he realised he was lose this precious gift forever . . .
"Master . . .?" Hei-ying's voice, Clow frowned and opened his eyes; Hei- ying stared back at him, jade green eyes displaying an unusual amount of emotion. He was holding Clow, his arms wrapped securely around Clow's waist. "Are you all right?"
Clow lifted his arms to wrap them around Hei-ying neck, as the black-haired angel ascended upwards, Clow smiled slightly, "I am now . . . It's a good thing you're so fast. . ." he stared down, glad that this was not the end for him.
Hei-ying also smiled slightly, the Master was happy to be in his arms again. Although this wasn't their old arrangement, Hei-ying tightened his arms on Clow's waist. He pulled his Master closer, into a small embrace. Clow rested his chin on Hei-ying's shoulder; it wasn't often that the angel display simple affection, often every movement he made was usually tinted with some sexual suggestion, although whether Hei-ying was aware of this Clow didn't know.
Hei-ying smiled as he breathed in the scent of Clow's hair, it had changed little since the last time they had been together. He bit his lip as Clow's magical essence began to seep into his senses. It was starting to overwhelm him, they had been apart for so long, and Hei-ying wanted Clow so much. He craved Clow, with every breath he took, he wanted his Master. In the few months of Keroberos' creation, Clow had ceased his nightly visitations completely, Hei-ying stayed up every night waiting for a Master he was addicted to. For the second time that day Hei-ying did something that went against his very being, he turned his head slightly and brushed his lips against Clow's smooth pale cheek.
Clow froze as Hei-ying pressed cool lips against his cheek. His eyes slid shut as a small ember of desire threatened to relight. It had been so long . . .
"Hei-ying . . ." he moaned slightly.
His black haired creation pulled back slight to look him in the eye, Clow moved one hand up to the back of Hei-ying's head, twining his fingers in the noir coloured hair. Hei-ying felt the familiar push of Clow's hand behind his head; his eyes slid shut as his lips parted slightly. //Back to their old ways . . .// Hei-ying's staved body cried jubilantly.
"CLOW!" Keroberos' concerned yell broke through the trance Hei-ying's kiss had put on Clow. Clow gasped slightly and pulled back his head. Clamping his hands securely on Hei-ying's shoulder, Clow looked up. Keroberos dived down towards them, his long tail wrapped firmly around the gilded staff. "Gomen!! Are you all right?!"
Before Clow could answer, Hei-ying snapped at him, "Of course he's all right, you ridiculous overgrown house cat!!" Clow stared at Hei-ying with amazement as the black haired angel started to shake with barely contained fury, "You almost killed him. You brainless little--"
Keroberos glared at him, "I wasn't asking you, Baka!"
As their argument grew louder, Clow climbed back on to his winged staff, he stared in amazement as the two creations hurled abuse at each other. It was the first time he had seen them quarrelling, but from the ferocity, he could easily tell that it wasn't the first time that they had argued. They already knew each other's response, and launched increasingly vile language at each other.
Hei-ying growled menacingly as Keroberos butted him in the stomach. He threw one arm behind him, and a deep green glow started to appear in his palm. Clow's eyes widened as one of Hei-ying's jaded daggers formed. "Enough!" Clow roared, he put himself between his two creations; he faced Hei-ying and glared up at the furious black haired angel.
For a few moments, Clow thought that Hei-ying was going to throw the dagger straight at him regardless. There was something in his eyes, which Clow didn't recognise, pain, and fury, hate. Clow didn't understand, he never created Hei-ying to have those emotions; he thought he had created Hei-ying to be perfect. Hei-ying's eyes calmed instantly, and the thing was gone.
Hei-ying turned away and threw his dagger in a different direction; it ploughed straight into the pond near the work shed. He folded his arms and turned back to Clow, who blinked. For the first time in his life, Clow couldn't read Hei-ying's expression, there was still some residual anger, and maybe a tiny bit of disappointment at not being able to fight Keroberos or some sexual deprivation Clow didn't know, but there were other things as well, an instability that surfaced briefly.
Clow turned away, and faced Keroberos, the younger creation's eyes narrowed as they focused on Hei-ying, the lion's lip curled with unspent vehemence. Clow positioned himself so he could turn his head easily and address the two. "What has come over you? Both of you?" Clow fumed, "You will be spending the rest of your lives together! Don't you understand? You must get along, you must be a team . . . or you'll fail the Cardcaptor . . . and me."
This last statement made shame colour Hei-ying's cheeks and Keroberos looked down. Clow sighed and shook his head; "Very well, I strongly suggest you spend the rest of the day in contemplation. Consider the words I have spoken."
