Chapter 3- Shadows and Lavender
Jo-chan
Disclaimers: Standard CCS disclaimers apply. Clamp owns the characters.
*****
Reisui sighed as he observed his daughter's rigid spine and stiff shoulders. Tomoyo was scowling angrily at a black-haired young man whom Sakura earlier greeted as Eriol. The same young man who came in the nick of time to save Tomoyo from certain death and help unleash her power. There was a fine tension between the two of them and Reisui can't help but wonder what could have happened in the past that made Tomoyo so furious with the man who is her destined Guardian.
"Tomoyo--" started Reisui, drawing his daughter's attention to him.
"Nani Otousan?" spat out Tomoyo, red splotches of color staining her fair cheeks. Realizing her angry tone, Tomoyo turned to face her father and said again in a much calmer tone, "What is it Father?"
Reisui quirked his brow at his daughter and inclined his head towards the mysterious young man. "I wouldn't mind having an introduction to this young man who saved you. And if my intuition is correct, he is your Guardian right?"
With a sheepish expression on her face, Sakura stepped in for her infuriated friend. "Hoe... Reisui-san, this is Hiiragizawa Eriol-kun. He's a former classmate of ours and--" Sakura paused and looked around the hectic office of Japan's defense headquarters before leaning in to whisper her last words, "He's also the reincarnation of Clow Reed."
Eriol bent his head slightly as he acknowledged Reisui's speculative gaze. So this is Tomoyo's father! If things would carry on as they are right now, the right hand man of Japan's Defense Minister would probably warm up to him faster than Tomoyo would! Even several feet away from her, he can feel waves of raw anger emanating from her and briefly, he wondered why Tomoyo is still mad even after all those years.
Syaoran, who was seated on a chair watching the drama sighed as he tugged on Sakura's hand to make her sit down. "You're giving me a headache with you standing up and wringing your hands," murmured Syaoran, rubbing his forehead wearily.
Immediately, Sakura sat down beside him and clutched his other hand. "Daijoubu Syaoran-kun? Do you want some medicine?" asked Sakura anxiously, all thoughts of intervening for her friend lost in her worry.
Silently, Syaoran gazed at the worried pools of green gazing at him and shook his head. After the revelation about her mother's true cause of death, Sakura has been paranoid and overprotective of him and Tomoyo. He raised his head to drop a kiss on his girlfriend's smooth cheek, "I'm fine, don't worry about me. Just let the two of them work out their differences," he whispered, nodding towards Eriol and Tomoyo's direction.
Sighing, Sakura relaxed against his side. She glanced at Tomoyo's furious countenance and Eriol's placid stance. Normally, Tomoyo is as imperturbable as Yue, calm, poised and collected but right now, Sakura is amazed at how angry her best friend could get. Even when Eriol had left years ago, Tomoyo never indicated distress or sadness, she was just a little more quiet than usual.
But this time, Tomoyo seemed so different, so far gone was she from her usual expression of good-nature and understanding. Her perfect features were twisted in rage, providing a red tinge to her smooth cheeks. Her brows were knitted as she glared and her eyes practically spewed fire at Eriol who seemed unperturbed. If looks could kill, then by the look in Tomoyo's eyes, Eriol would have been found six feet under.
Tomoyo whirled around to face Eriol once more as she stopped trying to avoid looking at his face. "What are you doing here?" hissed Tomoyo angrily. Reisui crossed his arms over his chest, also interested in what Eriol would say.
Eriol looked at Tomoyo as if amazed. "Protecting you-- the next Fumegami of course," answered Eriol as if the answer was so obvious and the question so stupid.
"Well I don't need you," retorted Tomoyo.
"You needed me very badly this evening," replied Eriol somberly referring to Tomoyo's near brush with death at the battle.
Tomoyo opened her mouth to reply but then slowly, the color drained from her face as memories of the carnage that happened hours ago began to play in her mind. Her anger at Eriol proved to be a distraction earlier but now, having been reminded of the previous battle, she began to shake in remembered terror.
Weakly, she sank down on a couch. "Oh Kami-sama..." whispered Tomoyo as faces of the dead civilians and soldiers flashed in her mind. The blood of humans and the fetid green blood of the minions had colored the ground and even the darkness of the night did little to disguise it.
Reisui walked over to his daughter and laid a hand against her shoulder. "We did what we could Tomoyo," assured Reisui as he turned on the television with the remote control he was holding in his other hand. "Why don't we watch the news and see what media has to say about tonight's incident?" suggested Reisui as the face of TV's youngest and most popular anchorman appeared.
"Hours after the sudden attack of downtown Tokyo, corpses of dead citizens and monsters have littered the once busy streets. According to our government source, the attack is a part of the battle against the Reawakened Evil. 18 years ago, in a battle little known by citizens, the Fumegami, a descendant of the Goddess of Seals has battled and lost her life in the act of sealing the monsters away from Japan. Now with the Reawakened Evil at a rise, we have seen the courageous and mysterious powers of unidentified 'saviors'. Here are some footage from the battle..."
Slightly blurry shots of Sakura fighting on air, men dressed in black carrying swords and guns, Syaoran releasing a seal off fire and lastly, a shot of Tomoyo with a concentration of circles under her and light coming out from her circle of power flashed onscreen.
