The Shadowed Prophecy
Jo-chan
Disclaimers: Standard CCS disclaimers apply. I do not own any of CLAMP's wonderful characters, I'm only borrowing them for the moment. Some characters that would appear are solely my own.
Chapter 6- Reach for the Dream
************
"Early morning air feels so nice..." sighed Sakura as she rollerbladed over to the school gym. It was 6 AM in the morning, way too early for her usual wake-up but she desperately needs to practice for the upcoming gymnastics competition.
She was dressed in workout clothes, wearing a black sports bra and black cycling shorts. A pink baggy sweatshirt covered her top and a blue duffel bag (obviously borrowed from Touya) was slung over her shoulder with her gymnastics paraphernalia inside.
Reaching the school, she skated leisurely across the courtyard and into the locker room. Standing in front of her locker, she took off her rollerblades to deposit it inside. When she opened her locker, a sweatdrop appeared on top of her head. "HOE! My locker's so messy!" she exclaimed in dismay.
As she was tidying up her things, a glossy picture fell out as she arranged her spare uniform inside. Sakura picked it up and a blush stained her cheeks as she stared at it.
It was a picture of her and Syaoran... it was taken on the first day he came back from Hongkong. It was obviously one of Tomoyo's stolen shots but Tomoyo's deft touch with the camera captured the true emotions in the image.
The Sakura in the picture was also blushing but her eyes were shining brightly with reflected hope, joy and love. The Syaoran in the picture was also HER Syaoran, with warm brown eyes and gentle smiles.
Sakura bowed her head as a warm tear slid down and dropped onto the photograph. Impatiently, she wiped it away. // It will be all right, everything will be all right for sure //
**************
Standing in the center of the mat covered floor for gymnastics, Sakura began her warm-up exercises. Moving into stretches, lunges and splits, she gradually walked over to the corner of the gym so that she could hold her right leg up against the wall into a split.
She raised her leg up and braced it against the wall into a split. She slowly lowered her head, bending it until her forehead touched her knee. She was still holding the position for a few more minutes when she felt someone else enter the gym.
Sakura's green eyes widened as she recognized who it was before she even turned around. His presence enveloped her like a caress and she slid her leg down from against the wall as she turned to face him.
Calmly, she walked over to the exercise mat. "Ohayo gozaimasu... Li-kun," she greeted as she walked past him, grabbing her pink baton from the bleachers. Syaoran was wearing soccer shorts and a sweatshirt. He was obviously on his way to get a soccer ball for soccer practice. Today was the try-outs for the soccer team.
Pausing a bit before she turned on the song she'll be using for her routine, she turned to face Syaoran. "Um... good luck with the try-outs... I know you'll make it," she said, her face turning scarlet. Without further ado, she pushed the button on the portable cassette on began her routine.
With flawless execution, she performed the dance part of her routine, matching the dance with a few exhibitions of throwing and catching the baton in intricate patterns. Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore the sensation of being alone with Syaoran inside the gym.
When the song picked up it's pace, she began the tumbling sequence of her routine. She sprang into a back handspring, throwing her baton in the air way up high as the ribbon inside was released. When she was back up on her feet, she caught the baton, which now had a pink ribbon attached to it.
When she turned, she dropped the baton in her surprise, seeing Syaoran still inside the gym watching her. The baton rolled away as she and Syaoran continued to gaze at each other in silence. The baton rolled over the mat, finally stopping to rest at Syaoran's feet.
She raised her eyes to meet Syaoran's unfathomable gaze. "Um... can you toss the baton over here please," stammered Sakura.
Bending to pick it up, Syaoran surprised Sakura when he spoke to her. "It's a nice routine. Just keep your focus and you'll surely reach your dream," he said, clearly indicating the fact that Sakura had been working hard over the years since she became a gymnastics enthusiast. Syaoran began to walk towards her to return her baton.
Sakura's heart began to race... as a combination of pain and joy twisted her heart until it made tears shimmer in her eyes. // This is so silly! // Sakura admonished herself... but Syaoran looked so handsome and solemn and seeing him reminded her of the fact that he no longer wanted her love. That fact was a never-ending pain in her heart.
