Why, Hello and welcome to my little world of weirdness!

I state for the record that, while I really, really wish I did, I don't own any of the wonderful characters that will grace this story . . . they are all CLAMP's, always have been, always will be! However I do lay claim to a few of the original characters, for example . . . I own Hei-ying, and his false form, Tomodachi Yukito, I own Mystrasa Kyree, and Carolyn and Amanda Reed, I don't own The Dragon, Saurian because he is on loan from my very good friend, the ever intangible Blue Goo.

//Thinking//

"Speaking"

*Stress/Emphasis*

Flashback/Other

In This Tainted Soul . . . There Lies Hope . . .

By Dr Megalomania

Part Eight: End of a Bloodline

The snow still fell softly outside, blowing gently against the window.

Yue rolled his shoulder; it ached slightly. He heard Yukito chuckle softly, //That would be because you haven't used it much . . .// He smiled, and wished his other half goodnight. Yue had decided that he wanted to sleep tonight . . . not just asleep in the back of a mind . . . but actually asleep. The feeling was rare and he enjoyed it intensely. The full moon may have had something to do with it . . . he pulled back the curtains and allowed the moon's soft rays to creep in slowly, he wriggled his toes delightedly as he stepped into a pool of the silken magic.

He lifted his arms into the air and yawned, stretching his cramped limbs. He pulled his long hair around, over his shoulder and stroked it slightly, tonight he would spend most of his time brushing the long strands, maybe until he fell asleep like he used to . . . he smiled as he moved towards the window, slowly pulling open the clasps on his intricate robes.

The dinner that night had gone relatively without mishap, although Keroberos had neglected to inform Spinel that Yue always put brown sugar and cinnamon with the apple crumble. Eriol gently put the tipsy guardian to sleep and he and Ruby had carried him home. Her mother's bodyguards had picked up Tomoyo, and Syaoran was to stay over the night. Eriol had been particularly quiet the night, and his usual spirited conversation seemed restrained.

Syaoran had repeatedly given the blue haired boy several opportunities to confess what was wrong but each time Clow's reincarnation calmly changed the subject. Mostly talking about the strange and unkind teacher they had received that day, who Eriol didn't like that much, nor did Syaoran, but Sakura and Tomoyo were willing to give her a chance. Eriol appeared at one point to want to announce something, but changed his mind and left to get more wine from the kitchen. 

Yue's shawl dropped to the floor, followed by his sash, he wondered what was wrong. Eriol was often evasive but since the discovery of Clow's magic lying in Touya, Eriol had been very open. Yue sighed as his mind trailed back to the subject of Touya. He had had a month and a half to come to terms with the idea of Yukito's and admittedly, his lover being one with Clow Reed. It wasn't so much that . . . he paused to fiddle with his buttons, the white jacket was swiftly followed by the gold waist coat . . . it wasn't so much that Touya now had magic again, but . . . Yue sighed as he sank on to the edge of the bed and fiddled with his foot straps . . . Touya had Clow's memories as well. Eriol was quite happy to reveal that often some of his life's most important decisions were influenced by Clow's memories. Yue closed his eyes and peeled off his leggings. As far as Yue was concerned, Clow Reed never loved his creations anymore that he would have done a pet . . . and he had often made it clear that he expected the same sentiments from his creations. Clow had never asked them to call him Master, and he always treated them with the utter most respect, but Yue had been so sure Clow knew about his feelings for him.

Yue stood, pulled the ties out of his hair and started to fold his clothes, "Clow could have had me at anytime of his life . . ." Yue whispered to himself, he moved over to the window, and pulled it open. He smiled as the cool evening breeze, made brisk by the snow, floated into his room, and over his nude body. "He could have had me at any point of his life . . ." He murmured again, then wrapped his arms around himself, ". . . Why would he want me now?"

Yue closed his eyes; trying hard to stop the tears from welling up, just as Clow had left him . . . Touya was going to leave him now. He shivered again, tired of the cold air, he closed the window and turned to go to bed. His amethyst eyes widened as he found Touya sat on the edge of the bed.

"Touya-kun?" Touya's eyes slid open, and Yue was instantly aware Touya wasn't there right now, "Clow-sama?"

Touya clasped his hands, and nodded once.

Ruby sighed as she closed the door, leaving Spinel and Hiirawagizawa-sama alone, "Finally . . ." she murmured, Hiirawagizawa-sama had fallen asleep. She shook her head and strode down the corridor to his study. Eriol had stepped into his home and simply burst into tears, Spinel and Ruby hardly knew what to do with him. They'd only seen him cry a few times in their lives and were naturally very surprised, and confused as to what to do.  He just pulled a small envelope out of his pocket, and crumpled to the floor. The third time of the year, Eriol scared Ruby. First, he almost killed Yukito and Yue; second by falling into a vision so deep he didn't just snap out of it . . . and now this . . .