"We have reason to believe that the young lady in the last shot is the next Fumegami and our source has refused to confirm. The young lady fighting on air and the man fighting with a sword and fire are said to be the legendary 'Mistress of the Cards' and the heir to the powerful Li-clan in Hongkong. A foreign looking young man arrived near the end of the battle accompanied by a woman and leopard with wings! Here's the last footage of our special report..."
The last shot was a picture of Eriol holding Tomoyo in the midst of bright light, the images were almost indistinguishable at the extreme brightness of the Sacred Light but everyone inside Reisui's office recognized it.
"Hopefully, our government would be more transparent about the catastrophe because we the citizens deserve to know the truth of the situation. If it hadn't been for this attack in Downtown Tokyo, we never would have learned of the battle against the Reawakened Evil. This battle of magic and demons is beyond the comprehension of normal people but nonetheless, we deserve to know because it is our lives at stake. This is Noberu Kenji reporting," said the top anchorman.
Reisui began to curse softly inside his office. "Nobody was supposed to know! Damn those meddling media!" ranted Reisui as he paced agitatedly in his office.
"But Uncle, Noberu-san had a point, this battle also involves them because their lives also hang in the balance of good and evil. The people do deserve to know what's really happening!" exclaimed Sakura jumping to her feet as well.
"And create mass panic and hysteria?" asked Reisui bitterly as he stared at the running news on television grimly.
"It's too late to do anything about it anymore. With the secret out in the open, the only thing left to do is assure everyone and protect those who will fight the battle from further media exposure," pointed out Syaoran as he took out his ringing cellular phone. He sighed at seeing who was calling. "It's my mother, she's probably demanding an explanation about me appearing on the news tonight," said Syaoran when Sakura peered at the cell phone over his shoulder.
"Hai Okaasan?" "Syaoran! Are you all right?" Syaoran blinked in surprise at the worry evident in his mother's voice. Li Ieran is always calm and composed which is why Syaoran has always been intimidated by his own mother. Slowly, he answered, "Yes mother, I'm all right. I'm just really tired." "So the Reawakened Evil is back," said Ieran Li, half question, half statement. "Hai." A tinge of apprehension crept into Ieran's voice as she said, "The Li Clan Elders didn't like seeing you on television but they were alarmed to learn you are facing the Reawakened Evil. Be careful Xiaolang." Syaoran swallowed nervously. His mother who had unbelievable magic was actually afraid! Suddenly, his confidence disappeared. He realized that he had no idea how powerful the Reawakened Evil is. "I will mother. I would need your help though--" "What can I do to aid you my son?" asked Ieran as her daughters crowded around her. "I need more information about the Reawakened Evil, its origins, any recorded data about the battles that have taken place and the Fumegami's power. Can you help me with that mother?" asked Syaoran seriously. Ieran released a sigh. "All right. But bear this in mind Syaoran, the Li Clan Elders are debating whether or not they'd send for you back home. The danger is great in Japan and they fear losing you. Your first duty Syaoran, is the Li Clan, not the Card Mistress or the Fumegami."
Syaoran said nothing more, knowing it was futile to go against the wishes of his family. In allowing him to remain in Japan, his family has given him a great blessing but Ieran's words rang true as well. He was the Li Clan's Chosen One, the future leader and he was tied to them by blood and honor.
Slowly, he ended the call. He faced the people inside the room and forced a reassuring expression on his face. "Daijoubu, my family just called to see how I am and they assured their assistance in the battle against the Reawakened Evil."
"Yokatta," said Sakura, giving Syaoran a hug.
"Thank God the Li Clan didn't decide to have our heads! I wouldn't dream of displeasing your family Li-kun," said Reisui as he wearily rubbed his brow.
Quizzically, Sakura turned her head to look at her Uncle. "Why did you say that Uncle?"
Not noticing Syaoran's warning look, Reisui answered his niece, "The Li Clan is one of the most powerful families in Asia. The Li Clan is filthy rich, influential, with powerful political connections and a family with mysterious abilities. It's hard to go against them."
Sakura lost some color in her face. "Oh..." she said as she refused to meet Syaoran's eyes. Other than the fact that Syaoran's family was rich and that his mother had powers and Syaoran had sisters, there was very little she knew about his Clan.
There was a sudden impatient tapping on the window of Reisui's office. Reisui's eyebrows shot up as he gazed at the drawn curtains of his window. "My office is on the 72nd floor... this is impossible!" he exclaimed as he strode over to the window.
"KONBAWA!!!!" yelled Ruby Moon, her face pressed against the window.
"GAH!" shouted everyone is surprise. Ruby Moon's face was distorted, making her appear scary and a little funny. Spinel had reverted back to his false form and a sweat-drop was seen on his forehead as he hovered near Ruby Moon.
Eriol strode swiftly over to the window and opened it as Reisui stood staring at his guardians speechless. "Have you settled in the Shrine?" asked Eriol as soon as Ruby Moon and Spinel got inside. Spinel answered as Ruby Moon transformed into her false form with her wings wrapped around her. "Hai Eriol, I also phoned Kaho and informed her we're all right and we made it to her house already," answered Spinel.
"You're staying over at Mizuki-sensei's house Eriol-kun?" asked Sakura.
"Yes, my house was demolished to make way for the construction of the amusement park years ago. Since Kaho offered to let us stay in her house in the meantime, we couldn't say no," replied Eriol.
"Where's Mizuki-sensei by the way?" inquired Syaoran.