But even before Syaoran reached her to hand her the baton, Sakura turned her back and as she began running, she sprang into consecutive handsprings, so fast that it was almost a blur as a few tears slid down her cheeks. When she reached the end of the exercise mat, she gave one last backflip and landed gracefully, her arms held high in a pose.
Breathing hard, Sakura turned to look over her shoulder and found Syaoran already gone. Her pink baton was placed back on the bleachers and on top of her baton was a single cherry blossom and a green peony entwined.
***********
"Ohayo Sakura-chan! How was practice?" asked Tomoyo cheerfully. When Sakura didn't reply, Tomoyo looked back at Sakura's flushed face worriedly.
Lost in her thoughts, Sakura didn't notice Tomoyo's query until Tomoyo waved a hand in her face. With a pink face and eyes like dots, Sakura turned to her friend. "Oh! Ohayo gozaimasu(good morning) Tomoyo-chan," greeted Sakura as she looked back down at the cherry blossom and the peony she placed inside her duffel bag. Looking at it, Sakura couldn't help but smile and blush softly.
Tomoyo peered closely at Sakura's pink face. Sakura seemed different somehow, more beautiful as the old sparkle was back in her green eyes. "You seem different today Sakura-chan, more kawaii(cute), as if all your problems are over," observed Tomoyo as she took a peek at what was inside Sakura's duffel bag that was making her friend blush so much.
// Thank God! Those two seem to be making up // thought Tomoyo gleefully. On an impulse, she reached for her camera to take a picture of Sakura. But even as Tomoyo grabbed her camera, it suddenly slid out of her grasp and fell down with a crash on the floor.
"Oh no! Tomoyo-chan!" exclaimed Sakura in dismay as she saw the sadness in her friend's eyes at the condition of her beloved camera.
"Tomoyo-sama, please be more careful next time," said a worried male voice behind them.
Sakura and Tomoyo's eyes widened as they both turned around to face Aka Yuichi's smiling face, who was wearing their school uniform.
****************
"I can't believe you're here you red-headed freak!" screeched Meilin as they were all eating their packed lunches on the school's flower garden.
Yuichi turned to face Meilin with hurt eyes. "But Meilin-sama(Lady Meilin), I'm part of the story now," explained Yuichi as he helped himself to Sakura's croquettes.
"Hoe?" asked Sakura quizzically as she swallowed a bite of her own croquettes. Syaoran glared at Yuichi as Yuichi choked at the piece of croquette he stole from Sakura. Tomoyo giggled, her eyes shaped like crescent moons as she munched happily on her chicken sandwich.
At the sound of her laughter, Yuichi's eyes turned into pink hearts. But when Yuichi glanced in Meilin's direction and upon seeing her smile, with her dark eyes glowing happily, Yuichi's eyes became red hearts. He looked from one to girl to another, his eyes changing from pink hearts to red hearts and then back again.
Eriol saw the shifting emotions and confusion and Yuichi's face. Eriol sighed deeply and turned back to eat his lunch. A bite-sized sandwich was waved in front of his nose, offered to him by a slim, graceful hand.
"Want a sandwich?" asked Tomoyo with a smile. With a startled expression, Eriol gazed a little suspiciously at Tomoyo's smile and pro-offered sandwich. Eriol gave a shy smile, completely unlike his other smiles as he gingerly took the sandwich off Tomoyo's hands.
"Arigato(thanks). Dai-- I mean, Tomoyo-san, after fifth grade, when we maintained our communication, I was really surprised. Don't you find me unusual? A little strange... even scary perhaps?" asked Eriol curiously. They began calling each other by their first names when they began talking to each other over the phone.
Tomoyo just smiled at him and answered, "Nope."
Rika's shrill scream pierced the serenity of the moment. "Naoko-chan! Naoko-chan!"
There was already a crowd gathered by the time Sakura and the others reached the front end of the garden where Rika was cradling an unconscious Naoko. A rock nearby bore blood stains and there was a bleeding gash on Naoko's head. Hsin was kneeling beside them, checking for Naoko's pulse.