Ruby picked and poked around in his desk, searching for his book of telephone numbers. Finding it in the third drawer, she flicked through a couple of pages. Ruby bit her lip as she found the number she was looking for.

He insisted they call no one, that he be allowed to deal with it in his own way . . . Hiirawagizawa-sama's sense of privacy overrode his need for human comfort, and had led him to a life of extremely restrained emotions.

Ruby shook her head and stepped over to Hiirawagizawa-sama's favourite chair and sat beside it. She picked up the receiver and started to dial. She glanced up as she felt Spinel flutter closer, "How is he?"

"He's sleeping . . ." Spinel landed by the phone and pressed the hang up button, "You can't call anyone . . ."

"He can't deal with this by himself no matter what he says."

"Who would you call to his assistance? He can't get through to Kaho . . ."

"That woman . . ." Ruby bit off a harsh laugh, " . . . is utterly useless now . . ."

"I bet you're pleased . . ."

She nodded, "She's too . . ." Ruby closed her eyes, "It doesn't matter, all that matter's is that Hiirawagizawa-sama cannot—"

"He will not be pleased with you . . ." Spinel flew up to her face and stared into her eyes, "Whatever has happened, it has happened privately and he wishes it to remain private."

She shook her head, "He can't deal with it in private . . . he . . ." She slapped her hand down quietly, "He just can't!"

Spinel sighed, and flew back down to the telephone. He picked up the address book, "Who are you going to call . . .?"

"That Tomoyo, she has a sensible head on her shoulders and Hiirawagizawa-sama seems attached to her."

Spinel nodded, "Master does seem to have a fondness for her . . ." He sighed, "The number is . . ."

Yue stepped back into the shadows afforded to him by the room, "Gomen nasai, Clow-sama . . . I was distracted." He dipped his head, "I failed to sense your presence."

"You did not sense my presence because I did not wish for you to sense it." Touya closed his eyes, "There is a difference, Yue."

"Then I am speaking with Touya?"

"Pardon me?"

"I am speaking with Touya, only he calls me by Yue," Yue turned away, and opened the closet; it was filled with Yukito's clothes. Yue sighed as he pulled out the easiest thing to put on. He closed his eyes as he slipped the long shirt on, trying subtly to sense Clow's and Touya's aura. There was a soft chuckle as he jumped when warm hands tugged the shirt down for him. He turned and found himself face to face with Touya. "I'm glad to see you still take so much pride with your hair." Yue blushed as Touya gently lifted the long tresses out of the shirt; he smiled as he pressed his hand against the angel's cheek. "Who do you think you are talking to right now?"

"Clow Reed."

"Really?" Touya's lips quirked into a smile, "Are you so sure?"

"Yes, you talk to me as such." Yue pulled away slightly and reached into the wardrobe again, he pulled out the simplest of Yukito's slacks, "You say you are pleased to see that I still take pride in my hair, the emphasis would be on still."

"Good, good . . . then tell me . . . whom would you make love to, Yue?"

Tomoyo frowned as she heard the 'phone ring, she could ignore it; it wasn't the special ring tone that she had set for Sakura's incoming call. She turned over on to her side, and stared at the clock, the morning had only just come, //Half twelve? Who could be ringing . . .//

Tomoyo lay back and put an arm over her eyes, and sighed. Reaching out blindly, she picked up the telephone, "Moshi, moshi?"

"Tomoyo?"

She lifted the arm off her face and stared at the ceiling, "Ruby Moon?"

"Hai! And Suppi too!"

"Why are you--?"

"We don't have long demo . . ." Ruby fell silent, "Demo . . ."

"We need a little assistance . . ." Spinel spoke up quietly.

"We need help Tomoyo! Hiirawagizawa-sama . . . he's so . . ."

"We think he got some bad news but we---"

"Don't know what to do, he's sleeping now demo . . . demo . . ."

"Slow down, slow down . . ." Tomoyo sat up in bed and crossed her legs, "Do you want me to come over?"

"In the morning, please? We don't know what to do for Hiirawagizawa-sama and we're so—"

"Concerned for him, Miss Tomoyo. If you please . . . be prompt, Master usually wakes before dawn . . ."

"And if he's awake then he'll stop you from coming and . . ."

Tomoyo agreed on a time, that she would be there just before dawn, and that she would help them. She hung up, and lay back. Her high ceiling above her was filled with the shadows of the night playing and chasing one another around. Tomoyo sighed, "What could be so wrong . . .?"