"She's still in England but she'll probably follow shortly after. I better call her up and tell her its too dangerous here in Japan," said Eriol, a frown creasing his brow.
Throughout the conversation, Tomoyo remained silent. Nakuru, who was back in her false form noticed it and bounced over to give the silent girl a hug. "WAI! Tomoyo-san, you've grown up to be so beautiful and kawaii!!!!" cried Nakuru as an astonished Tomoyo stared at her.
Tears unexpectedly pricked Tomoyo's eyes. She rested her cheek against Nakuru's shoulder for awhile and then she smiled, recovering her composure. "Arigato! Say, Nakuru-san, don't you think that Li-kun looks a lot like Touya-san?" asked Tomoyo mischievously.
"Hmmmm..." Nakuru gazed at a sputtering Syaoran hard and long. Hearts appeared around Nakuru's head as she bounded over to Li. She hugged him from behind the way she has always hugged Touya. "Li-kun *hearts* you're so handsome! You look a lot like Touya-kun! Wai! I love you!" exclaimed Nakuru as Sakura gawked at her.
Stuttering, Syaoran tried to shake Nakuru off his back. "I do not look like that big ape!" claimed Syaoran, pissed off at being likened to his nemesis. Over the years, the competition between the two of them increased and more often than not, Touya would suddenly appear whenever Syaoran would try to kiss Sakura.
Amidst the laughter of everyone inside the office, Eriol gazed out at the night sky. He breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of the cool air and the fragrance of lavender. He glanced at Tomoyo from the corner of his eye. So beautiful indeed... and she's near. The sweet scent of lilacs and lavender has haunted his dreams for reasons he couldn't fathom.
// Tomoyo-san is so near... and yet so far from me...// mused Eriol as he gazed at Tomoyo who laughed at Nakuru's antics.
********
You fools!!! You were defeated by the Fumegami's guardians!
Hissing and low groans echoed in the pool of darkness. Red eyes widened and spewed anger the rest of the monsters. The Fumegami is weak and indecisive! Her bond with her Guardian is weak as well, torn by distrust and heartache, how can you fail if such an opening is revealed?
A chorus of rasping 'sorry' echoed throughout the cavern. Horned and winged minions wailed and clawed against the walls in their distress at failing.
This time, I do not want any of you to fail! Awaken and inform the Demon Beast Kava to wreck havoc on Japan and call on Demon Beast Gano to kill the Fumegami or even one of her guardians! 'Yes..." hissed the minions as frantic scurrying was heard.
The blazing red eyes slowly narrowed and then closed, vanishing completely from sight.
********
Two days after the attack on Downtown Tokyo, Tomoyo has lapsed into a routine. From the Defense Office and then to her apartment with Sakura and Meilin. She tries every now and then to attend her classes but everybody seems to know her and what she is. She feels like a freak as whispers would follow her path.
People were a little more silent whenever Tomoyo would be seen with Sakura or Syaoran. Having seen Sakura and Syaoran's powers, people were terrified of them. Sakura didn't mind, having known long ago that her innate magic would cause fear for some people, admiration in others. Fujitaka and Touya had been calling her and she assured them that she was fine. Yukito and Cerberos are now staying in their apartment.
Tomoyo, who is unused and still rejecting her magic felt resentful. All her life she has believed she was normal but now she finds herself in a battle that might very well cost her life! Unlike Sakura's battle, her battle is the ultimate fight for survival, to save humans from demons. But instead of appreciating her presence, to Tomoyo it seems that people even fear and shun her.
Tomoyo cut her car's engine and rested her head against the steering wheel. Dark shadows ringed her violet eyes. She had got into her car and had been driving for quite some time, needing to gather her composure. It was her first time alone in days and she cherished it. "I hate this," she whispered as she punched the headboard.
Taking a pair of dark glasses from the compartment, she slid it on and hastily tied her hair with a red scarf and shoved a bonnet on her head. Satisfied with her simple disguise, she shrugged on her dark trench coat and got out of her car.
It was 4:30 PM, a few more hours before night would fall. She took out her cell phone and shut it off. She walked over to a small cafe and sat down, basking in the dim and relaxing interior. Soft guitar strings were playing, adding to her sense of comfort. She suddenly missed her old life, it was mainly about music, academics and her friends. But now...
"Mind if I join you?" a male voice above her said, interrupting her reverie.
Startled, Tomoyo looked up to find Noberu Kenji standing near her, holding a full glass of iced fruppaccino. He was younger than she first thought, around twenty-one or so and quite the normal guy if not for his stunning looks. He was dressed casually, a collared shit and slacks. His immaculate brown hair on television looking disheveled right now. His intelligent dark eyes twinkled at her.
Noticing her silence, Kenji said, "Forgive me, I don't usually do this but I noticed you since you walked into the cafe and I thought you really needed company. I'm Noberu Kenji by the way. You can call me Kenji if you like."
Tomoyo shook herself silently and gave a slight nod. "All right, you can sit beside me Kenji-san."
A waiter appeared at her side and she gave her order, "One cappuccino please." She looked back and found Kenji staring at her. Flushing behind her large dark glasses, she asked self-consciously, "Is there something on my face?"
Kenji shook his head and answered, "No... it's just that you seem so familiar. And... why are you still wearing sun glasses and a hat? It's rather dark here."