"She fainted and hit her head on the rock right? I'll go take her to the clinic," offered Hsin as he carefully lifted Naoko from Rika's grasp. When Hsin turned to take her to the clinic, he noticed Sakura looking after them worriedly.
"Um, Sakura-san, would you like to go with me to the clinic?" asked Hsin as his face turned bright red. Sakura didn't notice it as usual and only nodded and followed after Hsin. Syaoran, who was watching all this scowled as he watched them walk away. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he glanced around furtively before discreetly turning to follow after them.
// I don't trust that Hsin-guy //
*******************
"I'm so glad it was only a light concussion," said Sakura as she smiled warmly at Hsin as they walked out of the clinic and were heading back towards their classroom. Unwittingly, Sakura was smiling that bewitching smile of hers and that Hsin's eyes were becoming pink hearts.
A muffled cry caught their attention as they turned around the corner. The scene that greeted Sakura made her freeze as she saw Claudette in Syaoran's arms.
Claudette was leaning against Syaoran, her face pressed against his broad chest as Syaoran's hands were over her shoulder, similar to the way Syaoran held Sakura when she cried.
"Syaoran-kun...," whispered Sakura, her green eyes wide open with shock and pain.
Syaoran's head turned at the sound of her voice and he froze as well. He saw Sakura staring at him in a way that made his heart break as the light in her eyed vanished as tears took its place.
He tried to reach out his hand but she was too far. He tried to say something, anything at all to erase the growing void between them but there were no words that can repair the damage... // I'm sorry... I've never been.... any good with words //
For one last aching moment, their eyes met, unfathomable brown against depthless green. But Syaoran could see the void where Sakura's trust for him once was but now, it's gone.
// Good-bye... //
Sakura turned and ran away in the opposite direction with Hsin chasing after her. Syaoran's outstretched hand fell limply at his side.
// Good-bye... //
*************
// There's something wrong today // mused Touya as he rode his bike back to his house. He has found a temporary job as a photographer for a magazine just now while he's also working on his degree in medicine.
As he was going down the hill, the break line of his bike suddenly snapped.
"Chikusho(Shit)!" exclaimed Touya as he lost control of the bike's momentum and slammed against the tree.
And then there was only darkness.
****************
Standing outside the gate of her house, Sakura paused before she entered. // I can't let Onii-chan and Kero-chan see how sad I am... they'll be worried! Besides, I should be worrying about the gymnastics competition and not about-- //
"OUCH! That hurt Yuki!" yelled Touya from inside the house.
Running inside the house quickly, Sakura pulled the door open and bolted straight into the living room. "Onii-chan!"
Touya was sitting on the couch with a large white bandage wrapped around his head while Yukito sat beside him, wrapping another bandage around his wrist carefully.
Seeing the expression on Sakura's face, Touya muttered, "Met an accident." Yukito smiled reassuringly at Sakura as he added, "He rode straight into a tree!"
A sweat-drop appeared on Sakura's head as she sighed and said, "Baka ne Onii-chan (Stupid big brother), be more careful next time all right?" Touya sighed and nodded reluctantly.
"If you say so... kaijou(monster)" added Touya with a mischievous expression. Anger sparks appeared on Sakura's forehead. "I'm not a monster!" protested Sakura angrily as she threw her duffel bag at a hapless Touya and stomping loudly up her room.
Touya waited until he heard Sakura's bedroom door close. His expression turned serious as he said, "Sakura's got a lot on her mind right now. If I add to her worries, she might lose sight of her dream..."
"You're a sweet big brother," said Yukito with a smile.
"Shut up!" said Touya.
*****************
Days flew by swiftly, marked only by a string of freak accidents. The worse was Chiharu's accident when broken glass from the classroom window fell on her, resulting in deep cuts and lacerations. Rika also suffered a severe asthma attack, having inhaled pollen from the flower she was allergic to.
Sakura and Syaoran were drifting even further apart as Claudette, who obviously likes Syaoran began keeping him company. It didn't help at all that Syaoran was partnered with Claudette in the table tennis PE and that Sakura was busy preparing for the gymnastics competition. Sakura tried to focus on her dream but for some strange reason... it seemed empty.