Yue paused briefly, and looked at Touya. The dark blue eyes of Touya seemed slightly darker in the dim light, his expression was serious but humoured. Touya and Clow were playing with him; Yue shook his head and moved to the bed.

"Is that 'No' you don't know, 'No' you won't answer, or even 'No' you will not be with either of us?"

Yue looked up sharply at the amusement that laced Touya's voice, "Be honest with me, who am I talking to?"

Touya smiled, "Touya."

"Really?" Yue smirked harshly, "Are you so sure?"

Touya blinked at the statement, and moved forward quietly, "You are angry with me?"

Yue looked away, "I am not angry with you . . . I just want . . ."

"Me?" Touya knelt before Yue and gently pulled the unused trousers from his angel, "Could you want me?"

"Who . . ." Yue looked at him, "Who is asking me?"

"For now?" Touya nodded, "I am Clow . . . Touya is asleep, and as far as he is concerned, he is lying in bed, wondering when he will see you and Yukito sleeping beside him again . . ." He pulled Yue's hands towards him, "I'm sorry."

Yue pulled his hands back, "You should not take Touya's body without permission . . ."

Clow smiled slightly, "We are as one, he will remember this and think it a dream."

"You'll lie to him?"

"Never, he will know it happened, but it will be as clear as a dream." He grasped Yue's hands tighter, and leant forward, "How are you?"

Yue blinked, "What do you mean?"

Clow laughed, "I have not seen you in over six hundred years . . . the time I spent with you as Eriol was not enough to know how you are . . . and I had to make sure that you did not leave Sakura for Eriol."

"Did you foresee this?"

"Touya?" Clow shook his head, "No, I didn't." He smiled at Yue's surprised expression, "I never foresaw past the final test. I assumed that I would live out my days in Fujitaka and Eriol, my soul eventually becoming dormant."

"But you didn't."

"No, I didn't, and now I am here in this body, Touya's body." He leant forward, "Would you make love to me, Yue?"

Yue blushed slightly, as he felt Clow's breath on his cheek lightly, "Why do you call me that?"

"Pardon me?" Clow sat back on his heels; he was slightly confused by Yue's behaviour. Ever since both Touya and Clow realised that Fujitaka's half had travelled to him, Clow had always been acutely aware that Yue did still mourn him and often asked Touya if they could talk about such a loss. Clow was glad his angel was becoming open and trusting but still, the urge to bring all his consciousness to surface and tell Yue himself that he returned Yue's feeling was quite intense. Hence his confusion now, surely, he had reasoned, Yue would be more than willing to . . .  //Jump into your arms? Instantly? Willingly? Even when he has so many questions to ask you?// Clow balked, then looked down at his hands. They were wrapped around Yue's tightly, unwilling to let go. Clow stood, forcing himself to let go. He walked away slightly, "I call you by your given name now, because you are not a child, Yue. And because . . ." He turned, "I am no longer your Master, Yue . . ." A smile flittered over his lips, "We are equals now . . ."

Yue blinked, "You . . . never loved me . . .

Clow closed his eyes and smiled, he pressed his fingers against his lips, "I remember you." He put his fingers gently over Yue's pale lips, "I remember you . . . I loved you so much, and yet I could never touch you . . ." He revelled in the feeling of Yue shivering under his touch, he leant closer, brushing his lips over Yue's pale ear, "I wanted you . . . I craved you . . . all those years, nearly every night . . ." 

Yue turned his head to look at Clow, "You never . . ."

"I couldn't touch you . . . but I loved you, I loved you so very much . . ." Clow moved back, kneeling again, he moved his hands slowly on Yue's thighs, "Now I can . . . I can be with you . . ."

"Why couldn't you---?" Yue closed his eyes as Clow pressed a finger against his lips.

"Don't ask, not now . . ." Clow leant forward and replaced his finger with his lips. Yue's eyes opened as he felt Clow silently cast a spell. The magic circle wove beneath them in Touya's new ice blue glow, the magic blew Yue's hair up, it's silken locks wrapping around the two of them. He felt Clow break the kiss, the magic dying away and he closed his eyes again, asking quietly, ". . . What have you done?"

"Open your eyes for me, my angel . . ."

Yue opened his eyes slowly, Touya was no longer before him . . . a very young twenty year old, spectacle-less Clow Reed knelt before him. "What have you---?"

"It's only an illusion," Clow smiled sadly, "Only in our mind . . ." he leant forward, twining his hands in Yue's loose hair and pulling him closer. The younger version of the magician kissed the angel hungrily, "But I . . . I wanted to kiss you as myself . . . I want you, not through Touya's senses anymore . . . through my own . . ." Clow smiled sadly, "I want a lot . . ."

"Why never before?" He dipped his head as Clow stroked the hair, stroke down his arms and finally linked their hands in his lap.