"Oh, that's right," muttered Tomoyo forgetting about concealing her identity. She slowly removed her glasses and took the bonnet from her head, revealing thickly-lashed purple eyes and a fragrant cloud of lavender colored hair. She looked back up to see Kenji staring at her, his mouth hanging open. Instinctively, she drew back, realizing her mistake. Idiot! He's a press member!
"No wait! Please don't leave!" said Kenji fervently as he averted his eyes. "I'm sorry, I was surprised to see you and... I really didn't think you truly exist," he said, lowering his gaze.
Her chest heaving slightly, Tomoyo looked around the dim cafe. "No press, no cameras?" she whispered.
"No! The Japanese government told us to not hound the Fumegami," answered Kenji.
At the word Fumegami, Tomoyo sank down in her seat. "I hate that word," she said passionately as she clenched her fists.
Amazed, Kenji looked at her and asked, "What word?"
"Fumegami," spat out Tomoyo.
"But you are the descendant of the Goddess of Seals! You will save Japan from the Reawakened Evil!" said Kenji incredulously.
"I never asked for it!" retorted Tomoyo as quickly took a sip from her cup of cappuccino. They remained silent, lost in their individual thoughts. Hesitantly, Tomoyo looked at Kenji's face once more. "You will keep silent about meeting me, won't you?"
Kenji met her worried gaze. "I will. But I really think that the rest of Japan deserves to know more about you, I mean, you're really not what I expected you to be."
"I'm just an ordinary girl," said Tomoyo defiantly.
Dimples appeared on Kenji's cheeks as he grinned. "That is the biggest understatement of the millenium!" Seriously, his dark eyes looking into hers, Kenji said, "You are who you are and you can be nothing more, nothing less."
Tomoyo opened her mouth to reply when a loud explosion that tore the ceiling of the small cafe open sent everyone fleeing in terror. With screams of panic, everyone began to scramble away as debris fell. Kenji stood up and had pulled Tomoyo to safety as they stared at scene unfolding in front of their eyes.
A large, hunch-backed demon with spikes on its spine towered in the opening of the cafe's ceiling. Smaller monsters crawled through the ceiling on all fours, like spiders as they suddenly jumped on the cowering customers. It was the Demon Beast Gano, its loud mouth open, its fetid breath blowing steam from its pointed fangs. It swiveled its head, searching for its primary prey.
Frozen, Tomoyo could only watch as the smaller monsters tore into their victims. A moan of pain escaped her lips as she crouched under a table, watching the attack. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the sight. // God! Why didn't I listen to Father? // despaired Tomoyo as she thought about her guardians who probably had no idea that she was in danger.
Kenji gripped Tomoyo's shoulder tightly. He was afraid to move, fearing to make their location known. Obviously, this attack was intended to eliminate the threat of the Fumegami and Kenji was smart enough to put two and two together. "Can't you do something?" whispered Kenji, shifting so that if an attack comes, he would be in front of Tomoyo.
Panting in fear, Tomoyo shook her head. "I don't know! What happened in the battle before I had no control over! My friends-- Sakura and Syaoran were my guardians," answered Tomoyo pressing more closely against Kenji. She suddenly felt ridiculous because she was afraid! She pulled back, knitting her brows as she tried to recall any scrap of information that might help in her current situation. Right, Syaoran said something about a Bond! She concentrated on sending out her need. "Help me," she murmured over and over again. And what she did before-- the Sacred Light. Desperately, she tried to recall how she brought it up.
"What are you doing?" hissed Kenji as he tried to crowd Tomoyo further into the corner.
"Shut up!" answered Tomoyo, suddenly feeling a strange power inside of her. It made her gasp but she lost it before she can completely harness it. "My power is here, inside me but I don't know how--" said Tomoyo pointing to her chest.
The table they were hiding under was ripped away with a loud roar. Instinctively, Kenji threw himself in front of Tomoyo, pushing her down as the Demon Beast Gano attacked, its long muscular arms striking forward, the claws sinking into Kenji's chest!
"ARGH!" "Kenji-san!" screamed Tomoyo as Kenji writhed in pain, impaled on Gano's long claws. The Demon Beast impassively withdrew his claws and began to advance on Tomoyo. Kenji crumpled down, blood rushing from his wound. He moaned as he tried to say, "Daidouji-san, run away..."
"GET AWAY!" screamed Tomoyo as she dove towards Kenji, her magical circle appearing as a ring of light exploded around her. The blast of light threw all the monsters away, some of them disintegrating the moment the light touched them. Gano flew back meters away, slamming against the wall on its spiked back.
Tears coursed down Tomoyo's cheeks as she grabbed Kenji, holding him up. Dark blood stained her hands and her clothes as she tried to help him up. "Are you all right? Kenji-san, don't die!" cried Tomoyo as Kenji weakly tried to push her away.
"Crazy woman! You should have run away!" he said between gritted teeth. He felt slim hands pressing down on his wound, trying to staunch the flow of blood. He groaned in pain. He looked back over Tomoyo's shoulder in time to see Gano lunge at them from behind. "Look out!"
"FIREY!"
TBC
*********
Author's Notes: Thank you very much to my kind reviewers, I was able to continue this fic because of you so I dedicate this fan fiction to my readers, specially my reviewers. Anyway, an appeal for more reviews, I might be setting up a fanfiction archive soon so authors and readers and lovers of fanfics, please email me for contributions, suggestions, or inquiries. Thank you very much!