It was their last period and their subject was PE as everybody was now taking up the basics of table tennis. Sakura was excused from the class because tomorrow was the Gymnastics Regionals.
During the game, Syaoran found himself constantly losing his focus and preferring instead to watch Sakura who stood out like a delicate water lily in the middle of the blue exercise mat.
"Geez! Syaoran! Pay a little attention to the game!" chastised Claudette as she pouted, carefully observing the way Syaoran's eyes never left Sakura's lithe figure as Sakura now began the ribbon routine.
Meilin suddenly appeared at Syaoran and Claudette's table in a huff. "Matte yo(wait a minute), how dare you call Syaoran by his first name? Don't you know that family are allowed to call him that?! Family and the girl he likes--?" asked Meilin angrily.
Claudette arched an elegant brow. "Syaoran, you don't mind if I call you by your first name right?" she asked sweetly.
Syaoran didn't even look back as he continued to watch Sakura, completely mesmerized. "Whatever..." he mumbled, not seeing Meilin's jaw drop and Claudette clap he rhands in joy.
"Thank you so much Syaoran!" exclaimed Claudette as she bounced away happily, going over to Tomoyo and Yuichi's table. Syaoran was still gazing at Sakura dreamily when large SD hands grabbed him by the collar of his shirt.
"You moron! How can you just let her call you by your first name? It took Sakura-san a year before you let her call you by your name, not to mention her near-fatal fall! You big blockhead!" shouted Meilin as she shook an SD Syaoran whose eyes were already spiral.
"Oro.... did I say that?" asked Syaoran as he reverted back to his 16 year old image.
Meilin slapped a hand on her forehead. "You doofus! Mou(Geez)! If sakura-san hears this... she might get hurt!" sighed Meilin.
Syaoran's eyes turned serious as he said, "I didn't think about that.... but she might not even care... she rarely even calls me by my first name." Syaoran tried to shrug as if it was okay but his eyes looked lost and sad. He didn't want to admit it but the sound of Sakura's voice saying 'Syaoran-kun' has managed to cheer him up every time. He misses it... and her badly.
Meilin looked at her cousin sympathetically. "You should just tell her how you feel Syaoran," she advised.
"I can't. I can't... at least, not until all the trouble is over..."
***************
Sakura was humming the opening song of Slamdunk(the song she has chosen for her accompaniment) while she was cooking dinner. // It feels great to cook without having to stand on a stool // thought Sakura with a gleeful smile.
Touya was already feeling much better and he was beginning to pack his stuff for his upcoming move to a downtown apartment. The telephone suddenly rang.
"Onii-chan! Get the phone! I'm cooking our dinner!" yelled Sakura.
"Why don't you get your stupid stuffed toy to answer it?" asked Touya as he yelled back.
"CAN'T! Kero-chan's doing the laundry!" yelled Sakura. Insert scene of Kero-chan surrounded by piles of clothes. Tears were running down his cheeks as he washes Touya's boxers.
"Hai! Hai!" sighed Touya as he walked over and picked up the phone. "Moshi, moshi(hello), Kinomoto residence..."
Touya grew quiet as he listened to what was being said on the other line. After a few minutes, Sakura heard Toya saying quietly, "Thank you. Just tell me if there are any developments. Ja."
Touya placed the phone back on the receiver as he walked over to the dining room. "Oi(hey) Sakura..."
"What's wrong Onii-chan?" asked Sakura as she turned the fire low so that she could sit next to her brother. Touya looked at her a bit apprehensively.
"Sakura... whatever I say, can you promise me one thing first? That whatever happens, you'll always try your best to reach your dream. In spite of the pain, promise me that you'll never give up," asked Touya with a passionate intensity.
"Hoe..." whispered Sakura, looking into Touya's eyes. She has never seen her brother so serious before and yet somehow, she felt compelled to give him her promise. "Hai(Yes)," softly promised Sakura.
Touya sighed as he placed his hand over Sakura's hand which rested on the table. "Thanks Sakura... the thing I'm trying to tell you is..." Touya paused, as if deliberating the words he'll use.