"I wanted you to be happy. I knew that one day you and Touya would be closer, and I . . . knew that you wouldn't accept him or Sakura as easily as I planned." Clow looked at his hands, a small smile crept over his lips and he looked up, "Do you want to get dressed?" Yue tilted his head inquisitively, Clow blushed slightly, and he smiled, "You're a little . . . distracting . . ."

Yue looked down on himself, his hair was pooled around his body, and a loose t-shirt covering most of his nudity, but still offering revealing glimpses of the angel's body, Yue blushed, "Gomen ni . . ."

"Don't apologise . . ." Clow laughed quietly, "It's a dream come true for me . . ." The two fell silent for a little while, both wondering what to do. Clow stood and reached into Yue's closet, and pulled out a long bathrobe, "Here . . ." He wrapped it around Yue's shoulders. He smiled and walked to the door. Pausing, he looked back and ran his fingers through his hair, "All I ask of you . . ." He snorted with amusement, "Is something you have done many times before with me . . ."

Yue blinked and tilted his head slightly.

Clow smiled, "I would like to hold you in my arms until I fall asleep . . . breathe in the scent of your hair, and dream of you . . ." Yue blushed and looked down, Clow laughed slightly, "That's all . . . nothing else . . . and when I'm asleep . . ." Clow swallowed, finding the words hard to say with his throat closing in sorrow, "You are more than welcome to get up and leave . . ." Yue's head snapped up, Clow pressed his lips together, willing himself not to cry in front of his angel, not to show him how desperate he was that Yue didn't reject him now.

Yue looked away, "I . . . don't . . ." He squeezed his eyes shut as Clow walked closer, "You could have taken me . . ."

"Now I'm *asking* you . . . I'm asking you to sleep in my arms, I want to *know* that you sleep in my arms . . . with the full knowledge that I love you . . ." He gently pulled Yue's chin back to him, "I love you."

"Then why?"

Clow shook his head, he looked down and gathered his scattered thoughts, he shook his head again, and ran his hands through his hair again. "I can't answer . . . I can't . . ." he looked up, "I can't tell you, but . . ." He ran a hand through his hair again, and stared at Yue, making a decision, "May I at least . . . kiss you?"

". . . Why?"

Clow smiled, he blinked, scrunching his nose quickly in an old habit. Yue smiled slightly Clow did that to move his spectacles up, the dark haired magician, he half whispered, half mouthed his answer, "Good bye . . ."

Yue frowned, "Are you leaving me again?"

"Iie . . ." Clow smiled, he tapped his head, "I will be here . . ." He moved his hand over his heart, "And here . . ." He smiled, and tapped Yue's chest, "And maybe here . . . If you like . . ." He smiled and pulled Yue closer, "You're right . . . I could have you at anytime, I could have you . . ." He stared at his hand, it glowed a deep blue, and he could feel Yue suddenly stiffen in his arms, "I *could* force you . . . at any time . . . even now . . ." The glow faded, "But I think . . ." He held Yue closer, and smiled as he felt Yue soften again, "I think I'd rather settle for this . . ."

Morning . . .

Nakuru sat by the door, swinging her feet. She yawned and glanced at the clock, Tomoyo was due any---

There was a quiet knock at the door, and Nakuru jumped off the shelves by the door, and opened it eagerly. Tomoyo smiled and waved her bodyguards off. She stepped in and bowed politely, "Ohayo . . . Is he awake?"

"Nope!" Nakuru beamed and wrapped her arms around the purple haired girl, "Arigato, Tomoyo-chan . . ."

Tomoyo laughed gently, and held up a basket, "I've brought some fresh fruit and bread . . . I hope I can help . . ."

Nakuru smiled, "Me too . . ." She turned and walked down the corridor, "Come on . . . You can see him for yourself."

Tomoyo and Nakuru stepped into Eriol's bedroom, Spinel looked up from the end of the bed, his true form curled up, he nodded a good morning to Tomoyo, and lowered his head again. Nakuru pulled Tomoyo over to Eriol's bedside, "See . . . he *never* sleeps past the dawn!"

Tomoyo blinked, and pressed her hand against Eriol's forehead, his temperature was normal. He just looked very sick, well, tired in her opinion, she looked up at Nakuru, "He'll be fine . . . He'll just need some sleep and a good lunch when he wakes . . ."

Nakuru bobbed on her feet in an impromptu bow, "Hai!"

As his sister quickly hurried out the room, Spinel looked at Tomoyo as she leant over Eriol again, "I think I must warn you now . . . He will not be pleased to see you."

"Why not?"

Spinel looked down, "I think he received some bad news from the Reeds . . ." He looked at the reincarnation's desk, a small envelope rested there. Whatever in it . . . powerful enough to bring his Master to tears . . .