Jo-chan
Disclaimers: Standard CCS disclaimers apply. Clamp owns the characters.
*****
Reisui sighed as he observed his daughter's rigid spine and stiff shoulders. Tomoyo was scowling angrily at a black-haired young man whom Sakura earlier greeted as Eriol. The same young man who came in the nick of time to save Tomoyo from certain death and help unleash her power. There was a fine tension between the two of them and Reisui can't help but wonder what could have happened in the past that made Tomoyo so furious with the man who is her destined Guardian.
"Tomoyo--" started Reisui, drawing his daughter's attention to him.
"Nani Otousan?" spat out Tomoyo, red splotches of color staining her fair cheeks. Realizing her angry tone, Tomoyo turned to face her father and said again in a much calmer tone, "What is it Father?"
Reisui quirked his brow at his daughter and inclined his head towards the mysterious young man. "I wouldn't mind having an introduction to this young man who saved you. And if my intuition is correct, he is your Guardian right?"
With a sheepish expression on her face, Sakura stepped in for her infuriated friend. "Hoe... Reisui-san, this is Hiiragizawa Eriol-kun. He's a former classmate of ours and--" Sakura paused and looked around the hectic office of Japan's defense headquarters before leaning in to whisper her last words, "He's also the reincarnation of Clow Reed."
Eriol bent his head slightly as he acknowledged Reisui's speculative gaze. So this is Tomoyo's father! If things would carry on as they are right now, the right hand man of Japan's Defense Minister would probably warm up to him faster than Tomoyo would! Even several feet away from her, he can feel waves of raw anger emanating from her and briefly, he wondered why Tomoyo is still mad even after all those years.
Syaoran, who was seated on a chair watching the drama sighed as he tugged on Sakura's hand to make her sit down. "You're giving me a headache with you standing up and wringing your hands," murmured Syaoran, rubbing his forehead wearily.
Immediately, Sakura sat down beside him and clutched his other hand. "Daijoubu Syaoran-kun? Do you want some medicine?" asked Sakura anxiously, all thoughts of intervening for her friend lost in her worry.
Silently, Syaoran gazed at the worried pools of green gazing at him and shook his head. After the revelation about her mother's true cause of death, Sakura has been paranoid and overprotective of him and Tomoyo. He raised his head to drop a kiss on his girlfriend's smooth cheek, "I'm fine, don't worry about me. Just let the two of them work out their differences," he whispered, nodding towards Eriol and Tomoyo's direction.
Sighing, Sakura relaxed against his side. She glanced at Tomoyo's furious countenance and Eriol's placid stance. Normally, Tomoyo is as imperturbable as Yue, calm, poised and collected but right now, Sakura is amazed at how angry her best friend could get. Even when Eriol had left years ago, Tomoyo never indicated distress or sadness, she was just a little more quiet than usual.
But this time, Tomoyo seemed so different, so far gone was she from her usual expression of good-nature and understanding. Her perfect features were twisted in rage, providing a red tinge to her smooth cheeks. Her brows were knitted as she glared and her eyes practically spewed fire at Eriol who seemed unperturbed. If looks could kill, then by the look in Tomoyo's eyes, Eriol would have been found six feet under.
Tomoyo whirled around to face Eriol once more as she stopped trying to avoid looking at his face. "What are you doing here?" hissed Tomoyo angrily. Reisui crossed his arms over his chest, also interested in what Eriol would say.
Eriol looked at Tomoyo as if amazed. "Protecting you-- the next Fumegami of course," answered Eriol as if the answer was so obvious and the question so stupid.
"Well I don't need you," retorted Tomoyo.
"You needed me very badly this evening," replied Eriol somberly referring to Tomoyo's near brush with death at the battle.
Tomoyo opened her mouth to reply but then slowly, the color drained from her face as memories of the carnage that happened hours ago began to play in her mind. Her anger at Eriol proved to be a distraction earlier but now, having been reminded of the previous battle, she began to shake in remembered terror.
Weakly, she sank down on a couch. "Oh Kami-sama..." whispered Tomoyo as faces of the dead civilians and soldiers flashed in her mind. The blood of humans and the fetid green blood of the minions had colored the ground and even the darkness of the night did little to disguise it.
Reisui walked over to his daughter and laid a hand against her shoulder. "We did what we could Tomoyo," assured Reisui as he turned on the television with the remote control he was holding in his other hand. "Why don't we watch the news and see what media has to say about tonight's incident?" suggested Reisui as the face of TV's youngest and most popular anchorman appeared.
"Hours after the sudden attack of downtown Tokyo, corpses of dead citizens and monsters have littered the once busy streets. According to our government source, the attack is a part of the battle against the Reawakened Evil. 18 years ago, in a battle little known by citizens, the Fumegami, a descendant of the Goddess of Seals has battled and lost her life in the act of sealing the monsters away from Japan. Now with the Reawakened Evil at a rise, we have seen the courageous and mysterious powers of unidentified 'saviors'. Here are some footage from the battle..."
Slightly blurry shots of Sakura fighting on air, men dressed in black carrying swords and guns, Syaoran releasing a seal off fire and lastly, a shot of Tomoyo with a concentration of circles under her and light coming out from her circle of power flashed onscreen.