Alarmed by the expression on Touya's face, Sakura asked, "What's wrong Onii-chan? Tell me!"
Looking away, Touya said, "There has been an accident at Otou-san's (father's) excavation site. A cave-in occurred, leaving the team stranded inside the structure. The authorities have confirmed everyone's okay but as of now, they'll still haven't found a safe way to let the team get out...."
*******************
Next Morning. Friday the 13th, the Gymnastics Regional Tournament.
Sakura looked pale and tired as Touya left her standing outside the dressing room. They were in Seijuu Junior High where the tournament is held. Yukito came with them and was making a noticeable effort to cheer her up.
"Sakura-chan!" called out Tomoyo as she ran forward to meet her friend, the ever-reliable dress bag present. Tomoyo was wearing their school uniform since only contestants were allowed to wear casual clothes. Tomoyo held both of Sakura's cold hands as she looked at Sakura's drawn expression worriedly.
With a gentle, reassuring smile, with her eyes shaped like crescent moons, Tomoyo said, "I made your gymnastics costume and the special baton Sakura-chan!"
"Hoe?" asked Sakura with eyes like dots as there was a general sweat-drop action among the characters. Only Eriol and Yuichi smiled as they walked over to the gym, giving Sakura smiles of encouragement before they left.
"I believe in you Sakura-chan," said Tomoyo softly as she handed the bag that contained the costume she has made especially for Sakura. "Call me after you've changed so that I can help you fix your hair," reminded Tomoyo as Sakura paused before she went in.
With eyes that shone with gratitude and revived hope, Sakura nodded. "Hai!"
// Everything will be all right for sure... //
Tomoyo was leaning against the wall, waiting for Sakura to finish dressing up when Syaoran passed by casually. His face was slightly flushed as he turned to face Tomoyo.
"Ano(Um)... Daidouji-san..." he stammered, his face turning redder with each syllable. Without further ado, he quickly shoved a small and fragile hair ornament in Tomoyo's hands.
"It's beautiful," whispered Tomoyo as she gazed the intricately elegant designs.
"I placed a protection spell in it... please, give it to Sakura," asked Syaoran solemnly before he turned and quickly ran away like in the old times.
Looking at the hair ornament, Tomoyo smiled gently. "This will no doubt, cheer Sakura-chan up...."
"Tomoyo-chan!" called Sakura from inside the changing room.
"Coming," answered Tomoyo as she quickly walked inside. She paused when she saw Sakura. "Sakura-chan, you look so wonderful!" squealed Tomoyo as she gazed at Sakura with big starry eyes.
Sakura's costume was a simple, baby-pink colored leotard. The arms' sleeves and low rounded collar was made with a darker pink hue. There was a silver pink ribbon/sash tied in a ribbon around her slender waist.
"Hoe..." muttered Sakura as she blushed. "Um, Tomoyo-chan, don't you think it's a little too tight?" asked Sakura worriedly as she looked at her bosom.
Tomoyo briefly assessed Sakura in her outfit. "Hmm, you grow up too fast Sakura-chan..." said Tomoyo as the pink leotard emphasized and enhanced Sakura's delicate coloring and blossoming figure. Tomoyo came forward with a smile and clipped the hair ornament on Sakura's tightly gathered hair. "For luck," said Tomoyo.
"Tomoyo-chan, it's so beautiful," said Sakura with shining eyes. As soon as the hair ornament was placed on her hair, Sakura suddenly felt more serene, calm inspite of the rising tensions. There was this faint but distinct feeling of love. It made her feel warm and safe.
"This is given to you with love," remarked Tomoyo with a smile, watching the shadows in Sakura's eyes lessen as Syaoran's spell instilled in the hair clip worked it's magic.
Sakura smiled softly as she briefly closed her eyes, basking in the feeling of love and security. "I know..."
**************
The contestants were all lined up according to their respective school divisions. A hush descended upon the gym as the announcer said, "Please all rise for the national anthem."