Clow turned his staff and headed back to his study. He paused briefly to check if their fighting had resumed, but instead was saddened to see the two eye each other coldly before turning away. He didn't realise it had been so bad, their sibling rivalry had turned into something much more dangerous. He shook his head again; Hei-ying's hate filled eyes still haunted him.
Hei-ying flew down to the pond, the scene of his last act. He stared at the water coolly; first the old man had tried to come between Clow and him, now Keroberos had tried to kill the Master. Some rational part of Hei-ying mind suggested that his brother had merely made a mistake and had flown too close to Clow, but it still made Hei-ying angry. Keroberos took far too many liberties with Clow, was far too disrespectful. The lion never put Master before he spoke Master Clow's name. Hei-ying frowned; no one was allowed to talk to the Master like that. Hilligans' had learned that lesson . . . Hei-ying's lips curled as a delicious thought spread over his mind, //perhaps it's time Keroberos learnt as well . . .//
Keroberos looped and soared in the sky for a few more minutes before he landed heavily, //Baka Hei-ying! He's ruining my mood!// Keroberos couldn't enjoy his flight now that Clow was angry at him, Clow had never been angry at him before like that. He sighed as he strolled across the lush grass of the lawn, it was going to be tough, and he'd never done it before but . . . Keroberos gritted his teeth as Hei-ying came into sight. His elder brother was staring into the pond, arms folded and levitating in that creepy fashion he always insisted upon. Keroberos sighed, "Hei-ying?"
Hei-ying slowly turned his head to glare at Keroberos. Any lesser lion would have been intimidated, but Keroberos had lived with Hei-ying for the entirety of his life. He was used to Hei-ying's temper. He never showed it to Clow, but to Keroberos, Hei-ying was a hot-tempered, often cruel brother. Keroberos was no stranger to the jade daggers Hei-ying would throw at him.
"We need to talk . . ." he took Hei-ying's silence as permission to continue, "It's about Clow."
"Master Clow!" This always provoked a response. Hei-ying walked around the pond, as Keroberos approached him. "What about the Master?"
"Hei-ying, we must start to get along . . . I am willing to put it behind us, okay?" Keroberos thought he was being entirely reasonable. Hei-ying appeared to think about it.
"You want to ensure that Master Clow isn't displeased . . ." Hei-ying moved towards the water.
"Yes."
"Hmmmm . . ." Hei-ying stared thoughtfully at the water. He raised his foot and hung it over the water. Keroberos stared in amazement as small ripples started to appear under his brother's foot. The ripples glowed green, jade like Hei-ying's magic, jade like his thorn daggers, jade like his eyes. The shimmering emerald water circles entranced Keroberos; he had a particular weakness for sparkling lights. Clow used to let the glow entertain the young lion when Clow himself was too tired to play with the active kitten. Hei-ying smiled predatorily as he watched Keroberos draw closer to the water. His younger brother gasped as Hei-ying stepped on to the water.
"H-how are you doing that?"
"It's called Levitation . . . it's one of the powers Master Clow gave us . . ."
"He's never trained me how to use it . . ." Keroberos cocked his head in an attempt to see how his elder brother was doing it.
"I expect he thinks you know how to do it by now . . ." Hei-ying wasn't exactly telling the truth, it was true that Clow had given them the power, but it required an immense amount of concentration, and training was required.
"Can I do it?" Keroberos was distracted, Hei-ying smiled, and moved towards the middle of the deep pond. "You should . . ." he held his hand out to his brother, "just walk onto the water . . ."
"Are you . . .?"
"Yes . . ." Hei-ying bobbed slightly increasing the number of ripples below him, knowing that this would entice his brother further.
Keroberos lifted a paw and held it just over the water as Hei-ying had with his foot, there were glowing gold ripples under his foot. He raised his head to look questioningly at Hei-ying.
His elder brother smiled again, "Try not to think about it . . . it'll just happen . . ."
Clow sat on his staff outside his study's open window. He was thinking, what had he done wrong that would make them fight like this? He had created Keroberos to draw power from the sun, Hei-ying from the stars, the two didn't cancel each other out, so what provoked them to behave like that? Hei-ying's power source was the stars because Clow had guess that this would be helpful to the Cardcaptor. He sensed that she was affiliated with the stars somehow, so if Hei-ying gained power from the stars, he would immediately attract the Cardcaptor. As for Keroberos, the intention was that the sun's power would give him an endearing quality, one that would make him liked, trusted and respected. Clow had decided against using the moon, he felt it would be too cold and distant for the Cardcaptor, that any being created under that sign might even scare her without even meaning to.