Touya woke up early.

He just knew by the light, it was too dim to be night, and too dark to be day. Despite his attempts, he couldn't return to his dreamless but warm state, he sighed and rolled on to his side. "Good morning . . ." Purred a quiet voice.

Touya blinked as he stared into half lidded amethyst eyes, the events of last night refilling themselves into his conscious mind.

"Yue . . ." He smiled and lifted his hand, "You stayed . . ."

Yue pushed himself on to his elbow, and lifted his fringe out of his eyes, he sighed, "I carried you to bed . . ." He smiled slightly, "You fell asleep against my shoulder."

Touya smiled, "Gomen ni . . ."

Yue shrugged, "It's not an important matter . . ." He sat up, and wrapped his arms around his knees, "I . . . Clow . . ."

"I know." Touya sat up also, "Clow didn't lie to me."

"Then you know . . ."

"Hai." He kissed Yue's shoulder and admitted roguishly, "I don't know who I want more . . . it's been so long . . ." Yue raised an inquisitive eyebrow as Touya grinned at him wolfishly, "You or Yukito . . . who to start with?" He sighed dramatically, "It's been so very long . . ."

Around midday, Eriol woke up.

He smiled as he stretched and his feet met with Spinel's heavy body on top of his blanket. He turned his head, and found Nakuru dozing on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped under her chin like an angel. Eriol smiled and turned to look at the curtains, bright sunlight was prevented by them. "What time is it?" He asked quietly, sitting up gently.

The door opened, and Tomoyo stepped in carrying a jug of water, and a glass. She smiled, "Good afternoon . . ."

Eriol's eyes widened then narrowed, first with surprise . . . then with anger.

Yue struggled to keep a straight face as Touya ran soft fingers over his skin.

"Where is it . . .?"

"I'm not telling you."

Touya smiled knowingly, "Ah . . . but Clow knows . . ."

Yue sat up, "He wouldn't dar. . . dah-da. . . HE WOULDN'T DARE!!" He burst into an undignified giggle. Touya smiled as he intensified his tickling, pushing Yue down harder against the bed. The pale angel's chest heaved with racking laughter, and he tossed his head from side to side. Touya blinked as he felt some arousal at this sight. He smiled as he directed magic to his hands, and blinked in surprise as Yue's attempts to push him off were instantly ceased. "Yue?"

Yue's eyes remained closed as he mewled quietly to himself. Touya leant down and press his lips against Yue's, smiling as he felt the angel purr deeply, and wrap himself around Touya's body. "To-ya?"

Touya smiled, "My angel?"

Yue's hair spread around him as he smiled up at Touya, he pressed his fingers on Touya's lips, "We've never been past this point together, have we?"

Touya smiled, and started to kiss Yue's fingers gently, "No, my angel."

"Why not?" Yue breathed quietly, as Touya bit gently at his hand.

"I don't know, my angel . . ." Touya opened his eyes, "Shall we find out what will happen if we do?"

Yue pushed up and rolled them over suddenly, he tightened his legs around Touya, as he bent over and hissed; "Clow always taught me to be very scientific in my pursuits . . ." He leant over and started to nip at Touya collarbone.

Touya hissed through his teeth, "Then my angel . . ." He raised his hand and twined it with Yue's silken hair, "Let us precede with our experiments . . ."

"There was no need, not a single reason at all . . . I am disappointed that you did not adhere to my wishes . . ."

Eriol clasped his hands and stared at them, "There was no need to call you, Tomoyo." He looked up at Nakuru sternly, "And I remind you that this is not a matter for the mortal realm."

Nakuru tried to hold his gaze, but swallowed and looked down. Eriol was quietly furious, but she knew he was deeply private, he would not show his true emotions to Tomoyo, no matter how angry he was.

"Is that all I am?"

Eriol glanced at Tomoyo, "No." He said quietly, "But this is not a mortal matter."

"I maybe mortal, or Muggle as I once heard Kero-chan swear." Eriol looked up suddenly, as she continued, "But I am not insensitive to being left out." She looked up at Spinel and Nakuru who watched the icy exchange carefully, "You may leave."

His guardians hesitated, as Eriol stared at Tomoyo, and snapped sarcastically, "Giving orders to my creations now?"

"Master . . ." Spinel stepped forward, "I am sure she didn't---"

"Yes. I do." She looked at Nakuru, "Please run a hot bath . . . and then begin a healthy breakfast." She looked around the sparse room, "Spinel, you will go into the garden and pick the biggest, and most colourful flowers . . . this room is too cold." She tilted her head when they didn't move, "*Please*."