Sakura's classmates were all sitting together in a row of bleachers. Some of them were waving banners with Sakura's name in it, one lovesick fellow classmate even placed a blow-up picture of Sakura on a sign. Tomoyo was seated between Eriol and Syaoran who seemed agitated all throughout the beginning. Tomoyo reluctantly stopped filming when Eriol turned to Syaoran suddenly.
"Did you feel the presence of the dark forces?" asked Eriol softly so that others wouldn't hear. Syaoran nodded grimly and he moved to stand up from his seat.
"You won't watch Sakura-chan anymore?" asked Tomoyo in disbelief. Syaoran paused and gave a tight nod. "I have to do this... I don't want anything bad to happen to her," said Syaoran. He quickly joined Eriol who was already walking towards the exit.
"Oh dear..." whispered Tomoyo worriedly looking at Sakura.
Sakura turned her head just in time to see Syaoran stand up and leave just in time as the last judge was being announced. Sakura looked away, feeling discouraged.
"And lastly, the panel of judges is joined by Kanezuka Scarlet, the champion for the Tokyo State gymnastics finals!" continued the announcer as a tall, beautiful young lady stood up and smiled after she was introduced.
Touya, who was sitting beside Yukito, slowly lowered his camera and stared at girl with wide eyes. A small smile quirked his lips.
Sakura raised her gaze as the first contestant was called forward, carrying a ball for the routine. The music was cute and enjoyable and the girl was moving confidently, sure in her every action and step. But after a few minutes, her movements became erratic and she dropped the ball twice.
Sakura frowned, unable to concentrate on the performance because of a strange, nagging feeling. // I felt like this before...//
The girl executed a back flip but she slipped and fell down awkwardly. A gasp rose among the spectators. The girl smiled courageously and carried on with her performance as if nothing happened.
As she was about to finish her routine, the light overhead exploded and the entire gym was engulfed in darkness when the rest of the lights also short-circuited.
"I know this aura!" exclaimed Sakura as she began to run towards the source in the midst of the chaos.
"Announcement! The competition is postponed for safety precautions and will resume when the power failure is stabilized!"
"Where's Sakura-chan?" asked Tomoyo as she tried to get a shot of Sakura. Hsin stood up and said, "Wait here, I'll try to find her!"
*******************
"Damn!" cursed Syaoran as he ducked and rolled, trying to avoid the falling debris. The attack consisted of everything, from falling ladders, to glasses, to mirrors, to occasional lightning strikes and practically everything else!
// I know it's Friday the 13th but this is ridiculous! // thought Syaoran as a barrage of nails began to rain down.
// Oh boy! //
"My cute descendant! Over here!" offered Eriol, his voice sounding amused as he stood protected within his shield while Syaoran was running around and dodging the falling objects.
Giving Eriol a scowl, Syaoran jumped inside the shield, the rain of iron nails missing him only by a few centimeters. From inside the shield, they watched the surrounding area being devastated by accidents, from the whimsy to the lethal.
"This is stupid!" muttered Syaoran angrily as an army of black cats came out, scratching angrily against Eriol's shield. "Oh my, this reminds me of Spinel," remarked Eriol with a smile. A shout suddenly rang out.
"-- Release!"
"Sakura! Don't come here!" shouted Syaoran as Sakura, still wearing her gymnastics outfit was running towards them in full speed, holding her star wand.
"HOE!" exclaimed Sakura as she dodged falling ladders, lightning strikes, mirrors, etc.
"Idiot!" shouted Syaoran as he began to run towards Sakura who was already spiral-eyed from spinning around and dodging so many things. From within the safety of his shield, Eriol smiled. His descendant, the hot-tempered, brooding future Li-clan master is perfect for his 'daughter and protege' the new Card mistress.
Sakura tripped and with spiral eyes, looked up in time to see a huge tree falling over her. "HOE!"
Whipping his sword out, Syaoran pulled an ofuda and said, "FUUKA SHOU RAI!"
A huge whirlwind came out, sucking the falling tree and overwhelming the rest of the objects that were falling. His wind technique grew in strength until the area was cleaned off of all the unlucky objects.