"We have reason to believe that the young lady in the last shot is the next Fumegami and our source has refused to confirm. The young lady fighting on air and the man fighting with a sword and fire are said to be the legendary 'Mistress of the Cards' and the heir to the powerful Li-clan in Hongkong. A foreign looking young man arrived near the end of the battle accompanied by a woman and leopard with wings! Here's the last footage of our special report..."
The last shot was a picture of Eriol holding Tomoyo in the midst of bright light, the images were almost indistinguishable at the extreme brightness of the Sacred Light but everyone inside Reisui's office recognized it.
"Hopefully, our government would be more transparent about the catastrophe because we the citizens deserve to know the truth of the situation. If it hadn't been for this attack in Downtown Tokyo, we never would have learned of the battle against the Reawakened Evil. This battle of magic and demons is beyond the comprehension of normal people but nonetheless, we deserve to know because it is our lives at stake. This is Noberu Kenji reporting," said the top anchorman.
Reisui began to curse softly inside his office. "Nobody was supposed to know! Damn those meddling media!" ranted Reisui as he paced agitatedly in his office.
"But Uncle, Noberu-san had a point, this battle also involves them because their lives also hang in the balance of good and evil. The people do deserve to know what's really happening!" exclaimed Sakura jumping to her feet as well.
"And create mass panic and hysteria?" asked Reisui bitterly as he stared at the running news on television grimly.
"It's too late to do anything about it anymore. With the secret out in the open, the only thing left to do is assure everyone and protect those who will fight the battle from further media exposure," pointed out Syaoran as he took out his ringing cellular phone. He sighed at seeing who was calling. "It's my mother, she's probably demanding an explanation about me appearing on the news tonight," said Syaoran when Sakura peered at the cell phone over his shoulder.
"Hai Okaasan?" "Syaoran! Are you all right?" Syaoran blinked in surprise at the worry evident in his mother's voice. Li Ieran is always calm and composed which is why Syaoran has always been intimidated by his own mother. Slowly, he answered, "Yes mother, I'm all right. I'm just really tired." "So the Reawakened Evil is back," said Ieran Li, half question, half statement. "Hai." A tinge of apprehension crept into Ieran's voice as she said, "The Li Clan Elders didn't like seeing you on television but they were alarmed to learn you are facing the Reawakened Evil. Be careful Xiaolang." Syaoran swallowed nervously. His mother who had unbelievable magic was actually afraid! Suddenly, his confidence disappeared. He realized that he had no idea how powerful the Reawakened Evil is. "I will mother. I would need your help though--" "What can I do to aid you my son?" asked Ieran as her daughters crowded around her. "I need more information about the Reawakened Evil, its origins, any recorded data about the battles that have taken place and the Fumegami's power. Can you help me with that mother?" asked Syaoran seriously. Ieran released a sigh. "All right. But bear this in mind Syaoran, the Li Clan Elders are debating whether or not they'd send for you back home. The danger is great in Japan and they fear losing you. Your first duty Syaoran, is the Li Clan, not the Card Mistress or the Fumegami."
Syaoran said nothing more, knowing it was futile to go against the wishes of his family. In allowing him to remain in Japan, his family has given him a great blessing but Ieran's words rang true as well. He was the Li Clan's Chosen One, the future leader and he was tied to them by blood and honor.
Slowly, he ended the call. He faced the people inside the room and forced a reassuring expression on his face. "Daijoubu, my family just called to see how I am and they assured their assistance in the battle against the Reawakened Evil."
"Yokatta," said Sakura, giving Syaoran a hug.
"Thank God the Li Clan didn't decide to have our heads! I wouldn't dream of displeasing your family Li-kun," said Reisui as he wearily rubbed his brow.
Quizzically, Sakura turned her head to look at her Uncle. "Why did you say that Uncle?"
Not noticing Syaoran's warning look, Reisui answered his niece, "The Li Clan is one of the most powerful families in Asia. The Li Clan is filthy rich, influential, with powerful political connections and a family with mysterious abilities. It's hard to go against them."
Sakura lost some color in her face. "Oh..." she said as she refused to meet Syaoran's eyes. Other than the fact that Syaoran's family was rich and that his mother had powers and Syaoran had sisters, there was very little she knew about his Clan.
There was a sudden impatient tapping on the window of Reisui's office. Reisui's eyebrows shot up as he gazed at the drawn curtains of his window. "My office is on the 72nd floor... this is impossible!" he exclaimed as he strode over to the window.
"KONBAWA!!!!" yelled Ruby Moon, her face pressed against the window.
"GAH!" shouted everyone is surprise. Ruby Moon's face was distorted, making her appear scary and a little funny. Spinel had reverted back to his false form and a sweat-drop was seen on his forehead as he hovered near Ruby Moon.
Eriol strode swiftly over to the window and opened it as Reisui stood staring at his guardians speechless. "Have you settled in the Shrine?" asked Eriol as soon as Ruby Moon and Spinel got inside. Spinel answered as Ruby Moon transformed into her false form with her wings wrapped around her. "Hai Eriol, I also phoned Kaho and informed her we're all right and we made it to her house already," answered Spinel.
"You're staying over at Mizuki-sensei's house Eriol-kun?" asked Sakura.
"Yes, my house was demolished to make way for the construction of the amusement park years ago. Since Kaho offered to let us stay in her house in the meantime, we couldn't say no," replied Eriol.
"Where's Mizuki-sensei by the way?" inquired Syaoran.