Nakuru looked from Eriol; to Tomoyo again, she turned and moved to do Tomoyo's requests. Spinel turned to her and hissed reproachfully, "Ruby Moon!"

Nakuru stopped, and spoke without turning back, "There is no way I can make him any more angry . . ." She turned to look at the panther, "Besides . . . I will not tolerate our Master starving over a letter . . ." Spinel watched her as she stalked out the room, and without looking back, Spinel followed her.

"What gives you the right . . .?" Eriol contained his anger, insulted by his guardians, and infuriated by Tomoyo's persistence.

"You gave me the right when you disturbed your guardians to the point they called out for help." Eriol pursed his lips together and shook his head silently, Tomoyo continued, "And then again when you threatened them instead of accepting help from your friend."

"Friend?!" Eriol closed his eyes, "If you are such a friend then you will appreciate my request . . . Leave." She sat calmly on his bed and picked up a hand, "What do you know of these matters?" He shook his head, and pulled his hand out of her grasp, "You know *nothing* . . . you cannot help me . . ." He got up suddenly, and moved to the other side of his bed, anything just to not look at her anymore.

"Am I a threat?" He drew a deep breath as he felt her climb on to his bed after him, he felt his bed dip and bounce as she moved herself behind him. "A threat to your control? If I push you too far, will you strike me?"

"No."

"Then what?"

Eriol shook his head, "You may have become a sweet sixteen year old but you are *still* as stubborn and persistent as you were when you were ten."

Tomoyo eyed him evenly, "Do not change the subject, Hiirawagizawa. Tell me."

"This is not a matter---" Eriol broke off as he felt her move closer and put her hand on his shoulder gently. He closed his eyes and swallowed, not knowing whether to push her away or to cry into her chest. He shook his head slowly, "Not a matter for the mortal . . . Not a matter for *you* at all . . ."

"Eriol . . ." She whispered gently, "I want to help you . . . Please don't fight me . . ."

"Clow Reed's family . . ." He turned to face her, "*My* family . . . are dead . . . every blood member is dead, of natural causes, or have vanished, or . . . in the case . . ." He started to tremble, "In the case of my . . . my . . ." He climbed on to the bed, and curled up on Tomoyo's lap, "My little . . . she was so small . . ." Tomoyo's face creased in sadness, as Eriol began to shudder with his grief, "My little . . . my littlest descendant . . ."

"What happened?" Tomoyo raised her hand and stroked Eriol's head softly. "What happened to her?"

"They killed her . . ." He sat up and stared at Tomoyo, "They killed her . . . They broke her little neck . . ." Tomoyo's face grew paler, as Eriol pressed his hand against his neck, tears ran down his face unrestricted, "The bastards took her little hand, they broke her little sweet neck and they killed my littlest descendant, she couldn't protect herself . . . And it's my fault, all my fault!" He started to shout, his voice hoarse with grief, "I didn't teach her enough . . . I taught her pretty tricks . . . How to make flowers . . . I should have taught her something she could fight with . . ." Tomoyo shook her head as Eriol seemed to look around, "She was only . . . so young . . . Only a little girl . . . My smallest, my favourite of the Reeds . . . She never harmed anyone . . . and they . . ." He shuddered as he cried, "Only so very young . . ." Eriol leant into Tomoyo's open arms, and yelled, muffled by her body, "THEY BROKE HER LITTLE NECK!"

Kero smiled as he padded down the stairs, he could feel Yue's pleasure and was glad he and Touya had finally made up, "Now . . . To get myself something to eat!"

Syaoran smiled as he felt Sakura try to sneak up behind him, he tipped the frying pan slightly too allow the stir fried rice and vegetables to move a little. He was making lunch for them, and Kero. Yue, the snow rabbit and Touya had not made an appearance that morning and Syaoran seriously doubted they would for the rest of the day. He jumped a little as Sakura grabbed his sides.

"Boo!" She whispered into his ear.

"Ahh!" He glanced over his shoulder and smiled at her. Sakura giggled slightly, and he turned the heat down. He smiled and turned to her, "How do you like your lunch to be served, Mistress Sakura?"

"Whatever is easiest, Syaoran . . ." Sakura smiled back, "You didn't need to go through all this trouble for our lunch . . ."

"But you do for mine, so make it snappy, Gaki!" Kero growled good naturedly, as he jumped up to lean on the counter, "And I warn you . . . I'm in my best form today . . ."

"As usual you are still so greedy!" Syaoran turned back to his frying, "I don't understand why we don't put you on a diet!"

"Say that again Gaki! I'll maul you!"

The doorbell rang as the two ignited their old arguments. Sakura beamed as she opened the door, "Konnichiwa minna-san!"