Like a giant trash compactor, Li's whirlwind built up and crushed the rest of the jinx. Black smoke began to rise up from Li's whirlwind. "Seal it!" instructed Eriol.
Syaoran pointed his sword at the whirlwind and drew out a sealing ofuda he himself created. "Forces of darkness, reveal your true from and be reborn again--"
A small black cat, who looked a lot like Suppi emerged as his image began to waver and form into a card.
"--under the name of Li Syaoran, you new master!" commanded Syaoran as the black cat transformed into a card that had Syaoran's ofuda attached to it. It flew straight into Syaoran's hand.
It was the JINX card. It's picture was a black cat. Eriol stared at the picture and remarked," It really looks a lot like Spinel..."
Syaoran turned to ask Sakura if she was all right when Hsin came running around the corner.
"Sakura-san! Sakura-san! The power's back on! The tournament is starting!" exclaimed Hsin, panting as he stopped in front of Sakura. He looked around then, huge question marks appearing on top of his head when he saw Eriol and Syaoran.
"Huh? What's going on here?" asked Hsin before remembering why he was looking for Sakura. "Oh! The competition is starting now!" exclaimed Hsin as he grabbed Sakura's hand, pulling her to run back to the gym.
"Hoe?!" exclaimed Sakura with her eyes like dots as she ran after Hsin who was unaware that he was holding her hand and pulling her along.
Eriol shrugged as he walked past Syaoran. "You were going to give her the card weren't you?" asked Eriol wryly as he brushed the dust off his school coat.
Syaoran's eyes turned pointy as an anger spark appeared on his forehead. "None of your business!" he snapped before walking back to the gym in a huff.
Eriol smiled wryly. // Young people have so little respect for their elders... //
*************
Disclaimers: I don't own the song, standard Slamdunk disclaimers apply since I'm borrowing the opening song for Sakura's routine. I don't own the rest of the characters I'll be borrowing except for the ones I created.
"May we now call on Kinomoto Sakura from Seijuu Junior High!"
As Sakura stepped onto the blue exercise mat, with lights flashing around, she felt strangely detached. With a steady hand, she touched the hair ornament tenderly.
// It'll be okay. Everything will be okay for sure... //
Sakura took a deep breath and flashed a bright smile as the music began. She felt the melody and the lyrics seeping in her body, sweeping her emotions along in the song.
Since it had an upbeat tempo, Sakura began her routine with the customary dance and the twirling, throwing and catching of her pink baton in rapid and graceful motions.
The bright sun shines on my back
In this town I run through
And once again, I feel a tap on my shoulder
You're the one I really like
There is no reason
Sakura released the lid of her baton that held the ribbon inside before she threw her baton way up high, doing a cartwheel and catching the baton as she landed back up on her feet. The pink baton now showed the fact that it had a ribbon attached to it.
There's no way you'll be in my arms
The audience oohed and aahed as the song picked up its pace. Sakura began moving faster, dancing inside her ribbon as she turned it in circles from over and around her.
I don't know when but my eyes were locked on you
And that's how it all began
Sakura slowly sank into an eagle-split, still spinning the ribbon overhead. Her eyes were dreamy, lost within a dream of her own making. Even as she performed, she exuded a radiance that mesmerized the audience and the judges.
I won't let you go
I won't change my mind
'Coz I'm crazy for you
Sakura was back up on her feet, dancing her way to the edge of the mat, also slowly tucking the ribbon back inside the baton. When she reached the right end, her baton back in it's original form. She sent the baton rolling across the mat, letting it reach the opposite end. She raised her arms proudly as she reached the fastest tempo.
The audience was reacting to the excitement of her routine, caught up with Sakura's performance as they anticipated the tumbling sequence of her routine.
I want to shout that I like you
Let's try to change tomorrow
Sakura smiled as she began to run before springing into what Tomoyo calls the "Sakura-chan combination". She made two back handsprings.
I want to put an end to the times
I couldn't speak
The crowd was cheering at the fluidity of Sakura's movements when Sakura shifted from handsprings to cartwheels without pause.
I want to shout that I like you
And step forward with confidence
For her finale, Sakura moved into front handsprings, gaining momentum for her last jump. She sprang in the air, turning 360 degrees before landing back on her feet and giving one last back flip.