"She's still in England but she'll probably follow shortly after. I better call her up and tell her its too dangerous here in Japan," said Eriol, a frown creasing his brow.
Throughout the conversation, Tomoyo remained silent. Nakuru, who was back in her false form noticed it and bounced over to give the silent girl a hug. "WAI! Tomoyo-san, you've grown up to be so beautiful and kawaii!!!!" cried Nakuru as an astonished Tomoyo stared at her.
Tears unexpectedly pricked Tomoyo's eyes. She rested her cheek against Nakuru's shoulder for awhile and then she smiled, recovering her composure. "Arigato! Say, Nakuru-san, don't you think that Li-kun looks a lot like Touya-san?" asked Tomoyo mischievously.
"Hmmmm..." Nakuru gazed at a sputtering Syaoran hard and long. Hearts appeared around Nakuru's head as she bounded over to Li. She hugged him from behind the way she has always hugged Touya. "Li-kun *hearts* you're so handsome! You look a lot like Touya-kun! Wai! I love you!" exclaimed Nakuru as Sakura gawked at her.
Stuttering, Syaoran tried to shake Nakuru off his back. "I do not look like that big ape!" claimed Syaoran, pissed off at being likened to his nemesis. Over the years, the competition between the two of them increased and more often than not, Touya would suddenly appear whenever Syaoran would try to kiss Sakura.
Amidst the laughter of everyone inside the office, Eriol gazed out at the night sky. He breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of the cool air and the fragrance of lavender. He glanced at Tomoyo from the corner of his eye. So beautiful indeed... and she's near. The sweet scent of lilacs and lavender has haunted his dreams for reasons he couldn't fathom.
// Tomoyo-san is so near... and yet so far from me...// mused Eriol as he gazed at Tomoyo who laughed at Nakuru's antics.
********
You fools!!! You were defeated by the Fumegami's guardians!
Hissing and low groans echoed in the pool of darkness. Red eyes widened and spewed anger the rest of the monsters. The Fumegami is weak and indecisive! Her bond with her Guardian is weak as well, torn by distrust and heartache, how can you fail if such an opening is revealed?
A chorus of rasping 'sorry' echoed throughout the cavern. Horned and winged minions wailed and clawed against the walls in their distress at failing.
This time, I do not want any of you to fail! Awaken and inform the Demon Beast Kava to wreck havoc on Japan and call on Demon Beast Gano to kill the Fumegami or even one of her guardians! 'Yes..." hissed the minions as frantic scurrying was heard.
The blazing red eyes slowly narrowed and then closed, vanishing completely from sight.
********
Two days after the attack on Downtown Tokyo, Tomoyo has lapsed into a routine. From the Defense Office and then to her apartment with Sakura and Meilin. She tries every now and then to attend her classes but everybody seems to know her and what she is. She feels like a freak as whispers would follow her path.
People were a little more silent whenever Tomoyo would be seen with Sakura or Syaoran. Having seen Sakura and Syaoran's powers, people were terrified of them. Sakura didn't mind, having known long ago that her innate magic would cause fear for some people, admiration in others. Fujitaka and Touya had been calling her and she assured them that she was fine. Yukito and Cerberos are now staying in their apartment.
Tomoyo, who is unused and still rejecting her magic felt resentful. All her life she has believed she was normal but now she finds herself in a battle that might very well cost her life! Unlike Sakura's battle, her battle is the ultimate fight for survival, to save humans from demons. But instead of appreciating her presence, to Tomoyo it seems that people even fear and shun her.
Tomoyo cut her car's engine and rested her head against the steering wheel. Dark shadows ringed her violet eyes. She had got into her car and had been driving for quite some time, needing to gather her composure. It was her first time alone in days and she cherished it. "I hate this," she whispered as she punched the headboard.
Taking a pair of dark glasses from the compartment, she slid it on and hastily tied her hair with a red scarf and shoved a bonnet on her head. Satisfied with her simple disguise, she shrugged on her dark trench coat and got out of her car.
It was 4:30 PM, a few more hours before night would fall. She took out her cell phone and shut it off. She walked over to a small cafe and sat down, basking in the dim and relaxing interior. Soft guitar strings were playing, adding to her sense of comfort. She suddenly missed her old life, it was mainly about music, academics and her friends. But now...
"Mind if I join you?" a male voice above her said, interrupting her reverie.
Startled, Tomoyo looked up to find Noberu Kenji standing near her, holding a full glass of iced fruppaccino. He was younger than she first thought, around twenty-one or so and quite the normal guy if not for his stunning looks. He was dressed casually, a collared shit and slacks. His immaculate brown hair on television looking disheveled right now. His intelligent dark eyes twinkled at her.
Noticing her silence, Kenji said, "Forgive me, I don't usually do this but I noticed you since you walked into the cafe and I thought you really needed company. I'm Noberu Kenji by the way. You can call me Kenji if you like."
Tomoyo shook herself silently and gave a slight nod. "All right, you can sit beside me Kenji-san."
A waiter appeared at her side and she gave her order, "One cappuccino please." She looked back and found Kenji staring at her. Flushing behind her large dark glasses, she asked self-consciously, "Is there something on my face?"
Kenji shook his head and answered, "No... it's just that you seem so familiar. And... why are you still wearing sun glasses and a hat? It's rather dark here."