He sighed, he shouldn't have yelled like that at Keroberos. Hei-ying was probably used to it, there had been more than a few occasions in the time after Hilligans' death when Clow had become incoherently drunk and hurled abuse at Hei-ying for no other reason other than Hei-ying was the nearest target. Clow always regretted that Hei-ying had ever seen that half of him and resolved never to show it again, not to Hei-ying, not to any of his creations. Clow rocked on his staff slightly as he thought about how he could make the two understand each other better. Maybe getting them to talk would be a good idea, he smiled that would be a start, he reached out with his senses to find out where the two were. Hei-ying's jade aura and Keroberos' golden aura shone brightly from the direction of the pond by the work shed. He kicked off in the air, and sped smoothly towards them.
Keroberos thought he could see something moving under the water, as he stepped tentatively on to the water, the golden ripples moved easily from under him. His smile was uncertain briefly as he dipped but stabilised, he looked up at his elder brother. "Hey. . . this is fun. . ."
"Indeed." Hei-ying stared at him, Keroberos suddenly felt rather strange. . . as if he had entered into some kind of fog, he felt like he couldn't see. "Hey! What's happening . . .?"
"What *do* you mean?" Hei-ying's voice was muffled slightly. Keroberos frowned, he couldn't concentrate on the levitation and try to sense the magical world at the same time. . . he tried to land, unaware that he was dipping closer to the water. He was so sure he could see something moving under the water. . .
Hei-ying floated slightly backwards as his younger brother slowly sank down into the murky water, it was a bit tiring. Blocking Keroberos' magic and pulling the vines up from the waterbed was a little bit of a strain on Hei- ying. It had been easy with the old man, since Hilligans had mediocre magic; but Keroberos was on a par with his own. It was quite a task, confusing the lion and waiting until he was low enough in the water to spring the murderous vines on him.
In his mind Hei-ying was already compiling his explanation to Master Clow, //I tried to convince him not to follow me onto the water . . .no . . . *Better* . . . It's all my fault Master, I just wanted to apologise to him, and I had crossed the water without thinking that Keroberos would follow me . . . I didn't realise anything was wrong until he just stopped moving . . .// Hei-ying smiled as he wondered how long it would take for Clow's grief to wear off this time.
Keroberos was partly aware that something was slipping around his ankles as they made contact with the cool water. It tugged gently, and he allowed it to pull him down, thinking that it would lead him out of this mental fog that had engulfed him. He jerked awake when bitter rank water slipped into his mouth, he still couldn't see properly but it registered to him that if he went any further under the water, he would most certainly drown.
Hei-ying jerked back in surprise when his younger brother's wings suddenly extended and Keroberos began to fight the waterweeds that were wrapped around his ankle. He was about to force them to pull him under completely, intending to submerge the lion completely when Clow's deep violet aura brushed against his sense. Cursing, Hei-ying threw himself into the water and dragged Keroberos out of the dirty water. The lion was so exhausted from thrashing about in the water that he had passed out. Hei-ying on the other hand, wondered if he could salvage his excuse, //If only I had had just a few more minutes . . .// he thought with disgust, as he watch the lion continue to breathe heavily.
"MASTER!" Hei-ying's voice called out to him, Clow stopped briefly. Hei- ying sounded scared or panicked.
Hei-ying?! Clow cried back and resumed his flight towards the pond. He gasped in shock as he saw Hei-ying barely standing by his brother and Keroberos unconscious or dead. Clow's heart felt a spike of fear, //Keroberos . . .?// he landed swiftly and ran the short distance to them.
"What happened?!" Clow cried as he fell to his knees by Keroberos, the lion was still breathing. For this Clow was glad, almost giddy with relief, he listened with only a half ear as Hei-ying launched into his explanation.
"It's all my fault Master, I just wanted to apologise to him, and I had crossed the water without thinking that Keroberos would follow me . . . I didn't realise anything was wrong until . . ."
Once Keroberos was safely tucked into bed, Clow took Hei-ying to the pond. He stared at the seemingly calm water, "Hei-ying . . . What happened?"
"I'm not entirely sure Master, Keroberos just followed me onto the water . . ." Hei-ying knelt by the water and peered in, "I don't understand, what was in the water that could have dragged him down?"
"What do you mean?"
"Just before I realised something was wrong . . . I thought I saw something moving in the water."
Clow leant over the water, and a cold chill ran over his spine. As he stared into the water, the kind looking man looked back. Again for him it was still night. Clow smiled before the image faded. But still the cold feeling remained; "Perhaps there is a mischievous sprite in the water . . .?"
Clow sat back and stared at Hei-ying thoughtfully, his suggestion would be quite accurate. "If there was a water demon in the pond, then it *would* try to drown people . . ." Clow frowned it had succeed in one try, and it had tried again with Keroberos. He wondered why it hadn't tried to get Hei- ying, Hei-ying seemed to understand his thoughts and stared at the water.
"Perhaps . . ." he suggested, "Perhaps because I am much more powerful than mister Hilligans, and Keroberos has yet to attain his full potential . . . that is why it has never attempted to get me . . ."