These burning feelings I want you to catch
Sakura gracefully stood, back arched and with arms held high in a pose as the last beats played out. She was breathing heavily, her face flushed pink from exertion.
Everybody was on their feet, clapping loudly. Sakura laughed, delighted by everyone's reaction. She thought she saw a fleeting glimpse of a smile of pride on Syaoran's face but it was such a quick look, it may have been nothing at all.
She picked her baton up and bowed gratefully, flashing smiles at her classmates who were clapping and cheering loudly. The guys shouted, "I love you Sakura!!!" She walked back to the contestants' bleachers and was warmly greeted by the other girls.
As the judges were tallying thee sheets, Sakura was gazing dreamily at the first place trophy. // Will I be able to hold it in my hands and know it's my victory? //
"Sakura-chan is soooo wonderful!" sighed Tomoyo with little sparkles dancing in the air. Meilin nodded her agreement. "Sakura-san is great!" "So you think Sakura will win?" asked Claudette.
Beside Tomoyo, Eriol gave a proud fatherly smile. Tomoyo noticed it and eagerly asked, "Did you see the future Eriol-kun? That Sakura-chan will win first place?"
Eriol shook his head. "No, I guess I just believe she'll win more out of my faith in her ability than seeing the future..."
Touya put his cell phone down with a relieved smile on his face. // I'm glad dad's okay. // Yukito was clapping enthusiastically beside him. "Sakura-chan is awesome!" he said smiling at Touya who looked a little blank as he retorted, "Sakura just jumps around like a boy you know..."
"Sssh! They're announcing 3rd place!" hissed Nakuru as she gave Touya a sharp jab on the ribs. "Ouch!" exclaimed Touya.
Announcer: In third place, may I call on Miyagi Ayako of Shohoku Junior High!
A tall, curly-haired girl with generous curves came forward and accepted the medal.
Announcer: For second place is Kuno Kodachi from Furinkan High!
A voluptuous girl with an eerie laughter and wearing a black leotard came forward, tossing her head haughtily. "Ohohohoho, it is I, the Black Rose."
Sweatdrops rose from the audience and Sakura until Kodachi received her medal and settled down. Sakura then closed her eyes, unable to bear the suspense.
Announcer: May I now call on the Tokyo State gymnastics champion, Kanezuka Scarlet to present the trophy to this year's regional champion--
A tall, sensuously quiet young lady stepped forward, her every movement exuding grace and a presence somewhat similar to Sakura's. Sakura's eyes snapped open as she stared at the poised state champion. Sakura went into her 'Hanyaan' (swheet) mode.
Announcer: --and this year's regional champion is.... (drumrolls in the background).... KINOMOTO SAKURA!
Sakura regained touch with reality just in time to hear her name called. She shrieked with joy and hugged the girl standing next to her. With shining eyes, she stepped forward to claim the trophy.
As Kanezuka-san handed the trophy, she smiled at a hanyaan-ing (swheet-ing) Sakura. "Congratulations Kinomoto-san," said Scarlet with a smile.
Sakura smiled back as she held onto the trophy. A mental image of a smiling Syaoran suddenly crossed her mind.
// Someday... I'll win him back too... //
************
"Daidouji-san?" asked Hsin nervously as they watched Sakura from the bleachers.
"Nani(What) Hsin-kun?" asked Tomoyo still filming Sakura as she addressed hsin's question.
"Do-- do you think-- Sakura-san will say yes if I ask her-- to be my date for Mizuko-san's halloween party?" asked Hsin in a rush, his face quite red.
Putting down her video cam, Tomoyo could only say, "Oh my goodness..." as she looked at Hsin's earnest face to Syaoran's fierce expression.
"Oh my..."
TBC
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Author's Notes:
Many thanks to the reviews and support. I won't be including an omake here since this chapter is already pretty long but if you guys want me to continue my omake segment, please email me at hino_no_miko@edsamail.com.ph.
Ja matta ne! My next chapter is a halloween party...
Chapter 7- The Devil and an Angel