"Oh, that's right," muttered Tomoyo forgetting about concealing her identity. She slowly removed her glasses and took the bonnet from her head, revealing thickly-lashed purple eyes and a fragrant cloud of lavender colored hair. She looked back up to see Kenji staring at her, his mouth hanging open. Instinctively, she drew back, realizing her mistake. Idiot! He's a press member!
"No wait! Please don't leave!" said Kenji fervently as he averted his eyes. "I'm sorry, I was surprised to see you and... I really didn't think you truly exist," he said, lowering his gaze.
Her chest heaving slightly, Tomoyo looked around the dim cafe. "No press, no cameras?" she whispered.
"No! The Japanese government told us to not hound the Fumegami," answered Kenji.
At the word Fumegami, Tomoyo sank down in her seat. "I hate that word," she said passionately as she clenched her fists.
Amazed, Kenji looked at her and asked, "What word?"
"Fumegami," spat out Tomoyo.
"But you are the descendant of the Goddess of Seals! You will save Japan from the Reawakened Evil!" said Kenji incredulously.
"I never asked for it!" retorted Tomoyo as quickly took a sip from her cup of cappuccino. They remained silent, lost in their individual thoughts. Hesitantly, Tomoyo looked at Kenji's face once more. "You will keep silent about meeting me, won't you?"
Kenji met her worried gaze. "I will. But I really think that the rest of Japan deserves to know more about you, I mean, you're really not what I expected you to be."
"I'm just an ordinary girl," said Tomoyo defiantly.
Dimples appeared on Kenji's cheeks as he grinned. "That is the biggest understatement of the millenium!" Seriously, his dark eyes looking into hers, Kenji said, "You are who you are and you can be nothing more, nothing less."
Tomoyo opened her mouth to reply when a loud explosion that tore the ceiling of the small cafe open sent everyone fleeing in terror. With screams of panic, everyone began to scramble away as debris fell. Kenji stood up and had pulled Tomoyo to safety as they stared at scene unfolding in front of their eyes.
A large, hunch-backed demon with spikes on its spine towered in the opening of the cafe's ceiling. Smaller monsters crawled through the ceiling on all fours, like spiders as they suddenly jumped on the cowering customers. It was the Demon Beast Gano, its loud mouth open, its fetid breath blowing steam from its pointed fangs. It swiveled its head, searching for its primary prey.
Frozen, Tomoyo could only watch as the smaller monsters tore into their victims. A moan of pain escaped her lips as she crouched under a table, watching the attack. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the sight. // God! Why didn't I listen to Father? // despaired Tomoyo as she thought about her guardians who probably had no idea that she was in danger.
Kenji gripped Tomoyo's shoulder tightly. He was afraid to move, fearing to make their location known. Obviously, this attack was intended to eliminate the threat of the Fumegami and Kenji was smart enough to put two and two together. "Can't you do something?" whispered Kenji, shifting so that if an attack comes, he would be in front of Tomoyo.
Panting in fear, Tomoyo shook her head. "I don't know! What happened in the battle before I had no control over! My friends-- Sakura and Syaoran were my guardians," answered Tomoyo pressing more closely against Kenji. She suddenly felt ridiculous because she was afraid! She pulled back, knitting her brows as she tried to recall any scrap of information that might help in her current situation. Right, Syaoran said something about a Bond! She concentrated on sending out her need. "Help me," she murmured over and over again. And what she did before-- the Sacred Light. Desperately, she tried to recall how she brought it up.
"What are you doing?" hissed Kenji as he tried to crowd Tomoyo further into the corner.
"Shut up!" answered Tomoyo, suddenly feeling a strange power inside of her. It made her gasp but she lost it before she can completely harness it. "My power is here, inside me but I don't know how--" said Tomoyo pointing to her chest.
The table they were hiding under was ripped away with a loud roar. Instinctively, Kenji threw himself in front of Tomoyo, pushing her down as the Demon Beast Gano attacked, its long muscular arms striking forward, the claws sinking into Kenji's chest!
"ARGH!" "Kenji-san!" screamed Tomoyo as Kenji writhed in pain, impaled on Gano's long claws. The Demon Beast impassively withdrew his claws and began to advance on Tomoyo. Kenji crumpled down, blood rushing from his wound. He moaned as he tried to say, "Daidouji-san, run away..."
"GET AWAY!" screamed Tomoyo as she dove towards Kenji, her magical circle appearing as a ring of light exploded around her. The blast of light threw all the monsters away, some of them disintegrating the moment the light touched them. Gano flew back meters away, slamming against the wall on its spiked back.
Tears coursed down Tomoyo's cheeks as she grabbed Kenji, holding him up. Dark blood stained her hands and her clothes as she tried to help him up. "Are you all right? Kenji-san, don't die!" cried Tomoyo as Kenji weakly tried to push her away.
"Crazy woman! You should have run away!" he said between gritted teeth. He felt slim hands pressing down on his wound, trying to staunch the flow of blood. He groaned in pain. He looked back over Tomoyo's shoulder in time to see Gano lunge at them from behind. "Look out!"
"FIREY!"
TBC
*********
Author's Notes: Thank you very much to my kind reviewers, I was able to continue this fic because of you so I dedicate this fan fiction to my readers, specially my reviewers. Anyway, an appeal for more reviews, I might be setting up a fanfiction archive soon so authors and readers and lovers of fanfics, please email me for contributions, suggestions, or inquiries. Thank you very much!