Tomoyo smiled as she pulled Sakura into a hug, "Konnichiwa, Sakura-chan . . . Sleep well?"

"Hai! We were just starting lunch!" She stepped back to let them in, "Come in! Konnichiwa Eriol-kun."

Eriol stared at her for the longest moment, before saying quietly, "I have some bad news . . . and I need to talk to Touya."

A few hours later . . .

Kero pressed his lips together as Sakura sat very still, "Are you all right?"

She shifted slightly on the stairs; Syaoran was sitting in the living room, talking to his mother about the news. Sakura sniffed, "Whoever did this to the Reeds must have done this to my father."

"It's a possibility." Keroberos murmured, he looked up the stairs, Eriol had become tired again, and was sleeping in Sakura's room, Tomoyo watching over him carefully, and much to the amazement of Kero and Yue, Ruby Moon and Spinel Sun were obeying Tomoyo's every order. Keroberos shook his head and thought about Yue, the Moon guardian was caring for Touya. The new keeper of Clow's magic had become violently ill at the idea of half of his; or rather Clow Reed's, family ceasing to exist, and he too had to be put in bed. Kero shook his head, neither he nor Yue were too disturbed by the loss of the Reeds while they felt sympathy for the few ties Eriol had managed to re-establish, overall they found it hard to pity for a family that had put their own lives, their own pursuits before the strength of the family.

Keroberos nodded to Ruby as she moved past them quietly, she was carrying some warm tea up. She smiled, and paused with Sakura, "When I come back down . . . shall I make dinner?"

The card Mistress stood, "It's my turn . . ."

Ruby Moon began to walk again, she called back softly, "If you look on the board of chores I think you'll find I am in charge of cooking, Yue is in charge of washing up and Keroberos and Suppi will have to do the cleaning!"

Sakura, despite herself, had to laugh; only Ruby Moon would try to keep everyone happy.

"Don't you care . . ." Touya looked at Yue, ". . . that part of your family has been eradicated?"

"I am of the Moon . . ." Yue fiddled with the blanket, tucking Touya in a little more. He paused as he thought about what to say, how to explain to Touya, to Clow about his feelings for the Reeds. He sighed and decided to tell a half-truth, "My loyalties lie with the Li clan."

"Keroberos is of the Sun . . ." Touya closed his eyes and pressed his hand against them, a stinging headache was making it's presence known. He felt Yue press a hand over his, and felt the cold magic drip slowly on to the hurt, Touya sighed and continued, "He seems to be unaffected by this news."

Yue stood, and poured some more tea, "Keroberos takes all in his stride . . . He was the same after your death."

"I am not dead." Touya's eyes snapped open.

Yue blinked, "Forgive me . . . I meant Clow Reed."

"I know." The darker haired boy turned his head towards the angel, "Last night . . ."

"Regrets all ready?" Yue tilted his head; his voice light enough to make sure that Touya knew he was joking.

"Never . . ." Touya sighed and rubbed his head, "I was going to say that last night must have made things confusing . . . I am Touya, Kinomoto Touya always . . . demo . . ."

"Clow Reed will not do it again, there is no reason to and it would take too much energy." Yue smiled slightly, he knew what it meant, he managed to think it through the night before, staring at Clow's illusion as the magician slept. "It's just he needed to talk to me."

Touya sighed and struggled slightly as he sat up in the bed, "Did he ever talk to you about his family?"

"Not really . . ." Yue picked up the cup and passed it to Touya, "Keroberos had a saying, Clow was always so interested in the future, he never had time for the past nor present." He sat beside Touya, "Drink this . . ."

Touya sipped at the drink as Yue sat in the chair by the bed, he glanced up, "Won't you have some?"

"No, thank you . . ." Yue shook his head, "I don't drink anymore."

"I noticed . . ." Touya nodded, he thought for a few moments, "It didn't used to be like this . . . I remember when you used to eat and drink a lot . . ."

"I was younger then . . ." The angel smiled, "And if you remember that, then you would remember that I have a low tolerance for caffeine, that tea is too strong for my liking . . ." He sighed, and stood, walking over to Touya again, and feeling his forehead, "You feel a little warm, drink your tea and then try to sleep for a bit."

Syaoran sighed as he put down the phone. He shook his head and replayed the conversation in his head. His family were safe, his mother said, they were fine and had had no mysterious disappearances, no sudden deaths by natural causes and certainly no murders. Whatever had eliminated the Reeds and had killed Sakura's father was looking for something on the western side . . . or making sure of something . . . he folded his arms; at least his family were safe.

He, like Keroberos, was not too adversely affected by the loss of the Reeds. It was a cruel thing to think, but Syaoran personally felt the world was better off without the Reed family. He sighed and stepped out into the hall, his mother had had a similar attitude. She felt that what ever had claimed Sakura's father and now the Reeds must be seeking the Clow magic, no other families of magic had been targeted.