Clow nodded, he was furious, his closest friend had been claimed by some *petty* water sprite! He stood and called forth his staff.
Hei-ying stood as well, he spread his wings and floated a few feet off the ground as the supernatural storm surrounded his Master. "What are you going to do, Master Clow?" He called above the wind.
"Watery!" Clow called out, "Help me remove the evil that threatens Keroberos! Gather all the water from the pond and remove it. . . then go to all the other ponds, and repeat the process! Release!"
The water spirit rose from the card and paused, she snarled at Hei-ying. His jade eyes narrowed slightly, he was well aware Clow's order had called the spirit to take away the threat to Keroberos, but the Watery was confuse if she was supposed to kill Hei-ying. "Watery!" Clow called, "I said the pond! Hei-ying, back away slightly, your aura might be confusing her."
As Clow destroyed every pond in his mansion's grounds, Hei-ying returned to his brother's room. Hei-ying wondered why Master Clow had ordered the spirit off him, he was the threat to Keroberos . . . perhaps Master Clow had realised this too but had called her off because he . . .// He approves of what I do! // Hei-ying smiled, //Perhaps he wishes me to dispose of Keroberos, but doesn't want me to make it so blatantly obvious . . .//He knocked lightly on the lion's door. When there was no answer he pushed the door open. Keroberos was still sleeping, safely wrapped up, his room was a bright sunshine yellow, and where the dark panels of wood stopped there was a warm yellow paint.
Hei-ying glared at the bright yellow curtains Master Clow had made for Keroberos, they were just like Keroberos, they had little suns and sunflowers embroidered on them. Master Clow had handmade them, and he and Keroberos had spent an enthusiastic afternoon decorating the room with a combination of magic and hard work. Hei-ying had declined to assist, much to Master Clow's disappointment. Hei-ying had taken one look at the paint splattered, grinning Keroberos and politely asked if he could continue to study in his own room. Hei-ying smiled as he thought about his own room, it was order defined, Hei-ying's own floor length curtain were a deep forest green, and it had stars and blood red roses embroidered on it. Master Clow had handmade them himself; he and Hei-ying had silently decorated the room together, and then had celebrated the finished room together that night.
Hei-ying snorted scornfully as he stepped on one of Keroberos' beloved stuffed toys, the lion was living a prolonged childhood, he had decided, Master Clow hadn't forced Keroberos to learn how to talk properly, how to read, how to even fly properly. Or at least, he hadn't done this at the same rate as he had with Hei-ying. Their lessons were filled with unnecessary laughter, while Hei-ying's had been enlightening, charged experiences. He sighed and kicked the toy away; Keroberos had wasted much of his life playing with such ridiculous thing.
A cough from the bed made Hei-ying look up, his jade eyes narrowed. If Master Clow removed all the ponds, how was he going to teach Keroberos respect for the Master? He sighed; //I will just have to find another way . . .//
"Clow?" Keroberos' unfocused golden eyes landed on him.
"You should call him Master Clow!" Hei-ying snapped, Keroberos winced; he had a splitting head, and was very weary.
"Hei-ying? What are you doing here? Where's Clow?"
In a lightening strike, Hei-ying slammed his hand down on Keroberos' sore head, "Call him Master!"
Keroberos winced again and shrank away slightly, "Get away from me!"
Hei-ying grabbed the lion by the scruff of his neck. "If you hadn't struggled . . ." he hissed quietly.
"What do you mean?!" Keroberos moved his head around to stare at him, a realisation hit him hard, "You tried to drown me, didn't you?!"
Hei-ying's eyes narrowed, and he said nothing.
Keroberos pulled away from him, "When Clow finds out . . .!"
Hei-ying rose and stepped to the door, he sniggered and smirked lightly, he turned back and stared at Keroberos with his unblinking jade eyes, "What make you think Master Clow doesn't already know . . .?"
-------------------
And now it's Time for LEAVE IT TO DR MEGALOMANIA!!
Kero: [Angry] Lemme at him! Lemme at him!!
DrM: Clow and Hei-ying aren't here . . .
Kero: Where are they then?
DrM: Off having a break . . . that and I'm sick of Clow's snide remarks about my sanity . . .
Kero: But you are always calling yourself insane . . .
DrM: [Folds arms obstinately] Yeah, but I don't like people *agreeing* with me! [Glares at the Blue Goo]
Kero: Hoe! [Looks around] so where's Yue?
Yue: [Gagged] Mmmm mmm mmm!!
DrM: [Shoves Yue under carpet] Oh, I'd say he's in the next update . . .
Kero: What's that suspiosuly Yue-shaped lump you are sitting on?
DrM: [Grins] Not a clue! Please R&R!!!