He looked up and wondered what Eriol was thinking, who could do such a thing? Wipe out one of the most powerful families in the western hemisphere of magic and even then not take credit in some fashion. As much as he disliked the Reeds, he disliked cowardice even more. Whoever killed Eriol's favourite Reed descendant was making sure of something, and they didn't care who they killed . . . Syaoran frowned, but whoever did this didn't make themselves known, didn't show the world who it was who could bring the most powerful family in the western sphere to their knees . . . making the act even more terrible.

Dinner was . . . very quiet.

Nakuru fidgeted slightly, as she looked around. They were waiting on Eriol to join them. He had sent Tomoyo ahead of him, and had asked to use the telephone. She looked at Yukito, he looked very sad about the news, but she could tell that Yue's influence stopped him from feeling too much about the Reeds. Nakuru looked at her plate again, she too didn't feel that much about them . . . only Eriol's favourite Reed descendant. Carolyn was a smart little girl, and Nakuru had liked her a lot. She sighed, and pushed back her chair, "I'm going to go get him."

Touya waved his hand, and her seat slid back under, taking her down with it. "He's fine . . . Leave me be."

"Clow." Keroberos snorted quietly, "Allow Touya to speak for himself."

Touya looked up, "I am not Clow Reed." He shook his head and stood, "I shall go get him."

Eriol sat on the stairs, holding his face in his hands. He looked up as he felt Touya approach. "I'm sorry . . ." He rose, "I just can't get through to her."

"Kaho's not answering?" Touya frowned, as he thought of something, ". . . And your family?"

Eriol smiled, "My parents died shortly before I came to Japan for Sakura." He smiled and patted Touya's shoulder, "It was natural causes, and I was with them."

"What's going on?"

"I don't know . . . There is something . . . something coming. And it's definitely something to do with Clow."

"An enemy from the time before?"

"Perhaps . . ." Eriol folded his arms, "Perhaps an enemy from the spirit world has crossed over . . ."

Un-sensed by them, hidden from their sense, black eyes glinted darkly. Crouched low, three beings listened well to the conversation, the gold and black staff glinted in the cold night as pallid hands griped it tightly. "Or perhaps . . . Her true judge, come to bestow proper judgement . . ."

-----------------------------

And Now It's Time To Leave It To Doctor Megalomania!!

DrM: No college, and too much 'Flu makes DrM update *really* regularly . . .

Clow: [Shakes Head] You can say that again.

DrM: [grin] No colle--- [Clow glowers] Anyway . . . [Rubs hands together] Yes indeed, all I can say is *cling*. CLING to this last bit of happiness, Clow . . . as in the making out with Yue. And yes, Dark Ice Angel, you're right . . . it *IS* the calm before the storm . . . MWHA HA HA HA HA!!

Sakura: What's going to happen?

DrM: [fold hands and zips up mouth, thinks aloud] I'm not going to tell you!!

Saurian: Hi, you may remember me as the dragon, who ate Kaho, and killed that Fujitaka-bloke, and then ate that little girl and her momma from Chapter One . . . all I can say is, the girl needed eating! You all wanted me to eat her, I could hear you, you were thinking as you read her description, //Oh yeah, she's dead, she might be skippin' along, all happy like now, but just you wait, five seconds from now, she's gonna be little girl on toast!!// . . . [Points at readers] Don't you even *begin* to deny it! You *love* me! And secretly, you WANT me to eat Sakura!! Eat her all up, starting with her – [mocking, and blinking with long lashed girly eyes] –sparkling emerald green eyes!! YEAH, THINK ABOUT IT!!

DrM: Uh, Saurian buddy, the fact people are demanding your not-so-pleasant death, and that they hate your guts, they want you dead some more, erm. . . [Reads reviews] they want you to have more respect for the people you kill—

Saurian: I AM respectful, I eat them all up, don't I? . . . always lick the plate clean and belch, best way of showing you had a good meal.

DrM: [raises eyebrow] –they think you're ugly and moronic, and have bad breath, and you're evil, and mean, and just plain icky. [Blinks] . . . oh, and did I mention, they want you dead? Preferably, in a painful, humiliating way, involving something truly painful and humiliating?

Saurian: [Smug, Smarmy-all-knowing-little-brother-stylin'] They are all in denial! All of them, all in denial. Denial, denial, denial.

DrM: [rolls eyes, and sighs] And about Kyree . . . oh, yeah you're meant to hate her. She's an evil, cold-hearted bitch. [Grins and gives the thumbs up] Not unlike me, eh? Anyway, Please R&R!!